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Match Report – Costessey Sports Ladies v Fakenham Town Ladies

Sunday 15th December

Norfolk Women’s Division One

It has been a lean spell football wise with Storm’s Bert and Darragh playing havoc with the fixture lists across the country. One last game to watch in 2024 however and getting to see Costessey Sports Ladies in action has been a challenge in itself. At last getting down to the FDC to see them play as they take on Fakenham Town Ladies in Norfolk Women’s Division One.

The first 4 months of the season have been highly disruptive across the board in Norfolk Women’s Division One with the weather and early season FA Cup fixtures seeing games postponed and moved. With many having played just 4 or 5 out of there 20 scheduled league games so far it promises to be a busy 2025. Bungay Town Ladies the defending champions, looking strong again this season in what is a competitive league will be intriguing to see if other challengers emerge.

Have been looking to see Costessey Sports Ladies in action this season and having seen two attempts fall by the way side (the first with just half and hours notice… not their doing however) am glad it’s 3rd time lucky. Costessey ports Ladies amongst the new crop of sides joining the Norfolk Women’s Football league last season. The only one to be placed straight into Division One. A young squad signing a few experienced players to bolster the group, had an up and down debut season results wise winning as many as they lost, a 4 game winning streak to end the campaign securing them a comfortable 6th placed finish.

Began this season with a couple of heavy defeats at home to champions, Bungay and in the county cup against promoted Bure Valley. A lean spell fixture wise to follow starting with an away walk over in the FA Women’s Cup, had hoped to see them then against Suffolk’s Stowupland, had even got to the carpark when I was notified the game was off. Still Costessey got an away day against Essex side Bowers & Pitsea Ladies their 1st FA Cup adventure ending, back to the league getting to play at last a win and three draws pulling them away from the bottom giving Costessey a solid platform to build on. Have recruited more experience in the squad with the arrival of ex-Dussindale & Hellesdon midfielder, Abbi Nobbs, along with attacker, Chelsea Brister. The most recent addition attacker Grace Wall joining from Long Stratton.

Fakenham Town Ladies ended a 2 year spell playing regional football, dropping out of the ERWFL last season. Were in danger of folding entirely as they lost much of that squad with the season just a week away with just a handful of experienced players remaining, amongst them, new captain, Gina Pooley and goalkeeper, Tilly Betts. Under new management were fortunate to have a group of younger players to call upon, as well as recruiting a few from the highly thought of Dussindale & Hellesdon u16s side. Nevertheless began the season with a young and very inexperienced squad.

Hasn’t seemed to phase them however as they began their season with a 5-1 win in the FA Women’s Cup against Essex side Stanway Rovers Ladies before clinching a 2-2 draw with last season’s Division One runners-up, Sprowston FC Women, a loss followed before Fakenham clinched back to back wins and a draw to climb into 4th spot in the table, a loss against Bungay following that clinched a point away from home last weekend, come to the FDC with a solid start to the new campaign behind them. Helped largely by their top scorer Maddie Green, dual signed with Suffolk side Capel Plough Women along with sister Katie. Is the leagues leading scorer so far with 12 goals from her 8 appearances. Have recently added Holly Williams to the squad coming in from King’s Lynn.

The Harrod Sports Arena

The FDC (Football Development Centre) in Bowthorpe the venue for this afternoon’s fixture. Home for the Costessey Sports teams this season. The football facility one of a number dotted about the county. On the way into Norwich from the east off the A47. Boast a number of small artificial pitches along with the main Harrod Sports Arena. A large 3G pitch with a small seated stand on one side with standing viewing on 3 sides of the pitch. The café/bar open serving hot food and drink. The weather much kinder this Sunday calm and relatively mild, the sun able to make a showing was soon the sink below the horizon with a 2:30pm kick-off and the shortest day fast approaching.

Costessey Sports Ladies starting XI – Ellie Hambrook, Layla Watts, Paige Barnard (C), Alyssia Baldock, Sophie Crowle, Abbi Nobbs, Hannah Campbell, Abbie Tate, Thea Hackney, Chelsea Brister & Chloe Gaff. Subs – Kelly Fox, Sydnie Brown, Grace Wall & Hannah Thrower.

Costessey Sports Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Tilly Betts, Gina Pooley, Kirstie Rusted, Ella Ballett, Marcie McCullagh, Megan Bond, Katie Green, Holly Williams, Roxanne Grant, Beth Seymour & Maddie Green. Subs – Laura Booth, Sydney Smith & Fran Wood.

Fakenham Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Paige Barnard and Gina Pooley with this afternoons march referee Daniel Knowles

Referee, Daniel Knowles straight into his 2nd match of the day having officiated the youth game ending on the same pitch half an hour earlier. Fakenham with the kick-off 1st half wearing amber coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks with Costessey lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into Katie Green in the middle launches it long out to the left flank for sister, Maddie to attack, a strong run, is tracked back by Costessey’s Layla Watts the defender holding Green up, forcing her to switch direction knock the ball on across the top of the D, turning to send the ball into the area, quickly scooped up by Costessey goalkeeper, Ellie Hambrook.

