Early days in the Norfolk season beginning the 2nd weekend a handful of games played in Division One, a good start to the campaign for Thorpe United Ladies though as they make it 2 wins from 2 to start the season to go top of the fledgling table. A 2-1 home win over last season’s Champions, Bungay Town Ladies on opening weekend was another 2-1 success on the road this time around against Gorleston FC Ladies who themselves had started the season with a 2-0 away to Sprowston Ladies. Goalless in the first half at Emerald Park, goals from Rebekah Lake and Aneliese Smith the difference for Thorpe United as they clinched a 2nd successive win, Mary Croft on target for Gorleston.
Beccles Town Ladies had started their life in Division One with a 4-2 loss away to a reformed Aylsham Ladies on the opening weekend. Were at home this Sunday taking on Wymondham Town Ladies beginning their season. Beccles coming out on top by the odd goal in five the sides drawing 1-1 at the break Beccles going on to claim their first 3 point haul with a 3-2 victory. The goals scored by Francesca Heaney along with a brace for Lucy Robbens.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Another high scoring weekend in Norfolk Women’s Division Two as sides begin to find there feet in the league. 3 sides maintaining a 100% winning start to the season. Bure Valley Wildcats starting with a massive 17-0 win last Sunday against newcomers Bulldogs Ladies were again taking on Thetford opposition with a trip to Thetford Town Ladies who themselves had begun the season with victory. A 2-0 advantage for Bure Valley at the break, Thetford suffering from a couple of injuries 2nd half as Bure Valley went on to take full control of the game winning 8-1, had 4 players each claiming a brace Kiera Brown, Charlie Cooper, Juliette Kelly and Carrie Last. Chloe Bentick getting the consolation goal for Thetford Town.
A 4-0 win over Tavern Ladies at home for Fakenham Town Ladies on the opening weekend of the season, were on the road for the 1st trip of the season this Sunday up against Bulldogs Ladies. An eventful game having been beaten 17-0 in their opening fixture Bulldogs bounced back well taking a 3-1 lead in the match before Fakenham mounted a comeback and went on to win the game 8-4. Two penalties in the match. Emma Johnson netting a hat-trick for Bulldogs Ladies, so too did Fanny Danskanen for Fakenham with Sam King scoring twice, Sian Sands the other goalscorer plus and own goal.
Long Stratton Women also starting their season with 2 wins from 2 are 3rd in the Division Two table, a goal feast away to Gorleston Rangers Ladies on the opening weekend seeing Long Stratton win 9-5. Were at home this Sunday entertaining new side Hockering Ladies as they got their season underway. Long Stratton getting the result courtesy of a brace from Samantha Walker along with a goal each for Emily Watts and Beth Stratton. 4-0 the final score.
Tavern Ladies turned thing’s around this Sunday to record their first win of the season at home having lost away in their opening fixture 4-0 against Fakenham Town Ladies. Taking on Freethorpe Ladies who had earned a point in their opening fixture. Tavern too strong for their opponents this Sunday, captain Sophie Fuller scoring 4 goals in the game their were also strikes from Katie Hart-Copsey, Alanta Griffith and Lucy Kean as the Dereham side ran out 7-0 winners
Tavern Ladies captain, Sophie Fuller
Taverham Women began life in Norfolk Women’s Division Two with a goalless draw away to Freethorpe Ladies on the opening weekend. Were on home turf for the first time this Sunday hosting Gorleston Rangers Ladies. A comfortable first half saw Taverham into a 4-0 lead went on to double that score 2nd half to win match 8-1. Abbie Walker top scoring for Taverham opening her account with 5 goals. Rebecca Sutton beginning with a brace with Maya Lawlor also scoring. Lauren Dennis with the goal for Gorleston Rangers.
The new season of county league football kicked off in Norfolk this Sunday once again there will be two divisions. An 8 strong Division One with an influx of new sides seeing Division Two grow to 12.
Norfolk Women’s Division One
A new name in Norfolk Women’s Division One as Aylsham Ladies return after being forced to withdraw from the league early last season. A new look to the side Robert Hinge coming in as manager previously with Stalham Town Ladies, has brought as large number of those players with him plus a few from North Walsham Angels Ladies who withdrew their woman’s side from the league over the summer.
Aylsham began the new season at home against Beccles Town Ladies who were beginning their 2nd campaign in the league having secured promotion as Division Two runners-up last time out. Goals from Megan Vincent and Taylor Whiting seeing Beccles leading the game 2-1 at half-time, Aylsham were to comeback to equalise and go on to score twice more to begin the season with a 4-2 win.
Bungay Town Ladies began the defence of the Division One title they won last season as part of the double, with an away trip to take on Thorpe United Ladies. Changes for both sides, Thorpe were fielding a good number of last season’s U16 squad in their side. The hosts holding a one goal lead at half-time when on to win the match 2-1 in the 2nd half start with a win, Laura Hedtke and Molly Young getting the goals. Shannon Dade netting the goal for Bungay Town Ladies.
