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Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Bure Valley Women

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Sunday 13th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Fresh from covering my 600th game for Women’s Football East, it’s back to league action this Sunday and a game from Norfolk Women’s Division One, A trip to The Daly Group Stadium in Fakenham to watch Fakenham Town Ladies versus Bure Valley Women. 

  Still plenty of football to be played in Norfolk Women’s Division One, defending champions, Bungay Town Ladies looking on good shape to defend their title, the battle behind intense with a cluster of sides all putting together a run of results to push for a top three finish, very tight in the middle of the table too and things getting interesting at the other end with the sides seemingly becoming adrift at the bottom getting players back and picking up valuable points. Certainly any side can feel they can beat the other on their day.

  Bure Valley Women reforming a woman’s side last season and clinching the Division Two title to win promotion to Division One, a club with a strong youth section the first team now backed up by a new Development side entering Division Three as the league expands with a new influx of sides. Bure Valley’s 1st team currently 5th in the table. Having gotten off to a flyer winning 3 and drawing 1 in their opening 4 league matches. Picking up some good wins along the way, along with reaching the last 4 of the League Cup.

  Added to their attacking threat over the summer with Lauren Goulder and Rhiannon Dack joining the squad. Unfortunately have been without both through injury for a large chunk of the season. Dack returning in February, however their young squad has performed well regardless. Captain, Emma MacMillan top scorer for Bury Valley with 10 goals from her 15 matches with Maisie Redgrave and Megan Swain both on 5 each. 

  Fakenham Town Ladies were in danger of folding over the summer having just been relegated from the ERWFL after a 2 year stint and losing all most all of their squad. Only new captain, Gina Pooley and Hayley Marjoram from today’s squad still with the club. Fortunately the new management team had a group of young players ready to step up into the squad along with recruiting a few from Dussindale & Hellesdon’s U16s. Started the season well losing just one of their opening 4 league matches. Have won just 2 since with 4 draws that leaves them down in 8th position, now looking nervously over their shoulders with the sides below finding some form.

 Have a proven goal scorer in their ranks however with Maddie Green banging in the goals this season, joint 2nd scorer in Division One with 17 goals from her 16 games. Sister, Katie and Holly Williams have 3 goals apiece. With players coming of age to join the squad during the season the woman’s side looks to be back in good shape.

  The Daly Group Stadium the venue for this afternoons league encounter. The main pitch being rested no doubt in need of a good watering with the lack of rainfall so far this month. The club having two full size pitches opposite the carpark. Both well used, firm under foot in need of some rain, a little possible later in the day. The clubhouse open the bar serving hot and cold drinks. The main pitch is one of the largest around the pitch being used today much more compact, standing viewing all round the trees around the pitch white with blossom. The warm when able to poke through the grey clouds.

Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Karina Townsend, Francesca Wood, Sophia Price, Marcie McCullagh, Ella Ballett, Gina Pooley (C), Tayla Ewles-Belton, Holly Williams, Katie Green, Faith Fox & Maddie Green. Subs – Isabel Dallas Smith, Bethany Seymour, Sydney Smith & Hayley Marjoram.

Bury Valley Women

 Bure Valley Women starting XI – Danielle Barnes, Lucy Searcey, Willow Nye, Lucy Staff, Jasmin Snelling, Lily Norman, Eva Heald, Emma MacMillan (C) Rhiannon Dack, Emily Addison & Maisie Redgrave. Subs – Mariana Teixeira.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Gina Pooley and Emma MacMillan with today’s match referee William Lai.

  Bure Valley a little light on numbers naming just the one player on the bench, Fakenham with four substitutes to call upon, a injury concern in the warm-up sees Isabel Dallas Smith drop to the bench as a precaution with Sophia Price coming on at right back. It’s Bure Valley to get the first half underway wearing navy coloured shirts with red sleeves, navy shorts and red socks. Fakenham lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to captain Emma MacMillan she plays it back to Lucy Staff in defence, played up the left wing for Emily Addison to attack sends it on to Maisie Redgrave coming over to the left corner, the ball put back into Addison to turn a cross into the top of the area Holly Williams there to clear for Fakenham.

Bure Valley’s Lucy Staff

  Bure Valley with a throw out on the left, Williams busy for Fakenham early doors getting stuck in to challenge for the ball as the visitors try to link up their passes in the final 3rd. MacMillan onto the ball central for Bure Valley strokes it out to the right wing for Redgrave to chase down, held up by Francesca Wood checks back inside to lay the in central to Addison some 25 yards out goes to hit it first time curling her attempt over the crossbar.

  Wooded areas behind one goal and the side opposite the dug outs, players having to go on forays to retrieve it. A lively start both sides nipping in to try and close the ball down popping about in the middle, Eva Heald getting it out to the left for Bure Valley, Addison looking to attack in driving on, turning into the box, Price lunging in to deny the cross the ball out for a corner.

 

  Fakenham look to break out from the back, Katie Green on the ball left side clipping it into the middle for Maddie Green in attack, back to goal top of the D, held up by Jasmin Snelling lays it back into Williams to send a diagonal ball out to the right for Katie Green looking to get down the line, Staff closing her down the ball off the defender for a corner kick. Curled in long across the six yard box falling beyond the far post for Katie Green, knocked it down back into the mix, Bure Valley scramble it clear.

  Ella Ballett breaking up a Bure Valley attack top of her box for Fakenham getting the ball forwards into midfield, Williams helping it on for Maddie Green, attempts to play it in behind the defence for Faith Fox, however the flag goes up against her for offside. The ball hooked long upfield by Bure Valley for Addison in the left channel, running into the box, Price going with her for Fakenham sees it back to goalkeeper, Karina Townsend.

  Bure Valley bright in attack looking to play some neat passes just not coming off as they run into a congested centre, Ballett intercepting for Fakenham to clear. Williams battling for possession central for Fakenham wriggles free with the ball at her feet to send it on down the left with Wood breaking forwards beyond captain, Gina Pooley the ball crossed into the middle, cut out by Lily Norman for Bure Valley.

  Fakenham working the ball down the left getting a throw played into Maddie Green 30 yards out to the left of goal hits the shot on the turn, her effort wide past the far post. Fakenham winning the ball well in the middle played out to Pooley on the left with Maddie Green the cross lifted in on goal, Danielle Barnes up to claim it at her near post. Pooley left playing the pass into Maddie Green back to goal 25 yards out left of the D, looks to turn into the area, Snelling putting in the tackle the ball running off her behind for a corner kick.

Jasmine Snelling about to clear for Bure Valley

 Played on long across the top of the area from the right, Bure Valley get hold of the ball look for the counter attack, Nye sending it up to Redgrave wide, has MacMillan looking to get up with her into the box the pass into her snubbed out, Addison racing to catch up with play trying to link up with Redgrave to her left in the box, but Fakenham have regrouped gotten numbers back, no shot on, Addison looks to dink a cross into the six yard box Townsend and get hold of the ball for Fakenham.

  A even contest both sides looking to get the ball forwards with pace, MacMillan driving on with the ball through the middle sending it on for Redgrave in the box left side, Ballett going with her looking to see the ball out of play for a goal kick, Redgrave managing to play it off the defender for a corner instead. Swung in to the middle of the six yard box Williams coming in to defend the ball heading it behind for another corner on the left. This delivery long across goal to the far post knocked back across goal, Fakenham with plenty back to defend getting it away to safety. 

Francesca Wood defending on Maisie Redgrave

 

 GOAL! Fakenham send the ball into the middle for Katie Green plays it out to the left with Maddie Green on the move down the wing taking the ball down into the corner cuts a cross back in towards the top of the area, Nye getting a slight touch the ball runs on to Katie Green top of the D and she strikes the ball in low past the keeper into the bottom left corner to give Fakenham the lead 1-0. 

Katie Green fires Fakenham into the lead

  Just past the opening quarter hour, Fakenham take the lead, Bure Valley looking to attack from the restart the ball played out to Redgrave racing on down the right strikes it early on the angle her shot arrowing behind at the near post. Fakenham break through the middle, Williams playing it forwards early for Maddie Green looking to run in behind the defence, Barnes needing to come out of her area just about wins the race, her clearance uncertain however as Fakenham pour forwards Katie Green looking to lift it into the area for Fox to attack, Barnes recovering to get her arms up to pull the ball down into her body.

Bure Valley goalkeeper, Danielle Barnes

  Bure Valley build through the middle MacMillan and Heald exchanging passes, before Heald attempts to pick out Addison on the left, Ballett though stretching out a leg to intercept the pass for Fakenham. Norman coming across to challenge Pooley on the left as she exchanges passes with Maddie Green in attack. slowing her progress, Annie Searcey getting up with Norman to see the ball out for a throw in.

