Sunday 18th May

Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final

Moving onto the 2nd 11 aside final of the day the Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final. An in form Aylsham FC Women’s side taking on back to back league champions and runners-up in last season’s final, Bungay Town Ladies.

The competition fierce in Norfolk Women’s Division One this season, Bungay runaway leaders in the defence of their title, but below it’s all to play for with runners-up spot very much up for grabs. The League Cup likely to be no less competitive as Aylsham into their first final look to stop Bungay doing the double.

Aylsham FC Women playing themselves into form coming into this afternoon’s League Cup final, 7 straight league wins to propel them up the Division One table into 3rd spot and amongst those challenging for runners-up spot. A stark contrast to the beginning of the season just one win in their opening 9 matches 6 points collected in the bottom two looking in trouble, so a complete turn around plenty of talent and experience in the squad players returning from injury even as manager Steve Kay feel unwell. Back with the squad now on the mend helping out as his side compete for silverware.

Australian Billie Myall making an impact joining the squad last season taking time out to have a baby. Her return coinciding with Aylsham’s much improved form, Scoring plenty of goals Christina Papadopoulou firing in 25 this season from her 18 matches. Shelley Woods a long time proven goal scorer bagging herself 16 goals this campaign. Twin sisters Vicky and Sophie Lubbock amongst the goals too with 15 and 13 respectfully.

Bungay Town Ladies suffering just the one defeat on their way to successfully defending the Norfolk Women’s Division One title this season winning it with games to spare. are enjoying another hugely successful season reaching both the finals of the League Cup and Suffolk Women’s County Cup where they will play AFC Sudbury Women at Ipswich Town FC’s Portman Road Stadium. Winning the league last season missed out in the League Cup Final against UEA FC Women, didn’t put in the best performance that day and are keen to make amends this time around.

 Have strengthened in the close season adding useful experience and goals to the squad, Bethany Turner and Hazel Saddington joining from Caister, have scored 33 goals between them, Turner 18 and Saddington 15 to date. Mia Rose also amongst the goals with 13 from her 17 matches. Zoe Gibbons also into double figures with 11 to her name. Beat Aylsham 5-0 early in the season the pair drawing 3-3 in the reverse fixture.

Road to the Final

  Aylsham at home to fellow Division One side, Costessey Sports Ladies in the 1st round of the League Cup, Both Sophie and Vicky Lubbock scoring a goal with Jess Greengrass and Christina Papadopoulou also getting a goal in a 4-2 win. Bungay also taking on Division One opposition in the 1st round away to Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves. Goals from Naomi Cooper, Porsha Renwick and a brace for Zoe Gibbons securing a 4-0 win.

Aylsham on home soil taking on Division Two side, Great Yarmouth Town Ladies in the 2nd Round of the League Cup, Papadopoulou running in 5 goals herself as Aylsham racked up the goals, Vicky Lubbock bagging herself a hat-trick, Molly Webb a brace along with goals for Cayla Brown, Jordan Arnoup, and Shelley Woods in a 14-0 romp. Bungay with tricky and twice postponed tie away to fellow Division One side, Sprowston FC Women, Hazel Saddington scoring twice in the game with Gibbons and Selina Rowland both getting a goal to see Bungay through 4-1.

Into the last 8 of the competition, Aylsham making the trip over to the east coast to player Division Two side, Shrublands Ladies. Olivia Baker, Vicky Lubbock ad Carly Allum scoring to se them through to the last 4 3-0. Bungay away to another Division One side, UEA FC Women. The sides playing out a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes to send the game into extra-time, Bungay getting the all important winner to see them through to the semi finals.

Aylsham taking on Waveney FC Ladies at home in the semi-finals of the League Cup, Sophie Lubbock scoring a brace with sister Vicky also bagging a brace. in a 5-2 win with Papadopoulou also getting on the scoresheet. Bungay at home in their semi-final taking on Division One, Bure Valley Ladies. Bethany Turner, Saddington and Rowland all finding the back of the net to send Bungay into their 2nd successive final.

