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Match Report – Acle United Women v Norwich City Ladies

Sunday 18th November

Norfolk Women’s County Cup

  County Cup weekend across the country, Women’s Football East returning to The FDC Flegg to watch Acle United Women for the 2nd time in a fortnight as they take on higher league opponents Norwich City Ladies this afternoon. 

  A trophy both sides have held aloft the Norfolk Women’s County Cup enters the 2nd Round stage, with 2 of the favourites drawn together. Acle United Women winning the County Cup 4 seasons ago, were finalists last season losing to Wymondham Town Ladies. Competing amongst the title challengers in the ERWFL Premier Division will be confident going into today’s match against Norwich who play in the league above the FAWNL South East Division One.

  The Norfolk Women’s County Cup becoming a stand alone competition having previous been in union with Suffolk in the 2011/12 season. Norwich City Ladies dominating those early years winning it on 3 successive occasions. A spell of non competition in the County Cup before making a return last season. That return short-lived as they were beaten away from home at The Walks by King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Norwich have grown since changes to the coaching set-up and structure, are in a stronger place this time around, will expect a challenging game at Acle’s home ground.

  The FDC Flegg in Martham, an all weather surface, a small pitch supporters able to stand on one along one side. The dugouts moved to the opposite side of the pitch to allow for a better view. Hot drinks available, will be needed as winter draws ever closer. Both sides supporting Stonewall’s, Rainbow Laces campaign. Close to the coast a chilly breeze making it feel cold the sunny bright low in the sky.

Acle United Women starting XI – Amy Bell, Anna Larkins, Luka Goodfield, Kate Pasque, Chloe Shields, Broghan Scully, Amber Rowland, Lauren Bullard, Megan Todd (C), Grace Birchall & Rhianne Brister. Subs – Naomi Cooper, Ciera Flatt & Grace Parker.

Norwich City Ladies starting XI – Hope Armstrong, Tigi Robson, Alice Parker, Sasha Diston (C), Eliza McDonald, Millie Daviss, Ellie Smith, Aimee Durrant, Kathryn Stanley, Natasha Snelling & Rosie George. Subs – Summer Rogers, Victoria Pleavin & Abigail Tate.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  A few players missing for Norwich, Jodie Drake and Kate Parsons suspended, whilst striker Chelsea Garrett was out through injury, Olivia Mungham-Gray unavailable for Acle. Amy Bell keeping goal for Acle celebrating her birthday. It’s Norwich with the kick-off 1st half, wearing yellow shirts, green shorts and yellow and green socks, Acle lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts black shorts and black and white hooped socks. 

Aimee Durrant on the ball for Norwich City Ladies

  A probing start from both sides putting the ball up into the opponents half without much penetration. Ellie Smith with the ball at her feet driving on for Norwich moving right works her way into the box her near post ball cut out by Chloe Shields for the corner, defended Acle hit Norwich on the break captain, Megan Todd carrying the ball on through the middle into the Norwich half spots Lauren Bullard running clear on the right wing plays the pass over the top into her path as she continues to make her way forwards receiving the return ball as she arrives in the box, closing in or goalkeeper, Hope Armstrong, squeezes the shot past her as she slides in at her feet, the ball running narrowly wide of the post.

Norwich’s Millie Daviss tackles Acle captain, Megan Todd

   Smith busy early on getting forwards to press the Acle defend stealing possession 20 yards out shifts the ball to the right before having a strike at goal her effort wide. Tigi Robson winning the ball at the back for Norwich on the right plays the pass forwards for Natasha Snelling 25 yards out lays it out to Aimee Durrant hugging the right tough line bursting forwards she sends a cross in long across the six yard box, Kathryn Stanley up at the far post gets her head on the ball can only direct it back across the area, Shields getting it away for Acle.

   Todd picks out Grace Birchall as she gets away in behind on the left wing sends the cross into the area, Norwich defending. A good tempo early on, Norwich pressing the ball, Durrant an outlet on the right keeping wide receiving the ball getting another cross into the area, Kate Pasque winning the header to clear for Acle this time. Broghan Scully coming on with the ball at her feet through the middle for Acle out to Birchall cutting inside from the left 20 yards out her shot low in towards the near post saved by Armstrong getting down to her right to push it behind for the corner. Armstrong claiming the ball for the set-piece.