Bure Valley’s Annie Searcey

 

  Fakenham making a change in attack, Fox coming off, Bethany Seymour coming on. Snelling bringing the ball out from the back for Bure Valley sending the pass into Heald moving left plays it on up the line for Addison looking to get in behind, again it’s Ballett moving across from the centre of defence to close her down play the ball out. Katie Green latching onto a loose Bure Valley ball at the back 25 yards out from goal shifts it to her right before pulling her foot through the ball, doesn’t get it cleanly the shot screwing wide.

  Williams snapping in to win the ball back for Fakenham playing it out to Katie Green wide on the left on half way looks for Maddie Green up top with the diagonal ball into her left of goal, taking it down to the by-line whips a ball in on the angle, Barnes down into it low at her near post.

 Bure Valley if anything over complicating the final ball one too many passes Fakenham’s defence as a collective unit keeping it tight through the middle, Searcey sending it on up the right for Redgrave, Wood can see it out of play for a goal kick. Bure Valley attack on the left Nye pushing on to get up with Addison the pair exchanging passes, Nye turning in inside, Rhiannon Dack closed down central before she can work space for a shot out to Searcey right forwards into MacMillan, dinks it into the box for Redgrave to attack, Townsend though coming to meet it getting hold of the ball before Redgrave can make contact.

  End to end, Fakenham looking for Katie Green on the right her passing up to Maddie Green in attack stretching the Bure Valley defence. Marcie McCullagh cutting MacMillan’s through ball out for Fakenham the hosts looking to attack Williams through the middle on for Maddie Green, Snelling intercepting for Bure Valley. The ball continues to be hotly contested in the middle of the park, Price and Addison fighting for the ball as Nye rolls it on for her left side, squirms away to lift the ball on for Redgrave up top, Ballett going with her winning the tackle for Fakenham. 

Fakenham defender, Ella Ballett

 Fakenham counter Tayla Ewles-Belton on for Maddie Green in attack left channel looks to burst through the defence to get into the area, Snelling getting back at her slowing her progress, instead clips the ball out to the right for Katie Green to hit the cross on the run, flashed in across the face of goal no one can get a touch cleared beyond the far post. Fakenham making a 2nd change, Wood coming of Hayley Marjoram coming on. Bure Valley making a change to with Mariana Teixeira coming on to replace Nye. 

 The visitors bursting on through the middle, Dack to MacMillan lifted on for Redgrave up top, the ball not falling kindly for her as she tries to take on the early shot from outside the box, cleared to the right Price sending it on for Maddie Green pulling wide left, Barnes starts to come Green taking on the early shot rushed a little, Barnes twisting awkwardly as she tries to get down to the ball but can see it roll wide of the far post. The keeper stays down in need of some attention but is up ready to play on.

Fakenham’s Maddie Green

  Redgrave up on the left with Teixeira the attackers looking to exchange passes work the ball into the box, Price getting in the challenge to take the ball out of play. Maddie Green a constant threat up top for Fakenham looking to pull into the left channel, Williams trying to pick out her run this time, Snelling reading it for Bure Valley. 

  MacMillan on the ball central for Bure Valley getting forwards pushed into Teixeira outside the box turns it on into the area with Redgrave making the run in behind, Townsend making the call, coming on to lay claim to the ball. Bure Valley getting the ball on well enough just finding that final ball elusive, Ballett and McCullagh keeping it tight through the middle backed up by Ewles-Belton and Williams. 

Marcie McCullagh

 The sun shinning bright the first half being played at a furious pace, into the final 5 minutes MacMillan inside for Heald looks to drive forwards 25 yards out, McCullagh stepping out of the back line to put in the challenge. Fakenham break the ball into Maddie Green central turns it on up top to Williams bursting forwards right channel 20 yards out takes on the strike hit on the half volley coming at Barnes two feet of the ground the keeper, behind it making the catch look easy.

Fakenham’s Tayla Ewles-Belton

  The hosts finishing the 1st half strong, Ewles-Belton on for Maddie Green central Williams making to move to go beyond her left channel Green rolling the ball into her path the shot from outside the box straight at the keeper. Katie Green surging on down the right with the ball at her feet for Fakenham firing a cross into the area long past the far post, Norman defending as Maddie Green looks to attack it. Maddie Green pulling left to see the ball rolled into her feet from Pooley, turns to strike on the angle Barnes down smartly at her near post getting a touch the ball diverted into the side netting for a corner kick. In from the left high across the six yard box knocked back across to the left post coming into Katie Green at an awkward height can’t get it down under control before being closed down.

Half-time Fakenham Town Ladies 1-0 Bure Valley Women

  A fast paced first half coming to an end, both sides staying on the pitch for the half-time interval. Bure Valley starting brightly looking to get the ball forwards, Fakenham battling to win it back coming into the game themselves looking to do the same, contrasting attacks Fakenham keeping it tight through the middle dangerous on the counter looking to stretch the Bure Valley back line without overly committing players into the box. Katie green firing them into the lead on 16 minutes. Bure Valley getting players up into the final 3rd but so far unable to find the final ball to unlock the hosts defence. Still all poised for the 2nd half.

 Both sides making changes at the break, Nye back on for Bure Valley replacing Heald. Marjoram and Seymour off for Fakenham, Fox back on along with Sydney Smith. It’s Fakenham to get the 2nd half underway, the ball played back into the defence, Bure Valley moving in to press, no head way, Fakenham feeding it on up the right the ball out for a throw in. 

  Bure Valley feed the ball out to Dack drifting out to the left, helps ball on into the box with Teixeira peeling off the defence, but the attacker can’t quite get onto the end of it as Townsend sees it out for a goal kick. Pooley getting the ball into her feet left side sending it on up the line for Smith, Snelling getting across to tackle see the ball out for a throw. Both sides continue to race in close the ball down Bure Valley attack right Redgrave inside for Dack has Searcey moving down the wing plays the ball into her path, Searcey in turn putting it inside to Redgrave top of the box, Pooley their to nip in to steal the ball back for Fakenham. Bure Valley get a throw high on the right that leads to a corner kick.

GOAL! The ball fired into the box low central players racing to meet it turned back out to the corner taker on the right lifted back in towards the top of the D, half cleared MacMillan onto it 25 yards out teeing up Dack to strike angled in on goal flies past Townsend to sneak in at the left post 1-1. Dack’s first goal for Bure Valley too.

Rhiannon Dack’s shot from outside the box sneaking in at the left post

Rhiannon Dack scores the equaliser for Bure Valley

  Bure Valley back on level terms early in the 2nd half. Fakenham getting the down on for Maddie green in attack some 30 yards out attempting to swing at it on the turn, doesn’t get hold of it the ball drifting wide of the mark. Katie Green on the attack right side for Fakenham sees her cross turned behind for a corner kick. Curling in on the keeper, Barnes getting a hand on the ball to knock it on past the far post dropping for Katie Green to lift a cross back into the middle, Williams leaping central can’t get anything on the ball as Bure Valley get it cleared to safety.

  The ball is rarely still only the odd trip into the woods to retrieve it. The pitch hard a few spots of rain in the air, the umbrella needed to keep the notepad dry, can’t put it my pocket too much happening. Nye getting the ball into MacMillan top of the area 20 yards out has Redgrave beside her the short pass into her helped out to Addison on the left takes on the shot the ball powered straight in on the keeper, Townsend comfortable in the save.

Bure Valley’s Willow Nye

  Dack moving in to press the keeper on a back pass Townsend rushed plays it straight to Addison left outside the box rolls it inside for Teixeira left of the D, goes to shoot, McCullagh going to charge it down takes the sting off the shot as it rolls safely through for Townsend to gather up inti her gloves. The rain adding a little slickness to the pitch both sides intent on scoring.

Annie Searcey with Maddie Green

 Katie Green getting hold of the ball out on the right firing a low shot in on the angle, Barnes diving forwards to get a glove on it at her near post turning it behind for a corner kick. Fakenham pushing players up for the corner, curled in central Dack getting a touch to take it away to the left, Fakenham quick to get it back the ball hooked back in to the far post area, Barnes trying to reach it stretching hurt as she goes to ground. The referee stopping play so she can receive treatment. 

 The rain stopped for now the sun back out, 20 minutes gone in the 2nd half play resuming with a drop ball much to Fakenham’s displeasure as they had possession when play was stopped. Nevertheless the hosts win it back through Price on the right sends it on for Katie Green on the wing, sends a high ball into the area looking for Smith running in far post, Snelling getting a touch to knock it out to the right, Norman sending it upfield.

  Fakenham winning a free-kick in the middle, Katie Green sending it long for Maddie Green to control bring down the left cutting a cross back into the top of the area, MacMillan there in cut the ball out for the visitors. Maddie Green snapping in to steal the ball back 25 yards out for Fakenham central sends it right into the path of Williams who goes to hit it first time 30 yards out the shot dipping straight into the keepers midriff.

Holly Williams

  Fakenham pushing up Williams looking to join the attack, on for Maddie Green going down the left to the by-line, Norman holding her up comes back up the line passing to Pooley to try and drill the ball into Williams inside the D, MacMillan in there with her close putting in the challenge to win the ball back. Wood coming back on with 20 minutes left on the clock replacing Smith for the hosts. The game end to end, you feel it could go either way without neither side getting on top of the other for long.