Congratulations go out to Gorleston Rangers Ladies winning the 7’s League Cup, making it a treble with the Offside Trust Women’s Plate and Division Two title with 12 wins from 12!

Youngs Park a hive of activity with a host of Aylsham volunteers working in the kitchen and around the ground, The Offside Trust with a stall out by the pitch. Beside the barbeque. The clubhouse open the facility looking good developing all the time a new 3G pitch recently added. The min grass pitch looking fabulous with good grass cover if dry due to lack of rain recently but well watered. The sun out bright and sunny, great conditions for the match.

Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Mia Parker, Rachel Bussey, Jemma Riches, Sophie Buckley, Sophie-Jane O’Connor (C), Cayla Brown, Carly Allum, Ella Kruez, Vicki Lubbock, Shelley Woods & Billie Myall. Subs – Jess Greengrass, Elisha Nobbs, Ellie Snowling, Olivia Baker & Sophie Lubbock.

 Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Ruby Roos, Fran Heaney, Charnelle Riggall (C), Selina Rowland, Marseilles Will, Zoe Gibbons, Hazel Saddington, Abi Bell, Mia Rose & Beth Turner. Subs – Erin Galer, Maddie Flatman, Lila Eden, Lauren Purling & Sofia Serghiou.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Extra time and penalties if required

As with this mornings Plate final a minutes silence observed by both clubs in the centre circle before kick-off in memory of former FC Viking & Valkyries player Liv Martinez who very tragically took her own life after a long struggle with mental health. It’s a struggle many face and doing what we can to look out for one another is so important.

 A big blow for Aylsham missing their top scorer, Christina Papadopoulou through injury, damaging her knee in Aylsham’s last game. Bungay missing Brooke Osborne. A change of ends prior to kick-off first half, Aylsham to get the cup final underway wearing orange coloured shirts with blue vertical stripes on the front, blue shorts and orange socks, Bungay opposite wearing light blue coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played into the middle lifted out to the right for Rachell Bussey, sent on up the line for Billie Myall in attack to chase, Fran Heaney coming from defence to win the ball for Bungay send it out for a throw.

Carly Allum tackling Bungay’s Selina Rowland in the middle the ball clipped out to Vicky Lubbock wide left takes it on down the wing, Ruby Roos coming to close her do, Lubbock riding the challenge getting inside with the ball on towards the top of the area, Abi Bell getting her foot in to take the ball get Bungay moving the other way.

Hazel Saddington getting on the move with the ball on the left for Bungay plays inside into Zoe Gibbons top of the area, Aylsham captain Sophie-Jayne O’Connor closing her down but the ball not clear Bungay pressing high getting it out to Mia Rose peeling into the box right side her cross stood up cut out by Sophie Buckley.

Rowland getting hold of the ball for Bungay through the middle driving forwards before sending in on for Rose in the right channel her shot from 20 yards out blocked by Aylsham’s Jemma Riches. Quite an open game both sides looking to get on with the ball use the whole pitch Ella Kruez taking the ball on from Bussey on the move down Aylsham’s right on for Myall in attack, Bungay captain, Charnelle Riggall challenging to win the ball back.

Myall seeing the ball into her feet coming to the right spins off her marker to get in behind to cross the ball into the area cleared by Rowland. An even contest both sides with players driving on with the ball, Rowland looking to get the ball into Beth Turner up top, O’Connor closing her down clearing for a throw on the left. Bungay launch a quick counter pushing players on in numbers through the middle Marseilles Wil 20 yards out right of the D, sending in a strike, dipping into goalkeeper, Mia Parker’s gloves.

Myall and Kruez linking up on the right for Aylsham, Heaney across to help Rignall defend. Aylsham winning a free-kick on half way to the right. The ball floated in towards the top of the area, Vicky Lubbock breaking clear into the area left side, lobbing the ball over the advancing keeper, but the flag goes up straight away for offside.

