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Match Report – KLSC FC Women v Aylsham FC Women

Sunday 18th February

KLSC FC Women v Aylsham FC Women

 For the 2nd weekend running heavy overnight rain across the region has played havoc with the women’s football fixtures with a large number of league and cup games falling foul to waterlogged pitches. Once again my first choice game called off , but as ever there are plenty of alternatives to choose from and an opportunity to see someone else in action so this Sunday it’s a short trip to King’s Lynn to watch KLSC FC Women play Aylsham FC Women in Norfolk Women’s Division One.

  Norfolk seeing a host of new sides joining the women’s league this season as the game continues to grow at a pace. With 8 new sides in a 14 strong Division Two and another new side Costessey Sports Ladies joining Division One 5 sides were pushed up from Division Two into Division One this campaign. The increase in teams hasn’t seen the comparable increase in new players and this has left squad stretched at times with dual signings often competing with unavailability and injuries, a stop start season for some clubs. Division One seeing a strong contest for the title emerging nevertheless.

  Aylsham FC Women and KLSC FC Women finishing 1st and 2nd respectfully in Division Two last season to win promotion to Division One, joined by Mulbarton Women Development, North Walsham Angels Ladies and Thorpe St Andrew Women. 

  KLSC (King’s Lynn Soccer Club) FC Women finishing runners-up in Division Two last season 2 points behind champions Aylsham FC Women, the pair emerging on top of what was a competitive title race. Have made a solid debut in Division One sitting comfortably in mid-table winning 4 and drawing one of their 9 matches so far taking 7 points from their opening 4 league games. Josie Turner has always had a great scoring record where ever she’s played and has continued that trend with KLSC finding the back of the net for 38 goals last terms is once again leading the scoring charts for KLSC his time around with 10 goals from 6 appearances. 

  Aylsham FC Women going undefeated in their debut season to win the Division Two title lasts season, winning all but 2 of their 20 league matches, clinching the title two point ahead of KLSC FC Women. Bringing together a squad of experienced players led by captain Jordan Arnoup who was in hot form in front of goal herself last season breaking the back of the net for 39 goals to become top scorer in the league. Aylsham promoted to Division One finding life a lot tougher, struggling for numbers at times due to work commitments, injuries lost their opening 3 league matches, however 7 points from their next 3 fixtures pulled them free of the bottom, in 9 will be aiming to push on into mid-table, new sighing Australian, Billie Myall top scorer for Aylsham with 7 goals to her name so far in her debut campaign. Arnoup one goal behind on the score sheet for 6 so far.

  With the heavy rain predicted once again for the weekend, KLSC FC Women planned ahead and booked their local 3G pitch ready for use should their grass pitch on King’s Way Playing Fields be deemed unplayable which was highly likely. A wise decision the game switched to the Alive Lynn Sport 3G pitch, the heavy rain blowing through west to east likely to clear before kick-off leaving a slightly overcast but bright afternoon. The well used sports facility caged on 3 sides with viewing for spectators on one side of the pitch beside the sports hall. 

KLSC FC Women

KLSC FC Women starting XI – Gemma Thomas, Elizabeth Puckova, Leeanne Smith, Viktorija Burkauskaite (C), Taeya Mayes, Caitlin Jacob, Chloe Edwards, Trinity Tokaji, Josie Turner, Nikola Maslak and Ellie Panks. Subs – Lydia Hunter, Ellena Bennington & Rachel Skinner.

Aylsham FC Women

Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Hannah Lock, Ella Swift, Abbie Butcher, Jordan Arnoup (C), Sophie-Jayne O’Connor, Georgie Bobbin. Cayla Brown, Flo Simpkin, Rhiannon Dack, Molly Webb & Gabrielle Cobb. Subs – Sausha Levy-Twomey, Ellie Cleaver, Lily Carus & Ellie Snowling.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Viktorija Burkauskaite and Jordan Arnoup with referee Shane Watts

  It’s the visitors Aylsham to kick off the first half, with a few players out through injury and unavailability the call offs elsewhere meant they could bolster their squad with a few of their dual signings. KLSC FC Women short on numbers too with player manager Ellie Bennington naming herself amongst the substitutes. Aylsham wearing orange coloured shirts with blue vertical strips on the front with blue shorts and orange socks. KLSC lined up opposite wearing red and black vertical striped shirts with black short and red and black hooped socks. The ball rolled back to Georgie Bobbin in midfield helped back to her defence, KLSC rush on to press the ball high…

 GOAL! Sophie-Jayne O’Connor getting the ball out to right back Ella Swift she in turn plays a fantastic long pass up to Gabrielle Cobb in attack knocks the ball down into the path of Rhiannon Dack bursting on down the right surging towards the area turning the KLSC defence she slides the ball in central in front of goal, Molly Webb coming in off the left waiting to pounce the KLSC defender stretching in front of her attempting to reach the ball can only deflect it towards her own goal, the ball agonisingly creeping in inside the right post the give the visitors the lead inside the opening 30 seconds 0-1.

Rhiannon Dack’s burst forwards and cross leading to the own goal to put Aylsham into the lead

   An early set back for KLSC the hosts battling to win the ball in the middle comes to Josie Turner on the right played forwards up the channel for Nikola Maslak to chase, Aylsham goalkeeper Hannah Lock out to the edge of her area quickly to the ball first touching it back into her box to lay claim to the ball. A lively start from Aylsham keen to get the ball moving forwards, Bobbin getting her tackles in to win the ball, Cobb up top looking to spin off the defence with Dack and Webb breaking forwards on the flanks.

 

  Bobbin getting hold of the ball laying it forwards into Cobb up top combines with Webb top of the D before the ball is laid back into Flo Simpkin 25 yards out to strike her effort fired straight at and saved by KLSC goalkeeper, Gemma Thomas. KLSC’s, Taeya Mayes has one of the most powerful kicks in the league and manages to clear the ball onto the roof of the sports hall beside the pitch.

Aylsham midfielder, Georgie Bobbin

  Aylsham pushing forwards well Dack taking the ball on going right inside to Cobb central rolling it back for the on rushing Cayla Brown to line up a shot from 25 yards out her attempt racing wide of the right post. KLSC not set as Aylsham press the advantage looking to capitalise on their positive start. Bobbin getting stuck in in the middle, Simpkin getting forwards well to support the attackers. 

  Cobb laying the ball on for Dack pushing on down the right flank sends a looping cross into the box, near post Cobb looking to leap in on the keeper as Thomas goes to catch the ball, spilt is loose inside the six yard box, Webb taking a swing at it sending her attempt high over the crossbar. 

  Chloe Edwards getting the ball out to Turner on the right for KLSC knocks it on for Maslak to chase, getting the ball into her feet turns infield travelling across the top of the area looking for an opening doesn’t find it as she is closed down by Swift the ball cleared. O’Connor winning the ball at the back passing to Swift on the right played forwards for Dack running down the line, Elizabeth Puckova recovering her ground well to slide in take the ball off Dack behind conceding a corner. Looped high into the six yard box his headed clear.

Ella Swift

  KLSC captain Viktorija Burkauskaite intercepting the ball at the back as Bobbin attempts to find Cobb up top with the threaded pass. Edwards down after receiving a heavy knock in a challenge on halfway. Down and in some discomfort can’t continue KLSC forced into a change as Edwards is helped to the side-lines, Rachel Skinner coming on. The resulting free-kick just over half way Mayes over the ball strikes it towards goal, no a bad effort however Lock can see the ball safely past her left post. 