Kate Pasque winning the ball for Acle United Women

  Norwich with the ball on the left Stanley playing it back to full-back Alice Parker, she plays a long diagonal ball out to the right hoping the send Durrant clear in on goal, a little too much on the ball. Amber Rowland getting hold of the ball in the middle for Acle a driving run forwards, Norwich converge too many bodies to get through. 

  GOAL! Norwich take the lead have the ball out on the left moving into the Acle half a shot it lined up from distance a rasping effort driven in on target, Acle goalkeeper, Amy Bell doing well to glove the ball down, Snelling alert quickest to react on the follow-up getting onto the ball to send it into the back of the net 0-1.

Natasha Snelling putting Norwich into the lead.

   Acle look for a quick response after falling behind push on into the Norwich half Birchall on the ball left side fires a fierce cross across the top of the area, Rowland making a good run just not quite able to take it in her stride, Norwich getting the ball safely back to Armstrong. The visitors hit Acle on the counter attack, Smith travelling at speed keeping the ball close to her feet as she drives on through the middle, slides a perfect ball in behind for Rosie George top of the area she opens up her body to send the ball past Bell as she comes sliding in, the ball running past her striking the post, the Acle defence scrambling it away.

Norwich City Ladies, Ellie Smith

   Acle make a substitution, Rowland coming off on comes Ciera Flatt. A 2nd change soon follows, Rhianne Brister coming off for Naomi Cooper which sees Birchall move into a central attacking position. Norwich captain, Sasha Diston with a good ball forwards aiming to play Durrant in behind on the right, Pasque coming across tackling and winning the ball for Acle. Snelling is clipped, brought down as she pushes on towards the area a free-kick 20 yards out Snelling over it herself goes for goal a clipped effort that isn’t too far over the bar. 

Acle United Women’s captain, Megan Todd

  Todd sends a pass long for Bullard on the right, the cross dealt with by Norwich out to the left side, Cooper pressuring the ball regains possession carries it inside before sending a curling effort in towards the Norwich goal, does too much swerving in towards Armstrong who takes it in her midriff. 

 GOAL! Half an hour gone and the home side level the scores good build up play central the ball played out to Todd out on the right wing breaking forwards squares the cross back in to the top of the area Birchall with the run a great touch as she slides in to send the ball wide across the diving keeper and into the bottom corner of the net 1-1.

   Norwich’s turn to put pressure on from the restart getting bodies forwards, Acle defence a little frantic as they manage to get the ball clear of the area. Abigail Tate has come on for Norwich replacing George in attack. Snelling right channel 20 yards out support from Daviss the two combining in front of the area, Daviss getting the ball past the challenge from Pasque her attempt at goal held by Bell at her near post. 

Norwich City Ladies, Tigi Robson

   Durrant with a strong run on the right wing lays a cross in with pace across the top of the Acle area, Tate bursting forwards can’t quite pick it up in her stride. Norwich with a 2nd change Summer Rogers coming on for Snelling. Scully with a piece of great defending for Acle getting across the the right to stop Durrant crossing in the corner wins her side a goal kick. Birchall with good work in the middle putting pressure on the Norwich back-line winning the ball, the shot taken early 30 yards out bounces harmlessly wide across the area.

   Rogers getting the ball played into her feet from a throw-in on the left tries her luck from distance her strike wide of the far post. Stanley and Durrant swapping wings late in the 1st half the former now on the right has support from Daviss, one cross blocked by Goodfield, Stanley gets another go from the by-line the ball held by Bell at her near post.  

Half-time Acle United Women 1-1 Norwich City Ladies

   An entertaining 1st 45 minutes of football, passing quickly a good start from Norwich albeit Acle with the early chance to take the lead, both have enjoyed spells of pressure without dominating, the game flowing well, competitive but I expected nothing less, Norwich taking the lead, Acle coming back to level, the tie remained beautifully poised and not clues yet as to which way it might go. 

Ciera Flatt on the attack for Acle United Women

  Acle to get the 2nd half underway the low sun in their faces, Norwich with a change Snelling back on the field in place of Durrant. Diston with a great tackle early in to stop Birchall getting away as she is played on by Cooper. Smith making some great runs forwards carrying the ball on moves to the right this time before sending it on into the area, Pasque with Tate looking to pull off her shoulder intercepting the ball for Acle.