Gibbons taking the ball on through the middle looking to attack the Aylsham defence jinking left and right unleashing a shot 25 yards out a deflection taking it wide of goal. Shelley Woods combining with Kruez and Myall on the right the ball fed back up the line to Bussey her cross curled in deep to the far post, Vicky Lubbock running in can’t quite reach it.

Rowland carrying the ball forwards through the middle, tries to put it over the top for Turner, Cayla Brown cutting it out for Aylsham, cleared to the right, won back crossed into the top of the D, Gibbons trying to force her way into the box winning her side a corner kick. Swung in near side Roos jumping up to attack it with her head twisting in the air the turn the ball wide past the far post.

 

Bungay getting players on well through the middle, Bell and Will pressing on to support Rose and Turner in attack. Saddington taking the ball on down the right for Bungay her cross scooped up into the area cleared by O’Connor away to the left for a throw. Rowland with a dipping effort on the half volley outside the D, claimed by Parker in the Aylsham goal. Bungay enjoying a spell of pressure getting up around the Aylsham 18 yard box, Gibbons into Turner left of the D, her shot flashed wide of the right post.

Bussey putting the ball on for Kruez right side her early diagonal ball fired into the top of the D, Myall the target, Roos getting in front of her stooping down to head the ball away to safety. Bungay up on the right with a throw in try to work it on into the area Rose looking to slip in on goal, O’Connor winning it for Aylsham out for a 2nd throw. Aylsham regain possession look to counter Allum on for Woods in attack, Heaney defending for Bungay the ball coming to the right, Myall looking to get hold of it turn, Rignall staying close on her.

The ball never still Rowland getting it out to the right for Will to turn a cross in along the top of the area, Rose inside the D, looking to hit it first time pulling her shot wide of the right post. Bungay keeper, Chloe Pearce out to her penalty spot to clear as Aylsham send the ball over the top. All gone a bit frantic the ball pinging around passes not finding their mark. Aylsham breaking forwards the ball into Woods in attack stretching to hit it on the run through the middle, the ball rising up but well claimed by Pearce.

Kruez crossing from deep on the right into the area Woods looknig to get her head on it knocking the ball into Heaney marking her, the defender down play paused so she can receive treatment. Is ok to play on. Aylsham getting a free-kick on the left by the halfway line as Vicky Lubbock is fouled, fired up into the top of the box, defended but not clear, Brown sending the ball back into the box, Lubbock right of goal getting her leg up to turn the ball past, the defender going with her, but not the keeper beyond, Pearce grabbing hold of the ball.

Aylsham’s turn to enjoy a spell of pressure moving the ball on through the middle, Woods caught on her achilles as she looks to turn on the ball 30 yards out. Bussey over the ball, lifts it in on goal but dropping before it reaches the keeper, Pearce dropping to claim it into her body untroubled. Aylsham pushing players on Heaney forced to give away a corner out on the left.

GOAL! The corner swung into the near post, players up from the ball defended by Bungay turned behind for another corner on the left, this delivery in deep attacked near side by Buckley jumping up looking to nod the ball down towards goal, hits a Bungay defender, referee Michael Clarke immediately blowing up for a penalty a hand ball spotted. Woods to take the penalty no hesitation strikes the ball low with pace to the left of goal the keeper wrong footed. 1-0.

Aylsham opening the scoring on the half hour mark. The game getting a little feisty a few over exuberant challenges coming in, both sides competitive. Rowland brought down as she carries the ball on through the middle on halfway the ball floated up into the top of the area Turner up to head the ball on, Parker claiming it for Aylsham.

Vicky Lubbock on the right battling to get the ball inside before curling a shot in to the near post from 35 yards out, Pearce has it covered getting hold of the ball. Bungay send the ball into Gibbons on the move through the middle lifts it on for Turner 20 yards out right of the D, take on the strike putting her foot through the ball, arrowing over the keeper, looks in for a moment but has in fact flown just over the bar onto the roof of the net.