KLSC’s Nikola Maslak with Aylsham’s Abbie Butcher

  Turner linking up well with Maslak on the right as KLSC look to get some momentum going forwards winning a throw high the ball comes to Maslak inside the box right of goal attempts to bring the ball down and turn, is soon closed down by the Aylsham defence the ball hooked clear. Skinner getting about the pitch in an attempt to win the ball get KLSC on the move finds left back Leeanne Smith advancing up the pitch sends it forwards looking to put Maslak in behind, Abbie Butcher across her path to cut the ball out for Aylsham. 

  Maslak pushing up high or KLSC looking to turn onto the ball of her own headed flick on, runs into traffic as Arnoup and Butcher converge to close the ball down for Aylsham. Simpkin getting the ball into her feet dribbling forwards for Aylsham coming left held up by Mayes, has Webb ahead of her lays the ball into her feet, Webb’s looping cross going long cleared by Puckova at the far post. 

KLSC’s Elizabeth Puckova

  Thomas out sharply to the top of her area to slide in and smother the ball at the feet of Cobb as the Aylsham attacker threatens to run in behind the defence chasing a long defensive clearance. Simpkin attacking with Webb on the left her cross deflected into the keepers gloves. Simpkin involved in the action winning the ball back n the left for Aylsham has Cobb in an advanced position ahead of her corner of the area whips her cross along the top of the area with Dack the target on the far side, closed down by Caitlin Jacob and Puckova tries to play it back for Brown to attack 20 yards out, Trinity Tokaji getting back at her to tackle break up the move for KLSC. 

Aylsham’s Flo Simpkin

  KLSC getting a little frustrated passes not finding their mark up top, a little feisty too with a few robust challenges on display. Cobb going over on her shoulder getting a free-kick on halfway to the left. Arnoup over the set-piece fired into the area, taken well by Thomas with Cobb looking to attack it. 

Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup

The ball clipped across the pitch to Dack outside the area right corner bringing it down to shoot fires her effort wide past the far post. The visitors making a change bringing of Bobbin with Sausha Levy-Twomey dual signed with Thetford Town Ladies coming on going into the back line with Arnoup pushed into midfield. 

  Half an hour played Skinner coming on has given KLSC some extra traction going forwards the ball falling in her 25 yards out, strikes a shot wide of the left post. Turner pushing up now linking with Maslak firing the ball into the channel, Levy-Twomey using her experience to get across the attacker shield the ball out for a goal kick. O’Connor sticking out a boot to intercept well as Maslak driving inside from the right looks to feed the ball in behind with Skinner pulling off the defence.

KLSC’s Rachel Skinner

  The changes seeing the game opening up with KLSC gaining some momentum getting into the final third better, remains feisty with Arnoup and Jacob getting stuck in Aylsham making a double switch bring Butcher and Webb off, Ellie Cleaver and Ellie Snowling coming on. Maslak on for Turner ahead of her on the right lays the ball in central for Skinner, O’Connor cutting the pass out clearing for Aylsham.

  The ball not sticking up top as KLSC press winning it back into Turner who knocks it on for Ellie Panks pulling into the left channel, O’Connor coming across to defend before she can play the cross. KLSC Pushing on well winning a throw high on the right players up the ball knocked on across the six yard box cleared at the far post…

  GOAL! The ball quickly won back on the left Puckova putting in back inside Panks and Skinner outside the area left channel drawing defenders to them as the pass inside cuts the defence open to send Turner racing clear on goal right side hasn’t had much opportunity to get into the box so far and makes it count as she rifles the ball across the keeper into the bottom corner to equalise. 1-1.

Josie Turner equalising for KLSC

  KLSC getting themselves back on level terms capitalising on Aylsham dropping off late in the first half. From the restart Aylsham build on the right forwards for Dack who opens up her body to lay the ball on for Cobb and Simpkin racing forwards to attack the box, Mayes in between them going to ground sliding in to take the ball away from danger.

KLSC’s Taeya Mayes

  Arnoup upset as she is fouled by Mayes on halfway winning the free-kick fires the ball forwards deflected into the area right of goal, Cobb pounces after it her 1st touch a little too strong however giving Thomas the extra yard she needs to get out and lay claim to the ball.

Half-time KLSC FC Women 1-1 Aylsham FC Women

  All square at the break with a goal scored by KLSC at either end of the first half, Aylsham cutting KLSC open with their first attack, Rhiannon Dack’s cross turned into the back of their own net inside 30 seconds. Aylsham making the better start winning the ball well in the middle and getting players on to support the attack creating some chances without over testing the keeper. KLSC were unsettled took a while to get going, the changes helping Rachel Skinner coming on adding drive to the attack, Aylsham not benefitting from their changes as they fell back inviting KLSC forwards Josie Turner finding the pocket of space she needed to run into inside the area to score. Game on as the sides stay out on the field for the half-time interval a quick turn around the game restarting.

  No changes for KLSC as they get the 2nd half underway. Aylsham taking off Simpkin with Lily Carus coming into the middle joined by O’Connor with Arnoup along side Levy-Twomey at the back. The ball played back into the defence Aylsham looking to press, the keeper coming out to claim the ball, just, for KLSC. 

  Both sides into each other at the start the ball closed down quickly the diagonal pass finding Snowling out on the left for Aylsham takes it on tracking inside, Burkauskaite coming to close her down standing her ground winning the ball outside the box. Turner dropping her shoulder moving inside from the left looks to pick out Panks up top, after the ball as it runs into the area is closed down well by Arnoup. 

 Mayes with a strong tackle on Dack out wide to win the ball back on the left for KLSC sends it on for Turner, taking the ball inside from the left, looks to take on Levy-Twomey, the defender reading her run, getting her foot in to win the ball back. The ball deflected over for a corner of Mayes as Snowling attacks down the left for Aylsham, the corner from the left swung in turned over for a goal kick.

  Maslak turns well on the ball off a throw on the left turning inside has Panks with her central the pair looking to play a one two to get through on goal, Arnoup getting in the way to block the ball cleared out to the left comes back in claimed by Lock at her near post. Aylsham break getting up the other end quickly the ball with O’Connor in midfield sends it on for Cobb up top left of the D sends it across to the right for Dack stealing into the box, Thomas though comes rushing out to meet her sliding in to claim the ball at her feet.

Aylsham’s Sophie-Jane O’Connor

  A much more even 2nd half the ball not staying with either side for long KLSC come on through the middle with purpose the ball driven on for Turner outside the box to turn and shoot, her effort driven on low, Lock with a superb save getting down to her right to get a glove on the ball deflect it behind for the corner kick. 

Aylsham goalkeeper, Hannah Lock.

  Swung in from the left angled into the keeper, Lock punches the ball clear out of the box. Burkauskaite coming across to challenge well as O’Connor looks to play Snowling in on the left wing. KLSC Making a substitution bringing on Lydia Hunter to replace Smith just over an hour played. Straight into the action as wins the tackle on Snowling as O’Connor again looks to link up with her on the left. Aylsham gaining some momentum through the middle O’Connor linking up with Carus the ball sent out to the right Dack winning her side a throw in.

KLSC captain, Viktorija Burkauskaite

  GOAL! The throw in leads to Aylsham winning a corner on the right Arnoup across to take in sends a pacy cross the six yard box out towards the far post, Dack stooping into the header to drive the ball past the keeper into the back of the lead to fire Aylsham back into the lead 1-2.

Rhiannon Dack heads Aylsham into the lead

  KLSC falling behind in the 65th minute looking for a quick reply, looking to get forwards however the passes are a little rushed the Aylsham defence set winning the ball back. Skinner and Turner looking to combine on the left exchanging passes Turner looking to get into the box stopped by Levy-Twomey. 