Abigail Tate looking to control the ball for Norwich City Ladies

   Norwich starting  the 2nd half well, Rogers playing a ball up into the area, caught by Bell. Acle break Birchall left side her cross wild over the goal. Birchall keeps on going pushing on towards the area right of the D is brought to the floor, a free-kick awarded. A foot outside the area Birchall on the set-piece goes for power he shot put in over the goal. 

Acle’s Naomi Cooper sliding in to tackle Norwich’s Millie Daviss

 Now a first for Women’s Football East and I was beginning to wonder if I would actually see this as we are now well into the season, a sin bin offence. The sin-bin to be used for acts of descent. Smith with another surging run on the ball is brought down by Scully just over halfway, a sliding challenge but the ball taken clean both players down Smith with a reactive lash out, spotted by referee Ashley Tyne, Smith receives a yellow card. Foolishly Smith then gives the referee a clap the result 10 minutes in the sin-bin (the bench in this case) Norwich down to 10 temporally. 

  That of course gives Acle a boost knowing they have a player advantage push forwards Birchall on the left wing inside for Todd top of the area meeting it sends the effort over. Norwich regroup Daviss running on through the middle as they work the ball forwards well central threatens to run clear into the area, Anna Larkins doing fantastically to get across in front of her and play the ball at close range into Bell to kick clear. 

  Acle’s Pasque wins the ball high up the pitch on halfway a great clearance finding Bullard wide right running on behind sends a squared cross right along the top of the box 20 yards out Flatt making a run from midfield meeting it looking to beat the keeper sends the low driven shot under her dive past her but wide of the post. Birchall gets brought down in the middle again, Scully over the ball played high into the area, Armstrong calling for it catching unchallenged. 

  GOAL! Despite being down to 10 Norwich retake the lead getting forwards on the left side have a throw-in the ball dropped into Stanley she does well turning inside and closing in on the area lets fly with a shot looping up into the air, no doubt it’s lost in the low sun by Bell as it drops over her under the bar into the goal beyond, Stanley putting Norwich back into the lead 1-2.

Kathryn Stanley, puts Norwich back into the lead

   Acle make a change with Scully coming off, ex-Norwich centre back Grace Parker coming on. Sin-bin time over it’s Durrant who returns to the field on place of Smith. Norwich press the advantage a ball in from the right into the box no-one dealing with it for Acle, Stanley putting it back in towards the near post a combination of goalkeeper and defender blocking the ball as it runs away for a corner. A high ball on long past the far post Snelling with a glancing header can only place it wide. 

Norwich City Ladies captain, Sasha Diston

  Parker gets the ball cleared at the back for Acle, turns into a great ball forwards for Birchall she turns finding Bullard breaking in behind on the right down the line her cross in across the six yard box dealt with by Robson at the far post for Norwich. Smith is back on now in place of Tate. Immediately involved Daviss playing her forwards drives on with the ball top of the box has Snelling running to her right slips the ball into her path Snelling blasting the shot wide. Smith coming forwards again riding a tackle, keeps her balance sending the ball wide right to Durrant she shoots from the angle Bell down low holding onto the ball a her near post.

  GOAL! From the counter attack Acle come back to level the scores for the 2nd time in the match, Bell launching the ball forwards helped on to Birchall left of the area a mix-up between defence and keeper allowing the attacker in to round the keeper and send the ball into the back of the net. 2-2.

  Bullard getting away on the right lifting a cross into the Norwich area headed away by McDonald at the near post. Acle quick to close in on the Norwich defence on the ball. End to end now Durrant on the right for Norwich to the by-line cuts the cross back in towards the area clearing everyone at the near post, Snelling in running in unmarked behind central her first time shot takes the ball over the bar. 

  Breaking through the middle Acle go direct Todd with the break in behind into the area, Armstrong sliding in to make the blocking save as she goes to shoot, Todd alert for the rebound the ball popping up and in behind the angle closing as she moves to the left almost gone as she shoot the ball hitting the post and spinning behind for the goalkick. A double change for Norwich late on, Robson and Rogers off, George back on along with Victoria Pleavin. Brister back on for Acle replacing Goodfield.

  Time running out both sides sensing they can win this no signs anyone is preparing for extra-time, George winning Norwich a corner on the right, Acle defending try to counter, Diston breaking the attack up. Smith with a surging run forwards for Norwich, running into traffic Acle counter…

GOAL! the ball fired up field, helped on Birchall sensing a gap peeling away to the right now no one there coming back 25 yards out central has the Norwich defence beaten as she sets her sides on goal 20 yards out, Armstrong to beat, the keeper coming to close her down tries to narrow the angle, Birchall reading what she is going to do cutting the ball back across her dive and sending the ball racing low into the back of the net to fire Acle into the lead and with in complete a hat-trick 3-2. 