A strong debut season in Division One last season saw Sprowston Ladies clinch runners-up spot as well as the League Plate. Were at home on the opening Sunday taking on Gorleston FC Ladies. Strikes from Sophie Gillett and Nicole Sheldrake the difference for Gorleston as they began their season with a 2-0 victory.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
12 sides contesting Norfolk Women’s Division Two this season including 5 new names. Thetford getting not one side but two with Thetford Town Ladies and Thetford Bulldogs Ladies. Taverham Women step up to adult football, with Hockering Ladies and Horsford Women setting up new sides. Long Stratton Ladies and Fakenham Town Ladies both dropping down from Division One.
Joining women’s football from the youth ranks can take some getting used to takes a little time to adapt, just as Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies who stepped up last season took them a while to find their feet, finished the season strongly. This Sunday it was them who were the dominate side against one of the new comers a home to Bulldogs Ladies, Bure Valley ran rampant in front of goal scoring an eye-watering 17 goals. Kiera Brown top scorer in the game with a double hat-trick. Charlie Cooper opened her account with 4 goals. There was a hat-trick for Abigail Clark, with Becky Wood, Anya Sadler, Juliette Kelly and Lucy Ellis all getting a goal.
It was in Norfolk Women’s Division Two were Women’s Football East took in a game from the new county league season on Sunday a trip to Clipbush Park to watch Fakenham Town Ladies take on Dereham side Tavern Ladies. Few chances created in the first half, Fakenham goalkeeper Chloe Easter with a superb double save to prevent Tavern taking the lead, they were awarded a free-kick from range up the other end Maddie Smith sending a high ball in to drop over the keeper into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
Tavern Ladies, Charlotte Allum tackling Fakenham’s Sam King
A narrow lead at half-time, Fakenham hit Tavern on the break to double their advantage Jennifer Codman racing through to lob the ball over the advancing keeper. Before Tavern could recover Sam King broke in on goal to make it 3-0. King striking a shot across the keeper to score her second of the game and see Fakenham star the season with a 4-0 win.
If you open you season by scoring 5 goals you would usually expect to be taking away the 3 points however that was not the case for Gorleston Rangers Ladies as they found themselves on the end of defeat at the weekend against visitors Long Stratton Ladies. Lauren Dennis netting a hat-trick for Gorleston Rangers with Chloe Ashton and Rachel Adams both getting a goal. Long Stratton have had a couple of torrid seasons were nearly twice as prolific in front of goal up the other end to claim their 1st win in over a year. Samantha Walker scoring 4 goals, with Emily Watts back from injury scoring a brace, Charlie and Jennifer Head both getting a goal each with Beth Stratton also on the scoresheet in a 9-5 win.
Freethorpe Ladies began their season at home taking on one of the newcomers to the league, Taverham Women. A solid start to the season for both sides as the battled out a goalless draw to share the points.
Lastly two of the newcomers faced off against each other on the opening weekend with Horsford Women hosting Thetford Town Ladies. The visitors enjoying the trip home with the 3 points in the bag. Melissa Boulton scoring a hat-trick for Thetford Town, Laura Martins and Shannon Richardson with a goal a piece, the visitors winning 5-1. Kathryn Gordon scoring the goal for Horsford.
On the same day as the new fully professional FA Women’s Super League begins so to does the county league season get into full swing across the country. Beginning the season in Norfolk a game from Division Two with Fakenham Town Ladies hosting Tavern Ladies.
Two divisions in Norfolk once again this season, that decided late on however with a host of new sides wishing to join the league, teams thus didn’t know where they would be placed, as it was a few never got going and a possible North/South split to a Division One never happened, 8 sides will contest the top division with 12 sides making up the 2018/19 roster in Division Two including 5 new sides. 3 stepping up from youth football.
Fakenham Town Ladies drop down to Division Two, not necessarily a bad thing after struggling for results for the previous two seasons, an opportunity to rebuild, strengthen and regain morale. Starting the season with a smaller squad than they would have liked but one that is very much an integral part of the larger Fakenham Town football club. Very much a community club have teams playing at youth level from U6 to U17, an U18 means sides, Reserves, Ladies, Veterans and of course the 1st team playing in the Thurlow Nunn League.
Tavern Ladies, are a Dereham based side have been together for the past 2 season’s having previously been Dereham Ladies. Sponsored by The Railway Tavern in Dereham a pub I myself have frequented a few times in my younger days being a Dereham boy myself. Results improving with the name Tavern finished runners-up two seasons back and 3rd last season, will be amongst the sides threatening at the top once again in what is a much larger Division Two.
Clipbush Park the venue for today’s game plenty of activity at the ground already with several youth sides having been in action over on the pitch behind the ground itself. The Ladies game advertised on the entrance to the ground situated in a busy roundabout leading into Fakenham itself. Playing on the main pitch fitness will be a key factor as it is one of the largest and widest in the league. Looking good at the start of the season a small seated stand along the far side of the pitch people more likely to converge on the clubhouse beside the pitch on the near side leading into the ground offering hot drinks and a bar. Cloudy overheard with a cool and brisk breeze blowing across the ground from one goalmouth to the other. Nothing over concerning but it would play a factor in the game especially first half.
Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Easter, Ellie Websdale, Jemma Riches, Maddie Smith, Laura Merin, Sian Sands (C), Tara Betts, Fanny Dankskanen, Kayleigh Robb, Jemma Riches, Jennifer Codman & Sam King. Subs – Anna Palomino & Sophie Anderson.