The visitors testing their opponents with a couple of long passes into the flanks early on. Costessey captain, Paige Barnard dealing with the ball pull down Fakenham’s right wing. Both sides moving to press the ball, is a wide pitch space to exploit if play gets too congested in the middle. Thea Hackney seeing the ball played into her feet out wide on Costessey’s left surging forwards is brought down the hosts winning a free-kick, played up the line for Hackney to attack gets her foot around the ball whipping an inviting cross in towards the penalty spot, Fakenham captain, Gina Pooley running back towards her own goal twisting well to stretch and get a foot on the ball to divert it out of her area.

Costessey regaining possession in the middle, Abbi Nobbs on for Abbigail Tate threads it into the right channel for Chelsea Brister bearing down on goal from the angle pulls her shot in towards goal past Tilly Betts coming to cover her near post the ball across the x yard box, cleared by Kirstie Rusted at the far post straight back to Brister on the right, tries again for the near post, Pooley in the way blocking her effort off the defender for a corner kick.

The corner swung into the box from the right, headed clear by Fakenham’s defence. Pooley going on on the overlap on the left taking the pass from midfield on down the line holding off a challenge before turning inside to cross on the angle, too close to the keeper at her near post, Hambrook laying claim to the ball.

Costessey having rode out a little pressure at the start getting onto the ball turning play around quickly, Tate, feeding the ball on for Hackney out on the left touchline burst forwards winning her side a corner kick. Brister to deliver, a vicious in-swinger in at the near post, Bets getting her gloves up to punch the ball away to the right, half cleared out of the box, Costessey win it back the shot from range sailing over the crossbar.

The hosts getting the ball into Hackney on the left, allowing midfielders to break forwards, the cross put inside across the top of the area, Hannah Campbell looking to attack it on the run, doesn’t quite get hold of it cleanly, the ball put on towards goal, lacking pace, Betts coming to gather. The two sides appearing evenly matched in the early exchanges. McCullagh bringing the ball out from the back for Fakenham sending it on for Holly Williams moving out to the left taking it on down the line cuts the cross back in central to Maddie Green outside the D, looking to hit it first time as she runs onto the ball, closed down doesn’t get enough on it to trouble Hambrook.

Williams in the middle nicking the ball, turning to strike from range top of the centre circle, her effort on target angling in straight into the keeper’s gloves. Costessey’s Campbell, stealing onto the ball in the middle of the park, driving on linking up with Tate ahead of her the pass swept out to Brister on the right, from the angle 25 yards out takes on the shot, blasted wide across goal at the far post adjudged to have taken a nick off a defender on the way through a corner awarded.

The corner whipped into the near post with pace his headed out by a Fakenham head for a 2nd corner. The delivery coming back out to Campbell outside the box to the left of goal her strike racing in wide of the far post. Competitive in the middle, the ball rarely still both sides keen to turn play around quickly. Maddie Green leading the line for Fakenham often pulling out to the left flank looking to see the ball into her feet and turn to attack down the line, is keeping Watts busy the full back going with her holding Green up in the corner getting a challenge in to send the ball out for a throw.

Hackney the outlet on the left for Costessey pushing forwards as Nobbs lays the diagonal pass into her path, threatening to go beyond the Fakenham backline, Betts takes no chances rushing out of her area to launch the ball clear before Hackney can latch onto it. Katie Green plays the ball into Maddie Green on halfway, the attacker seeing the ball down into her feet well before turning to race away from her marker down the left wing shooting on the angle targeting the near post, Hambrook down at her post to get behind the ball and make the save.

GOAL! A half chance at one end Costessey hit their opponents on the break with a rapid counter the ball fired up the line into Hackney bursting away on the left, long legged strides into the box closing in on goal, the angle quickly going against her into the six yard box shoots sending her strike low past the keeper into the bottom corner 1-0.

Thea Hackney all smiles as she fires Costessey into the lead

Costessey with the opening goal inside the first 15 minutes of the contest, getting the ball forwards well the attackers looking to combine. Tate moving left linking up with Chloe Watts exchanging passes before Watts surges on with it to the by-line just not quite able to keep it in play as she looks to put the ball in across the face of the Fakenham goal. Watts left channel seeing the ball into her feet turning well to lay it on into the box for Hackney, McCullagh getting the tackle in to see the ball turned behind for a corner kick.

Fakenham’s Marcie McCullagh

The corner curled in across the six yard box cleared at the far post, the hosts with players around the top of the area moving in to close the ball down regain possession, Campbell with a strike from distance, caught by Betts back on her line. Busy game mustn’t take your eye off it, Pooley bringing the ball on looking to link up with Maddie Green on the left the return ball played back inside for Pooley pushing on, intercepted by Costessey’s Alyssia Baldock at the back.