 Cobb continues to work hard to press the KLSC defence looking to move around the ball falling to her 5 yards out looks to turn and attack, Burkauskaite lunging in with the challenge to deny her the opportunity. Aylsham bringing off Brown sending Bobbin back on. Thomas getting out to close Cobb down as she looks to lob the ball over her inside the D as the ball comes into the area from the right the ball falling wide.

  Carus taking the ball on for Aylsham linking up with Snowling on the left, Burkauskaite coming out to tackle get the ball up the field for KLSC. KLSC winning a free-kick inside the Aylsham half on the left, Mayes sending it long into the area, Levy-Twomey’s sliced clearance turned behind for a corner kick. Arnoup at the near post defending the corner as it is swung into the six yard box.

 Moving into the final 15 minutes Aylsham working hard to maintain their lead, Arnoup intercepting the ball as Mayes attempts to find Panks inside the box with a diagonal pass from the left. O’Connor coming off for the visitors with Simpkin returning to the action. KLSC with a throw in the right dropping inside for Tokaji outside the area sees her shot charged down, the ball cleared. Aylsham making another change with Webb returning to the pitch for Snowling on the left.

Trinity Tokaji

  Aylsham attack Carus up to Cobb left outside the area flicks it down into the path of Dack 25 yards out left of the D, her shot deflected behind for a corner kick. Arnoup’s corner flashed across the face of goal through everyone at the far post cleared to the left but comes straight back played in central Arnoup looking to return to her defensive position seeing the ball into her feet 25 yards out and firing  shot straight into the keepers gloves.

  The clock ticking down KLSC press forwards with a flowing move Skinner out to Mayes forwards into Turner left inside for Panks who runs into traffic as she looks to plough her way in on goal. Aylsham get the ball up the other end KLSC defending then Thomas plays her kick against Cobb inside the area right of goal plays it across for Carus to attack, Burkauskaite timing her tackle to get the ball way from danger.

Ellie Panks

Aylsham finding energy late in the game looking to hold onto their lead press well Bobbin on for Carus up with Webb on the left, Thomas rushing out to make the blocking save the ball deflected back to Cobb 20 yards out looking to send the ball home into the empty net the ball doesn’t drop quick enough as she sends her attempt looping up to smash down off the crossbar, KLSC regrouping at the back to launch it clear. Butcher coming back on for Swift to see out the match.

  Skinner playing the ball on for Maslak on the right for KLSC comes inside, tackled by 20 by Butcher the ball deflected back for the keeper to gather. Aylsham doing well in the latter stages to see out the game. Thomas rushing out to the top of her area to save at the feet of Cobb as she receives the ball off Simpkin as she steals possession back top of the D.

  Stoppage time being played as Aylsham win the set-piece Arnoup launching the ball forwards into the opposition box, Dack drifting in behind can’t direct her header on target as it drops to the right of goal, Thomas racing out to shield the ball out for a goal kick.

Full time KLSC FC Women 1-2 Aylsham FC Women

  The final whistle blows and Aylsham celebrate a much needed win the 3 points pulling them further clear of the bottom two and in a position to challenge the teams above for a mid-table position to consolidate their place in Division One. Made hard work of the in in the finish after making a positive start to the game on the front foot for much of the first half after taking the lead, the substitutions seemed to hamper them in the first half as they sat back allowed KLSC to gain the momentum get themselves right back into contention puling the scores level. A much more even 2nd half with KLSC creating a few good opportunities in front of goal. Didn’t have the subs to rotate as did Aylsham and that helped the visitors as they retook the lead and ad something to hold onto seeing out the game well creating an opportunity or two to extend their advantage.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As is often the case a hard decision with a few contenders in the mix. In this case really hard to single it down to one with 4 players all having a good shout, in the end it comes down to goals and that probably gives it away. A few performances to mention of course. For KLSC firstly. Their captain Viktorija Burkauskaite with a number of vital tackles at the back. Josie Turner getting into some great positions taking her goal well. Nikola Maslak lively on the flank taking the ball inside taking the game forwards. Rachel Skinner getting about the pitch looking to get KLSC going making an impact off the bench. For Aylsham the defence as a whole read the game well and all made some vital tackles further forwards Georgie Bobbin with some strong tackling in midfield handed the momentum to Aylsham early on and set the tone for the first half hour. Flo Simpkin got forwards well to support the attack with some great attacking runs. Gabrielle Cobb worked tirelessly up top to create opportunities for herself and her teammates and was unfortunate not to score. Edging it though today’s award goes to Rhiannon Dack her surging run and resulting cross into the box putting Aylsham into the lead, was a constant outlet out on the right linking up with Cobb and headed home the winning goal.

  Great to catch up with both sides today, another weather hit weekend but I stayed dry. An entertaining contest my thanks to both sides for their assistance today.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thorpe St Andrew Women v Aylsham FC Women

Thursday 18th May

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

Staying in Norfolk for some more midweek league action this Thursday evening with a trip along the A47 to watch a game from Norfolk Women’s Division Two with Thorpe St Andrew Women hosting leader leaders Aylsham FC Women, a win for the visitors will see them crowned Champion in their debut season.

  Aylsham FC Women emerging out on top of what has been a competitive tussle at the top end of a 12 strong league. With it looking an open fight between 6 sides entering the new year, one side lost as Gorleston FC Ladies were to fold, North Walsham Angels Ladies mounting a late charge to get amongst the mix, along side KLSC FC Women, Mulbarton Belles Ladies new Development side and Thorpe St Andrew Women.

  Haven’t seen Thorpe St Andrew Women for a good while, in fact back then they were still Thorpe United Ladies, one of the leading sides in the Norfolk Women’s Football league for many years. Playing at the Thorpe Recreation Ground on Laundry Lane. A falling out with the previous management regime saw the entire first team go with manager Martin Frances to form Mulbarton Belles Ladies. That left the Development team to become the senior team. A tough campaign last time out with Tony Allen taking on the coaching of the team placed in strong Division One, would have preferred to have been in Division Two.

 An inexperienced squad were to struggle with some big losses along side North Walsham Angels Ladies who were in a similar position the latter losing several experienced players as a result, Thorpe St Andrew dug deep however and sticking together worked hard week in week out to improve the signs there as the season drew to a close for a brighter future. Now back in Division Two despite losing their opening two fixtures were to go on a run of 8 matches unbeaten winning 6 to put themselves in amongst the mix at the top end of the table, becoming a side used to winning games instead of one accustomed to defeat, have dropped away at the end but will almost certain cement a top 5 finish. Abi Simmons top scorer netting 28 goals so far this season with both Bex Sutton and Poppy Le Beau reaching double figures. Thorpe a club that has always had a strong youth set-up with teams from U10s up adult.

  A phenomenal debut season for Aylsham FC Women, ex-Norwich City Women coach Steve Kenny bringing women’s football back to Aylsham, building a strong squad with some ex-Norwich City Reserves players including Jordan Arnoup, along with some ex-Stalham players, Charlotte Crane and Sophie-Jayne O’Connor. Looked a strong squad on paper and has proved to be the case starting with a romping 17-0 home win have continued to pile on the goals scoring a staggering 113 in the 19 games played to date averaging 5.6 goals a game while conceding just 8 at the other end.

  Behind in there fixtures laid in wait for the sides battling above winning 7 in a row while conceding just the 1 goal were to have a mini wobble towards the end of February beginning of March with 1-0 defeat to Mulbarton and an in form North Walsham Angels Ladies side before returning to winning ways and banging in the goal once more. Captain, Jordan Arnoup playing most of the time at centre back the league’s top scorer finding the back of the net with 38 goals from 21 appearances. Hannah Claughton too amongst the goals scoring 21 from her 21 games with Sophie Lubbock dual signed with Fakenham Town Ladies weighing in with 16 goals from just 5 appearances. 10 wins in a row propelling Aylsham to the top of the table promotion to Division one already secured a win in their final game of the season with see them become Champions although a draw would undoubtedly do it with their superior goal difference over KLSC FC Women who still have two to play.