It’s Fakenham wearing yellow shirts with black across the left shoulder, black shorts and socks to get the game underway with Tavern lined up opposite in an all blue kit. Tavern press the ball early keep Fakenham pinned back inside their own half winning a series of throw-ins on the left wing without finding the final ball into the box, Fakenham regain possession the ball put long up the right wing Sam King peeling away into space takes the ball on to the corner before whipping in a cross into the area the ball headed clear by Tavern’s Charlotte Allum.
King pressing with the ball on the right again closing in on the box looks to drop her shoulder push the ball inside cut out by Lucy Lincoln the corner conceded. The ball angled in towards the near post from the right by Sian Sands, Fakenham’s captain, is headed behind for a 2nd corner kick, this one put in longer Zoe Gibbons playing in goal for Tavern comes well through bodies to punch the ball away. Tavern look to break, Tara Betts nips in to win the ball back for Fakenham on the left side before being upended the foul given by referee Andy Waite. Betts to take it herself 25 yards from goal hit along the ground races wide and out of play at the near post.
Tavern Ladies, Rachel Casey
Fakenham are testing the Tavern defence, King with good movement up front making herself available for the ball. Jordie Head intercepting a forward pass turns and puts the ball out to the right for Lanta Griffiths to chase, the Fakenham defence converging on the attacker outnumbered the ball is lost the home side bring it forwards, Sands, King and Ellie Websdale building an attack in front of the Tavern area, Sands set up for a shot left of the D is closed down by Roxanne Bailey.
Tavern Ladies Lanta Griffiths
Tavern look a threat on the break Griffiths with good pace right bringing the ball inside has Katie Hart-Copsey free on the left gives her the ball, taking it on early Hart-Copsey sends the diagonal ball looping up towards the far post the ball running wide of goal. Tavern regain the ball in the middle of the park Emily Bell on for Griffiths, has Lucy Kean with her making a run central the ball into her rolled wide left for Hart-Copsey closer in this time she hooks the ball in towards goal on the angle, on target is safely caught by Fakenham goalkeeper Chloe Easter back on her line.
Tavern Ladies, Charlotte Allum tackling Fakenham’s Sam King
The early stages of the game fairly even, Tavern getting more players into advanced roles when they are attacking. Laura Merin making a couple of vital interceptions at centre back for the hosts, with Hart-Copsey wanting the ball played into her. Up the other end King is the threat for Fakenham looking for space, hustling the Tavern defence shows good strength to win a bouncing ball laid forwards, getting a shot away from 25 yards out, hitting it as it skips up off the surface the strike sails over the bar.
Tavern captain, Sophie Fuller getting control of the ball in the middle combines well with Hart-Copsey to the left as they bring the ball into the Fakenham half Hart-Copsey with a good ball inside to Griffiths making a run right side her 1st time strike is blocked by Merin. The wind is blowing fairly briskly across the ground is holding the ball up a little favouring Fakenham, Sands coming forwards with Jennifer Codman in close support through the middle the pass forwards dropping into the path of King breaking towards the edge of the area Gibbons comes out quickly sliding in to smother the ball at the attackers feet.
Fakenham Town Ladies, Jemma Riches
Tavern counter attack with urgency the ball carried out of defence the pass put long into the path of Griffiths cutting inside from the right, controls the ball well before digging a shot out of feet before she is charged down, her 30 yard effort a foot over the Fakenham crossbar. Tavern are awarded a free-kick in a dangerous area after Merin handles the ball trying to bring in clear for Fakenham. 20 yards out left of the D, Fuller takes position over the ball puts a good ball in towards the far post area the ball standing up in the breeze is headed goalwards by Griffiths blocked at close range the ball drops to the floor inside the six yard box Rachel Casey with a snap shot again blocked.
Tavern are enjoying a good spell of possession inside the Fakenham half Hart-Copsey winning a corner, delivered into the near post the ball is headed up onto the roof of the net a 2nd corner kick given, a longer effort this time, Maddie Smith getting it away for Fakenham. Tavern are ready to spring an attack whenever they regain the ball in the middle, Fuller has a good range of passing ability, plays the ball on for Kean central she tries to release Hart-Copsey early on the left side, Merin covering the ground well to get across and put in the tackle.
Websdale committing a foul wide left another chance for Tavern to play the ball into their area from a set-piece Fuller sending the ball high into the box, Merin gets her head on it to clear for Fakenham. Fakenham make a switch midway through the 1st half Smith coming off, replaced by Anna Palomino. Merin is busy in defence for Fakenham closing down to regain possession.
The goalkeepers for both sides have had relatively little to do so far in the match, Easter called into action pulls off a superb double save to deny Tavern the opening goal of the game. Tavern build well players coming forwards through the middle with Hart-Copsey on the ball down the left squares the ball inside towards Kean 25 yards out from goal she helps it on to Fuller coming in central she sets herself for the shot making good contact the ball racing in towards goal, Easter is right behind it but needs to get down sharply to block, stopping Fuller’s strike the ball is loose and Kean racing in on the follow-up is first to it tries to open her body up to place the ball wide of the keeper, but can’t Easter with the double block.