Advantage played as Hackney is brought down on the left, Tate in possession bringing the ball infield lifting her pass on for Brister wide right she shot/cross into the six yard box, cleared by Fakenham’s Ella Ballett. Watts and Maddie Green continue to enjoy a good contest the attacker finding the full back hard to shake off taking the ball into the left corner, Watts getting a foot in to tap it out of play for a throw.

Layla Watts with Fakenham’s Maddie Green

Katie and Maddie Green looking to combine passes from the throw in the cross whipped into the near post headed away by Sophie Crowle back playing for Costessey having returned from her first term in Exeter at university. Fakenham looking to up the ante get themselves some much needed momentum going forwards, Katie Green laying down the gauntlet looking to get hold of the ball and drive forwards into the tightly packed area inside the Costessey D, the ball deflected off a defender a shot taken from 20 yards out flying narrowly over the crossbar.

GOAL! Fakenham having moved up a gear pressing players on the ball won back inside the Costessey half coming to Pooley central lays it out to the right with Katie Green pulling into space 30 yards out, decides to try her luck taking on the strike catches the ball sweetly sending in up into the air on target angling over the keeper to drop under the bar and into the back of the net to level the scores 1-1.

Katie Green firing in a spectacular equaliser for Fakenham

Fakenham back on level terms 7 minutes after conceding, make an immediate change bringing off Bond with Sydney Smith coming into the attack taking up a position on the left. Costessey with a change too bringing on Grace Wall in place of Watts in their attack. Fakenham coming back into the game strongly in the last 5 minutes getting back on level terms. Costessey looking to fightback the ball up the right into Wall, tackled by Pooley for a throw high up the pitch. Wall edge of the box looking to head it on into the mix, Fakenham don’t clear pops back to Wall right of the D, goes to shoot her effort hitting a Seymour at close range. A painful one but denies a goal scoring chance.

Grant winning the ball back on the right for Fakenham keeping an attack alive sends it inside for the onrushing Katie green who in turn clips a diagonal ball out to the left, looking for Smith, Watts the last defender getting a vital touch to turn the ball back into her keeper to clear. A busy game Tate lifting a high ball on for Hackney on the move left side the Costessey winger screwing her cross back into the area, a sliced clearance almost seeing the ball run on for Wall to run onto, Pooley stabbing it out of her path. The ball cleared out to the right Crowle latching onto it trying her luck with the shot back in towards goal Betts at her near post taking it on the bounce.

Fakenham captain, Gina Pooley

Both sides enjoying good spells of play in the match even for the most part, Tate linking up with Hackney on the left sends the cross out to Wall breaking up the right, Pooley stretching a leg out to intercept the ball turning it back in to her keeper.

GOAL! Fakenham attack through the middle the ball finding Maddie green pulling away to the left corner of the area, Watts going with her holding the attacker up Green forcing the ball inside across the top of the D, Williams taking it on looking to find a gap in the Costessey defence threads a ball through into Smith positioned wide left of the goal six yards out strikes the ball under the keeper to score her first goal for the club and put the visitors into the lead 1-2.

Sydney Smith fires Fakenham into the lead

Just over half an hour played and Fakenham have come from behind to take the lead. Look to press the advantage, Williams busy on the ball taking it right finding Maddie Green out on the wing, looks to take the ball on Barnard going with her seeing the ball out for a corner kick. Curled into the near post Costessey defend clearing the ball get on the move up the other end, Hackney played in down the left her pace taking the ball on rapidly, the challenge coming in the ball put out for a corner up the opposite end of the ground.

Brister has been playing in some useful deliveries from her corners this one curled into the box Wall up to head the ball near side turning it wide across the six yard box cleared to the right as the floodlights start to come on with the light fading fast.

Maddie Green shaking her marker for once on the left taking the ball on down the line her touch too heavy however allowing Crowle the chance to get round on the cover getting in the way of her cross to turn it behind for a corner. The game stretched end to end if anything both sides a little too hasty to get the ball into their attackers making it hard for support to get up with them quick enough, Wall played in on the right looking for options, Pooley comes sliding in to take the ball out for the throw.

Katie Green back in her box to clear the cross played in from a throw in, sends it up to Smith on the left, plays in inside to Maddie Green, back to Williams, tries to put the return ball into Green’s path as she breaks into the box, Baldock reading it standing her ground cutting out the pass. Barnard over on the right now fouled by Smith, Costessey taking the free-kick quickly Barnard up the wing on the overlap taking the ball on sending a low ball racing into the six yard box, Hackney making the central run, can’t quite untangle the ball from her feet to get a shot away before Ballett stabs it clear.

Half-time Costessey Sports Ladies 1-2 Fakenham Town Ladies

The teams stay out on the pitch by their respective dugouts at half-time. Has been a fast paced and entertaining opening 45 minutes. The ball rarely still both sides competitive, looking to get forwards quickly. Both enjoying good spells of play throughout the half, Costessey opening the scoring, Fakenham fought back well needing to lift things and did going on to not only equalise but take the lead. Both sides creating further chances will be interesting to see if they can keep up the intensity in the 2nd half.