The Thorpe Recreation Ground the home of all the Thorpe St Andrew sides. Boasting a number of full sized grass pitches sloping up from the clubhouse, with the bar and kitchen hatch open serving hot and cold drinks. Thorpe using one of the upper pitches this evening a start contrast to last evenings game in Suffolk this pitch huge in comparison one extreme to the other long and wide, sloping from one side to the other. A full 90 minute game planned a brighter day with little cloud starting to cool down noticeably as the sun drops.

Thorpe St Andrew Women

Thorpe St Andrew Women starting XI – Natalie Cloney, Libby Eglington, Sienna Moore, Emma Clarke, Sarah Rooke, Chloe Musson (C), Jen Brown, Bex Sutton, Natasha Frankland, Tabbi Mileham & Poppy Le Beau. Subs – Hannah Artis, Georgie Rumney, Abi Simmons, Olivia Pollard & Emily Warnes.

Aylsham FC Women

 Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Yaz Wolford, Ellie Cleaver, Abbie Butcher, Jordan Arnoup (C), Charlotte Crane, Georgie Bobbin, Flo Simpkin, Sophie-Jane O’Connor, Hannah Claughton, Rhiannon Dack & Carly Allum. Subs – Hannah Lock, Cayla Brown, Sophie Lubbock & Vicki Lubbock.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  A midweek fixture Aylsham having a few of their dual signed players available, with Yaz Wolford in goal also with King’s Lynn Town Ladies in the ERWFL Premier Division. Along with the Lubbock twins, Sophie and Vicki available with Fakenham Town Ladies excellent debut season in ERWFL Division One North now finished on the bench. It’s the visitors to get the game underway wearing orange coloured shirts and socks with blue shorts. Thorpe lined up opposite wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. Played back into Charlotte Crane at the back lifted out to the right Ellie Cleaver on for Rhiannon Dack, closed down by Thorpe’s Tabbi Mileham, Dack snapping back at Mileham as she looks to travel on the flank.

  Georgie Bobbin in with a strong challenge to win the ball in the middle for Aylsham lifted up to Carly Allum in attack central, hooks the ball out to Dack racing on right side pulling wider as she moves into the area gets a shot away Thorpe goalkeeper, Hannah Cloney claiming it at her near post. Plenty of space on the pitch to exploit, Bex Sutton turning on the ball central for Thorpe lifting it forwards for Poppy Le Beau in attack making a run towards the box, Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup chasing lunging in to tackle taking the ball away from Le Beau out of play for a corner on the left. 

Georgie Bobbin tacking to win the ball for Aylsham off Thorpe’s Emma Clarke

  An inswinging back curled in central dropping amongst a cluster of players, knocked out towards the penalty spot straight to Le Beau, fires a shot back in low, blocked on the line by Walford deflected out to the left cleared for a Thorpe throw. Thorpe looking to press at the start Mileham sending a cross from the throw into the area, Walford getting hold of it with Natasha Frankland closing in. 

 

 Bobbin robust in the middle for Aylsham, fouling Sarah Rooke in the middle, a free kick to Thorpe top of the circle players forwards the ball dropped over Le Beau going out attack it, Aylsham scrambling it clear to the left for the throw. Is a tendency for players to cluster at this level get drawn to the ball, however not this evening players a spread, Thorpe’s home afterall and Hannah Claughton and Dack are staying out on flanks left and right for Aylsham offering good passing options, Flo Simpkin picking out Claughton on the left as Bobbin closes the ball down in the middle, racing on to the by-line Sienna Moore holding her up well getting in the challenge to prevent the cross.

  Sutton knocking Bobbin off the ball conceding a free-kick outside the box to the left 25 yards out. Arnoup, coming forwards to take the set-piece, smashes her shot into the wall, rebounding inside central Arnoup moving to strike it 1st time gets too much on it sending the ball high over the bar. Aylsham getting oy on the wings the ball forwards form Abbie Butcher for Claughton on the left pace to take the ball on turning inside the shoot on the angle her driven effort striking the base of the near post.

Thorpe’s Bex Sutton

 Thorpe get the ball into Jen Brown on the right playing it inside for Sutton, lifted up to Le beau in attack, Crane in to close her down for Aylsham at the back. Sophie-Jayne O’Connor coming on with the ball central for Aylsham looks to send Carly Allum away as she moves into the left channel, the offside flag halting her attack. Thorpe too using the flanks well Sutton out to Mileham left shifts the ball between her feet looking to kick on, Cleaver getting her foot in to regain possession for Aylsham. Thorpe making a change, Brown coming off on comes Georgie Rumney goes into the back line.

Aylsham’s Ellie Cleaver with Thorpe’s Tabbi Mileham

 Simpkin with O’Connor in the middle for Aylsham the diagonal ball putting Dack away on the right reaching to top of the area pulls the trigger her shot pulled wide of the near post. 15 minutes played Mileham attacking on Thorpe’s left stabbed forwards into Le Beau outside the area left closely marked by Crane can’t turn inside lays it back to Mileham to strike from distance the shot wide of the near post. Olivia Pollard also on for Thorpe. 

  Pressure on the ball high on the left from Thorpe, Frankland with Mileham the latter stealing onto the ball to take it on into the area across the top of the six yard box Arnoup rushing in to close the ball down sending it clear with a blocking tackle. Certainly competitive both sides closing the ball down Thorpe encouraged getting some joy in the final third, Aylsham turning play around Arnoup forwards to O’Connor picking out Allum in the left channel, Thorpe captain Chloe Musson into close her down win the ball. 

Sophie-Jayne O’Connor bringing the ball on for Aylsham

  Aylsham winning a corner on the right an inswinging delivery high across goal, Allum rising can’t quite get her head on the ball. Dack finding space out on the right for Aylsham put on by Cleaver taking the ball on down the line fizzes a cross in close to the near post snatched up by Cloney in the Thorpe goal. Emma Clarke advancing through the middle for Thorpe sending the pass on for Le Beau in attack, Arnoup getting hold of the ball hooking it clear. 

Libby Eglington defending for Thorpe on Dack as she takes the ball on right the fullback forcing her wide before challenging. Thorpe winning a free-kick central out to Mileham left chests the ball into the path of Rooke running on into the left channel the ball crossed into the box Le Beau laying it back for Clarke who shoots wide. 

Thorpe’s Natasha Frankland with Aylsham’s Flo Simpkin

GOAL! Aylsham break down the left wing Claughton taking the ball on bursting inside smashing the ball in towards the near post, deflected through bodies across goal runs out to Dack racing in far post to smash the ball high into the back of the net 0-1. 

Rhiannon Dack opening the scoring for Aylsham with Thorpe captain Chloe Musson

The break through for Aylsham coming in the 20th minute. A blow for Thorpe, Sutton trying her luck from range her effort not trouble Walford. Musson on for Le Beau in the middle lift the ball out to Mileham up on the left taking the ball inside, Cleaver charging her shot down outside the area. The Thorpe bench unhappy with some of the decisions being given some robust challenges out there. Make a change bringing on Emily Warnes. Rumney doing well at the back defending on Allum as she tries to get into the box from the left the ball put out for a corner

 GOAL! Simpkins corner in low to the near post covered by a defender the ball out to the left Claughton looking to get hold of the ball a push on her spotted by the referee points to the spot Penalty! Arnoup, Aylsham’s penalty taker runs up strikes the ball low and fast into the bottom right corner to score her 39th goal of the season 0-2. Wheels away in celebration doing a Chloe Kelly whipping her shirt off and sports bra beneath running across to celebrate with manager Steve Kenny.