Smith returns to the field for Fakenham with Betts coming off. Fakenham push forwards Riches with Sands right side the ball into the area headed away for a throw on the right. Bailey defends well for Tavern up against King as she looks to power her way into the area. Tavern get Fuller onto the ball she spins putting the ball out to Hart-Copsey, her early cross laid in towards the top of the Fakenham area cut out by Merin.
GOAL! 35 minutes played and the deadlock is broken Fakenham taking the lead the goal coming from a set-piece given away as Kayleigh Robb is brought down as she carries the ball forwards on the left. Smith to take, 30 yards out to the left of the Tavern goal she strikes it well sending the ball high into the area a little wind assist no doubt helping as the ball drops over the keeper to land inside the side netting 1-0.
The ball drops into the back of the net from Maddie Smith’s free-kick to give Fakenham the lead
Maddie Smith scorer of the first goal of the season for Fakenham Town Ladies
Fakenham regain possession from the restart the ball played up the line right side by Websdale on for King who carries the ball on to the byline before cutting a cross back into the Tavern area running long for Robb coming in from the left she doesn’t get the ball under control to strike it 1st time allows the Tavern defence to get away for a throw on the left Fakenham press late on the ball put into towards the near post with King lurking, a touch taking it wide of goal the corner given again swung in near post Gibbons takes command of the situation coming to claim the ball.
Easter with another important save right at the end of the first half comes out bravely to the edge of her box to slide in and claim the ball at Kean’s feet as she looks to get onto Hart-Copsey’s cross put in from the left.
Half-time Fakenham Town Ladies 1-0 Tavern Ladies
An intriguing first half which sees Fakenham take a narrow lead into the dressing room. Could very easily have been the other way around. Clear cut chances at a premium, defences working hard. King causing all sorts of problems for the Tavern back line not playing off any single defender. Tavern attacking with purpose and pace whenever they can. Easter denying them the lead themselves all poised for the 2nd period.
Tavern to get the ball rolling for the 2nd half. The sun has broken up the clouds warmer now and with it the breeze that was prevalent first half has disappeared. It’s Gibbons called into action with a spectacular save in the opening minutes as her side lose the ball is fed into King breaking clear left of the box she aims to shot across the Tavern keeper, Gibbons throwing herself down to the left to push the ball away from goal.
Hart-Copsey operating on the right wing for Tavern now likes to get the ball at her feet and take on players a strong run on the wing she vents her frustration as her final ball from the corner of the area is sliced behind the goal. A busy start to the 2nd half Easter has to come and claim the ball low as it is pinged forwards for Kean to chase, never really gets control of the bouncing ball which enables the keeper to save.
Tavern’s Katie Hart-Copsey keeping an eye on the ball with Fakenham’s Anna Palomino
Tavern build through the middle Bell onto Griffiths her past long finds Hart-Copsey wide right a terrific cross fired in across the face of the Fakenham goal, excellent defending from Merin at the far post to get the ball away from danger.
GOAL! End to end action at the start of the 2nd half Tavern are hit on the counter attack as Fakenham double their lead the ball deflected forwards in the middle sees Codman running free in behind the visitors defence, seeing it down over her shoulder, 25 yards from goal the advancing goalkeeper in her sights she sends the lob over her and runs away in celebration as the ball bounces into the back of the net 2-0. 53 minutes played.
Jennifer Codman
Fakenham have their tails up bringing the ball forwards King is played in left of the D she moves across looking for an opening to shoot, taking to long Allum steps in to make the tackle out to Lincoln who sends the ball on for Fuller, Danskanen in to win the ball back for Fakenham. Lesha Bagura enters the game for Tavern moving into a forward position Head coming off. Gibbons catching the ball as Websdale shoots from all of 30 yards out the ball played into her by Riches.
GOAL! Fakenham capitalise to get themselves a bigger lead another goal coming about from a counter attack, Tavern having won a corner Fakenham win the ball come forwards with Dankskanen she times her through ball from the right side perfectly for King in the centre running clear Gibbons comes racing out to the edge of her area sliding in as King pulls the trigger the ball past her as striker and goalkeeper collide, racing back the Tavern defence can’t reach the rolling ball in time as it crosses the line 3-0.
A delay in play as Gibbons is hurt are the coming together accidental but painful the goalkeeper sadly can’t continue has a nasty black eye for her efforts, walking off the pitch however, Head is the player volunteering to done the goalkeepers gloves for the remainder of the game. Sands comes across to make the tackle on Griffiths as Hart-Copsey attempts to slide a pass into her from the right as she makes a central run.
Tavern get the ball forwards on the right Hart-Copsey linking up with Bagura wins a corner on the right played long into the area Lincoln up from the back the target, Smith getting close and heading the ball away for Fakenham. Sophie Anderson is on for Websdale for Fakenham the ball with her on the right moving deep she wins a throw-in. Play stretched now Tavern losing their shape a little Fakenham full of confidence press forwards. Dankskanen winning the ball right slid forwards for King her snapshot from 25 yards out charged down by Lincoln. King nips in ahead of the Tavern defence stabbing a shot over the bar as she is alert to Robb’s ball in from the right as she brings it forwards down the left.