  Maddie Green seeing the ball into her turning it out to the right for Katie Green, Nye back on her to win the ball back infield to MacMillan of for Dack tries to thread it through the defence for Redgrave running into the box, but Townsend can gather it first. Bure Valley press the attack win the ball high MacMillan central lifting it to Addison left bursting into the box, Townsend rushing out to try and close her down, Addison squeezing the ball past her bouncing through on goal, Price running around on the cover clearing the ball off the line!

Sophia Price clearing off the line for Fakenham

 Bure Valley winning a corner on the right, whipped in with pace through the six yard box Price trying to defend at the far post knocking in down into the box Teixeira latching into it 10 yards out pulls her foot through the ball, everyone turns to see it race narrowly wide of the left upright.

Bure Valley’s Mariana Teixeira

  Dack bringing the ball on through the middle for Bure valley MacMillan up with her the ball fed out to Addison on the move left side, Price stretching out a leg to cut the ball out for the hosts. Pooley seeing the ball into her feet out wide left for Fakenham sends in on looking for Maddie Green up top, Norman closing her down for Bure Valley. MacMillan on the ball central for Bure Valley on the move lays it to Addison in the left channel she in turn turns it into Teixeira running through the middle, McCullagh getting across her path the shield the ball back to her keeper. 

Bure Valley captain, Emma MacMillan

  MacMillan taking the ball down the left wing off a throw in lifting a cross into the area, Townsend being closed down by Teixeira getting a glove up to knock the ball down into the area, Ewles-Belton hooking it clear for the hosts. Continues to be a fast paced match Bure Valley getting the ball into Addison left side driving forwards, price in to play it out for a throw. Dropped into MacMillan to strike goal wards on the angle, rising, Townsend getting her gloves up to beat the ball down into the deck and claim.

  Fakenham break through the middle, Ewles-Belton with Williams to Pooley left up to Maddie Green looks to play it central for Williams, Snelling stepping in to intercept for Bure Valley. End to end Bure Valley straight on the attack curled out to Addison wide left cut back into the area for Nye, closed down manages to get it out to Redgrave wide right put back up the line for Searcey to attempt the cross, Pooley winning it back for Fakenham.

  Feel it could go either way as Fakenham make another change Fox coming off with Isabel Dallas Smith entering the game. Fakenham with a corner left side into the box cleared out to Pooley 25 out right of the D, looking to hit it on the volley, has to stretch for it causing the ball to pull wide of the mark. Katie Green taking the ball on right down the line Nye up with her pressing the ball green putting her cross behind.

  Dack laying the ball out to Addison for Bure Valley wide left, Ballett out to close her down, out for a throw high up the pitch. MacMillan getting a shot away on the angle put straight at the keeper. Searcey picking up the first yellow card of the game as she comes together with Pooley, The rain starting to fall again as the game moves into the final 5 minutes. Katie Green sending the resulting free-kick long up towards the area Snelling rushing in to charge down Maddie Green as she looks to see it down top of the D.

Emily Addison

  Bure Valley winning a free-kick inside the Fakenham 35 yards out to the right, MacMillan to fire it with pace into the penalty spot, Dack taking a swing at it but making little contact deflects out to Addison left of goal, rushed into her shot blazes it over. Bure Valley push up late on Nye into Dack out to MacMillan left of the box hooks it back into the middle, Williams back to clear for Fakenham.

 Pooley getting up on the left taking the ball on from Maddie Green to get to the by-line, Norman blocking her cross the ball behind for a corner kick. Curled into the six yard box, Addison coming to defend heading it behind for a 2nd corner out on the left. Whipped in cleared to the top of the area, Williams on it down for Maddie Green central to spin away to the right for Katie Green who strikes it on the angle over the bar. Seconds left Bure Valley attempt one last attack MacMillan hooking it forwards high for Redgrave, McCullagh intercepting for Fakenham to clear upfield. 

Full time Fakenham Town Ladies 1-1 Bure Valley Women

  The points are shared, no doubt could have gone either way 2nd half a fast paced game both sides looking to get forwards. Fakenham with the 1st half lead, Bure Valley with a better 2nd half performance getting back on level terms early in creating some good chances to try to get their noses in front, Fakenham remained a constant threat both keepers called into action. A draw perhaps the fair result although both will feel they could have gotten more. The point keeping Bure Valley on the tails of the sides in the top 4, Fakenham have 3 games left including the return fixture against Bure Valley late in May need a few more points yet to ensure safety.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, certainly a few contenders, although I was more or less certain of who the award was going too after the match. Still several performances of note to mention was a lively contest. Firstly for Bure Valley, Jasmine Snelling was composed at the back reading the game well intercepting the ball. Emily Addison providing a good outlet on the left side making some good runs. Rhiannon Dack finding some good positions especially 2nd half as Bure Valley looked to press the attack on hand to score the equaliser. Set up by Emma MacMillan who had a strong game in the middle of the park getting up and down the pitch to defend and link up with the attackers. For Fakenham, Ella Ballett and Marcie McCullagh kept it tight at the back making it tough for Bure valley to cut them open. Katie Green a constant outlet right side with a great range of passing opening the scoring. Maddie Green too getting into some good positions pulling players out of position to allow others to attack. The award today though goes to Holly Williams set the tone early on for Fakenham busy as she closed the ball down and took it forwards with determination making some good runs, covering the ground whether it be helping out in defence or getting up with the attack.

  Another enjoyable encounter from Norfolk Women’s Division One shaping up to be a thrilling end to the season a still plenty of games left to play. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line up as is always the case much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Hickling FC Ladies v Bure Valley Women

Sunday 29th September

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Heading east across Norfolk today to a new location, catching up with a familiar side but under a new banner. Hickling FC Ladies formerly Stalham Town Ladies taking on Bure Valley Women with both sides newly promoted to Norfolk Women’s Division One.

Norfolk expanding to 3 divisions this season with an influx of new sides. Still very early days in Norfolk Women’s Division One with no one having played more than 2 matches. Defending champions, Bungay Town Ladies are the early pacesetters, an intriguing line up across the league it will be interesting to see who their main challengers are likely to be, with both of today’s sides looking to make their mark in the division. Both Bure Valley Women and Stalham Town as they were last season emerging as the two strongest sides in Division Two with Bure Valley overhauling Stalham in the run in to clinch the title in their debut season since reforming their women’s side.

A new era for Stalham as they begin life under a new banner, moving a short distance to become Hickling FC Ladies. The women’s squad having felt under appreciated at Stalham with issues such as being unable to use the main pitch and with manager Adam Mayhew long involved with the running of Hickling FC the move made sense. In recent season’s under their old guise have flip flopped between the leagues, often too strong for the 2nd Division, finding it tougher going in Division One. Have a experienced group capable of scoring plenty of goals and will aiming for a comfortable finish on their return to Division One. Emma Gillespie racing away as top scorer for the club last season netting 33 goals in her 22 matches. Abigail Gower and Charlotte Fisher joint 2nd with 14 goals apiece with Amber Mayhew often amongst the goals for the club on target for 12. A few new faces joining the squad 3 involved today, Donna Pearson amongst them. Lalaine Davey and Megan Fuery with Caister FC Ladies last season. One game played so far losing a high scoring contest 6-3 at home to Long Stratton Women. Bounced back to following weekend winning 2-0 away to Fakenham in the County Cup

One game played too for Bure Valley Women as they begin life in Norfolk Women’s Division Two having taken Division Two by storm last season as they reformed their women’s side. Rattling in the goals in the process. their captain, Emma McMillen prolific as she fired home 43 goals from 26 appearances. Maisie Redgrave and Willow Nye adding to a potent attack scoring 25 and 21 goals respectfully. The club has a strong youth section bringing players through this seeing a 2nd adult side created with their Development side entering the new Division Three. Have added new faces to their squad too as they look to compete at a higher level adding to their goal threat, Lauren Goulder comes to Bure Valley following spells at Bungay and Caister. Also joining from Caister, Mariana Teixeira. Winger, Rhiannon Dack making to move to Bure Valley having previously been at Aylsham. Rattled in 5 goals on the opening day of the season securing a 5-2 away win against, Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves following that up with a 4-1 win in the County Cup over Costessey Sports Ladies.

Hickling Barn the venue for today’s match home to Hickling FC. The site a community and events centre, offering a range of activities, along with a playground and playing field. Hickling in the heart of The Broads a lovely part of the county. The grass pitch looking in great condition the grass thick and lush. Cooler towards the end of September but a dry day on the cards, still when I arrived at the ground but a strong breeze was to blow in making thing’s feel alot more chilly.