Passes rushed and both sides put the work in to try and close the ball down, Brown closing Will down as she looks to link up with Rose in attack. Saddington breaking into the area from the left off of a Bungay throw in, falling as she goes to shoot the ball rolling harmlessly on into the keepers gloves. Aylsham powering on in attack, Myall over with Vicky Lubbock left channel the ball send on into Woods trying to burst clear off the defence inside the area, Heaney tackling well for Bungay.

Rose racing away with the ball down the left channel to the by-line whipping a tight angled cross/shot over the bar. Aylsham making a change, Myall coming off in attack, Sophie Lubbock coming on. Bell getting the ball into Roos advancing on the right her cross from deep targeting Rose making a near post run, Parker moving forwards can see it safely into her gloves.

Brown doing alot of work in front of her defence to deal with Bungay’s runs, tackling Gibbons as she breaks away into the left channel. Rose outside the box turning the ball inside to Bell bursting forwards, Riches getting her foot on the ball to cut the pass out for Aylsham. Bungay bring the ball on right side squared inside for Rowland look to drive forwards, the ball knocked on, Buckley going to clear, Rowland charging it down.

Aylsham winning the ball in the middle Allum to Kruez, threads in inside for Sophie Lubbock outside the D plays it into the box for Woods pulling clear right of goal her strike on the angle claimed by the keeper.

A wild lunging tackle by Will in the middle, taking out Bussey caught on the ankle goes down, Will hurt to, the referee patient waiting her her to recover before issuing the yellow card. Bussey is some discomfort can’t continue, has to come off, Elisha Nobbs coming on going to the left of defence Riches over to the right. From the resulting free-kick the ball lifted into the top of the area comes through to Woods stealing into the six yard box and players rush in on goal, releasing a shot across the keeper, Pearce with a reactive save blocking with her leg the ball popping back up for Woods, getting her foot up attempts to put the volley past the keeper, Vicky Lubbock at the far post getting her leg up to divert the ball into the back of the net but even as Aylsham wheel away in celebration the goal won’t stand for offside.

Half-time Aylsham FC Women 1-0 Bungay Town Ladies

 A lively end to the first half as both sides head into the changing rooms after a frantic first 45 minutes. Fairly even both sides working hard to close the ball down move it forwards a little rushed at times if anything, Bungay seeing a shot narrowly over the bar, Aylsham taking the lead from the spot on the half hour. Denied a 2nd goal late on in the half for offside. Aylsham keeping it tight through the middle, dropping off giving Bungay little opportunity to get in behind. 1 goal in it however still very much all to play for.

The sides emerging from the changing rooms for the start of the 2nd half, Aylsham unchanged from the side that finished the first half, Bungay making a change sending on Lauren Purling recently back with the squad after nearly six months out with an achilles injury, replacing Turner in attack, comes to the left. Bungay taking the kick off 2nd half the ball out to Rignall wide on the left her cross deflected through to the keeper.

Gibbons not happy with the first half getting hold of the ball for Bungay driving on through the middle, runs into traffic inside the D, O’Connor and Buckley closing her down, the ball popping free into Rose 25 yards out right of goal fires her strike over the bar. Bell taking the ball on down Bungay’s right wing turning a cross into Rose outside the D, skipping up off the surface won’t sit for her to get down before O’Connor moving in to put in the challenge.

Bungay pressing the ball at the start of the 2nd half looking to get the ball on quickly Will out to Saddington on the left her cross spinning behind at the near post. Aylsham look for an outlet the ball from Vicky Lubbock up to Sophie on the left flank, Roos rushing on to close her down putting the ball out for a throw.