GOAL! Fakenham go further in front as King nips in to score her 2nd of the game, the build up on the right, Dankskanen isn’t closed down as she picks her past slipping the ball in behind the Tavern back line as King supplies the run coming towards her spins into the path of the ball and right of the target sends her shot across goal into the far corner 2-0.
Fakenham Town Ladies, Sam King
Tavern frustrated nevertheless press on Hart-Copsey with a good run on the right wins her side a corner in towards the near post, Fakenham have it covered concede a 2nd corner this one goes longer, Smith clearing back to the corner taker, Hart-Copsey lines up a ball into the box, it’s Merin who clears with the header for the home side this time.
King with a chance for an opening day hat-trick almost a carbon copy of the previous goal Dankskanen playing her in on the right inside the box she takes on the shot drags this one wide across the face of goal. Tavern win themselves a corner on the right the ball played back out to Hart-Copsey sends a driven cross back into the congested area cleared falls straight to Bell 20 yards out right of the D doesn’t get a clean connect sends her attempt wide of the target.
A snap shot struck on the half-volley by Kean from the edge of the Fakenham box as the visitors push forwards on the left the diagonal ball is fired in low towards the area Palomino first to it sends her clearance straight at the on rushing Tavern attacker a good improvised effort loops over the crossbar. The game open now Fakenham break Robb putting a pass out to King drifting free on the right, swings a cross into the area, Anderson near post, Sands central the ball falls between them Allum able to get her head on it to clear for Tavern.
Codman picks up a knock for Fakenham comes off the field with Websdale heading back on. Fuller with a quality strike from the top left corner off the area comes within a lick of paint of pulling a goal back for Tavern the ball cut back across the area towards her from the byline her strike racing across the diving Easter comes back off the base of the far post. Fakenham with a free-kick wide left players go forwards into the area Sands over the ball the delivery long towards the far post a header comes in the ball though driven behind off target.
Tavern Ladies, Sophie Fuller
Robb with a powerful run on the ball down the left, can’t shake off Bailey as she tries to get inside her the defender lunging in to win the ball. Betts comes back on to replace Robb the game entering the final minutes. Fuller with a terrific ball forwards for Hart-Copsey on the right wing clear she sweeps in a cross looking for Kean closing in far post, Merin up against her with another top draw defensive tackle to prevent a shot coming in.
Even as I’m writing that attacking move down Fakenham are on the counter attack the ball out right fired in across the face of the Tavern goal Anderson closing in on the far post 2 yards out is tackled Bailey I think the ball behind for a corner. Tavern defend the set-piece. All Fakenham in the closing moments Bailey with a last ditch tackle inside the box denies Anderson a shot on goal as she makes a run to the right. The corner conceded playing in from the right isn’t cleared inside the area Fakenham can’t get a shot away Tavern scramble the ball away.
Full time Fakenham Town Ladies 4-0 Tavern Ladies
The final whistle blows and Fakenham Town Ladies celebrate with an opening day victory. 4-0 the final score finishing the game stronger capitalising with an early goal 2nd half to double their lead quickly became 3-0 and from their looked to have the 3 points in the bag. Tavern had their chances however and the first half might well have been the side leading themselves. Fakenham were the stronger side in the 2nd period took their goals well. Tavern had chances and on another day they would have capitalised themselves, a disappointing defeat nonetheless to begin their season need to and can bounce back, certainly have the ability. After a couple of difficult season’s this is a very welcome result for Fakenham and one that will do wonders for team spirit.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Time to pick this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Sometimes they are difficult sometimes they are easy, today’s is the latter. The notes will usually reveal a contender or two but sometimes a stand out performer will present themselves long before that and right from her first interception Fakenham Town Ladies centreback Laura Merin put herself forwards. On numerous occasions she was the defender making that interception, winning the header or last ditch tackle.
A good contest to begin the county league season, another example of why I’ve fallen in love with the grassroots game, just makes choosing which one to go to next all the harder. My thanks as always to both sides for their help with the team details.
Friday night saw this season’s Final of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup being played at The FDC in Bowthorpe. Sadly the weather wasn’t in on the occasion a wet and miserable evening never the less Women’s Football East was amongst the crowd to watch a contest between to of the best sides in the county ERWFL Premier Division, Acle United Ladies taking on recently crowned ERWFL Division One North Champions, Wymondham Town Ladies into their 2nd successive final.
It was Wymondham who opened the scoring in the 1st half from a corner kick the ball put in high towards the near post Bethany Fretwell rising to head it goalwards the ball smashing against the crossbar dropping down into the six yard box Laura Nicholls on the follow up putting the ball over the line. Acle looking for a reply found it on the half hour from a free-kick out wide the delivery into the six yard box Megan Todd going for it past her Kate Pasque close behind bundling it into the back of the net to make it 1-1. Wymondham finding a quick reply awarded a free-kick top of the D up the other end Mollie O’Callaghan’s attempt deflecting up off the wall to loop over the keeper and into the back of the net 2-1 to Wymondham at half-time.
Acle came on strong at the start of the 2nd half looking to level the scores for a 2nd time Wymondham’s defensive standing up well to the storm break up the other end Hannah Waters moving with the ball to the left into the area full back Chelsea Clarke with the run inside her receiving the pass and sending the ball past the advancing keeper. Acle continued to press Wymondham keeping them at bay, Acle reduced to 10 as Ciera Flatt was sent off. Naomi Cooper breaking from the back getting into the box scoring from her rebounded effort to pull a goal back in stoppage time not enough to find another as Wymondham win the County Cup for the 1st time in their history.