The floodlights now taking full effect as the 2nd half begins a beautiful purple sky over the ground. Costessey with a change of keepers at the break, Hambrook who looks to have been carrying a knock off replaced by Kelly Fox in goal. Fakenham bringing on midfielder, Laura Booth. The hosts to get the 2nd half underway the ball rolled back to Barnard, clipped out to Hackney breaking forwards on the left, Rusted seeing it out for a throw in.

Fakenham attack with Maddie Green played forwards for Smith top of the box right of goal but can’t quite take the ball on in her stride to break through onto goal the ball cleared out to the left a high ball sent back into the Costessey box headed clear by Baldock. Costessey looking to press the ball early in the second half winning a throw high on their right the ball dropped into Hackney inside the box right of goal turns to send the ball into the side netting.

The hosts quick to regain possession in the middle turn play around, Hackney inside left playing the ball central for Wall lays it on for Tate moving wide of her on the right takes on the shot from the angle her effort racing across goal past the far post. A little testy now a few niggly fouls coming in players getting on with it however, Smith looking to make ground on Fakenham’s right tackled by Costessey’s Watts.

Barnard getting hold of the ball at the back for Costessey scooping the ball forwards for Hackney on her left, the winger surging on towards the box her momentum carrying her right in on goal at the near post ground running out she lifts her attempt into the side netting. Costessey pushing hard to find an equalising goal at the start of the 2nd period. Fakenham on the back foot still very much a threat on the counter, Katie green finding space in the middle sending it on to her sister Maddie who clips in out to Grant moving up the right wing, Barnard lunging in to take the ball off her out for a throw in.

Costessey winning a corner on the left, taken short into Tate high on the left outside the box flashes her strike in whistling wide of the far post. Fakenham making a double switch bringing off Williams and Smith with Seymour back on along side Fran Wood. Katie Green having gotten a taste for a long range strike finding room out to the right to try her luck again angling in towards the far post, Fox drifting out beyond it taking no chances grabbing onto the ball.

Hackney seeing the ball into her feet left looks up to see Tate breaking into the box, attempts an audacious lofted pass over the top of the defence into her path, not easy, Betts able to see it all the way with time to get out to gather the ball into her gloves before Tate can react. Remains competitive, Seymour sending the ball on for Grant on the right looks to drag the ball inside, Barnard challenging to halt her progress. Barnard reading the game intercepting as Booth attempts to put Grant away on the right the defender fouled then as she tries to bring the ball forwards herself.

Fakenham goalkeeper, Tilly Betts

Nobbs over the set-piece lifts a high ball in towards the far post, Fakenham defending the ball cleared out to the left. Wall taking on a strike from distance seeing her effort landing straight into the keeper’s gloves. Costessey making a change bringing off Campbell in the middle on comes 16-year-old Sydnie Brown as Costessey look to give the youngster more playing experience at this level, goes over to the left back role with Barnard switching over to the right. The hosts pushing hard Hackney left back up the line for Tate through the middle to Brister 25 yards out goes for goal her shot straight at Betts.

Maddie Green the outlet for Fakenham up top always alert looking to steal in behind beats the offside trap to burst clear as the ball is sent over the top but just a little too much on it as Fox comes rushing out to claim the ball. The ball played long into Hackney out wide left her touch taking her inside some 25 yards out whistles a shot over the bar.

GOAL! The momentum firmly with Costessey pressing the ball top of the Fakenham area Hackney across the top of the area into Tate out to Wall right inside the box deflected through to Brister ahead of her turns to strike the ball on the angle sending in across the keeper into the bottom corner 2-2.

Chelsea Brister equalising in the 2nd half for Costessey

Costessey with a strong start to the 2nd half equalising in the 64h minute. Fakenham making a change straight after the goal bringing Williams back on for Booth. The visitors straight on the attack after the restart. Crowle defending for Costessey. Fakenham regain the ball in midfield the diagonal ball lifted into the box for Maddie Green making a superb run at the near post the ball dropping onto her feet on the angle turned in towards goal, Fox down smartly to get behind the ball and save.

Costessey goalkeeper, Kelly Fox

Costessey continue to push players forwards Hackney a handful on the left winning her side a corner. Whipped into the far post from the left the ball headed behind. Tate crossing the ball from the left cleared by Pooley at her far post out to the left, a strike racing back in from distance, didn’t see who blazes narrowly wide of the left post. Watts and Maddie Green continue their battle the attacker, with a great first touch looking to shake her marker, Watts getting back at her to slide in to make the tackle turn the ball behind for a corner.

The ball played into the top of the area a shot charged down Costessey attempt to break, Rusted winning the ball back well. Brown gets back to defend on Grant as the winger attempts to turn in behind on Fakenham’s right. Really is a beautiful twilight sky over the ground a glorious purple visage a wonderful sight to behold but mustn’t get distracted from the action with is showing no signs off letting up the game could go either way. Costessey pressing hard a little too eager to deliver the final ball, giving Fakenham’s defence time to deal with the ball.