Grace Birchall completes her hat-trick and wins the game at the death for Acle United Women

   Little time left in the match Norwich with a free-kick inside the Acle half the ball has to be played up into the area, Durrant does get a free header but her attempt is over, the final whistle blows and Acle win at the death!

Full time Acle United Women 3-2 Norwich City Ladies

  A dramatic end to a thrilling encounter, truth be told I could just have easily been talking about a Norwich win at the death such was the nature of the game, but I’m not Acle emerge triumphant. A deserved win in the context of the tie both sides giving it their all not much between them. Both with spells of pressure the goals as much as not coming against the run of play, both attacking at times Acle were better suited to hit on the counter attack, Norwich neutralising their width 2nd half especially. Good chances created at the end of the day this result could have gone either way and as disappointed as the losing side will this was a great cup tie to watch. A credit to both sides

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match for this Sunday afternoon’s match, was an entertaining game, good performances all over the pitch. For Norwich, I thought Millie Daviss had an excellent game in the middle of the park as did Ellie Smith with some powerful runs with the ball Aimee Durrant and Kathryn Stanley out on the flanks too. For Acle, Broghan Scully put herself about in midfield well, Megan Todd looked to create without getting much reward. Standing out though is Grace Birchall some impressive runs whilst operating wide, then moving into the middle creating chances and scoring what was a fantastic and important hat-trick she is today’s Player of the Match.

  An entertaining County Cup tie this afternoon between two of the leading sides in Norfolk almost a pity it wasn’t the final itself a great advert for women’s football in the county. Hung around for a bit after the game just to check if anyone was measuring the pitch but I’m sure they weren’t :-). My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line-ups. I look forwards to the quarter final draw.

Match Report – Acle United Women v Bedford Ladies

Sunday 4th November

ERWFL Premier Division

Back to it after a weekend off, the football action resumes on Women’s Football East with a trip east across Norfolk to watch a game from the ERWFL Premier Division, Acle United Women v Bedford Ladies.

  Is a tightly contested league with just 6 points separating the top six sides. Promotion to the FAWNL the aim for all. Today’s clash sees 4th v 6th in the league. The current top two win 100% winning starts Cambridge City Ladies and Royston Town Ladies whilst 3rd placed Brentwood Town Ladies had a run of 5 straight wins that saw them leading the table early on too. Peterborough Northern Star Ladies also looking strong in the top half with just the one loss so far this season.

   A new name for Acle United this season as they make the switch from Ladies to Women. The Norfolk side will be targeting the title having narrowly missed out on top spot in the previous two seasons their title charge going all the way to the final games of the season. Both seeing a fixture pile up towards the end with a frustrating lack of games in the first half of the campaign. Regional league sides more often than not involved in the early stages of the Women’s FA Cup and County Cup competitions often seeing league games put back and then of course theirs the weather.

  Acle play on an all weather pitch at the FDC Flegg  in Martham only played twice at home so far this season both in August have been frustrated by 2 postponements from the opposition so far in October both games likely to be awarded to Acle which will see further changes to the table. 

 Bedford Ladies were undefeated in their opening 4 games which included a 2-2 with Acle United Women in the reverse fixture back in September. A pair of successive losses followed by 2 successive league wins keeps Bedford the last a 5-3 win over Brentwood Town Ladies keeps them well and truly involved in the battle for top positions. Have shown they can beat anyone on their day the trip to Acle the longest one of the season a few difficulties for some of the squad getting to the ground.

  A pleasant start to November the weather dry, a little chilly wind gets up. The FDC Flegg, Acle United Women’s home venue for the league. An artificial playing surface, is one of the smallest pitches around. Hot drinks available via a vending machine, the viewing area down one side of the pitch. 

Acle United Women starting XI – Amy Bell, Anna Larkins, Naomi Cooper, Grace Parker, Chloe Shields, Broghan Scully, Ciera Flatt, Lauren Bullard, Olivia Mungham-Gray, Megan Todd (C) & Grace Birchall. Subs – Rhianne Brister, Kate Pasque, Amber Rowland, Kirstie Kindred & Rosie Filby.