Jordan Arnoup scoring from the penalty spot for Aylsham

Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup

  Rules are rules receives a yellow card as she retrieves her shirt. Aylsham 2 goals to the good look to press the advantage Simpkin stealing through into the right channel laying the ball on for Dack out wide driving to the by-line the cross/shot racing across the face of the goal. Thorpe making a change in attack bringing off Le Beau sending on top scorer, Abi Simmons. Thorpe disappointed having made a good start to the game now 2 goals behind. Musson intercepting as Allum looks to put Claughton away on the left. 

 Aylsham making a double switch sending on Sophie and Vicki Lubbock replacing Bobbin and Simpkin. Aylsham getting on top pressing the ball high on the right before Sophie Lubbock sends a shot wide. O’Connor feeding the ball on for Sophie Lubbock driving into the right channel, Moore on her shoulder pushing her wide getting a foot on the ball to send it out for a corner. Taken short gives Sutton time to race out of the area and charge the ball down deflected out for a 2nd corner. The delivery flashed in across goal gathered by O’Connor far side her low ball back in grabbed by the keeper.

  Simmons played in through the middle as Thorpe catch Aylsham with a high line the ball running on Walford already at the top of the area stays big patient waiting to claim it even as Simmons charges on the ball skipping up off the keeper, Walford keeping her eye on the ball to take it down into her gloves. Sutton lifting the ball out to the left possession regained for Aylsham by Abbie Butcher on the left inside for Arnoup to play into the middle. 

 GOAL! Aylsham moving the ball around played left into Allum she lays it on for Sophie Lubbock to attack the box left of the area on the run sees the keeper off her line and lobs her from 30 yards out to send the ball over her to run on into the back of the net 0-3.

Sophie Lubbock with Aylsham’s 3rd with Thorpe defender Sarah Rooke

 The visitors with a comfortable lead now, Thorpe needing to settle down, Mileham back helping in defence battling with Vicki Lubbock for possession of the ball. Thorpe winning a free-kick inside the Aylsham half Sutton playing it into Mileham taking the ball on into the left corner before lifting a cross into the area, Sutton central heading the ball up towards goal Walford back on her line under it to claim safely.

Vicki Lubbock

  Another change for Aylsham with O’Connor coming off replaced by Cayla Brown as the first half moves into stoppage time. Rooke defending in the box as Vicki Lubbock looks to turn to attack the ball cleared for a throw. 

Half-time Thorpe St Andrew Women 0-3 Aylsham FC Women

After a fairly even opening 20 minutes Aylsham broke to open the scoring and added a 2nd and 3rd goal at regular intervals to secure a strong lead going into the 2nd half. Using the width well, Claughton and Dack staying out wide driving forwards. Thorpe frustrated making a positive start creating a few opportunities pressing Aylsham’s defence frustrated with a few decisions the 2nd goal unsettling them Aylsham taking advantage finishing the half strong. Almost there defending a 3 goal lead, manager Steve Kenny not wanting an complacency to set in as the sides return to the pitch after a quick turn around.

No changes for Aylsham as the sun begins to set the air getting decidedly chilly the big coat still needed. Thorpe bringing on Hannah Artis to get the 2nd half underway the ball back to Musson out to Eglington on the left, Claughton getting in to close the ball down rolled inside for Vicki Lubbock, Rumney in to tackle for Thorpe the ball cleared to the right. 

Sarah Rooke

  Dack taking the ball on up the right wing sending in a low cross to the near post, Cloney covering the angle snatching the ball up into her gloves. Brown with a strong challenge on Sutton in the middle. Thorpe winning a throw deep on the right Rooke up with Simmons the ball played into the top of the area Simmons into challenge for the ball, Thorpe appealing for a foul incensed when the decision goes the other way. 

 Get the decision as Aylsham mount an attack through the middle Sophie Lubbock taking the ball on sending it on for her sister Vicki top of the area the ball striking her arm as she looks to see it down. Warnes getting hold of the ball on the right for Thorpe looking to get forwards keeping Butcher busy at left back for Aylsham the defender closing Warnes down winning the ball as she looks to skip inside.

Aylsham’s Abbie Butcher

  Sophie Lubbock moving inside with the ball off a throw up on Aylsham’s left feeds it on into for Vicki Lubbock inside the D, Artis tackling well putting the ball back to her keeper to clear. Cloney then racing out of her area to clear as Dack sends Vicki Lubbock through on the right channel. Allum with the ball central for the visitors putting the ball on for Vicki Lubbock again making a right channel run 20 yards out puts a lobbed effort narrowly wide of the far post. 

Libby Eglington with Hannah Claughton

 Rumney getting her boot up well to intercept and a diagonal ball if lifted forwards from the right. Aylsham pressing at the start of the 2nd half Claughton shifting the ball between her feet getting on the move up the left squaring a cross into the area, Rooke cutting it out for Thorpe behind for the corner. Defending one corner Thorpe get themselves a corner of there own won on the left played in near side knocked on across goal, Warnes not quite able to get there as she charges in at the far post. 

  Thorpe winning the ball on the left Frankland inside for Simmons puts Warnes in central running on is tackled by Claughton, the visitors on the counter up towards Vicki Lubbock, Moore getting back at her to defend for Thorpe. The game opening up Sutton with time on the ball through the middle picking out Warnes on the right with a long range pass, taking it to the by-line tracked by Butcher can’t keep the cross in play.

Hannah Claughton

  Claughton pressing on the left putting the cross into the box for Vicki Lubbock, Rooke close in to knick the ball off her feet. The ball cleared into the middle Brown winning it back for Aylsham out to Claughton left up the line flashing a cross in close to goal, Cloney claiming the ball. Musson out to Sutton up on the right with Warnes wide they exchange passes before Sutton corner of the area sends it into the box with Mileham breaking in central to attack it her stooping header knocked down into the six yard box, straight at Arnoup falling back Aylsham captain blocking with her legs scrambling the ball away to safety.

  End to end as both sides look for a goal Claughton free to attack up the left sending a cross into the box defended dropping to the right of goal, Dack rushing onto it fizzing a shot on the angle over. Dack being brought off then with Simpkin coming back on with an hour played. Both sides putting in some strong tackles Warnes diving in on Butcher. Arnoup fouling Sutton, risky when already on a yellow. Aylsham changing their goalkeeper, Walford coming off, Hannah Lock coming on. 

 A delay as Sutton receives treatment is okay to play on. Le Beau coming back on for Thorpe. The hosts remain unhappy with the referee feeling they are not getting the decisions, press high on Aylsham’s box, Warnes right in central, Simmons looking to turn tackled by Brown. Aylsham come right Cleaver getting forwards to support Simpkin, Musson coming in to close her down cutting out the pass. Le Beau pulling left for Thorpe on down the line her cross into the box cut out by Arnoup. 

  Brown into defend on Warnes as she gets hold of the ball central looks to move right. A lively contest Thorpe pressing on looking for a goal to get themselves back into the game. Claughton brought down by Moore on the left as she gets on the move with the ball on the left. The set-piece sent up into the box defended by Moore for Thorpe out to the left cleared by Frankland. Aylsham getting the ball back on the right moving forwards the cross lifted into the area Allum with the deft header knocking it on to Vicki Lubbock left of goal, Moore defending well against the attacker getting hold of the ball to clear.