Hickling FC Ladies starting XI – Carla Coleman, Claire Wilkins, Rebecca Nunn, Katie Clarke, Amber Mayhew (C), Donna Pearson, Chloe Yarham, Lalaine Davey, Charlotte Fisher, Kerri Eke & Emma Gillespie. Subs – Becky Houghton, Megan Fuery & Laureena Reid.

Hickling FC Ladies

Bure Valley Women starting XI – Danielle Barnes, Madeline Frost, Lily Norman, Jasmin Snelling, Hannah Artis, Megan Swain, Eva Heald, Emma McMillan (C), Emily Addison, Maisie Redgrave & Lauren Goulder. Subs – Willow Nye, Mariana Teixeira & Romilly McLaggan.

Bure Valley Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Emma McMillan and Amber Mayhew with today’s match official, Lewis Church.

  It’s the visitors Bure Valley to kick-off the first half wearing white shirts with green vertical striping on the front, green shorts and white socks. Hickling lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and red socks. The ball played back to Megan Swain in the middle puts it out to the left side, Hickling rushing in to close the ball down the pass swept cross field out to the right with Maisie Redgrave looking to get forwards, Rebecca Nunn clearing for Hickling. 

 Bure Valley quick to regain the ball inside the Hickling half fed on for Redgrave in the right channel 20 yards out lays it across the top of the penalty area to the left with Lauren Goulder stealing in to strike the ball her shot rattling the crossbar! Donna Pearson winning the ball for Hickling played forwards up to Emma Gillespie making a run into the right channel, Jasmin Snelling stretching out a leg making a crucial interception at the back for the visitors. 

Hickling’s Donna Pearson

 The wind has really picked up blowing in across the pitch off the open field beside the temperature notably cooler (I took the decision today that the sun cream would no longer needed and put a coat in the car instead). Bure Valley lively in the opening exchanges, Hickling looking a little unsettled. The visitors looking to pop the ball around get up the pitch with pace, Goulder peeling out to the left to receive the ball taking on the shot from the angle lifting her effort over the bar.

  Redgrave latching onto a goal kick played straight to her central drags the ball away to the right before squaring a cross back across the top of the Hickling area, McMillan running onto the ball doesn’t get the contact she was looking for, screwing her attempt wide away from goal. Hickling captain, Amber Mayhew putting in the sliding challenge to win the ball from McMillan top of the D the loose ball running back to Eva Heald 25 yards out the midfielder sends her strike over the crossbar. 

 Claire Wilkins getting the ball on for Charlotte Fisher to attack on the left flank, Hannah Artis out to close her down the ball put out for a throw. Hickling pushing players up, looking to get Gillespie involved central, turns but Snelling is close on her to make the challenge. Pearson and Mayhew pushing up Hickling getting into the final 3rd out to Lalaine Davey wide her ball inside to Kerri Eke on the right, cut out by Madeline Frost. Bure Valley counter looking to catch Hickling high up the pitch the ball over the top into the left channel, goalkeeper, Carla Coleman quickly out of her area to kick the threat away.

Bure Valley’s Madeline Frost

  Hickling strong through the middle the ball rolled into Gillespie inside the D, strong on the ball looks to turn into the box, Artis lunges in to try and win the ball, brings Gillespie down, the referee pointing to the spot Penalty! Mayhew placing the ball on the spot ready to take the penalty, struck with pace to left side not enough width on it as Bure Valley goalkeeper, Danielle Barnes dives down to make the save, doesn’t have the ball in her gloves however as it pops up to her left sides,  Mayhew and Eke rushing in on the follow up the keeper making a superb double save as she throws herself onto her opposite side the grab hold of the ball at point blank range. 

A superb double save from Danielle Barnes from the penalty

  Hickling with a good spell getting players on well threating to overwhelm Bure Valley as Eke finds Gillespie central, on the turn 25 yards out takes on the shot, a tame effort rolling harmlessly through to Barnes. Davey inside to Pearson sends the ball on for Gillespie in the right channel turns and drives on, gets caught in two minds take on the shot herself or roll it into the box with Eke providing the run in behind, goes for the latter just too much on the pass Eke can’t keep it in, goal kick.

Hicklin’s Emma Gillespie

  McMillan picking out the run of Emily Addison on Bure Valley’s left the cross put inside for Goulder looking to run onto the ball, doesn’t get any power behind it, Coleman down at her near post to claim. 

 GOAL! Hickling regain possession at the back and launch an attack the ball fired up to Gillespie, helped on for Eke breaking away on the right taking the ball on in behind into the area takes on the shot looking to put it into the far corner, past Barnes as she dives down, scrambles to her feet with the ball running on Gillespie chasing in after it smashing the shot in off the post giving the keeper no chance as she puts her side into the lead 1-0.

Emma Gillespie firing in the opening goal for Hickling

 12 minutes on the clock Hickling with the lead looking strong getting bodies on to support the attack, Fisher on the left looking to bring the ball down turn infield, can’t find Gillespie in the middle as Snelling stabs a foot out to take the ball away from her. Fisher on the attack wide left again taking the ball inside her marker to get into the box on the angle fires her shot in across goal wide of the far post. 

Bure Valley attacker, Lauren Goulder

 

  After a slow start Hickling are looking strong now, the Bure Valley defence under a little pressure. Pearson tackling to win the ball in the middle played on for Eke who in turn rolls it forwards into Gillespie right of the D, takes on the shot from 20 yards out her strike racing wide of the far post. Davey on the right on for Eke, taking the ball on, Frost closing her down to win the ball back for Bure Valley. Nunn with a vital interception at the back for Hickling to deny Redgrave the opportunity to run in behind as McMillan looks to thread a pass into her path.

Hickling’s Rebecca Nunn

  Fisher winning her side a corner kick out on the left, Mayhew to take the corner swung in across the six yard box the wind behind it goes through everyone and out of play past the far post. Hickling pressing the ball well, Heald getting hold of the ball for Bure Valley aiming to drive forwards, McMillen taking over looks to play Goulder into the box, Katie Clarke cutting the ball out for Hickling at the back. 

Eva Heald with Amber Mayhew

  Heald closing the ball down in the middle looking to get Bure Valley back on the front foot into the left channel forwards for Goulder pulling away that side lays the pass back in central with McMillan steaming in to strike the ball from 20 yards out, takes a deflection off a defender taking the sting out of the shot as it runs safely through to the keeper. 

 GOAL! Bure Valley battling their way back into the game winning the ball central lifted up top into Goulder left out the box heads the ball down for Redgrave to the left of the D, she in turn laying it off for McMillan as she bursts onto the ball taking on the strike drills her effort across goal into the bottom corner 1-1. 

Emma McMillan equalising for Bure Valley

 Hickling pegged back attack up the right the ball fired on up the line with Gillespie surging in behind right of goal, Barnes comes rushing out to close her down the attacker firing her shot past the onrushing keeper, however sees her strike race wide of the far post too. Goulder is caught narrowly offside as she looks to pull of the Hickling defence as Swain lobs the ball forwards.

Lily Norman

 The visitors moving the ball forwards Heald bringing it to the right has Redgrave ahead of her plays the ball on, Redgrave with Nunn on her shoulder with a clever backheel to set up Heald to deliver a cross into the top of the area, Goulder looking to attack under challenge from a defender  sends her headed effort over the bar. Redgrave onto the ball central winning it well puts it into the box left side for Goulder to attack, Clarke diving in with a well timed tackle slowing Goulder down, pushed wide still with the ball lifts it into the middle for Redgrave arriving on the penalty spot meets the ball a rising effort, straight at the keeper, Coleman with a sharp catch above her head to pluck the ball down to safety.

Maisie Redgrave

  Bure Valley winning a corner on the right, swung in dropping at the far post comes at Artis quickly as she snatches her shot away inside the six yard box, her attempt blocked the rebound back with her rushes her 2nd attempt struck wide past the right post. Davey finding Fisher on the left for Hickling clips it inside for Gillespie bursting into the left channel, Snelling across to put in the tackle see the ball out for a throw. Davey up on the left for the hosts playing the ball out to Gillespie moving wide , her cross angled in striking the outside if the post.

  Eke fouling Swain in the middle Bure Valley with the free-kick, Snelling lifting the ball on over the top with Goulder pulling clear to latch onto the ball 25 yards out, her shot straight at the keeper. Bure Valley making a change bringing off Norman on comes Willow Nye at right back. Both sides with strong spells, Bure Valley competing for the ball in the middle Heald on for Redgrave right channel, drives on looking to get into the box, Nunn staying on her well putting in a good tackle to deny her an opportunity to strike the ball.

Bure Valley’s Willow Nye

  Eke with the ball for Hickling right side lays t on for Gillespie up the line outside the box takes on the strike firing the ball wide at the near post. Barnes’ goal kick flies up into the air dropping straight to Fisher 30 yards out left meets it on the volley a good touch to loop the ball straight to Gillespie inside the D putting the Bure Valley defence under pressure as she holds up the ball, Eke looking to get up with her in support as they push into the box, Eke sent tumbling, again the referee point to the spot Penalty! A 2nd opportunity for Hickling from the spot, Yarham to take their 2nd penalty goes for power straight down the middle rising, Barnes throwing her gloves up to save putting the ball onto her crossbar and seeing it spin away to her right for a corner on the left. Barnes coming to her defences rescue for the 2nd time in the 1st half, The corner swung into the six yard box from the left, the keeper with the call taking the ball down into her body. 