2017/18 Norfolk Women’s County Cup Winners, Wymondham Town Ladies
Norfolk Women’s Division One
Following up from derailing unbeaten Thorpe United Ladies title hopes in midweek, Bungay Town Ladies score 14 goals in 2 games to move to the top of Norfolk Women’s Division One ahead of Sprowston Ladies on goal difference. A 9-1 win over Thorpe last Wednesday ending the 3rd placed sides unbeaten record. Samantha Walker scoring a hat-trick on Wednesday followed that up with 2 more goals on Sunday to take her onto 27 for the season. At home to North Walsham Angels Ladies, Bungay were 3-0 up at half-time. North Walsham coming back to score 3 goals in the 2nd half with Lauren Yarham, Luci Middleton and Rachel Bussey on target. Bungay however added two further goals 2nd half to win the game 5-3. As well as Walker’s brace, Nicola Hazell, Emily Leach and Lauren Purling were also on target with a goal each.
Thorpe United recovered from their midweek loss with a home win against Fakenham Town Ladies on Sunday. Securing the 3 points with a 4-0 win Edie Wright, Leanne Ferdani and Rebekah Lake were amongst the goals.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Having lead the table from start to finish FC Sprowston Ladies finally secured the league title in Norfolk Women’s Division Two after they secured an away win and Beccles Town Ladies dropped points at home. Taking on Gorleston Rangers Ladies, Charlie Head scored a brace with Melissa Belsey also getting her name on the scoresheet in a 3-0 victory. Just the one defeat all season for FC Sprowston one more game to play this coming Sunday the League Cup Final at Norwich United’s Plantation Park against Bungay Town Ladies.
Beccles Town Ladies finish runners-up in Division Two in their debut season. Were at home to the side they faced away on the opening day in Norfolk Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies, they themselves finishing fourth ending with a good run undefeated in their last 7 matches picking up 5 wins. Ending with a goalless draw against Beccles Town.
A big win at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division One for leaders Sprowston Ladies on Sunday as victory at home to 2nd placed Bungay Town Ladies sees them open up a 6 point lead at the top of the table. A 1st goal of the season for Abigail Tate along with a goal for Calista Tink seeing Sprowston leading 2-0 at half-time. Successfully defending the lead 2nd half to claim all 3 points. Bungay’s squad suffering yet more injuries along the way. Sprowston have 2 games left to play, Bungay have 4.
One of those games against 3rd placed Thorpe United Ladies who themselves are firmly in the title race with 5 games left to play. The only unbeaten side left in the league they were held to a draw away to North Walsham Angels Ladies on Sunday. Both sides scoring a goal in each half of the game to draw 2-2. Mary-Anne Hoy and captain Sian Wager on target for North Walsham. Laura Hedtke and Shanice Sutton scoring the goals for Thorpe United.
The tussle in the middle of the Division One table is closely fought too with Gorleston FC Ladies in 6th closing the gap to 4th & 5th Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves and Stalham Town Ladies to 4 points with 2 and 3 games on them respectfully. At home to 4th placed Wymondham Town this weekend a close match Wymondham Town had the opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot, Gorleston goalkeeper Maria Jardim making a terrific save. Gorleston then going on to score the winning goal Nicole Sheldrake getting the goal to win the 3 points.
A 7 goal thriller between Long Stratton Ladies and Fakenham Town Ladies last weekend Fakenham coming out on top 4-3 they met in the reverse fixture this weekend at Clipbush park. Sam King scoring a hat-trick for Fakenham last weekend was at it again against Long Stratton this weekend netting 4 goals with Sian Sands also getting a goal in a 5-1 victory. Taylor Whiting scoring for Long Stratton.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
One game in Norfolk Women’s Division Two this Sunday 4th versus 3rd with Bure Valley Wildcats travelling to Scarning to play Tavern Ladies. Their young squad in confident mood ending the season strongly taking on a tough Tavern side who have scored in every league game this season (I can’t take credit for that stat Bure Valley put it out there). Tavern’s last game of the season Bure Valley kept them from scoring and put 2 past them at the other end Kiera Brown and Carrie Last scoring the goals to secure a 2-0 win in their penultimate game an unbeaten run of 6 games including 5 wins. 3 points behind Tavern who hold a superior 26+ goal difference a trip to title chasing Beccles Town Ladies to come both sides have come along way since I covered that game at the start of the season.
Division One leaders Sprowston Ladies were playing host to unbeaten 3rd placed side Thorpe United Ladies this Sunday in a top of the table clash 5 points between the sides going into the match. Scoring twice in the 1st half Sprowston Ladies were leading 2-1 at the break. A strong 2nd half from Thorpe United saw them get back on level terms and then go on to score twice more themselves to win the game 4-2 and move into 2nd spot 2 points behind Sprowston now with 2 games in hand. Laura Hedtke netting two goals for Thorpe United with a goal each fro top scorer Shanice Sutton and captain Rebekah Lake.