Thorpe’s Georgie Rumney

  Bobbin and O’Connor back on for Aylsham with Cleaver and Allum coming off the switch seeing Arnoup move up top to join the attack with a little under 20 minutes to play. Claughton surging on with the ball left side inside for Sophie Lubbock attempting to pick out Arnoup inside the D, closed down by Rooke. Butcher with a timely tackle to stop Warnes getting away on the right. O’Connor in the back line now cutting out Frankland’s cross from the left played into Le Beau.

  A close call as Arnoup as flagged offside with Simpkin playing the ball on. Claughton coming off for Aylsham with Dack returning to the action. Bobbin with a rash challenge barging into Frankland, lucky to get away with no card. Simmons linking up with Warnes on the right the cross cleared by Bobbin. Into the final 10 minutes the game a little ragged as Butcher breaks on up the left feeding the ball on for Dack her cross into the area cut out by Eglington for Thorpe.

Cayla Brown

 Bobbin with a fantastic ball forwards releasing both the Lubbock twins to attack, Sophie central taking it on into the box unselfish looking to lay it out wide to Arnoup up on the right screws her shot wide. Aylsham winning a corner on the left load the six yard box the ball swung in close to goal rebounding off players drops to Vicki Lubbock her shot blocked. Bobbin with another robust tackle on Warnes this time gets a yellow emotions running a little high. Artis coming off for Thorpe with Mileham back on.

 Bobbin with another strong tackle bringing down Warnes again, Frankland to play in towards the area Butcher defending seeing the ball out for a late Thorpe corner. Aylsham bringing off Bobbin before she is sent off, emotions high Aylsham on the cusp of winning the title need to remain calm. The corner in close to the near post Butcher turning it behind for a 2nd corner as the game moves into stoppage time. Thorpe continue to push forwards Aylsham keeping it tight ready to counter Vicki Lubbock into the left channel sending a cross through the six yard box, Arnoup throwing herself at the ball right of goal can’t get a touch. The final whistle blows and Aylsham have done it they are CHAMPIONS.

Full time Thorpe St Andrew Women 0-3 Aylsham FC Women

  Emotions running high towards the end as Aylsham closed in on the end to a magnificent debut season in Norfolk Women’s Division Two winning their final game of the season to claim the title. Scoring 116 goals along the way while conceding just 8. Getting on top in the first half after a competitive opening 20 minutes scoring at regular intervals after that to control the game at half time. Thorpe continued to ask questions 2nd half pushing on but couldn’t find that final ball, Aylsham having a little extra quality, determined in defence getting forwards well especially on the flanks.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto another Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several stand out performances and as tempted as I am not to single out an individual player, I am not going to break my own rules. For Thorpe, Tabbi Mileham did well out on the left getting hold of the ball and looking to get it inside for Le Beau in attack. Georgie Rumsey making some vital tackles at the back as did Sarah Rooke. Bex Sutton in the middle with a good range of passing looking to get the forward players through on goal. Aylsham with a strong team performance from back to front. Captain Jordan Arnoup winning the ball at the back well. Carly Allum making some great runs into the channels getting back to win her fair share of the ball, Cayla Brown coming on showing a determination to win the ball. The Lubbock twins, Sophie and Vicki linking up well together through the middle. Out on the flanks Aylsham carried to biggest threat, Rhiannon Dack getting forwards well on the right, scoring the opening goal, the award goes to her opposite number Hannah Claughton some fantastic runs on the ball on the left driving forwards causing Thorpe problems throughout.

Aylsham enjoying the celebrations at the end with flares and champagne most off it spilt mind with a good share being worn by the squad almost got caught in the charge to escape a soaking at the end but great to see a team celebrating. Congratulations to Aylsham FC Women of becoming Champions of Norfolk Women’s Division Two.

Captain Jordan Arnoup taking a moment to let it all sink in has had a tremendous season

Three midweek games done one more to go, off to Carrow Road this Friday for the Norfolk Women’s County Cup final. My thanks to both clubs for this assistance with the team details and great to catch up with Thorpe at last and have a chat with a few footballing friends.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Aylsham FC Women v KLSC FC Women

Sunday 12th February

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

The attention this Sunday turns to the title race in Norfolk Women’s Division Two as two of the main contenders meet at Youngs Park, 2nd placed KLSC FC Women taking on newly formed Aylsham FC Women in 5th.

 Alot of games still to be played in the 12 strong league as we approach the middle of February. With the top six sides all well positioned to mount a title challenge. Blofield United Ladies stepping up into woman’s football this season currently on top by 3 points having won 8 of their 10 league games played to date. KLSC FC Women long time leaders dropping back to 2nd with Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development and Thorpe St Andrew Women 3rd and 4th respectfully. Aylsham the only side with a 100% winning rate in 5th having played just 6 of their expected 22 league matches. Gorleston GC Ladies in sixth have games in and too and will be involved in the battle for the title and promotion.

  Aylsham FC Women newly formed this season headed up by former Norwich City Women coach, Steve Kenny. Is the 3rd incantation of a women’s side in Aylsham since I began  Women’s Football East. Adams bringing with him a few ex-Norwich City Women Reserves players adding experienced players such as Charlotte Crane and Sophie-Jayne O’Connor from Stalham Town Ladies build a decent looking squad. Aylsham FC itself always a club with a strong youth set-up keen to have a women’s team and with Youngs Park providing a great community based set-up the facilities are in place to help the woman’s side grow. Certainly get the sense of a team that is very much together and wanting to grow and succeed. 

  One of the favourites before a ball was even kicked Division Two has certainly proved it will be no walk over for anyone with other sides emerging as a force to content with. Aylsham have played just 6 league games to date which is going to make for a busy end to the season. Have won all 6 of those games scoring 50 goals along the way and conceding just 1 goal. Of those 6 games though have yet to face a top 6 side due to a combination of postponements and cup competitions seeing fixtures moved. Today their first real test against a top side. Hannah Claughton showing great form in front of goal top scoring with 16 goals from 9 appearances. Sophie Lubbock dual signed with Fakenham Town Ladies has 13 goals from just 4 appearances with captain Jordan Arnoup bagging a double hat-trick last time out to move into 3rd position in the goal scoring charts with 9.

  KLSC FC Women (King’s Lynn Soccer Club) as I mentioned were the early pacesetters getting games in where others didn’t winning all 7 of their opening league matches to sit top of the Division Two table. A 3-3 draw with a resurgent Thorpe St Andrew Women at the start of 2023 seeing them drop their first points of the season but as yet are unbeaten. Blofield United taking over top spot while KLSC FC Women were in action in the 3rd Round of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup a 4-3 win over Division One side Stalham Town Ladies seeing them into the last 8 of the competition. 

  Josie Turner has been prolific in front of goal for KLSC FC Women since their formation in 2021 providing King’s Lynn with a much needed 2nd women’s football side. Finishing 3rd in their debut season behind Caister FC  Ladies and UEA FC Women, Turner netted 21 goals to finish well clear as top scorer. This season Turner is already at 21 goals from just 9 appearances. Today’s trip to Aylsham the 1st of a trio of vital games, 2 against a fellow title contenders with a county cup quarter final against Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women in between an away trip Blofield United on the 26th of Feb. 

Youngs Park the venue for today’s game, hosted last season’s NWGFL finals day last season a community sports ground with the main pitch beside a newly built clubhouse and changing rooms surrounded by numerous grass pitches. The kitchen hatch open serving hot drinks. A decidedly dull and overcast day, grey clouds all around no sun at all no rain forecast very still all in all pretty miserable weather wise. 

Aylsham FC Women

 Aylsham FC  Women starting XI – Hannah Lock, Ellie Cleaver, Abbie Butcher, Jordan Arnoup (C), Charlotte Crane, Michaela Brown, Rhiannon Dack, Carly Allum, Georgina Bobbin, Hannah Claughton & Sophie-Jayne O’Connor. Subs – Chelsea Crowley & Flo Simpkin.