Danielle Barnes saving Hickling’s 2nd penalty claiming the ball from the resulting corner

 Coleman saving up the other end as Heald plays the pass on through the middle with McMillan surging on striking the ball on the run her effort arrowing in low straight at the opposition keeper. Goulder taking the ball on from Addison left side firing it into Redgrave top of the area left of goal, drags the ball inside to evade her marker and takes on the shot lifting the ball over the bar. Yarham with the ball central for Hickling sends it on up to Gillespie in attack, Snelling getting across her to regain possession for Bure Valley. Into the closing stages of the first half Ekes attacking on the right for Hickling lifting a cross into the middle, cut out by Artis with Fisher poised to attack beyond her.

Danielle Barnes saving not one but TWO penalties for Bure Valley in the first half, (her teammates owe her a drink).

Half-time Hickling FC Ladies 1-1 Bure Valley Women

  All square at the break, has been a high tempo contest, Bure Valley starting the strongest, Goulder rattling the bar in their first attack. Hickling took a while to settle into the game but once they got player forwards they looked a threat, putting the Bure Valley defence under pressure, Barnes with a superb double save denying the hosts the lead form the penalty spot. Emma Gillespie on hand to score the opening soon after. Hickling looking the side on top for a spell, Bure Valley responded well, getting themselves back on level terms through captain, Emma McMillan. Both keepers making saves, Barnes once again the heroine saving another penalty. Both sides with good spells in the first half well poised for the 2nd period.

 Bure Valley with another change at the break, Norman back on at right back, Nye coming over to the left of defence with Frost the player substituted. Hickling unchanged getting the 2nd half underway the ball played into Mayhew in the middle looks to send it long to Fisher on the move on the left, Snelling heading the ball clear for Bure Valley. 

  Nye getting hold of the ball for Bure Valley looking to drive forwards, Mayhew comes sliding in with a strong but fair tackle taking the ball but also catching Nye’s ankle sending her sprawling and in some discomfort. Clearly in pain treatment needed a pause in play, needs to come off, some readjustments needed for the visitors with Romilly McLaggan coming on to take up an attacking role on the right, this sees Redgrave drop back to right back with Norman coming across to cover the left. 

 Play resuming with a free-kick to Bure Valley despite both sides, agreeing it was a fair tackle. Goulder with the ball lifts it through to the Hickling keeper and play resumes. Addison taking the ball on up the left as she links up with Goulder play the one two Addison putting her cross back into the top of the area McMillan meeting it with the outside of her boot turned goal wards but straight at the keeper.  

 Fisher dragging the ball down to get on the move on Hickling’s left flank whipping a cross into the area, too close to Barnes with Gillespie coming in central. Wilkins in well to close the ball down on the right for Hickling turn play around squares it into the middle for Gillespie 25 yards out looks to push forwards, Snelling closing her down lunging in to win the ball. The hosts making their first change bringing on Laureena Reid to replace Clarke in the back line.

Hickling’s Lalaine Davey

  The game opens up suddenly as Mayhew puts a halt to a Bure Valley attack played on for Eke she attempts a defence splitting pass with both Fisher and Gillespie poised to break clear, Snelling with a crucial interception for Bure Valley at the back. Redgrave bringing the ball on from the back on the right for Bure Valley passes it on for McLaggan who puts it inside for Heald, tries to thread it into the box for McMillen stealing in behind right of goal, Coleman though out quickly to lay claim to the ball first.

Hickling goalkeeper, Carla Coleman

  Hickling awarded a free-kick 20 yards out in a central position, the shot fired in towards goal skipping up off the grass, Barnes getting down well to put her body behind the ball. Bure Valley get the ball up to Addison on the left wing powering forwards fires a cross into the box coming to McMillan at the far post 10 yards out attempts to cushion it down into the path of Goulder central, Pearson in to close her down with a great piece of defending the ball cleared outside the box straight to Swain 25 yards out her shot driven back in is held by Coleman the keeper right behind the strike.

  Goulder has been on the end of some close offside decisions as the striker looks to pull off the defence, Heald launching the ball forwards, Goulder is unfortunate this time onside as she breaks the flag nevertheless is raised against her. Bure Valley having the better share of the ball 2nd half Hickling deeper working hard at the back to limit space in behind. Addison left crossing into the area coming out McMillan right side her shot charged down by Nunn, rebounding back to Heald to run onto a shot from range can only pick out the keeper. 

Emily Addison looking to cross for Bure Valley

 Bure Valley getting on well with the ball, Heald with some good runs on the ball played on for Goulder left channel turns laying it on for Addison coming into the box from the left, looks to move inside room to squeeze a shot away, Reid lunging in to put in the block for Hickling. 

Hickling’s Laureena Reid

  Artis bringing the ball out from the back for Bure Valley over half way fired forwards into McMillan up top pulling right of the D to get into the box lines up the strike, Pearson charging it down for Hickling. Gillespie over to the right to offer Wilkins a pass as she battles to win the ball on the wing played forwards for Gillespie held up puts it back up the line for Wilkins to cross into the top of the Bure Valley area, Mayhew looking to run onto the ball, Artis stepping in to tackle for the visitors. 

  Norman coming off for Bure Valley with Frost returning to the pitch. Bure Valley with a corner on the right played in near side McMillan coming towards the ball back heeling it into the mix, Goulder latching onto it 10 yards out central her shot blocked on the line by the defender covering the post. Swain coming off for Bure Valley with Mariana Teixeira onto the pitch. The wind has died down considerably in the 2nd half. Bure Valley pressing looking for a goal making another change Swain’s rest short lived as she comes on to replace Addison with Teixeira going to the left. 

Kerri Eke on the ball for Hickling

  Heald brought down by Eke winning Bure Valley a free-kick 20 yards out from goal to the right of the D. A change for the hosts before it’s taken with Becky Houghton coming on in place of Wilkins. McMillan over the set-piece struck well, dipping late but not not enough to find the top corner as it sails over the bar. Yarham off for Hickling on comes Megan Fuery with less than 12 minutes to play. 

 GOAL! Swain clears the ball for Bure Valley launched forwards up towards Goulder, this time as she turns onto the ball the flag stays down as the striker takes the ball on driving towards goal, into the box picks her spot slotting it wide of the keeper to find the bottom corner on the right to fire Bure Valley into the lead 1-2. 

Lauren Goulder fires Bure Valley into the lead late in the 2nd half.

  A blow for Hickling late in the game having put so much into defending their box in the 2nd half, get the ball forwards into Eke attempts to put it through for Fisher pushing on into the left channel, Artis cutting the ball out for Bure Valley. Heald on the drive with the ball for Bure Valley through the middle played forwards for McMillan in attack right of goal her shot taking a deflection off a defender behind for a corner kick. 

Eva Heald

  Curled in central Snelling rising to attack it on the shoulder of a defender the ball knocked down out of the box into the path of Swain 20 yards out top of the D pulls her shot wide of the far post. The visitors breaking up a Hickling attack get the ball on up the left for Teixeira lays it on for Goulder up the wing her cross cut out by Houghton, turned behind for a corner kick. Played low into the near side with McMillan coming to the ball, Reid defending for Hickling. 

 The hosts forced back finding it tough to get player up to support the attack, Fisher providing a good outlet for the ball on the left finding her options limited as she looks for a runner into the box. The clock ticking down Bure Valley lively, Heald getting about in the middle of the park breaking up play sending it forwards the attackers pressing Hickling’s defence on the ball. 

Charlotte Fisher getting forwards for Hickling

 GOAL! Into the closing seconds Bure Valley capitalise on an error as the back as a misplaced pass comes straight to McMillan 25 yards out right of the D pushes forwards to the to of the area has McLaggan free to her right inside the area to receive the ball, McMillen setting her up, everyone connected with bure Valley encouraging McLaggan to shoot, she duly does a fierce strike rising as it comes in at the keeper quickly Coleman throws a glove up gets something on the ball but not enough as it flies past her into the back of the net 1-3.

Romilly McLaggan with a goal at the death for Bure Valley

 Bure Valley opening up a 2 goal cushion at the death with no time for Hickling to respond get the ball up the other end but safely defended the ball cleared as the final whistle blow and Bure Valley continue their winning start to the season. 

Full time Hickling FC Ladies 1-3 Bure Valley Women

  Bure Valley with the loins share of the attack in the 2nd half coming on with the ball. Hickling putting alot of effort into defending their box, not getting the players on in the 2nd half as they had in the first when at one point they had looked like they were going to overwhelm the Bure Valley defence and with two penalties saved in that period could well have been leading at the break still it was all square and for a long period in the 2nd half looked as if that was how it was going to stay. Lauren Goulder unlucky with some offside decisions patient as she got her chance to run in behind and pick her spot to give Bure Valley the lead late on, Romilly McLaggan teed up by Emma McMillan at the death to make it 3. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Boy it’s a tough one this week several contenders for sure hard to pin down one performance. A few to mention, firstly for Hickling, Charlotte Fisher provided a great outlet on the left side for much of the match linking up well with Emma Gillespie who herself got about the pitch well, strong on the ball trying to get into the box herself or set up others. Donna Pearson making some crucial tackles in both the middle and defence. For Bure Valley, Emma McMillan got about the pitch coming for the ball or pressing to join the attack getting her side back on level terms. Eva Heald getting after the ball well in the middle of the park pushing forwards setting up her attackers on numerous occasions. Maisie Redgrave lively up top with some great control and movement and didn’t put a foot wrong as she dropped back into defence in the 2nd half. Lauren Goulder led the line well, pulling off the defence to receive the ball, patient with some decisions going against her held her nerve to get the opportunity to run in behind attack the goal and took her chance well to put Bure Valley into the lead. Might well have been a different story entirely had it not been for their goalkeeper coming to the rescue saving not one but two penalties when Hickling were on top in the first half today’s award going to Danielle Barnes.

 A lively and competitive contest, if this is anything to go by Division One in Norfolk is going to be an intrigued watch this season. Both promoted sides will play their part I’m sure. Plenty of positives for Hickling to build on as they begin their new era. Bure Valley couldn’t be happier with their start. Thanks to both clubs for their assistance today good to catch up with both. 

 by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – FC Viking & Valkyries Women v Bure Valley Women

Sunday 12th May

Norfolk Women’s League Plate

Onto the 2nd of today’s 11-a-side finals the Norfolk Women’s League Plate, this season an all Division Two contest with FC Viking & Valkyries Women taking on Bure Valley Women, both enjoying a strong campaign in the league, looks set to be great contest.

The League Plate contested by the sides knocked out of the early rounds of the League Cup. Usually featuring a top division side knocked out early on in the League Cup it is a coo for Division Two to see lower division sides contest the cup… well plate. Silverware nonetheless.

This afternoon’s prize

In between the League and Cup Finals, the Women’s 7’s final, a popular league featuring two Division across the county this years final between cup holders Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies and Left Field FC Women. A single goal settling the game, Mulbarton successfully defending the trophy to lift the cup for the 2nd successive season. Well done.

Norwich based, FC Vikings & Valkyries Women are enjoying a successful 3rd season playing women’s football. Manager Ben Binder seeing the club formed in 2021, initially struggled for results finished bottom of the league in their debut season but as I’ve seen several times before a side that can stick together during those tough early years will grow stronger and so is the case with the Valkyries, 9th the following season but ended the season with only 9 in their final match, have added to their squad since going from strength to strength into this season on the tails of the title chasers for much of the campaign in the top 5 are currently 4th in the table winning 14 out of the 22 league matches played so far picking up some good results along the way and reaching their 1st ever cup final. That success no doubt helped by having the top scorer in the league with Jessica Bennett leading Bure Valley’s MacMillan with 41 goals for the campaign scored in just 15 matches. Charlotte Kenny also into double figures with 17 goals so far.

Norfolk Women’s Division Two growing this season with the introduction of 8 new sides at the start of the season, and with the new blood an exciting title battle has been going on throughout the season and with a handful of matches left two have emerged to fight out top position, Stalham Town Ladies and one of today’s Plate finalists, Bure Valley Women. Win there two remaining league matches and Bure Valley Women will be crowned Division Two champions after reforming their women’s side this season. A strong youth section within the club their young side with their sights set on a league a cup double. Captain, Emma MacMillan the clubs top scorer, rattling in 38 goals so far this season. A strong attack too with Maisie Redgrave and Willow Nye on target for 23 and 17 goals respectfully. 

Road to the Final

  Dropping into the Plate competition FC Viking & Valkyries Women were handed a tough 1st Round draw at home to title contenders, Mundford FC Ladies but with their opponents unable to field a team for the game were handed the home win to advance. Bure Valley Women too had a tough 1st Round tie but home advantage as they took on fellow title challengers, Stalham Town Women, hat-trick from Emma MacMillan, plus a goal each for Maisie Redgrave, Willow Nye and Kathleen Tully making it look comfortable in the finish with Bure Valley Women winning 6-1

Into the the quarter finals, FC Viking & Valkyries at home taking on Division one outfit, North Walsham Town Ladies. An entertaining game, finished 3-3 after 90 minutes it was FC Viking & Valkyries that would go onto find the winning goal to take it 3-4 in extra time to progress into the last 4 of the competition. Bure Valley Women advancing to the semi-finals as they were awarded the home win against SWFC Lingwood Ladies who were to fold soon after.

A strong semi-final line-up FC Viking & Valkyries Women away to the side arguably favourites of the entire competition itself, Mulbarton Wanderers Women Development, however having shown good goal scoring form throughout the season, Jessica Bennett was on target twice with Leah Walthew also finding the back of the net to see FC Viking & Valkyries cause a shock winning 3-1 to reach their first ever final. Bure Valley Women away to fellow Division Two side Beccles Town Ladies Development in the last 4. Emma MacMillan on the scoresheet along with Willow Nye and Romily McLaggan securing the visitors a 3-1 win to reach the final in their debut season.

The pitch looking great at Aylsham FC

  Aylsham FC’s Youngs Park hosting the NWGFL Finals weekend, a busy day yesterday with the youth finals, the three senior women’s finals today. Refuelled with a cheeseburger from the barbeque, headed back to the main pitch for my 2nd final of the day, the pitch looking great. The weather remaining very warm a slight breeze and starting out in the sun despite being lathered up would burn a little, but always do before I start to tan. Better than the wet weather we been accustomed too these past few weeks.

FC Viking & Valkyries Women

FC Viking & Valkyries starting XI – Hannah Tims, Rhiannon Tims (C), Paige Hill, Maddie Smith, Imey Bird, Liv Crabtree, Megan Bird, Evie Tolson, Carla Blundell, Leah Walthew & Jess Bennett. Subs – Alesha Vincent, Ellie Jarmy, Emily Ross, Rosie Ryan & Charlotte Kenny.

Bure Valley Women

 Bure Valley Women starting XI – Danielle Barnes, Abbie Cushion, Jasmine Snelling, Madeline Frost, Romily McLaggan, Eva Heald, Lily Norman, Megan Swain, Emma Macmillan (C), Willow Nye & Maisie Redgrave.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Rhiannon Tims & Emma Macmillan with today’s match officials

 It’s Bure Valley to take the kick-off in the first half attacking into the sun, wearing their away colours white shirts with vertical green stripes, white shorts and socks. The Valkyries as I shall refer to them from now on wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and socks lined up opposite. The ball played back to Megan Swain in the midfield sends it out to the right lifted forwards for Maisie Redgrave in attack the Valkyries defence seeing it out for a throw.

 Valkyries close in to press the ball, Liv Crabtree lifting the ball forwards, Jess Bennett up front looking to pull off the centre back, Jasmine Snelling holding her position for Bure Valley, intercepting the ball to clear. Played forwards into captain Emma Macmillan turns on the ball to lay it into the left channel for Willow Nye, taking it in her strike driving for the area, Maddie Smith coming across to close her down win the ball back for the Valkyries.

Valkyries Maddie Smith tackling Bure Valley’s Maisie Redgrave

  Madeline frost on the left for Bure Valley plays the ball on for Nye, getting on down the line tracking inside, Macmillan coming over to support taking on the ball, Smith in position to make the blocking tackle halt the attack. Valkyries, Evie Tolson plays the ball on for Carla Blundell advancing on the right, her cross into the box cleared at the far post out to the left. Valkyries competitive at the start of the game winning a free-kick deep on the right, played up into the top of the area, Leah Walthew looks to take the ball right get into the area, tackled by Bure Valley’s Abby Cushion.

Bure Valley’s Abbie Cushion

  Blundell presses to nick the ball on the right taking it up the line, Cushion gets back at her to put in the challenge regain possession. Valkyries getting players up well, a diagonal ball played out to Jess Bennett on the move up the left wing her cross blocked. Valkyries bringing good support with them, vocal too, the men’s team there to support the women’s team good to see. Smith across to help Imey Bird as Redgrave looks to attack with the ball on the right. Nye wrapping her foot round the ball lifting a diagonal ball from the left into the area, headed clear by Smith.

 An even start to the game. Macmillan taking the ball into her feet setting forwards into the right channel with Redgrave up with her wide, Smith across, as Imey Bird makes the blocking tackle the ball cleared up field. Macmillan looking to get forwards support Redgrave and Nye on the wings, over to the left this time plays in Nye who jinks inside heading for the box, Valkyries captain Rhiannon Tims stretching out a leg to win the ball back play it clear.

Valkyries captain, Rhiannon Tims

  The ball struck into the box from distance, caught well, high by Valkyries goalkeeper, Hannah Tims. Valkyries turning play around through the middle on for Bennett up top drives on Snelling on her shoulder the defender stays on her well to get a foot in to clear the ball. Valkyries using there strength and experience to good effect pressuring the ball in the Bure Valley half Blundell inside for Bennett central her shot from distance taking a nick off a defenders left runs safely through to goalkeeper, Danielle Barnes.

 GOAL! Valkyries attack up the left the, Walthew playing the ball in central, Bennett onto it 20 yards out, isn’t closed down, takes her opportunity putting her foot through the ball rifling it past the diving keeper into the back of the net 1-0. 

Jess Bennett fires Valkyrie into the lead

15 minutes on the clock Valkyries taking the lead having make a positive start to the game, Bure Valley with the ball left Frost on down the line for Nye stretching to keep the ball in play, sets off down the line, Macmillan racing over to offer support the pair playing a one two between them, Nye after the return ball, Smith has gotten across the defence to put her foot through the ball.

  Macmillan snatching hold of the ball central 25 yards out shoots early, dragging it wide of the left post, Tims across to gather. Tolson falling awkwardly hurting her elbow, needs treatment, referee, Paul Gibson using the pause to signal the first drinks break. Tolson sore but able to play on. Play resume, Valkyries encouraged by their start pushing on Blundell firing the ball into Bennett coming right to receive the ball a neat flick off her boot to spin in behind her marker, turn towards the box, Snelling though across on the cover in to clear the ball.

Carla Blundell on the ball for Valkyries

  Romily McLaggan passing to Macmillan in the middle turns to clip it on for Redgrave breaking on down the right wing, Smith in between jumping to intercept heads the ball up field. Valkyries working hard to close the ball down, effective Crabtree with Tolson up to Bennett, tries to roll Snelling but the young defender gets her leg in to nick the ball off her. Megan Bird taking the ball on through the middle for Valkyries, Macmillan tracking back sliding in to regain possession but can’t pick anyone out up front. Paige Hill getting hold of the ball for Valkyries. 

 Bure Valley making a change bringing off Nye, send in Emily Addison to join the attack. Valkyries with a throw high on the left players up, Bure Valley win the ball, launch a counter attack, the ball played long for Redgrave, Hill into challenge force the pacy attacker off the ball. Eva Heald winning the ball in the middle for Bure Valley getting forwards, looking to play in Redgrave on the right, Smith stretching out a leg to cut the pass out.

  Seeing the ball into her feet, Blundell central with a clever turn getting in behind her marker, runs towards the box, Snelling lunging in knocking the ball behind for a corner on the left. Players up from the back for Valkyries, the delivery looping down at the far post, Smith under drills her header wide past the post.

Bure Valley defender, Jasmine Snelling

  Plenty of energy being expanded despite the heat, Bure Valley with the ball in the middle frustrated by the Valkyries defence, Cushion up to Addison left, Macmillan heading for a gap, in behind, Addison tries to pick her out, Hill getting a foot on the ball to kill the move. Bure Valley coming on through the middle Heald into Swain out to Addison left down the line her cross cut out by Hill turned behind for a corner kick. Flashed in across the six yard box to the far post, Swain getting her head on the ball knocking it down towards goal, the defender on the post there to block and clear the ball.

  Macmillan, Bure Valley’s play maker with the ball at her feet twists and turns 20 yards out squeezing a shot away right of the D, runs in low Tims right behind it to scoop up into her gloves. Crabtree sending the ball on for Bennett through the middle, drives on towards the area, Snelling on her shoulder lunging to get a foot on the ball. Blundell gives chase to her own ball as she knocks forwards on the right, Cushion going with her the pair tangling, going down Bure valley aggrieved to have given away the free-kick. Bennett over it encouraged to have a go on goal, clips the ball in towards the far corner her attempt over.

Megan Swain

   Swain forwards into Macmillan on the right with Redgrave the pair combine, Redgrave sending the return pass inside for her captain, Macmillan’s shot 20 yards out charged down the sting took out of it as the ball runs in behind safe in the keepers gloves. Megan Bird sending the ball out to the left for Walthew, takes the ball inside, Norman tackling to win the ball back for Bure Valley, forwards into Swain, Macmillan making a move across the D left to right, Swain can’t pick her out as Smith steps out to intercept the ball.

Maddie Smith

  Addison tracking infield with the ball across the top of the D, tries to get a shot away, lacks the power to trouble Tims back on her goal line. Bennett peeling left as the ball is plays into her from the middle 30 yards out turns inside to shot on the angle, Barnes has it covered at her near post. Macmillan on for Addison up top, Smith in to defend for Valkyries, Macmillan grabbing hold of the loose ball looks to drive at the defence herself, no way through however slide it out to Redgrave wide on the right, cuts her cross back up to Macmillan outside the box, leaning back into her shot strikes the ball over the bar. 

Bure Valley captain, Emma Macmillan

  Bennett with a heavy tackle on Heald giving away the free-kick. Played up towards the top of the Valkyrie area the ball headed clear Valkyries come right, on for Blundell to attack up the right wing strong running Cushion doing well on her shoulder, holding her off putting the the challenge the ball coming off the attacker, behind for the goal kick. The first half almost down Bennett off a throw on the right turns on the angle 30 yards out places her shot straight at the keeper.

Half-time FC Viking & Valkyries Women 1-0 Bure Valley Women

  Half-time, a good first half performance from Valkyries sees them leading the Plate final as they retreat to the shade offered by the small stand beside their dugout for their half-time team talk. Have worked hard to compete for the ball, matching Bure Valley in the first 45 minutes. Encouraged by their fans have get about the pitch after the ball, and not sat back inviting pressure. Have put a lot of energy into the half though and with the heat will be intriguing to see if they can keep it up. Bure Valley doing okay competing well winning the ball getting forwards just coming up against a stubborn defence that isn’t leaving any gaps in behind. A single goal in it all to play for 2nd half.

  Bure Valley making changes at the start of the 2nd half bringing on Maisie Gibbs and Anya Sadler at the back along with Nye back on to the left. Redgrave now through the middle, Cushion, Norman and McLaggan off. No changes as yet for Valkyries get the 2nd half underway, Bure valley immediately in to try and close the ball down competing in the middle the ball out for a throw on the right. 

  Snelling with a good tackle on Bennett as the Valkyries forward gets on the move heading for the box with the ball. Valkyries winning a free-kick in the middle, put long up into the box Bennett pulling in behind after it, but travels safely through to goalkeeper, Barnes. Smith coming across with Redgrave as she goes after the ball right side, cleared high for a throw. Dropped into Addison 20 yards out chests it down into the path of Swain who smashes her strike wide of the near post. 

  Smith is moving across her defence well, reading the game in front of her, seeing where Bure Valley are trying to play the ball and cutting it out. Bure valley pushing up Swain getting forwards better moving right feeds the pass inside for Redgrave up top turns her shot blocked, player up Bure Valley press forcing a corner on the right. Tims in goal coming for the ball half cleared Swain playing it back to Addison on the right sends the ball back into the box, caught by Tims at her near post.

  Bure Valley looking to win the ball inside the Valkyries half committing players forwards, risking the counter, Crabtree challenging for Valkyries brings the ball away lifting it on for Blundell right channel has Bennett pulling into space ahead of her seeing the ball into her feet shoots wide across goal from 25 yards out. 

 

  Smith up well to head the ball clear, lands at Tolson’s feet lifts it on for Walthew sprinting away down the left wing, the ball over the top, the offside flag is raised against her halting the run. Valkyries battling, determined, Bure Valley struggling to find a way to unlock them. Gibbs winning the ball high for Bure Valley playing a diagonal ball into the right channel, Redgrave racing after it, Megan Bird their first however to clear for Valkyries. 

 

  Snelling does well at the back isolated against Bennett as Crabtree lifts the ball p to the attacker, strong to challenge take the ball off her feet. Macmillan succeeds in playing the ball over the Valkyrie defence on the left with Nye racing into the space beyond after it, Tims though is alert, quick to get out of her area and kick the ball clear. Is an open contest, Valkyries with their 1 goal lead fighting to hold the advantage, Bure Valley asking the questions probing.

Evie Tolson

 Valkyrie playing the ball clear out to Walthew running away on the left wing taking the ball into her path tracks into the box looking to shoot across the keeper, the block comes in deflected behind off Walthew for the goal kick. Hill cutting the ball out as Nye looks to get on the end of Heald’s pass into the left channel the throw conceded crossed into the D, almost picks out Addison, the ball sliced behind for a corner kick. The ball dropping into the crowded six yard box, Valkyries scrambling it clear, drinks break called, they take on some much needed fluids, full of nervous energy are pumped up knowing the win is there for the taking.