Plenty of goals too elsewhere in Norfolk this weekend with a couple of 7 goal thrillers in Division One too. Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves were hosting Gorleston FC Ladies. The home side getting themselves into a 3-0 lead. Gorleston responded well coming back to level it to 3-3 with Kelly Allen and Samantha Hunn with a brace scoring the goals. Wymondham Town finding another goal to take the 3 points with a 4-3 result that lifts them up into 4th place in the Division One table there goal scorers Gemma Hamilton-Rout and Laura Hammerton who both scored two each.
Also a 4-3 in the game between the bottom sides with Long Stratton Ladies hosting Fakenham Town Ladies on Sunday. A 3-1 lead for Fakenham Town Ladies at the break Long Stratton scored twice more in the 2nd half however it wasn’t enough to get anything from the game as Fakenham Town scored another goal to win the game 4-3 and win the 3 points. Sam King scoring a hat-trick with Amy Bambridge also on target for her 1st goal of the season. Jennifer Head, Emily Watts and Beth Stratton scoring the goals for Long Stratton.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Sadly it’s news of another loss to bring you again in a weekly Round-Up, are two in fact this week the first being in Norfolk. Not a surprise as I guess it has been on the cards for a while Costessey Sports Ladies have withdrawn from the league have unfortunately struggled for numbers all season a new side this season a real shame they couldn’t get thing’s off the ground with their women’s side wish all involved with the club all the best and hoping those players that want to continue find a new club for the new season.
Two games played in Division Two this weekend and it was a meeting between the top two Beccles Town Ladies in 2nd getting the news they would be promoted to Division One next season hosting unbeaten leaders FC Sprowston Ladies.. or at least they were. Beccles Town newly formed this season have had a strong debut campaign and they brought FC Sprowston’s 100% record to an end on Sunday courtesy of a 3-0 win. Jordan Duke, Grace Storey and Chloe Ashton the players finding the back of the net as they close the gap at the top to just 3 points with a game still in hand.
Another new side to the league this season that have adapted well to women’s football after a shaky start are Bure Valley Wildcats, really enjoying their football now are unbeaten in 5 league games 4 wins along the way the latest this Sunday at home to Gorleston Rangers Ladies who themselves new to the league this season are slowly finding their feet. A close game Abigail Bell scoring twice for Gorleston Rangers, it was Bure Valley who edged the result 3-2 with goals from Charlie Cooper and a brace for Jasmine Betts her first goals for the side.
A home win without being at home for Bungay Town Ladies this Sunday saw them return to 2nd spot in the Norfolk Women’s Division One table. Playing at Saxlingham were playing host to bottom side Long Stratton Ladies. Samantha Walker netting early to put Bungay Town into the lead. Emily Leach doubling the hosts lead before Walker scored her 2nd goal of the game to see Bungay Town into a 3-0 half-time lead. More goals followed 2nd half with Leach going on to complete her hat-trick. Midfielder Selina Rowland scoring a 2nd half brace along with winger Lauren Purling the final score 9-0.
North Walsham Town Ladies were hosting local rivals Stalham Town Ladies this Sunday the sides having met a fortnight ago in the reverse fixture. Stalham Town coming away with all 3 points then in a narrow 2-1 win. Another close game this time around Stalham Town again scoring twice, Vicky Lubbock and Sophie-Jayne O’Connor on target either in either half. North Walsham with 2 goals themselves in the 2nd half to get back into the match and earn a point in a 2-2 draw. Emma Faux and Sian Wager scoring their goals the point moving North Walsham up a spot into 6th.
Norfolk Ladies League Plate
The semi-finals of the League Plate this weekend. North Walsham Angels Ladies not having to play there semi-final advance to the final with a H-W awarded against opponents Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies.
In the semi-final that took place it was an all Division One tie with league leaders Sprowston Ladies at home to Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves. A goal for Victoria Leyer for Sprowston bringing up her 20th of the season and a goal for Emily Anderson for Wymondham Town seeing the sides all square at half-time. 1-1 was how it remained through out the 2nd half the tie heading into extra-time neither side able to find the back of the net for a winning goal it went all the way to a penalty shoot-out. Sprowston Ladies edging Wymondham Town out with a 3-2 win to reach the final.
The League Plate Final up 1st at 11am on Sunday 6th May between North Walsham Angels Ladies & Sprowston Ladies with the League Cup to follow at 3pm between FC Sprowston Ladies and Bungay Town Ladies. Women’s Football East will be there for both games.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Two games in Division Two this Sunday and league leaders FC Sprowston Ladies ensured promotion to Division One with their 11th straight win of the season. Were away to 3rd placed Tavern Ladies, two goals each for Katie Fray and Charlie Head along with a goal each for Laura Jenkins and Annika Skoog sealing a 6-1 victory. 6 points ahead of 2nd placed Beccles Town Ladies who themselves are just 2 points away from guaranteeing at least runner’s up spot.
In the other game in Division Two this Sunday, Freethorpe Ladies were playing their penultimate game of the season at home to Bure Valley Wildcats the sides sharing a high scoring draw. Kiera Squires scoring twice for Freethorpe with Rebecca White also on target in a 3-3 draw. Bure Valley Wildcats goalscorers, Emma Macmillan, Charlie Cooper and Abigail Clark.