Vicky Lubbock getting on with the ball left wing for Aylsham her cross long into the area cleared by Riggall for Bungay. Bell carrying the ball on well for Bungay to the right cuts inside to give it to Will who tries to thread Rose in behind, O’Connor intercepting inside the D for Aylsham. Rose linking up with Will through the middle pushing on into the top of the area, Buckley with the blocking tackle on Will the ball loose coming back to Rose to strike the ball high in on goal, a good save from Parker to claim it high above her head.

Bungay asking questions 2nd half a different dynamic to their attack without the presence of Turner up top, Saddington pressing the ball on the left driving into the area her angled shot fired in low at the keeper, Parker saving with her leg turning the ball away behind for a corner kick. Swung into the middle from the left Rowland gets her head on the ball, turns it wide past the far post.

Kruez central for Aylsham laying the ball out to Sophie Lubbock pulling into the right channel looking to get into the box, Heaney getting across the attacker to see the ball back to her attacker. Bungay’s young players lively looking to take the ball on into their feet drive forwards, Bell getting on well on the right linking up with Rose up top, Greengrass throwing out a leg to cut out a diagonal ball.

Brown sending the ball into Kruez on Aylsham’s right getting on the move Rignall out to close her down the ball gone for a throw. Saddington winning the ball back wide on Bungay’s left flashing a cross into the six yard box, Will racing in beyond the far post turning it wide. Aylsham making a change Allum coming of, Myall back on. Gibbons tenacious with the ball at her feet fouled by Buckley outside the box 25 yards out to the right of goal.

Rose over the set-piece goes for goal her effort flashed wide of Parker’s left post. Riches coming off for Aylsham, Bussey recovering form her earlier knock, back on at right back. Gibbons surging on through the middle with the ball at her feet strikes the ball from the top of the area the ball rising on the keeper, Parker getting her gloves up almost knocks it down behind into her own goal but turns sharply to grab hold of the bouncing ball in the nick of time even as Bungay begin to celebrate…

Bungay pressing creating opportunities Aylsham continue to work hard to defend their leaf keeping players back limiting their own attacks going forwards. O’Connor cutting out Saddington’s left side cross into the box, back with the winger lifted in to the far post Buckley going in with Rose winning the ball. The game a little stretched Woods looking for the pass to release Sophie Lubbock in behind is a vital header won by Heaney for Bungay.

Parker going down with an injury off the ball, needing to be assessed a chance for Aylsham to have a breather as both sides head over to their respective dugout for fluids and instructions from the coaching staff. 20 minutes left to play. Rose darting into space on the right hooking the ball over Buckley into the box, Parker first too it before Bell can close it down.

Bussey defending for Aylsham on the right of defence as Saddington looks to drop her shoulder drive into the box. Parker the busier of the two keeper’s racing out to the top of her area looking to beat Saddington to the ball left of the box as Rose clips a diagonal ball in behind, the keeper sliding in getting their in the nick of time to save at Saddington’s feet.

Parker out to the top of of her area to drop onto the ball as Gibbons sends it on through the middle. Buckley get her tackle in to deny Rose an opportunity to steal into the box of a Rowland pass. Bell winning the ball for Bungay 25 yards out gets her head down drives on to the top of the area, Buckley with the blocking tackle. Gibbons into Rose to the right drifts inside to shot on the angle driven into the near post, Parker behind it to save.

GOAL! A little over 10 minutes left to play, Aylsham’s working hard to defend, but the back line is finally breached as Rose takes the ball away to the right closing in on the by-line cuts the ball in through the corridor inside the six yard box, coming through into the middle of goal, Bell running in to turn the ball over the line to get Bungay back on level terms 1-1.

Woods shown the yellow card as she brings down Will, the free-kick top of the circle, Roos floated the ball into the box, too easy for the keeper to claim. The game open Bungay pushing on winning the ball back inside the Aylsham half, Rose central putting a diagonal ball out to Bell inside the area wide right of goal lays it back up to Purling who sends a shot in on goal lacking any pace to trouble Parker, she takes it cleanly into her gloves.