Play resuming with a throw out on the left Fakenham bring the ball on through the middle threaded on trough the defence for Maddie Green to steal in behind left of the D, Fox comes racing out to try and close her down but has no chance of reaching the ball first as Green slots it past her, Fox can only turn to look at the ball racing towards her goal relived to see it cannon off the base of the right post as Brown races back to wrap her foot around the ball to clear.

A pause in play at last with a Fakenham player in need of treatment both sides going to their respective benches for fluids and instructions with 15 minutes left to play. Baldock taking the ball into the middle for Costessey looking to play in Wall making a move to break on her right, just goes a little too early the flag halting her progress. Brown getting in another timely tackle on Grant as Williams looks to pick her out on the right. The game delicately poised the clock ticking down a draw may well be a fair result but you sense a winning goal is still out there just a question mark over who might get it.

Costessey defender, Sophie Crowle

Wood is released down the left for Fakenham pushes on with the ball at her feet, Crowle moving out to put in the tackle deny her the cross. Costessey press left Brister into Hackney the ball swung in across the six yard box to the near post turned behind for a corner. Brister to play it in long across the six yard box to Barnard beyond the far post can’t get a telling touch to threaten the Fakenham goal.

Betts taking a catch back on her line from a looping Costessey effort from outside the box. Costessey attack Tate on the ball left channel tackled by Rusted the ball only cleared to Hackney on the left fires in back across the top of the area to Brister right of the D, lays in back inside to be met by Nobbs racing in central her sot fired in on target, Betts behind it down well to save.

Abbigail Tate

Katie Green continues to cover the ground in the middle for Fakenham getting onto the ball looks to pick out Maddie Green on the left with her pass, Watts herself has worked hard to keep tabs on the elusive attacker getting in the challenge to slow her progress the ball out for a throw on the left. High up the pitch the cross finding it’s way into the middle of the area, Brown getting there in the nick of time to scramble the ball clear as Grant lines up a strike.

GOAL! Into the final five minutes of the game Fakenham once again building momentum going forwards as both teams tire. The ball rolled forwards into Katie Green moving out to the right, finding herself in space over 30 yards out in a similar position to where she scored in the first half decides to try her luck again and once again connects sweetly with the ball lifting it in towards the top corner with late dip to whistle over the keeper and creep under the crossbar to see the visitors retake the lead 2-3!

Katie Green with another wonderful strike from distance for see Fakenham retake the lead late in the game

A blow for Costessey late in the game having fought hard to get back on level terms. Fakenham resilient able to move up a gear in the closing stages. The hosts look to get on the attack from the restart, Hackney still with energy in her legs late on breaking down the left, Rusted finding the reserves in her legs to get back at her to lunge in and send the ball behind for a corner. The corner curled in central knocked on to the far post turned behind off the upright for a goal-kick.

Costessey’s, Abbi Nobbs with defender, Alyssia Baldock

Brister pulls a shot wide from 30 yards out from a central position as the ball is played into her from the right. Betts coming out to her right to clear the ball, presents it straight to Tate on the left wing, attempts to take advantage of the open goal sending a shot looping back into the box, Betts trying to recover her ground sees the ball safely bounce up over her wide at the near post. A nervy finish to the game. Costessey in need of a goal over committing in attack the ball won back, cleared up to Maddie Green looking to take advantage, Crowle getting in close to win the ball back.

Beth Seymour

The clock ticking down moving into stoppage time Baldock pushed on for Costessey looking to combine with Brister and Hackney in attack, Seymour getting in the way of the ball hurt as she halts the attack. Costessey working hard to find a reply, Fakenham pushed back fighting hard in defence, Hackney left 25 out crossing into the box for Brister back to goal lays it outside to Baldock to take on the shot from 20 yards out her effort only finding the keeper. Seconds left on the clock Costessey on the attack the ball rolled on for Wall surging into the area from the right closing in on the near post, Fakenham defenders all around her the ball struck behind off the near post!

Full time Costessey Sports Ladies 2-3 Fakenham Town Ladies

The final whistle blows and it’s Fakenham that hold on to win the 3 points. A cracking game to end 2024 on. Could well have gone either way in the end. Both sides evenly matched for a large part of the game both enjoying good spells throughout. The ball rarely still, competitive without going over the top, hardly saw the referee needing to speak to anyone let alone brandish a card the action never stopped hence the word count! Costessey starting well taking the lead inside the opening 15 minutes, Fakenham needed to lift it and did not only to equalise but lead at the end of the first half. Costessey strong in the 2nd half taking the game to Fakenham finding the reply but couldn’t hold on conceding a 3rd goal. Fakenham with chances to extend the lead Costessey fought hard to come back a 2nd time but couldn’t. Fakenham closing the gap to the leaders to just a point going into Christmas. Sums up Norfolk Women’s Division One this season highly competitive and both sides will play their part come the new year.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the final Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of 2024, often a tough decision, but not today a clear winner. Plenty of performances to mention before that however and I’m bound to miss someone out Firstly for Costessey a huge effort to get back into the game. Thea Hackney standing out playing on the left, her pace and determined runs causing Fakenham problems throughout the contest, scoring the opening goal. Layla Watts in defence stuck to her task well and marking Maddie Green is no easy feat worked hard to limit her opportunities in attack put in a shift. Paige Barnard reading the game at the back intercepting the ball and looked to get it forwards with purpose. Abbigail Tate finding some great positions to create chances bring her fellow attackers into play. For Fakenham, Gina Pooley won the ball at the back well as did Maisie McCullagh. Holly Williams showing great movement in the final third busy on the ball. Maddie Green always a threat in attack looking to break clear no easy task this afternoon but nevertheless was unlucky not to score. The award though goes to her sister Katie Green, the defining moment that put her into contention was when she got the bit between her teeth in the first half and took the game to Costessey getting hold of the ball and in turn encouraging her team to get forwards, two superb strikes of course helping to win the game too.