KLSC FC Women

  KLSC FC Women starting XI – Bryony Russell-Smith, Chloe Birch-Bailey, Chloe Moulton, Viktoria Burkauskaite (C), Caitlin Jacob, Taeya Miles, Kesley Ramm, Chloe Edwards, Leeanne Smith & Josie Turner. Subs – Lucy Clarke & Millie Bareford.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Both sides naming 2 on the bench it’s the hosts Aylsham to get the first half underway wearing orange coloured shirts with blue short and orange socks with KLSC lined up opposite wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to captain Jordan Arnoup in defence sprays the pass out to the right for Rhiannon Dack, defended by KLSC’s Caitlin Jacob the visitors straight on the counter, Chloe Edwards on the left shifting inside to beat her marker racing forwards tackled by Aylsham centre back, Charlotte Crane. 

 KLSC win possession on the centre of the park the ball put forwards into Josie Turner sends the pass out to the right for Trinity Tokaji cutting back inside top of the area rolls the ball inside for Turner who lets it run across her body preparing to line up a strike inside the D the shot charged down by Aylsham’s  Georgina Bobbin. 

  Aylsham attack through the middle, Carly Allum with Bobbin forwards into attacker Sophie-Jayne O’Conner held up top of the area, lays it back for Bobbin spinning in behind to receive the return pass right of goal struck on the angle racing wide of the near post. Turner is bundled over winning KLSC a free-kick central 35 yards out. Players up into the box with Turner over the ball, struck well towards goal skipping up in front of goalkeeper Hannah Lock knocks the ball down, doesn’t quite have possession as KLSC’s Leeanne Smith comes chasing in the pair colliding, the resulting free-kick favouring the goalkeeper. Lock down for a moment assessed but okay to continue. 

  A good sized pitch both sides looking to get the ball out to their wide players, Allum sliding in to tackle Tokaji as she prepares to break on the right for KLSC. No one settling on the ball both sides looking to get it forwards with haste both defences get players out to intercept the ball. Hannah Claughton bursting forwards wide left for Aylsham tackled by KLSC captain, Viktoria Burkauskaite halting Claughton’s momentum, she stays on her feet to dart inside take the ball on feeding a good ball across the six yard box, no one gambling however. Allum with a powerful drive from midfield going left with Claughton is tackled by Burkauskaite.

Hannah Claughton on the attack for Aylsham

   Edwards on the left for KLSC doing well on the ball to get in behind wraps her foot around the ball her cross deflected square into the path of her teammate Kesley Ramm 30 yards out her snap shot wide of the right post. Turner pressuring the defence outside the box to the right of the goal inside lifts a looping ball into the near post bouncing awkwardly in front of Lock, the defensive clearance across the six yard box, Turner alive after it struck wide on the half volley. 

KLSC’s Chloe Edwards

  Both 11’s are getting joy down the left side of the pitch, Edwards for KLSC and Claughton for Aylsham, a powerful run forwards cuts back inside 20 yards out to lay the ball into O’Connor right of the  strikes for the top corner, KLSC goalkeeper, Bryony Russell-Smith scrambling across her goal can see the ball safely wide of the right post. Allum down having taken a knock for Aylsham needing treatment a lengthy pause follows before she is up and brought over to the side-lines for further assessment.

 Allum waved back on as play resumes a melee in the middle as players close down the ball it pops free to the left into Claughton’s path for the attacker to drive forwards towards the area wrapping her left foot around the ball looking to shoot across the keeper the racing wide of the far post. Allum showing a great piece of skill bringing a high ball down under control releasing it to Claughton the left, Chloe Moulton stretching to make the challenge regain possession for KLSC. Taeya Miles back to help the defence making several good interceptions to prevent the ball finding O’Connor central.

KLSC’s Taeya Miles

  Tokaji frustrated as her run is halted by the offside flag as Edwards attempts to put her through on goal with a diagonal pass. Bobbin sending the pass out to the left for Claughton does well to keep it in play in the corner getting inside to left a cross into the six yard box, Allum rising in front of goal with a glancing header can’t get enough on the ball to deflect it towards goal. 

Aylsham’s Abbie Butcher

  Ramm on the ball for KLSC central plays the ball out to Edwards breaking forwards on the left cutting inside top corner of the area to shoot a low drive Lock down at her post safely behind it. Aylsham with numbers through the middle Michaela Brown on for Bobbin, Claughton up with her the pass threaded into the box for O’Connor right of goal her shot deflected behind for a corner kick. The corner taken from the right, (once Claughton has retrieved the ball from the allotments behind the goal) and inswinging delivery players attacking the near post the ball into the side netting.

Kesley Ramm and Carly Allum

  Burkauskaite tracking back with her defence cutting out a cross from Dack on the right heading the ball away for KLSC. The game could do with someone calming their side down both are playing at a break neck pace hence players can’t get into position to receive the ball seeing possession ebb and flow with neither side gaining the upper hand. Russell-Smith out to the top of her area sliding in bravely to stop Dack running onto the ball. KLSC winning a freekick out wide left on half way Miles with a good kick on her sending the ball into the area headed clear drops straight to Turner 25 yards out who needs no invitation to shoot her effort angled straight at the keeper. 

KLSC goalkeeper, Bryony Russell-Smith

  Edwards getting some unwelcome abuse from the ‘supporters’ on the far side of the pitch hardly needed leading to some frustration. Allum on the move through the middle with the ball for Aylsham both O’Connor and Claughton getting in behind as the ball is put on but Russell-Smith does well out early to come clear the ball high up the pitch. KLSC are dropping back as a defensive unit all the way to their six yard box at times going as Claughton attacks left her cross won and cleared by Miles. 

KLSC defender, Chloe Moulton

  Allum fouled by Miles out wide left, Arnoup forwards to take the set-piece struck well a teasing delivery across the six yard box would have been a nightmare for KLSC to try and defend however no one gets near it for Aylsham out for a goalkick. KLSC make a substitution bring Smith off for Millie Bareford. Aylsham with a free-kick wide right this time Arnoup’s powerful delivery catching Bobbin in the face, shaken it on her feet but replaced soon after with Chelsea Crowley coming on O’Connor dropping into a deeper role.

  Tempers flare up on the far side of the pitch a brief scuffle between Edwards and Cleaver. referee Steven Ciriboto, quick to intervene calm everyone down a talking too and yellow card shown to both. The first half coming to a close, Claughton continuing to get joy down the left for Aylsham racing to the by-line getting inside Moulton, Miles back to support her getting in the blocking tackle to deny the cross the ball coming off Claughton for the goal kick. 

  GOAL! Aylsham on the attack in stoppage time at the end of the first half Allum with the ball strong into the left channel heading into the box, Burkauskaite closing her down lunging in clipping the midfielder on the calf, the whistle could have blown then for a penalty, Allum staying on her feet shifting inside six yards out is then bundled over by the KLSC captain the penalty is given. Arnoup forwards to place the ball on the spot a powerful hit rising to the right to bulge the back of the net 1-0. Arnoup with her 10th goal of the season.

Carly Allum breaking forwards in the build up to the penalty

Jordan Arnoup scoring from the penalty spot to put Aylsham into the lead

  Aylsham lively at the end of the first half numbers up in the final 3rd a KLSC handball spotted the free-kick awarded central 30 yards out, Arnoup over the ball again strikes for goal past the wall wide of the left post.