Bedford Ladies starting XI – Lauren Webb, Paige Abraham, Sophie Mulvihill, Priya Bhatti, Gemma Franklin, Amy Magnus, Michelle Byrne, Jodie Molloy, Lily Eaton & Carissa Kaczorowski. Subs – Ashley-Louise Emerton & Mollie Robinson.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  A minutes silence held before the match, remembrance for lost in conflicts, the ending of World War I a 100 years ago. Thoughts to for the lives lost in the Leicester City helicopter crash. 

  Acle to get the game underway kicking off the 1st half wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts with black and white hooped socks. Bedford wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts, with black shorts and socks. The ball put out to Anna Larkins at right back played long diagonally through the middle captain Megan Todd the target the pass too heavy enabling the Bedford defence to clear. The visitors winning a free kick inside the Acle half left of the centre circle put long up into the area the Acle defence comfortable defending.

   Amy Bell tested early on in the Acle goal producing a very good save as Bedford build on the left the ball rolled on, Lily Eaton getting hold of it outside the area cuts back inside getting a yard on the defence into the box drives a shot in low near post, Bell diving to her right gets down well to push the ball away for a corner. The corner from the left a good delivery over Acle’s Grace Parker as she jumps for it, comes unexpectedly to the Bedford attacker beyond the header instinctive the ball high over the bar.

   Acle make ground up the right wing a throw deep, Grace Birchall picking it up turns and fires a ball in from an acute angle, Lauren Webb gloving the ball down safely at her near post. Appeals for a penalty for Acle as Birchall is floored inside the box, the protests waved away. Webb with a great save denies Todd as she receives the ball from a throw in on the left 25 yards out comes inside before shaping to shoot a vicious effort driven in on target Webb throwing herself into the save getting a gloves on the ball to touch it onto the bar the ball out for a corner on the right.

Olivia Mungham-Gray carrying the ball forwards

  Acle starting well pressing bodies forwards on both flanks. Ceira Flatt in the middle for Acle a good pass put the the right finding Lauren Bullard, her cross into the box defended by Bedford’s Priya Bhatti heading the ball clear. A double change for Bedford, Mollie Robinson and Ashley-Louise Emerton coming on. 10 minutes played. 

  GOAL! A good start from Acle is undone as they are caught on the counter attack Bedford switch play quickly coming forwards Carissa Kaczorowski making a good run into the left channel receiving the ball is in behind heading for the box, Bell comes racing out to close her down sliding in, the Bedford attacker does well to lift her shot over the keeper and send the ball on into the back of the net to give the visitors the lead 0-1.

Carissa Kaczorowski opens the scoring for Bedford Ladies

   Paige Abraham back on for Bedford a brief interlude. Bhatti defending for the visitors challenging Birchall at the top of the area as Todd looks to play her in. A free-kick for Bedford right side, the captain, Jodie Molloy on the ball plays in diagonal to the left side Kaczorowski up attempts to flick the ball on with Abraham making a timely run in behind can’t quite pick her out. Abraham on the ball left side looks to be away running with the ball, Broghan Scully getting across slides in to tackle and win the ball back for Acle.

   GOAL! 8 minutes after conceding the opening goal Acle get back on level terms, win a free-kick on the left 35 yards out players lining up to attack a far post delivery, is a perfect ball fired into the area runners attacking it met by Todd and turned into the back of the net 1-1.

Megan Todd equalises for Acle United Women

   Acle press well play drawn over to the right side leaving those on the left to drift in unattended the cross coming in, Olivia Mungham-Gray in the area meeting it in front of goal her touch taking it up over the bar. Birchall sees a shot from outside the box deflected for a corner has picked up a slight knock comes off, Rhianne Brister coming on. Bedford struggle to get the ball away from the corner Acle laying the 18 yard box under siege, balls in blocked before a sliced clearance takes the ball away for another corner. Swung in towards the far post attacked but the referees whistles brings the move to an end. 

  Eaton returns to the pitch for Bedford replacing Abraham. Is getting a little feisty, Bedford getting frustrated the ball not sticking can’t get anything substantial going in attack. Acle are getting the ball into the area from crosses but so far Webb is untroubled claiming everything. Amy Magnus drives forwards with the ball for Bedford played on for Kaczorowski closely marked by Grace Parker the central defender regaining possession.