Today was my 588th match report and the joyous thing about that is is that no two matches have ever been the same and that is what makes them a pleasure to write. Great to see Costessey Sports Ladies having been trying for a while now, having followed them from distance before hearing many good things. Fantastic to catch up with Fakenham too having seen them several times just up the road have a soft spot for the club and seeing the events after their relegation feared for their future, glad to see it looks in good shape a talented squad like Costessey, look forward to see how both develop. My thanks to both for the team details, give me the names and numbers and I can do the rest. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. Will be back rearing to go in 2025.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 31st March

ERWFL Division One North

Heading to The Daly Group Stadium, this Easter Sunday to watch a game from ERWFL Division One North, the league looking intriguing at both ends of the table as we move into the final two months of the season, with Fakenham Town Ladies taking on Newmarket Town Women.

The title battle going to the wire between Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women and Harpenden Town Women. ERWFL Division One North feeding into the Premier Division above contested originally between 12 sides as the ERWFL reached it compliment of 36 sides across 3 divisions, sadly down to 10 early in the season following the withdrawals of St Ives Town Ladies and Yaxley Phoenix Ladies. As intriguing elsewhere with just 6 points between 5th placed Newmarket and 10th placed Fakenham, with plenty of points for most still to play for. Both of today’s opponents looking to end a poor run of losses.

Fakenham Town Ladies currently 10th in the ERWFL Division One North table, slipping to the bottom off the back of 4 straight league defeats. Playing there 2nd season of regional football, looking to build on a successful spell for the club. With 5 games left will be aiming to turn thing’s around and push up into the middle of the pack. Began the new campaign with a 5-3 win at home to Bedfordshire side, Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses, two defeats following before an unbeaten run of 5 matches collecting 9 points in that period. Mixed results since with 4 league defeats in between a run to the last 4 of the County Cup. Chloe Gravett way out in front as leading goal scorers netting 17 goals in 17 appearances.

This is Newmarket Town Women’s penultimate match of the season, both against Fakenham Town Ladies, they themselves looking to end a run of league defeats like Fakenham stretching to 4 now which has seen them fall away from the pack chasing the leading pair, all 4 games lost by a 2-1 score line. Are the longest established club in the ERWFL Division One North which is odd in itself as they are relative new comers themselves a club built very much on youth and bringing players up through the clubs various youth and Development sides, has produced some very talented players over the years. Starting with 2 wins, Newmarket were on the tails of the top two for a good spell that poor run denting their campaign will be aiming to finish on a high. Katie Hayes and Lydia Mykhaylechko joint top scorers on 5 apiece.

The Daly group Stadium (formerly Clipbush park) the venue for today’s game, the ladies game advertised on the boards outside the ground entrance off a busy roundabout leading into Fakenham itself. The clubhouse and bar open serving hot food and drinks. The main pitch in use for today’s game a big pitch offering plenty of width always a good fitness tester. A few days of dry (ish) weather most welcome the clouds however building once again… were supposed to getaway with the rain, but sadly that wasn’t to be the case a light drizzle in the air as the teams walked out onto the pitch prior to kick-off.

Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Tilly Betts, Georgina Pooley, Ruby Curtis, Jemma Riches (C), Sophie Buckley, Sian Sands, Rochelle Woods, Scarlett Derrett, Kirstie Rusted, Shelley Woods & Chloe Gravett. Subs – Amie Hutchinson, Olivia Baker & Nicole Costin.

Newmarket Town Women

Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Koren Evans, Kara Wayman, Hollie dryland, Ellie Sturgess, Katie Walker (C), Felicity Payne, Katie Hayes, Abbie Corbyn, Holly Corley & Lidiya Mykhaylechko. Subs – Liv Caffarelli, Violet Jones, Becca Reynolds, Niamh Sutherland & Evonne Yerrell.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Jemma Riches and Katie Walker with today’s match referee Michael Clark.

It’s Newmarket wearing their away colours, an all red strip with white trim to kick-off the first half with Fakenham lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shoulders and sleeves, black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the middle clipped diagonally forwards to the right with Katie Hayes drifting inside from the flank allowed time to lift a clipped ball out to the left for Abbie Corbyn to attack left of the D, knocking it down into the area the angle rapidly closing her cross/shot dropping wide past the right post.