Buckley moving in to close Will down as she looks to head into the D off the left the ball cleared left won back by Saddington fed into the Gibbons top left corner her shot angled in on goal straight at the keeper. The game moving into the final 5 minutes Aylsham bringing on Olivia Baker joining the attack with Myall off. Bungay not sitting back waiting for extra-time pushing players on Roos, Heaney and Riggall well spaced at the back ready to deal with any Aylsham counter, as it is the forward players keep driving at the opposition defence Rose wide right sending her cross long through the six yard box picked up by Saddington left shot her angled drive over the bar.

GOAL! Bungay come through the middle, Gibbons on another of her marauding runs looking to push her way all the way through on goal defenders moving in to try and slow her down gets a shot away blocked by Buckley, the rebound dropping straight to Rose right of the D, unleashes a shot fired in across the keeper to find the bottom left corner to send Bungay into the lead! 2-1!

A huge blow for Aylsham having worked so hard to try and keep Bungay out the pressure though finally telling the chances mounting eventually taken, Bungay with their noses in front with little time left for Aylsham to find an equaliser themselves force the game into extra-time. Purling fed down the right by Rose puts the ball into the box for Will, near post, Buckley blocking the ball cleared to the top of the area Rose latching onto it pulling her shot wide.

Bungay with their tails up determined to keep the ball in the final 3rd Saddington on the left with Gibbons moving into the box, Brown with a clumsy challenge bringing her down right on the edge of the area but Bungay’s appeals for a penalty waved away. Aylsham get the ball upfield seconds left on the clock into Sophie Lubbock left forwards into Baker central, Riggall coming to close her down. Time up the final whistle blows and Bungay have done it winning the League cup to achieve the double.

Full time Aylsham FC Women 1-2 Bungay Town Ladies

 Bungay pushing hard in the 2nd half to find a late equaliser and an even later winning goal. Their extra bit of quality shining through in the finish. Created numerous opportunities in the 2nd period. Aylsham worked tirelessly in defence to hold onto their slender lead long into the game and for a while it looked as if they might hold on Bungay driving on to pile on the pressure capitalising.

Women’s Football East  Player of the Match

 Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day, this one not quite so easy a couple of strong contenders but ultimately the notes pushed one out in front. Several performances of note was another well contested final. Firstly for Aylsham the defence all playing a vital part putting in some vital tackles in interceptions, full backs Jemma Riches and Rachel Bussey along with Sophie Buckley and Sophie-Jayne O’Connor. Cayla Brown worked hard in front of the defence getting in to win the ball, Ella Kruez taking the ball on well down the right. Vicky Lubbock out on the left and Shelley Woods up top looknig to create an opening. Goalkeeper Mia Parker with some good work in goal to keep Bungay at bay long into the final. For Bungay, Fran Heaney with some great ball winning in defence. Selina Rowland getting hold of the ball and driving forwards to link up with the attackers. Marseilles Will with good movement and pace on the ball. Mia Rose getting into the channels making some good runs to pull defenders out of position, scoring the winning goal. Abi Bell covering the ground getting up and down the pitch, getting into the box for the levelling goal pushed Zoe Gibbons all the way but ultimately the number of midfielder runs she made on the ball counted, came out 2nd half in a frustrated mood and looked to set thing’s right with the ball at her feet getting Bungay going.

Congratulations to Bungay Town Ladies on winning the Norfolk Women’s League Cup and doing the league and cup double. 

 A county cup final to look forwards too, on the 27th May at Portman Road will be there to see them in action, enjoy the occasion. Two fantastic finals, my thanks to all involved for their help today. Thanks to the Aylsham volunteers helping make the weekend a success, the clubs involved in the final and the officials. Not forgetting the NWGFL committee a lot of work put in behind the scenes to make the leagues and finals days a success, a busy weekend no doubt but hugely rewarding. Three more games to go then my season’s done, and boy could I do with the rest.

by Darren Gilham