  Molloy surges forwards with the ball has Eaton moving into space left given the ball Kaczorowski available coming over to support turns into the box closing in on goal her ball on charged down deflected behind for a corner. Bedford finding a bit of thrust in midfield able to able to counter attack more effectively, Acle turn play round quickly a cross field pass intercepted by Robinson headed back to Webb in the Bedford goal. 

Bedford Ladies, Paige Abraham

  Scully in the centre 30 yards out has the ball played into her from the left meeting it sweetly fires a fierce shot in towards goal late swerve on the shot Webb does well diving low to her left to make the save parrying the ball up and claiming it. The nature of the small pitch the game is played at a fast tempo players able to get forwards quickly, Acle’s finding the space better than Bedford. A double change for Acle as the game closes in on the final 5 minutes of the 1st half, Scully and Flatt coming off on come Amber Rowland and Kate Pasque coming on. 

GOAL! Acle take the lead building on the left the pass inside for Todd 25 yards out she carries the ball on across goal no-one closing her down as she runs across the D, lets fly with a quality strike that flies in towards goal left of Webb the keepers dive is too late the ball past strikes the back of the net 2-1.

   Acle are looking very strong towards the end of the 1st half, Rowland involved on their next build up winning the ball sprays play out to the left, Todd with Bullard, Rowland getting forwards receiving the ball 30 yards out looks to set up Bullard top of the D a curling effort that runs wide of the far post. A double substitution for Bedford with Gemma Franklin and Maya Sidhu returning to the game. 

GOAL! No sooner have they taken the lead then Acle go 2 goals up, attacking up the right side players getting up into the area a high ball comes in Pasque jumping to meet it with her head, not necessarily the part she intended but still effective as the ball in deflected down back across goal into the bottom corner 3-1 Pasque down in the box has a bloody nose.

In of the nose a goal for Acle United, Kate Pasque

   Pasque comes of so she can get cleaned up Birchall back on. Birchall with a tremendous strike from all of 30 yards out right side the lay off from Todd, the ball fired in across goal striking the bar. A hand ball from Parker spotted by the referee a late chance for Bedford to get the ball into the area, Molloy floats it in, claimed well by Bell as Bedford attackers converge.

GOAL! Right on the stroke of half-time Acle break up the other end and score a 4th goal, Bedford out of shape the hosts press forwards right side the cross put in to the six yard box Todd has closed in unmarked to head the ball down and across the keeper to claim her hat-trick 4-1.

Half-time Acle United Women 4-1 Bedford Ladies

   A strong 1st half from Acle who lead 4-1 despite conceding the opening goal. Came back well 3 goals in the final stages of the first half putting them in a strong position, both goalkeeper making excellent saves. Alot of work for Bedford to do 2nd half they are to turn the result around, frustrated so far chances have been few and far between, Acle able to come forward at will.

Goalkeeper, Lauren Webb claiming the ball for Bedford Ladies

   Bedford to get the 2nd halfway. Possession lost the ball put on down the right the cross into the area taken low by Webb at her near post. Naomi Cooper getting forwards on the left side for Acle takes on the strike from distance her 25 yard effort taken cleaner by the keeper. More appeals for a penalty by Acle as a free-kick is put into the area fro the left but again the protests go no where. Birchall lively on the right side at the start of the 1st half  for Acle gets in behind cutting a cross in from the by-line flashing across the six yard box no one there to meet it, Sophie Mulvihill clearing for Bedford. 

Larkins supporting Birchall as both get forwards down the right receiving the inside pass 20 yards out her shot driven in blocked by Bhatti, the rebound coming to Pasque 22 yards out, leans back to shoot the ball rising over the bar. Acle starting the 2nd half well, Bedford cannot get out of their half, Larkins and Birchall again on the left combine this time Larkins inside putting the return ball into Birchall as she breaks down to the by-line her cross landing in the side netting. 

GOAL! The early pressure bringing a 5th goal a set-piece won outside the box top corner left side the ball floated in near post Todd making the run in around the Bedford defence getting to it first to turn the ball on to score her 4th of the game 5-1.

  Cooper with another powerful run forwards picks the ball up from Rowland left side smashes the ball from 25 yards out the attempt whistling over the crossbar. Mungham-Gray getting into an advanced position on the left sees her cross land on the roof of the net. Bedford are under siege everyone back to defend, Molloy doing well to tackle Pasque as she looks to turn and get a shot away. Mungham- Gray comes off for Acle, Rosie Filby coming on goes to left back Cooper moving over to the right. 