Newmarket’s Katie Hayes playing the ball forwards

Newmarket getting after Fakenham early on a competitive midfield the visitors winning a free-kick, won back by Fakenham, full back Georgina Pooley gets hold of the ball driving on down the left, Holly Dryland coming across for the back to support Koren Evans the defence marshals the ball back into their box for goalkeeper, Dominika Szary to kick clear.

Felicity Payne linking up with captain, Katie Walker through the middle as Newmarket get forwards a throw won out on the left taken quickly into striker Lidiya Mykhaylechko who turns into the channel looking to plough her way in behind the Fakenham defence, captain Jemma Riches staying on her getting her foot on the ball to halt the attack.

Newmarket’s Lidiya Mykhaylechko looking to get past Fakenham captain, Jemma Riches

Fakenham regain possession central the ball played long out to Chloe Gravett pulling right into space chasing the ball down taking it down the wing whips a cross into the area, Ellie Sturgess intercepting for Newmarket at the back with Shelley Woods running in behind her.

Newmarket lively getting on the counter attack smartly looking to get the ball into their wide players, Hayes right and Abbie Corbyn left, Ruby Curtis tackling to prevent the latter getting in behind for Fakenham. Walker lifting her pass forwards into Mykhaylechko inside the D, looking to get the better of Sophie Buckley, the defender holding her ground the ball knocked down into the box gathered by goalkeeper, Tilly Betts as she runs out to the top of her area.

Newmarket’s Kara Wayman

Kara Wayman on the ball storms forwards down the left for Newmarket racing into the opposition half before attempting to put a cross-field ball into Hayes running into the area from the opposite flank, the pass evading her. Fakenham under pressure in the middle from Newmarket limited in the final 3rd Rochelle Woods playing the ball into Shelley Woods 25 yards out central back to goal, lays it off to Kirstie Rusted pulling on into the right channel going wider angles a cross into the near post Shelley Woods looking to attack it, Dryland coming across in front of Szary to defend, clears the ball.

A misplaced ball out from the back has Szary in trouble as it runs straight to Rusted 30 yards out an the angle looks to chip the ball towards the open goals even as she is closed down, doesn’t get enough purchase on her shot the chip safely back with Szary rapidly back peddling towards her goal. Fakenham finding a foot hold in the final 3rd after Newmarket’s strong start to the game.

Newmarket’s Abbie Corbyn with Fakenham’s Ruby Curtis

A mistake at the back from Fakenham the diagonal ball from Hayes on the right missed, leads to Corbyn stealing in on it left of the D to burst into the area, Riches recovering the ground well stretching for the ball, takes it off Corbyn even as the goes down as the attack goes to strike the ball which runs safely back to the keeper.

Pooley advancing on Fakenham’s left on for Rusted plays the one two with Gravett inside her top of the box, Rusted after the return ball, Evans defending for Newmarket the ball back with Szary the goalkeeper with a quick throw out seeing Newmarket on the counter attack down their left Mykhaylechko peeling wide sweeping a cross into the box, Buckley defending as Hayes looks to attack the ball at the far post.

Scarlett Derrett looking to play Chloe Gravett in behind

A few tasty tackles coming in a competitive match Newmarket pressing around the Fakenham area Hayes on the right passes inside for Mykhaylechko inside the D, screws her shot wide of the right post. Gravett looking to provide an outlet for Fakenham up top pulling into space on the right found by her teammates drives on before delivering a looping cross into the area, Dryland there to clear the ball for Newmarket.

Holly dryland contesting the header with Fakenham’s Shelley Woods

Gravett getting in behind Sturgess on the right as the defender gets caught in possession turning in behind whips an early ball into the area with the same result, Dryland on the end of it to launch clear. Fakenham driving on through the middle Sian Sands, Rusted on for Shelley Woods 25 yards out blasts her strike over the crossbar.

Sian Sands with Newmarket attacker, Holly Corley

A pause in player with a player down for Fakenham injured, it’s Derrett needs to come off, the hosts sending on Nicole Costin. Gravett central taking the ball off Shelley Woods powers forwards, Dryland, Sturgess and Wayman all closing her down crowding the striker off the ball.

GOAL! The deadlock broken in the 15th minute Newmarket attacking down their left the ball on for Mykhaylechko wide 30 yards out, sees Holly Corley making a run across her out to the left lays the ball into her path Corley taking it down the line lifting a cross into the six yard box, Hayes getting a foot up to connect with the ball send it past the keeper and into the back of the net 0-1.

Katie Hayes opening the scoring for Newmarket

Newmarket with their tales up taking the lead winning a free-kick on half way the ball put into Corley central has Wayman bursting down the line on the left plays the ball out to her before running into the area, Wayman picking her out she strikes the ball in towards a packed near post, Betts there to punch the ball away back out to the left, Wayman attempting to put in a curling ball over her, Betts with her gloves up to claim it, slips through her fingers, but has killed the flight as it drops behind her and she can turn and snatch the bouncing ball up before it can trickle over the line.