Half-time Aylsham FC Women 1-0 KLSC FC Women

  Aylsham’s players race into the changing rooms having secured a narrow 1 goal lead late in the first half thanks to a strong run into the box from Carly Allum that lead to captain Jordan Arnoup scoring the penalty. Overall the sides fairly evenly matched, KLSC defending the deeper inviting more pressure with Aylsham getting into some useful attacking positions both sides creating chances as of yet none clear cut. Set up beautifully for the 2nd half. KLSC staying out on the pitch ready to get the 2nd half underway. 

KLSC attacker, Josie Turner

 The ball played into Turner looks to turn on the ball drive forwards, Brown closing her down. Cleaver onto the ball for Aylsham the full back looking to get forwards challenged by KLSC’s Miles. Both teams into each other in the early exchanges a little niggly, Ramm seeing the ball into her feet out on the right for KLSC 25 yards out with a clever turn on the ball to shake off her marker get inside to pick out Turner central who in turn thread a diagonal ball out to Edwards breaking down the line on the left wing her cross lifted into the box headed clear by Crane. 

Kesley Ramm on the ball for KLSC

 Allum continuing to get forwards well from midfield support from Claughton wide left going forwards Burkauskaite closing her down to tackle put the ball out for a throw in. Bareford playing the ball on in midfield with Crane and Turner in a race for the ball, the KLSC attacker getting their first under pressure from Crane can only send her low shot in straight for Lock to gather cleanly. 

  KLSC pushing hard from a reply at the start of the 2nd half Ramm out right bursting clear to strike the ball, deflected off Butcher to go behind for a corner. Swung in to the near post from the right, Crane doing the defending at the near post. Aylsham finding space with KLSC committing a extra player forwards Allum moving the ball wide for Dack, tackled by Birch-Bailey. Issue’s with the crowd continue leading the referee stopping play and speaking to the offenders. Dack getting into an advancing position on the right lifting a cross through the six yard box a swing and a miss from Crowley central runs on for Claughton to control left side and strike in on the angle, Russell-Smith gathering low at her near post.

  The pattern of the game beginning to shift Aylsham getting more of the ball KLSC getting frustrated with some of the fouls being given against them. Claughton charging the ball down on the left able to run in behind take it on to unleash a low shot in on the angle, Russell-Smith getting down sharply to make a good save turning the ball wide across her goal for a corner. Aylsham making a change before the corner bringing off ack, Flo Simpkins coming on. 

Aylsham’s Carly Allum

 The corner coming in cleared back out right edge of the box the attempted cross blocked deflected behind, judged to be a handball and Aylsham are awarded a 2nd penalty! A harsh one but given Arnoup up to take it placing the ball on the spot opts for power again going to the left this time Russell-Smith going the right way the ball struck hard smashing down off the woodwork, the follow up lifted over the bar. Arnoup not happy.

  Heavy contact from a 50/50 ball between Cleaver and Miles it’s the Aylsham defender who comes off worse needing a moment to recover but is up okay to play on.

  GOAL! A couple of minutes after seeing a penalty missed Aylsham are awarded a free-kick out wide on the left 25 yards out. Arnoup once again on set-piece duties. No mistake this time is a wonderfully struck ball lots of pace and dip on it as it sails over Russell-Smith to find the far corner of the net 2-0.

A brace for Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup

  21 minutes gone in the 2nd half and Aylsham double their lead. Equal amounts of joy and frustration for Arnoup as Aylsham feel they are getting the rough call on a few decisions too. Is a competitive match KLSC are getting into their opponents looking to disrupt their play a few tired legs out there play beginning to get stretched in places. Crowley pulling off the defence from a diagonal ball right corner of the area a lunging shot rising, is taken high by Russell-Smith across at her near post. 

 Cleaver lifting the ball up the line on the right for Aylsham’s Crowley to run onto heading for the by-line whips a great ball into the KLSC six  yard box just no one arriving to turn it home. Claughton is unceremoniously upended attacking on the left a free-kick awarded, Arnoup over it angles the ball long to the far post out for a goal kick. Bobbin returning to the game for Aylsham as the hosts win a free-kick wide on the right. Arnoup again aiming for a crowded far post area, Simpkin rising very close to getting the header.

Russell-Smith moving quickly out to the top of her area to slide in bravely at the feet of Claughton to save. Aylsham getting the better of the possession now coming forwards at will KLSC defending deep making it hard to get a counter going. Burkauskaite unhappy as she feels she’s fouled in the middle as Aylsham break away with the ball Crowley to the right breaking into the box firing her angled shot wide across goal. 

  Crowley making a nuisance of herself in front of the box forcing an error from the defence snapping onto the ball to break into the box right of goal her lobbed attempt drops wide. Bareford with a push on Bobbin Aylsham with the free-kick on half way played out wide to Claughton her squared cross intercepted by Burkauskaite. The game moving into the final 10 minutes, Aylsham winning a throw high on the right the ball cleared by Miles falling to Bobbin lays it into the path of Arnoup to hit from distance rattles wide of the left post.

 GOAL! Crowley has been threatening a score for Aylsham all through the first half and is played through on goal by a superb pass from Allum central to put her one on one with the keeper, keeps a cool head to slot the ball to her left and score her first goal for the club 3-0.

Chelsea Crowley with Aylsham’s 3rd goal

  Bobbin booked as she goes in hard on Birch-Bailey catching her from behind, the defender struggling needs to be helped off, with Clarke coming on. Edwards pushing on with the ball left side trying to get on with Ramm in support does well to win a corner kick. Driven in from the left to the top of the box for Bareford takes the ball into the area, Arnoup putting her foot in to clear the ball out of the ground into the wooded public footpath beyond. Allum’s work done late in the game she is taken off with Dack sent back on with barely a minute of regular time to play. Claughton done soon after replaced by Dack. 

  Dack with a try from distance easily held by Russell-Smith. KLSC stretched in the closing stages Aylsham getting the ball about the pitch, Bobbin on for Crowley, Jacobs preventing her spinning in behind. The final whistle blows and Aylsham extend their 100% record to 7 games climbing to 4th within a point of KLSC who suffer their first defeat in the league dropping a place as Mulbarton Belles Development move above them, Aylsham’s next opponents.

Full time Aylsham FC Women 3-0 KLSC FC Women

  Aylsham going on to dominate the 2nd half after an early push from KLSC to find a reply to falling behind late in the first half. Using the pitch well to stretch the game wear their opponents down. Coming though their first test against a fellow title contender well winning in the end by 3 goals. Alot of football still to be played and will fancy their chances of reaching the latter stages of the League Plate competition too. KLSC working hard in the first half looking a match for Aylsham eventually tiring in the 2nd half a big game in the county cup to come next weekend. Is incredibly tight at the top of Division Two the top 5 separated by 5 points will be a few twists and turns yet.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match once again is a tough decision in many regards. Several performances of note firstly for KLSC, Taeya Miles with some strong tackling getting back to help the defence, intercepting balls and getting it away from danger. Kesley Ramm working hard in the middle with some clever footwork to get room for a pass. Chloe Edwards despite having to put up with some unnecessary abuse a threat out on the left. Aylsham with an all round solid defensive game. Jordan Arnoup with the set piece goals to help the club on the way to another victory. Chelsea Crowley looked lively up top in attack creating chances. Is an extremely close call for today’s award Hannah Claughton carried a threat all game out on the left in attack with the ball at her feet showing a great work rate. Carly Allum is today’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match a powerful performance in the middle of the park getting hold of the ball and driving forwards with some excellent attacks winning the penalty and setting up Crowley for Aylsham’s 3rd goal.

  Great to be back at Youngs Park, see Aylsham for the first time good to catch up with a few familiar faces I haven’t seen in a while. An enjoyable game from NWGFL Division Two, my thanks to both clubs for their help today much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham