Sunday 4th May

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

Sponsored by Harrod Sport

The finals coming thick and fast now, following on from a double bill from Cambridgeshire in midweek, the action comes from Norfolk this Sunday with a trip to Carrow Road to watch the final of the Norfolk County Cup sponsored by Harrod Sport, a repeat of the final from 2 season’s ago with Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies taking on Norwich City Women who are aiming to make it a hat-trick of trophy wins in the competition.

A busy Sunday at Carrow Road with Norfolk FA hosting their 3 senior county cup finals at the ground, the men’s junior and senior cup finals followed by the women’s cup final kicking off at 6:45pm. A fantastic opportunity for all sides involved to get to play at the ground of the leading football club in the county, Championship side, Norwich City FC. No doubt a busy day for the staff at Norfolk FA but as they so often do, lay on a great occasion.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies enjoying great success in the competition in their short history, reaching their first final in their debut season in, followed that with two more final appearances at Carrow Road, losing twice against Norwich and once against Wymondham Town Ladies. Knocked out by Norwich at the last 4 stage last season. Now make it 4 final appearances in 5 seasons as they return to Carrow Road. Something of a transitional period as Mulbarton look to introduced younger players to the 1st team squad playing in ERWFL Division One North.

  That along with injuries to key players plus a build up of fixtures due to their pitch not being available for a while seeing games called off saw Mulbarton near the wrong end of the table although with the cushion of games in hand get things going in the right direction to push on up the table and are on course for a 5th placed finish. Rebekah Lake remains one of the leading goal scorers in the county and once again has done the business for Mulbarton in front of goal despite a period out injured has 15 goals to her name from 19 appearances. Midfielder Alanta Griffith also amongst the goals this season netting 8.

  Norwich City Women looking to make it 3 county cup wins in a row and 8th overall since the competition became independent of Suffolk back in the 2010/11 season, winning the 1st 4 finals returned after a spell out of the competition to win it again in 2021 for the 5th time before making in back to back cup successes at Carrow Road. Fresh from playing at the ground too having faced QPF FC Women in their final FAWNL South East Division One winning 3-0 to secure runners-up spot for a 2nd successive season. Ultimately 2 points behind new champions Real Bedford Women frustrating to some degree the clubs ambitions seeking promotion to tier 3, with just one promotion spot up for grabs it isn’t easy, but remain focused bringing young talent through will be up their challenging again next campaign.

  Natasha Snelling named as the Norwich, Player of the Season winning the award a legend within the club, leading the way with the goals this season, with 15 from 28 matches. Holly Kennard joining the club last season from Sudbury has 11 goals this season with Shannon Shaw netting 7. Norwich were without influential player Ellie Smith for a good chunk of the season through injury and her goals have been sorely missed, back to full fitness now has 4 goals from the 17 she has featured in. Another county cup final and the retirement of another Norwich captain, Anna Larkins last time around, it’s the final game for new captain, Megan Todd as she announced her retirement from playing, establishing herself as a fan favourite in her six seasons with the club, influential on and off the field, despite suffering a few injury set backs along the way.

Road to the Final

 The higher league placed clubs entering the county cup in the latter rounds, Mulbarton beginning their run to the final in the 3rd Round of the competition drawn at home to fellow ERWFL Division One North side, King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Struggling for results at the bottom of the table Mulbarton came out strong to wrap a comprehensive win, Rebekah Lake firing home 4 goals. Victoria McNorton bagging herself a brace, their were goals to for Alanta Griffith, Lucy Lincoln and Tallie Chillystone in a 9-0 win.

 Onto the quarter finals Mulbarton were in the road taking on Norfolk Women’s Division One side, Bure Valley Women. Lake once again amongst the goals netting twice as did Griffith with another of the clubs new young players, Scarlett Derrett also on the scoresheet in a 5-1 victory. Norwich City Women entering the county cup at the quarter final stage beginning their defence of the trophy away to another Norfolk Division One side, Aylsham FC Women. The hosts taking a shock lead in the game before Norwich came back to equalise in the 21st minute through, Eloise Morran. Natasha Snelling, Lauren Hailes and a late first half strike from Lara Densley seeing Norwich 4-1, Shannon Shaw was to add 2 more goals in 2nd half stoppage time to see Norwich advance 6-1.

  The semi-finals of the being held on neutral ground on successive evenings a The FDC in Bowthorpe. First up Mulbarton who were paired against another ERWFL Division One North side and tough opponent, Thetford Town Ladies. Goalless at the break, Laura Hedtke was on hand on the follow up to turn the ball home off a Lake effort to put Mulbarton into the lead in the 0th minute. Thetford pushing Mulbarton all the way 1-0 going into the final 10 minutes before lake lifted the ball over the keeper to make it 2-0, Sophie Jermy adding a 3rd to see Mulbarton into another Carrow Road final. Norwich taking on Wroxham Women, having beaten the ERWFL Premier Division side in last season’s final. Wroxham keen to try and get to Carrow Road for a 2nd time proved tough to break down with a single goal winning the match coming from Isabelle Moore to put Norwich into a 3rd successive final.

Norwich City FC’s, Carrow Road Stadium the venue for this evening’s women’s cup final. As I said fantastic the players get to enjoy the experience of playing at such a prestigious ground. The South Stand open to supporters for the match, the food stalls open below, the media on the opposite I had the appetite for a pie so headed across the pitch to get one, very nice it was too. The pitch as you’d expect immaculate, holding up well despite two games already. The weather much cooler than the two finals in midweek the mini heatwave passing by still mild however a few showers around but not too bad over all.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies starting XI – Megan Gowing, Leah Brown, Holly Farrow, Lucy Lincoln, Megan Belsey, Laura Hedtke, Victoria McNorton, Alanta Griffith, Scarlett Derrett, Tallie Chilleystone & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Melissa Belsey, Luka Goodfield, Sophie Jermy, Molly Stevenson & Jo Hooper.

Norwich City Women starting XI – Sarah Quantrill, Ellie Bishop, Izzy Moore, Ceri Flye, Hope Strauss, Eloise Morran (C), Sienna Booty, Lara Densley, Millie Daviss, Ellie Smith & Shannon Shaw. Subs – Megan Todd, Natasha Snelling, Freya Symonds, Lauren Tomlinson & Olivia Cook.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final goes straight to penalties.

This evening’s referee, Francesca Catchpole who follows in her mother Lorraine’s footsteps having refereed last season’s women’s cup final. A quality striker in her own right too, Mulbarton being one of the clubs she has featured for in the past.

An injury blow for Mulbarton leading into this evenings final losing midfielder engine, Ellie Hunter to a nasty ligament injury away to Thetford in the league just 10 days ago. Goalkeeper, Megan Gowing also suffering a serious ankle injury in that game, but able to start this evening, have Jo Hooper on the bench as standby keeper should she be required. Norwich without a few too including Holly Kennard who scored twice on Sunday against QPR. Norwich still able to name a strong bench including Megan Todd, Natasha Snelling and Freya Symonds, Eloise Morran handed the captains armband starting this evenings final.

It’s Mulbarton attacking the River end to get the final underway wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts, blue shorts and socks. Norwich lined up opposite in their traditional yellow and green kit. The ball clipped long into the right channel as captain Rebekah Lake makes a run forwards, Ellie Bishop at left back heading the ball back upfield for Norwich. The ball send diagonally out to the right wing, Millie Daviss looking to get forwards, Holly Farrow closing her down for Mulbarton the ball out for a throw in.

Norwich looking to press the ball high early on have Mulbarton pushed back into their own box with Hope Struss at the back on the ball having plenty of options in front of her to range her pass to. Puts it forwards into the left flank for Bishop looking to bomb on, the ball skipping up off the grass wrong footing full back Leah Brown, Bishop escaping in behind turning to burst into the box, top corner, Laura Hedtke in to close her down block the ball before she can line up a shot.

Norwich getting forwards well the full backs pushing on the ball fed out to the right down the line for Daviss on the by line her cross cut back into the box, evading goalkeeper Megan Gowing as she comes near post, loose for a moment in front of an empty goal, Brown leaps in to hook it clear for Mulbarton. A nervous start from Mulbarton dropping deep inviting Norwich on, the ball clipped into box from Moore on the right into Ellie Smith at the near post back to goal looking to cushion the ball down, three Mulbarton defenders converge on her before she can do anything with it.

GOAL! Bishop with another marauding run down the left gets in behind cutting into the area closed down lays it back to the top of the area for Lara Densley inside the D, she takes on the 1st time strike the ball rifled in towards goal rising past the keeper, crashes down off the crossbar, might have crossed the line then very close either way as Gowing tried to get to it knocked down to the right post players rushing in to try and scramble it away Morran amongst the melee coming in to attack as Moore looks to keep the ball in play stabbing out a foot the ball squeezed past bodies over the line 0-1.

Norwich taking the lead inside the opening 5 minutes. A blow for Mulbarton haven’t settled look nervous as Norwich build from halfway again, breaking down the right Ceri Flye from the back on for Daviss who wins her side a corner on the right. Clipped in high to the near post area, Hedtke getting a strong head on the ball to clear for Mulbarton.

Bishop lively out on the left for Norwich, linking up with Smith drives inside getting into the box, but is run off the ball as it runs out of play for a goal kick. Bishop looking to get in behind again wide left of a Strauss pass from the back, Mulbarton hold their line to catch her offside. Strauss and Flye with plenty of time on the ball at the back for Norwich usually up on half way, Flye right lays it on for Moore to clip a cross from the angle into the near post, Shannon Shaw looking to attack the header knocking the ball on wide across goal out beyond the far post.

Smith getting the ball into Densley coming left runs in on for Bishop on the wing takes the shot on from the angle, driven straight at the keeper, Gowing getting her gloves around the ball. Flye combining with Moore and Daviss on the right the cross lifted into the box, Hedtke winning the clearance for Mulbarton look to try and release Scarlett Derrett on the right wing, Strauss getting across her path to hold her up, no way through.

Alanta Griffith central in to make the blocking tackle on Smith central comes away with the ball, her forward pass for Tallie Chilleystone making a left channel run cut out by Flye at the back for Norwich. Mulbarton pushed back struggling to get anything going forwards the ball often coming straight back, Bishop charging on down the left given the ball sending a diagonal ball into the box, Lucy Lincoln under it to head clear for Mulbarton.

Norwich remain on top Densley 30 yards out central picking out Flye coming on from the back going right sends in on down the line for Daviss she turns back up the line to lay it back to Shaw edge of the box right side fires her shot over the crossbar.

 GOAL! Norwich merciless coming on with abandon get on down the right Daviss pushing down the line the ball at her feet turns it into the box, Smith bursting inside towards the penalty spot stealing in on the ball unmarked to turn it past the keeper and send Norwich into a 2 goal lead. 0-2.

Norwich 2 goals to the good inside the opening quarter hour looking strong. Bishop charging after the ball down the left flanks, Brown sliding in to make the tackle the pair colliding Bishop coming off the worst wasn’t a pleasant sound knees coming together or shin pads taking the brunt. Either way Francesca Catchpole awarding Norwich the free-kick. Bishop up on her feet okay for now. Densley over the set-piece outside the box takes on the strike, doesn’t get it right, turns in disgust before it’s even cleared the crossbar.

Norwich pushed up Smith outside the D bringing down a goal kick on for Sienna Booty top of the area, closed down by Lincoln, the loose ball running back to Smith right of the D goes to hit it, smashing the shot over the bar. Brown defending on Bishop as Strauss looks to release her in behind on the left. Bishop combining with Densley on the left for Norwich, swinging a teasing cross into the near post, Megan Belsey getting her head on the ball for Mulbarton, Hedtke attempting to bring it away, closed down by Smith.

Norwich quick to win the ball back everyone bar Strauss and Flye inside the Mulbarton half build through the middle Morran with Booty out to the right Shaw with Moore the former attempting to drop the ball in at the near post Daviss looking to steal in to attack it, Gowing getting down to smother the ball.

 GOAL! Midway through the first half Norwich break away down the left to add a 3rd goal, it’s Bishop racing in behind, pace taking the ball on towards the corner whipping an early cross into the top of the six yard box just beyond Shaw running in near side, but straight into Booty’s path running in beyond to meet the ball and lift it up into the roof of the net to score. 0-3.

Norwich ruthless 3 goals up, Mulbarton in danger of getting overwhelmed in defence need to find a foot hold in the game somehow. Norwich get on down the left Smith over with Densley and Bishop the ball crossed into the near post Belsey defending for Mulbarton, Booty looking to get after the clearance as it drops inside the D, McNorton in on her to make the blocking tackle.

 Play waved on as Smith driving on with the ball goes down inside the box the ball going away to the right lofted back in near post Shaw makes contact the ball dropping at the right post Gowing moving in to push it away, hooked clear Mulbarton can’t get any distance on it Norwich come straight back, Daviss in possession on the right, Farrow challenging the ball out for a throw. A high ball in to the top of the area, Booty looking to bring it down, her lay off cut out. 

Everyone back behind the ball for Mulbarton, Hedtke on for Lake the ball lost in the middle 30 yards out Booty running in to strike the ball be effort put straight in at the keeper, Gowing getting hold of the ball. Hedtke defending another Norwich corner at the near post, Mulbarton attempt to break out on their right, Bishop snuffing the opportunity out for Norwich. Strauss into Smith taking the ball away to the right linking up with Daviss her cross lifted into the six yard box, Gowing under pressure from Shaw claiming the ball.

  Daviss running onto a diagonal ball clipped out to her advancing in the right cuts it back inside to the top of the box looking for Shaw, closed down by Lincoln, Booty snatching hold of the loose ball top of the D laying it off to Smith on her right her shot flies narrowly over Gowing’s crossbar. 

 Mulbarton have been under constant pressure at last they mount an attack the ball fired on up the left into Derrett gives it to Lake ahead of her racing on right channel, drives for the Norwich area, has Griffith making a run inside the box looking to come across the near post, Lake sending the ball into her path, Griffith bearing down on goal striking the ball in at goal rising, Quantrill called into action throwing up her glove to turn the ball wide for a corner kick!

  An opportunity for Mulbarton to bring a few players forwards for the resulting corner the ball fired in long through the six yard box met by Lincoln heading the ball goal wards knocked down, Quantrill sharp getting a glove down to the ball deflecting it away for a corner on the left. This delivery in high to the near post dealt with by Smith for Norwich. 

 Something for Mulbarton to feed on their fans too encouraging them on. Have a throw on the left knocked on into the area, Lake moving for it central, Bishop going with her getting the tackle in to get the ball away for Norwich. Bishop getting on down the left has support from Densley and Shaw her cross fired into the near post 6 yards out intercepted by Belsey the clearance won by Strauss sends the ball out to the right Moore getting hold of it getting inside the defence into the box to shoot from the angle Gowing getting down to make the save holds onto the ball. 

  Belsey forced to concede a corner as Norwich advance well on the right. The delivery going long, Brown looking to bring it away for Mulbarton. Bishop throwing herself into the challenge in an attempt to stop her stays down in clear discomfort looked to have jarred her knee. Morran putting the ball out of play so she can receive treatment the physio indicating that she needs to come off with 40 minutes played.

 Is a straight swap at left back with Lauren Tomlinson coming on. Takes over where Bishop left off looking to take the ball on down the flank into the corner, Derrett tracking back with Brown to tackle slow things down. Tomlinson winning a corner in Norwich’s next attack. Out on the left Densley swinging the ball high into the near post, Gowing getting her fists up pushing it away to the right, Densley gathering it sends n inside for Booty 20 yards out to dink one over the top for Smith looking to get in right of goal, Derrett going with her getting something on the ball both closing in on the keeper can’t risk a back pass, takes the ball beyond Gowing across goal before hooking it away.

  Gowing with another good claim for Mulbarton inside her six yard box as Moore sends Daviss’ layoff into the box. Griffith latching onto the ball getting in the move right sending it on for Derrett, plays it on for lake in attack pulling off Strauss in an attempt to get into the box, Flye though running around on the cover getting to the pass first as the ball enters the box. 

  Tomlinson races away down the left with the ball up to the by-line sending a vicious cross back across the top of the six yard box just beyond Densley and Booty who had burst on to try and get forwards, Chilleystone bringing it under control beyond the pair clearing for Mulbarton. Moving into stoppage time at the end of the first half. Lake getting onto the ball on the drive central for Mulbarton, checks her run before lifting it on for Derrett 25 yards out to the right of the area, shifts the ball between her feet looking to get on into the area, Morran coming in to close her down winning the tackle for Norwich.

  Smith coming left with the ball for Norwich fed on down the wing for Tomlinson to take on whips another dangerous ball into the six yard box swerving through the air, Gowing doing well dropping forwards to see the ball into her gloves, pops out for a split 2nd with Shaw lurking but Gowing is quick to react snatching it back into her midriff. 

 Norwich coming no right side Daviss looking to send Smith racing clear into the box right of goal, the flag going up straight away as Gowing goes down to smother the ball, Smith’s sliding in colliding with the keeper, a painful one for Gowing up gingerly but looks to be alright to carry on. One last attack for Norwich, Tomlinson on the left 25 yards out squared inside for Shaw looks to help it on into the top of the area for Daviss, Lincoln up win her winning the header to get the ball away.

Half-time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 0-3 Norwich City Women

  Norwich head into the tunnel holding a comfortable lead at the break, on the front foot right from the off, Mulbarton a little nervous at the start giving them a little too much respect dropping off into their box inviting them on Norwich able to get players on at will overload the flanks, winning it back easily with the outlet ball not on. Racing into a 3 goal lead looking like they might overwhelm Mulbarton, their opponents rallied fighting hard inside their area to try and stem the tide broke away to create a very good opportunity of their own giving them a much needed shot of confidence. Alot to do 2nd half if they are to get back into the game and you feel Norwich can move up a gear if they want.

 Bishop giving a good fitness check at the break as her injury is assessed, Tomlinson back out wearing a bib so looks as if they will be swapping 2nd half. Mulbarton too making changes at the start of the 2nd half bring off, Brown, McNorton and Megan Belsey, send on her twin sister Melissa along with Sophie Jermy and Luka Goodfield. Norwich to get the 2nd half underway, rolled into Morran goes left with the diagonal ball for Bishop, puts it on for Densley ahead of her, Belsey forcing her back put inside for Flye pushing up right on for Daviss on the right wing her cross swept into across the top of the area intercepted by Lincoln.

  Norwich up and around the Mulbarton area winning a free-kick the the left of the box 30 yards out, the ball chipped in over the top, Shaw looknig to steal in on it stoops to head the ball goal wards sends it straight at the keeper. Mulbarton in to defend the ball high up the pitch, Goodfield’s tackle dropping to Jermy 25 yards out central, her strike charged down by Strauss. 

 Norwich still looking to get players on down the wings, Moore on the right overlapping Daviss her cross turned in behind at the near post. Shaw bringing the ball down for Norwich sending the pass right for Daviss her cross deep into the area falling for Densley left of goal can’t bring it down into her feet to get a shot away before it is snatched away by the Mulbarton defence. Away to the left soon back with Norwich the low cross driven in central, Griffith bringing it away for Mulbarton.

  Lake turning with the ball inside the Norwich half gets on the move going into the left channel, holding the ball up as Chilleystone races on to support the ball inside reaching her she looks to pick out Griffith to her right, Moore cutting pass out for Norwich. Norwich getting their crosses all wrong at the start of the 2nd half, Shaw’s the 4th put behind the Mulbarton goal. 

GOAL! The game a little more open 2nd half Griffith looknig to get closer to Lake up front the ball fed into lake 25 yards out sees it into her feet turns to push away left though the middle before cutting the pass back out to the right into Griffiths outside the box closing in on the area shapes to shoot catching it sweetly to send it arrowing past Quantrill into top corner! 1-3!

 The Mulbarton fans erupt in celebration as Griffith races over to them in celebration, the first goal Norwich have conceded in a county cup final at Carrow Road. Mulbarton pulling a goal back in the 50th minute. Norwich press down the right Daviss putting the ball in across the top of the area, Morran running onto the ball looking to hit it, Hedtke moving in to charge the shot down, Morran snatching at the rebound pulling it wide of the left post.

  Norwich’s centre backs still afforded time on the ball able to carry it on Flye driving on right side into towards the top corner of the area firing a dangerous ball in towards the far post dropping Densley racing in trying to meet it on the volley can’t quite get there. Mulbarton working hard in defence, Norwich coming forwards Daviss linking up with Moore in the right. Densley bringing the ball in from the left across the Mulbarton D, sends it into Booty inside the box who storms back across the area looking for an opening, none on shifts in into Shaw out on the left who takes on the shot from the angle, driven in low towards goal, Gowing right behind it down low to save at her near post.

  Norwich lively getting the ball on pressing and probing Smith moving inside to play the ball into Flye looking to get into the box right side, Chilleystone closing her down for Mulbarton, the ball deflected central for Smith to latch onto inside the D, lifts her shot over the bar. Daviss racing clear on the right flashes a pacy ball across the face of the Mulbarton goal, Shaw slipping as she goes for it not making contact. Mulbarton look to break forwards the ball from Griffiths into Lake, Strauss moving in to close her down sending the ball out for a throw.   

 GOAL!  Norwich hit Mulbarton on the counter winning the ball on the throw right side Daviss put away into space on halfway racing forwards drives all the way into the box bearing down on goal, Gowing stays back looking to set herself no one can reach Daviss as she shoots sending the ball in across the keeper to find the opposite corner 1-4.

 Norwich restoring their 3 goal lead on the hour. Norwich making a change switching captains with Morran coming off handing the armband to Megan Todd as she runs onto the pitch to make her final appearance for Norwich. The goal’s getting both sets of fans going 2nd half in good voice a great attendance too with 956 in the stand. Flye breaks down the right for Norwich looking to exchange passes with Moore the return pass however sees the central defender flagged offside.

  Gowing pulling off a fantastic double save as Norwich thrust forwards Todd moving central from the left into Smith who lays it across to Daviss right of goal with Moore going beyond her the ball into her feet shoots on the angle, Gowing throwing out her left glove to turn the low shot away to the opposite side, Shaw looking to get onto the end of it striking the ball back in across goal, the keeper throwing out a foot to deflect the ball behind.

The corner from Densley on the left half cleared at the near post, Densley looking to fire it back in on the angle, Gowing across to the near post takes the ball down cleanly. Norwich ringing the changes midway through the 2nd half bringing Tomlinson back on along with Freya Symonds, Olivia Cook and Natasha Snelling, coming off are, Daviss, Moore, Booty and Densley. Lincoln penalised for obstruction as she impedes Shaw’s attempt to get into the box left of the D. Snelling over the free-kick with an early chance to test the keeper, gets it on target but lacking the pace or height to trouble Gowing.

  Chilleystone getting the ball into Griffith inside the Norwich half she looks to try and play Lake in behind as she burst away into the right channel, the ball launched forwards, Quantrill however able to chase out to the top of the area see the ball safely into her gloves before Lake can pounce. Mulbarton making a triple switch bringing off Chilleystone, Farrow and Hedtke on come Brown, McNorton and Molly Stevenson. 

 Norwich building on the left the ball rolled inside to Todd, 25 yards out encouraged to shoot, sends her shot in Gowing right behind it to save. The game more open as Mulbarton are prepared to get players forwards to try and support Lake up top Norwich alive to the quick counter however Tomlinson left side on for Symonds the cross driven in low to the near post, Gowing dropping forwards onto the ball. 

 GOAL! Norwich up on the left winning a throw, have Tomlinson on now, known for her long throws level with the top of the area launches in into the box dropping for Bishop to hit on the volley as she turns sends it arrowing into the top corner 1-5.

  Norwich extending their lead with 15 minutes of regular time left to play. Press on the left forcing Mulbarton into conceding a corner. Symonds to angle the ball into the near post dealt with by Goodfield behind for a 2nd corner. Cleared again at the near post dropping for Smith top of the area, sees two attempts charged down before the ball is cleared away to the right for a throw.

 Todd putting the ball into Snelling out to Symonds wide left her into Shaw at the near post attempts to lay it on for Snelling closing in, Jermy getting in the way to clear for Mulbarton. Lincoln cutting out a Smith pass inside the D to Snelling the ball behind for a corner kick, taken short on the left the cross whipped into the six yard box attacked but the flag is up. Norwich getting around the box everyone is looking to tee up Todd for a strike on goal Bishop into Symonds central on for Todd shifts it out to Tomlinson pushing on down the left back into Symonds corner of the area, put inside for Todd she pokes it on for Smith pulling in behind at the left post her low strike trapped by Gowing as she dives forwards.

GOAL! Norwich getting the ball into Cook out wide on the right, Has Snelling running in central as she looks to play the ball into the box her cross long angling high across the keeper falling beyond her into the far corner add another goal 1-6. 