  Make a change before play resumes, Walthew coming off, Rosie Ryan coming on goes to the right with Blundell coming left. Bure Valley ready to go again, Addison and Nye switching flanks. 

  GOAL! The ball played up the left for Bure Valley into Addison 25 yards out put inside to Nye central top of the D, Valkyries don’t move to close her down and she takes her chance striking the ball in towards the left post, Tims diving can’t reach it and bure Valley equalise with 17 minutes left to play! 1-1.

Willow Nye scores the equaliser for Bure Valley

  Bure Valley back on level terms push on Sadler into the middle Heald playing the pass into Macmillan pulling into the left channel, Rhiannon Tims tackling for Valkyries. Bure Valley tails up now as they press high, Smith clearing for Valkyries. Norman returning to the game for Bure Valley, Frost coming off. Megan Bird sends the ball up to Bennett out to the right 25 yards out powers her shot into the side netting. Another change for Bure Valley, Gibbs off, Cushion back on at the back. 

  Bennett battling to get into the box, fouling Cushion. The game tense, Hill hooking the ball clear as Macmillan turns play around in the middle. Bure Valley have swain on the ball left side Addison ahead of her no way through, but play brought back for a foul with no advantage. Bure Valley making another change before it’s taken McLaggan back onto the field for Nye. Sadler over the free-kick shoots over.

Romily McLaggan

  Mistakes being made by both sides as the clock runs down, Crabtree looking the ball, Smith comes steaming in to clear. Blundell attacking down the left getting into the box, Snelling on her challenging the ball off the attacker for a gaol-kick. Bennett shoots, as Barnes presents the ball straight to her 20 yards out narrowly over the crossbar. McLaggan getting hold of the ball on the right for Bure Valley turning a cross into the top of the area, cleared by Hill for Valkyries. 

 The clock ticking down extra-time looming, Barnes out to the to of her box to lay claim to the ball as Ryan on the right attempts to put Bennett in behind. A free-kick to Bure Valley in the right corner as McLaggan is fouled, cleared out of the area to the left Bennett, coming inside, McLaggan getting back to close her down running her off the ball, the pair come together, the ball back with Sadler put back to her keeper. It all kicks off following the ball so didn’t see all of it Bennett squaring up to McLaggan, the referee on top of it settling things down and having a word with both individually, both shown the yellow card. Tense out there no time left we head to extra-time.

Full time FC Viking & Valkyries Women 1-1 Bure Valley Women

  Bure Valley fighting back to get back on level terms taking their chance on the one occasion Valkyries stood off the ball, Nye taking the opportunity. Valkyries having worked so had to keep it at 1 nil need to find more resolve as the managers give out their instructions.

Ben Binder giving words of encouragement as his team prepare for extra-time

Likewise Martin Redhead for Bure Valley

Extra-time

  Bure Valley to kick-off the first half of extra time the sides swapping ends Bure Valley with the setting sun at their backs. The ball played out to Cushion on the left forwards for Addison, Rhiannon Tims defending. Nye back on for Redgrave at the start of extra-time. 

Bennett has her shot blocked by Snelling 20 yards out, Sadler comes away with the ball on the right up to Addison, turns inside but can’t make any in roads. Both sides putting their all into the game, McLaggan on the right with Macmillan sides the ball across the top of the area looking for Addison, Tims in goal sharp to react racing out to clear for a throw. Valkyries making a double switch, Walthew coming back on along with Charlotte Kenny, Ryan and Tolson coming off. 

 Lively game opening up neither side settling for penalties. Crabtree caught in the stomach from a high foot as Swain goes to clear the ball on the corner of her area. No malice the free-kick awarded Swain making sure Crabtree’s okay. The set-piece on the corner of the area, fired in towards the far post no runner coming on goes wide out of play. Bure Valley pushing up on the right, McLaggan 20 out seeing the ball don off her chest into Macmillan’s feet, slides the ball into the box for Nye breaking free, Tims can grab it up into her gloves first. 

 GOAL! The game stretched Bure Valley committing players forwards Valkyries counter the ball up to Kenny through the middle with Bennett plays the ball into her as she continues her run, Bennett feeding the ball in behind the defence into Kenny’s path free to attack as she bursts into the box, the substitute with a clinical finish blasting the ball past the keeper into the back of the net to restore Valkyries lead in extra-time 2-1.

Substitute Charlotte Kenny fires Valkyries back into the lead

  A huge blow for Bure Valley get straight down the other end McLaggan right playing a one tow inside to Nye sending the return pass over from 20 yards out.

  GOAL! Valkyries hit Bure Valley on the counter the ball launched up to Bennett up top the striker in a race with Snelling into the box looking to get onto the end of the ball, Barnes comes rushing out to close her down, Bennett nicking the ball past her as she dives in colliding with Bennett, the referee pointing to the spot! Penalty! Both players down in need of treatment a long delay before the penalty can be taken. Bennett back on her feet, Barnes coming off the worst slowly up back to her goal line as Smith places the ball on the spot. Their no fancy stuff, the ball is blasted down the middle, Barnes not getting near it as Valkyries extend their lead 3-1!

Maddie Smith extends Valkyries lead from the spot

Half-time extra-time FC Viking & Valkyries Women 3-1 Bure Valley Women

  Bure Valley with a mountain to climb now falling 2 goals behind in extra-time send Redgrave back on adding to the attack as Valkyries get the final 15 minutes underway, played back to Smith in defence, lifts it forwards into Crabtree who sends Walthew away on the left, Sadler in to close her down win the ball back for Bure Valley. 

 Bure Valley have to take risks have an extra attacker up top now . Valkyries with a corner on the left put high into the box, Kenny knocking it down, Blundell with the snap shot a defender in the way the ball deflected behind for a 2nd corner. Played in long Smith stretching for it stabs her effort wide. 

Charlotte Kenny

 Redgrave fighting to get onto the ball through the middle as Smith looks to hold her off with Tims coming, not risking it clears behind for a corner kick. Cleared Valkyries get the ball up to the right Kenny on the move playing the ball inside to Bennett, 20 yards out Sadler in to close her down winning the ball. 

Macmillan launches the ball forwards for Redgrave to chase right of goal, Tims rushing out to the top of her area to get hold of it. Time running down Blundell moves to run the ball into the corner. Valkyries keeping the ball at the right end of the pitch. Cleared up to Addison left, Rhiannon Tims holding her up eventually squeezes a ball into the area but Redgrave can’t reach it before the keeper clears for a throw. Swain bringing the ball down off the throw putting into Macmillan central, goes with the outside of her boot the shot into the keeper. 

 Into the dying moment Valkyries left Walthew winning a corner, taken short held up in the corner before the cross is eventually played behind, no time left for Bure Valley to get it forwards the whistle blows and it’s the underdogs that win the 2nd final of the day. Valkyries celebrating with their fans 

Full time extra-time FC Viking & Valkyries Women 3-1 Bure Valley Women

 A fantastic win for FC Viking & Valkyries Women formed just 3 season’s ago, struggling in the early days now about to lift their first piece of silverware. A fighting display made a good start encouraged defended well and Bennett took her chance to fire them into the lead. Held on for so long Bure Valley struggling to find a way through but got their chance and took it, Nye equalising to send the game into extra-time. Charlotte Kenny coming off the bench with a clinical finish to restore their lead in the first half of extra-time, Bennett winning a penalty to see Smith finish the game off from the spot. Shows the cup run was no fluke and the whole squad played it’s part in getting them here. Heart break for Bure Valley in the finish but gave it there all. Still have the league title to play for and to be in this position in their debut season is fantastic.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East -Player of the Match. Several good performances out there this afternoon but there’s one clear winner in my opinion. First all all for Bure Valley, Jasmine Snelling was brilliant at the back getting in to win the ball and read the game well. Megan Swain won the ball in the middle played several useful balls forwards. Emma Macmillan get about the final 3rd doing all she could to unlock the Valkyries defence. A solid team performance from Valkyries had to dig deep at times and defended with a determination throughout. Jess Bennett a handful up front easy to see why she’s the league top scorer took her goal well. Carla Blundell caused problems on the right getting in behind and holding onto the ball. Charlotte Kenny coming off the bench taking her goal superbly. Credit to the entire defence, however as the game wore on I felt the only way Bure Valley were going to get a goal was if they could find a way past Maddie Smith but she didn’t let it happen read the game well getting across to support her full backs and intercepted the ball on numerous occasions, the penalty the icing on the cake.

FC Viking & Valkyries Women 2023/24 Norfolk Women’s League Plate winners

 Congratulations to FC Viking & Valkyries Women on winning this season’s Norfolk Women’s League Plate.

 Another enjoyable if busy NWGFL finals day comes to an end two reports to write up and someone shoved the County Cup Final on Monday night too, goodbye sleep! Two great games my thanks to all the clubs for their help today. The volunteers at Aylsham FC and the NWGFL committee members for their help today. 

by Darren Gilham