Bedford captain, Jodie Molloy with Acle United’s, Amber Rowland

  Birchall steals on to get hold of a loose ball at the back from Bedford, Mulvihill recovering well to get back to close the attacker down and win the ball. A rare chance for Bedford making ground on the right a throw played into Kaczorowski 30 yards out right turns well before letting loose a shot the ball over as it flies across goal. Kaczorowski with support from Sidhu this time the ball right side the cross/shot racing across the face of goal. 

Acle United’s, Chloe Shields

  Acle get away on the right Todd racing into space with the ball swings the cross in along the top of the six-yard box, Brister central, Birchall behind her with the acrobatic effort that rises up over the bar. Filby is clipped as she comes forwards with the ball left side a free-kick 25 yards out played into the box Birchall up near side the ball runs on to Todd close in at the far post, Webb at close range with an excellent stop to deny her another goal. Abraham comes back on for Bedford replacing Eaton. 

GOAL! Out of nothing Bedford pull a goal back as they win a corner up on the right side the ball attacked near side the header taking the ball wide across the area is picked up in the right, Bhatti after it has support from Sidhu the ball from distance fired back in towards goal finding it’s way across the six yard box and in 5-2.

  Acle undeterred come forwards in numbers as Pasque claims possession in the middle drives on options left and right goes right the cross into the area Cooper with the low effort lacks the power to trouble the keeper. Brister comes off for Acle on comes Kirstie Kindred as the game enters the final 15 minutes.

   Abraham’s steals in behind the Acle defence as the diagonal ball comes in, Abraham’s into the box chasing the ball hasn’t seen the offside flag up against her, Bell sliding in gets hold of the ball as the attacker goes for it the pair coming together play stopped but their is a problem for Bell she is down needs treatment. A lengthy delay, Brister volunteers to don the gloves if needed, she is Bell can’t continue has take a nasty one on the knee is helped off, the goalkeeper letting her frustration out on the dugout. Flatt also returning to the action. 

Bedford Ladies, Michelle Byrne

  Both sides are getting wound up niggly and not so niggly free-kicks given away the banter to getting stronger. Injury sees Filby needing to come of Mungham-Gray comes back on. 

GOAL! A free-kick on the left a result of the latest knock the ball put in Flatt making the run around the defence to attack it near post is blatantly shoved over by Robinson leaving the referee with the easiest decision he needs to make all game a penalty. Flatt to take goes for power a rising effort Webb tries to get to by is too strong 6-2.

Ciera Flatt scorer of Acle’s 6th goal from the penalty spot

   Plenty of play left with the stoppages 8 all in, another free-kick for Acle on the left the ball floated in near side Byrne rising well to head clear for Bedford clearing it for a throw. Mulvihill winning the header for Bedford this time. Acle continue to press Todd putting a free-kick over the bar. Bhatti cutting out a cross from Todd. A corner for Acle goes long attacked by Flatt at the far post the ball dropping wide of the upright. 

GOAL! Into the closing minutes of stoppage time the ball inside the Acle half Bedford win a free-kick wide on the left a far distance out, Byrne on the ball plays a high delivery into the area landing in the six yard box the ball bouncing high loops up over the keeper and in 6-3.

Full time Acle United Women 6-3 Bedford Ladies

  The last action of the game Acle running out 6-3 winners. A good result but one that would tell a very different story on it’s own. Acle were by far the better side today deserving of the win. Dominating for large portions of the game scored 6 goals should have had more. Not Bedford’s day by a long way and no doubt are far better, one to chalk off on the back foot for the most part will still look back and say they scored 3 goals and if you’re going to do that on a bad day… Both goalkeepers with some excellent saves.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

   Time for this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match.  A good afternoon for Acle some good performances out there, Grace Birchall with some good attacking runs should have had a goal too, Chloe Shields at the back hardly gets a mention in the report never put a foot wrong in defence. She’s won this before for Acle and I have to put her forwards this time too not only scoring 4 well worked and different goals but also the leadership shown in the middle the Player of the Match goes to Megan Todd.

Acle United Women’s captain, Megan Todd

  A good return to action after my mini-break, preparing for winter now so a bit of nicer weather to start November was welcome. My thanks as always to both sides for their help with the team details. It’s going to be interesting watching how the ERWFL Premier Division title race pans out.