  Mulbarton bring Megan Belsey back on replacing Lincoln in defence with less than 10 minutes left to play, Chilleystone back on to for Derrett. Make a keeper change too with Gowing coming off and Jo Hooper coming on to make her final appearance for Mulbarton. Flye on the move with the ball for Norwich right side flashed into the top of the box for Snelling she attempts to thread Smith in between the defence in on goal but the flag is up against her immediately.

 The ball given to Todd outside the D, closed down squeezes it out to Symonds pulling left her low cross into the box claimed by Hooper as she goes to ground at her near post. Griffiths finding the energy to get the ball on through the middle for Lake in attack looks to drive out left into the channel get past Flye into the box, the defender stays on her however to put in the challenge nullify the attack. 

 Smith sliding it at the near post sends the ball wide as Bishop breaking down the left sends the ball into the box. Smith with another opportunity moments later as Norwich come right, Cooks cross flashed into the six yard box, Smith can’t get a touch as she closes down the keeper. Mulbarton keep going trying to get an opportunity going forwards, Griffith is dead on her feet though as she gets the ball into Lake who gives her the return pass 30 yards out, tries to pick out Chilleystone to her right, Tomlinson tracking back cutting the pass out. 

  Bishop coming down the right wing cuts the ball back into the top of the area for Cook right of the D, angles the ball into the far post Shaw going in to head it can’t get a touch. Shaw from distance with an ambitious attempt to lob the ball over the keeper seeing the ball land on the roof of the net. Into stoppage time just 2 mins of what has been an intense 2nd half. 

 Brown defending to see the ball out for a corner kick for Mulbarton, swung into the top of the area from the right, Griffith defending for Mulbarton put back out wide, Norwich win it back the diagonal ball curled back into the box Todd racing in six yards out, Hooper snatching it off her feet. 

 GOAL! Norwich driving on till the end a burst into the area from the left no sure who was brought down but either way, Catchpole points to the spot, Penalty! Straight away the call is it has to be Todd to take it, initially walks away though, more to calm herself down than anything else, never in doubt as she places the ball on the spot and scores her final Norwich goal wrong footing the keeper to place it into the left of the goal 1-7. 

 More or less the final action of the game as the whistle blows up and Norwich win the cup for the 3rd successive season. Celebrating in front of their fans.

Full time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 1-7 Norwich City Women

  Norwich starting strong never let off the pace throughout taking an early lead able to get players on at will getting into a 3 goal lead before Mulbarton launched a meaningful attack coming close themselves, fighting hard in defence given some encouragement for the 2nd half. Alanta Griffith with a superb strike to pull a goal back early in the 2nd half before Millie Daviss broke away to restore Norwich’s 3 goal cushion. Emily Bishop and Olivia Cook extending the lead before Todd from the penalty spot put the icing on the cake. Mulbarton showing a little too much respect to Norwich early on in were danger of getting overwhelmed recovered well and when they took the game to Norwich showed what they were capable of.

 Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match two clear contenders with a number of other performances of note. Firstly for Mulbarton the whole team battled hard in defence. Lucy Lincoln with a number of vital wins inside the box. Laura Hedtke too helping out in defence won her fair share of tackles. Alanta Griffith covered the ground getting back to help in defence and trying to get on to support Lake in attack, scoring a goal at Carrow Road that’ll live long in the memory. Megan Gowing with some crucial saves. For Norwich get forwards at will at time Ellie Smith all over the place coming for the ball driving forwards and linking up play. Eloise Morran opening the scoring got hold of the ball kept Norwich on the front foot. Emily Bishop down the left got forwards well pushing in behind creating numerous chances and getting on the score sheet pushed it close but the award goes to Millie Daviss won it on the night and had a fantastic game on the right, constantly available got on well with the ball and broke away to score a fantastic goal. 

Congratulations to Norwich City Women on winning the Norfolk Women’s Cup for a 3rd successive season.

  No doubt a long day for the staff at Norfolk FA with 3 finals completed, my thanks to all for their assistance and allowing me to cover the game as always much appreciated. Many congratulations to Megan Todd on her career been a pleasure to watch her play. Jo Hooper too a legend in her own right with some great memories to take from the game. 

by Darren Gilham