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 3rd hat-trick in 5 league games for Victoria Leyer as Sprowston Ladies extended their lead at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division One to 6 points with a 4th straight league win at home to Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves on Sunday. The visitors travelling with less than a full side Sprowston capitalised with a good performance to see them fully in control of the game in the opening 45 minutes. Leyer getting another 3 goals moving onto 18 goals for the season has scored in all but 2 of Sprowston’s games so far this season. Rebecca Russell, Abbi Hutchin and Abi Nobbs also celebrating getting a goal each for Sprowston in the 1st half. Wymondham despite being short on numbers rallied 2nd half to hold their opponents 0-0 the points however won in the 1st half for Sprowston.
Thorpe United Ladies were back in league action after a three week spell without a game as they took on bottom side Long Stratton Ladies at home on Sunday. Having dropped to 4th in the Division One table, were leading 1-0 right up until the end of the match before they finally made the 3 points secure with a 2-0 win that moves them back into 3rd above Stalham Town Ladies. Remain undefeated and having just played 7 league games to date have a busy few weeks ahead. Alice Smith and Shanice Sutton scoring the goal for Thorpe United.
In a mid-day kick-off 6th placed North Walsham Angles Ladies were hosting Fakenham Town Ladies 2nd bottom in the Division One table. Goals from Luci Middleton and Rachel Bussey putting North Walsham into a 2-0 half-time lead the hosts were pegged back in the 2nd half having to settle for a point as Fakenham came back to earn a draw, Rochelle Woods starting the game on the bench scoring twice to level the score to 2-2.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Three games in Norfolk Women’s Division Two on Sunday. Leaders FC Sprowston Ladies remain 3 points clear at the top as they extended their 100% record to 11 matches with a home win against mid-table Freethorpe Ladies. A brace for Katie Fray along with goals from Melissa Belsey, Joanna Davey and Charlie Head securing the 3 points with a 5-0 win.
2nd versus 3rd in Norfolk Women’s Division Two this Sunday saw Beccles Town Ladies keep the pressure up on leaders FC Sprowston Ladies with a narrow home win over Tavern Ladies. The hosts admitting it could easily have ended a draw the sides contesting a 1-1 draw in the 1st half Lucy Robbens with the goal for Beccles Town. Lucy Kean on target for Tavern Ladies the game was won in the 2nd half Beccles Town getting the goal Robbens with her 2nd to win the game 2-1 moving Beccles 8 points clear of 3rd placed Tavern.
Costessey Sports Ladies hadn’t played a game yet in 2018 as they struggled for numbers were at last able to get enough together on Sunday to play at home against Gorleston Rangers Ladies. The visitors have been involved in some high scoring matches of late this weekend no exception Costessey Sports putting in 4 goals against them Gorleston Rangers hit back at the other end to score 6 goals to come out on top in a 10 goal thriller to win their 3rd league game of the season taking the 3 points in 3 of their last 5 league games. Lauren Dennis grabbing herself a hat-trick there were goal too for Chloe Bailey, Abigail Bell and Zoe Waite. In 7th spot Gorleston Rangers a well involved in the mid-table battle now just 2 points between them and 4th placed Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies.
With league leaders Bungay Town Ladies involved in the County Cup this weekend Sprowston Ladies level on points with them in 2nd place took full advantage to go back into the lead in Norfolk Women’s Division One on Sunday were away taking on North Walsham Angels Ladies. A brace from Victoria Leyer scoring goals in her 4th consecutive league match saw Sprowston leading 2-0 at half-time. North Walsham played well 2nd half creating chances to reduce the deficit just couldn’t get the goal they desired Sprowston getting the win and move 3 points clear at the top of the table.
Stalham Town Ladies also move up the Norfolk Women’s Division One table in a tightly congested mid-table up to 3rd position with their 4th league win of the season. Away from home taking on bottom side Long Stratton Ladies this Sunday. The bare 11 for Long Stratton they held Stalham Town off in the 1st half the sides drawing 0-0. Stalham Town getting the better of the 2nd half taking the lead went onto to win the game 3-0.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Two games in Norfolk Women’s Division Two this Sunday and with leaders FC Sprowston Ladies not in action it was a chance for 2nd placed Beccles Town Ladies to close the gap at the top as they played away from home in a local derby with Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies the sides playing out a goalless 1st half a single goal in the 2nd half enough to see all 3 points won, Beccles Town moving to within 3 points of FC Sprowston thanks to another goal from Lucy Robbens her 15th of the season.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies had dropped as low as 7th in the Norfolk Women’s Division Two table, since then 2 successive wins have seen them climb up to 4th in the table the latest coming this Sunday away to Gorleston Rangers Ladies. An entertaining 1st half seeing the sides share 6 goals, Bure Valley Wildcats coming out on top leading 4-2. Went on to add a further 2 goals in the 2nd half to win the game 6-3. Keira Brown opening her Bure Valley Wildcats account last weekend with a 4 goal haul scoring a hat-trick this time around. Charlie Cooper also scoring a brace for the visitors, Carrie Last with Bure Valley Wildcats other goal. Chloe Bailey, Abigail Bell and Lauren Dennis on target with a goal each for Gorleston Rangers.