Fakenham goalkeeper, Tilly Betts

Betts with a busy spell in goal for Fakenham as Hayes left plays the ball through into the area for Corbyn advancing inside on the left, Betts out quickly to meet her sliding in to save with her feet, a corner conceded on the left. Delivered into the mix drops for Payne top of the area her snap shot driven into bodies blocked, the rebound from outside the area smashed over.

Newmarket looking sharp winning the 2nd balls getting play turned around quickly pushing forwards, Walker into Corbyn left, Curtis staying on her as she tries to break in behind, the defender slowing her progress as Riches comes across to clear. Gravett battling for everything up top for Fakenham often pulling wide, lacking bodies in the box to play the ball too.

Corbyn taking the ball down on the left powering on, Curtis looking to stay on her going to ground as she looks to prevent the cross, is immediately in trouble screaming in pain looks to have caught her studs in the turf, play stopped straight away as her teammates rush over to assist. Didn’t look good, some concern for sure at ne point the stretcher is called for, but much to everyone’s relief Curtis is up to her feet and walking albeit with no weight on her damaged ankle can’t continue Fakenham forced into another change bringing on defender Amie Hutchinson at left back.

The rain falling steadily now, Newmarket winning a throw in the left put down the line for Corbyn, digs out a cross on the by-line claimed by Betts at her near post. Newmarket looking to press high Corley with Mykhaylechko the ball out to Corbyn left on for Wayman going past her on the overlap sends the cross into the box won by Riches for Fakenham.

Fakenham’s Nicole Costin

Free-kicks regularly given away on half way, Hayes on the right taking the ball on for Newmarket looking to check inside, Buckley getting a toe on the ball to take it off her foot before she can line up a shot. Defending their area from a Newmarket free-kick Fakenham launch the ball forwards into the right flank for Gravett to hunt down, no one up with her does well to hold it up in the corner invite the defender on and win her side a corner kick. The corner fired in low and fast towards the top of the area intercepted by Payne who brings it out of the box leading the counter attack…

Felicity Payne wins the ball from the corner to begin Newmarket’s counter attack

GOAL! the midfielder firing the ball on for Mykhaylechko out to the left who sees the ball into her feet rolling her marker to spin in behind powers down the line before lifting a ball into the six yard box where Hayes has once again arrived to get onto the end of it and put it back across the keeper to score her 2nd of the match 0-2.

Katie Hayes striking for the 2nd time in the match to double Newmarket’s lead.

The 2nd goal coming in the 41st minute, Fakenham with a blow late in the half looking to get on the attack from the restart, Gravett picked out on the right taking the ball wide before lifting a cross into the near post a clean catch taken by Szary. Walker giving away the free-kick shoving Costin in the back, taken quickly Gravett for a moment looking to be in the clear as she carries the ball on towards the box right side of goal, defenders rushing to close her down, Szary advancing to close the angle the ball blasted wide a goal kick signalled.

Half-time Fakenham Town Ladies 0-2 Newmarket Town Women

The rain falling steadily as the two sides head back into the changing rooms. Newmarket leading 2-0. Opening the scoring in the first 15 minutes, made a strong start to the game before Fakenham got back at them the visitors looking lively competing for the ball, winning the 2nd ball and looking to get players on down the flanks. Fakenham’s chances limited, Gravett often on her own up top as the numbers are needed back in midfield, Betts making a couple of vital saves to keep the score down the 2nd goal coming late in the first half putting the hosts on the back foot while losing a couple of players to injury too. 2-0 often that awkward score-line at the break the next goal crucial, Fakenham will want it to go there way as the teams come out for the 2nd half the rain falling all the more heavily looking set in.

Fakenham to get the 2nd half underway, looks like no changes for either the ball put into a tight midfield quickly closed down by Newmarket clipped out to Hayes wide right for the visitors takes it on before seeing her cross cut out by Pooley at the back for Fakenham.

The ball hotly contested in the middle of the park, tackles coming in pops out to Hayes breaking away on the right wing her cross taking a deflection turned in towards the keeper to claim. Costin fouled deep on the right for Fakenham inside the Newmarket half the ball flighted into the top of the area falls for Gravett inside the D, takes a step back looking to get so power behind her strike, her effort in low towards goal, Szary right behind it to gather up into her gloves.

Rochelle Woods opening up her body to lay the ball on well for Gravett peeling away right, out wide lifts a dangerous ball into the box, Shelley Woods looking to deflect it goal wards, sees Szary backing to her line saving well with her shin at close range sending the ball away to safety.

Newmarket captain, Katie Walker

Walker playing Hayes in down the right takes the ball on before looking to send the ball across the top of the Fakenham box, Corley the target central, Buckley gets a nick on the ball to deflect it on across the D, comes straight to Corbyn top of the area who smashes her first time attempt wide of the far post.

Hayes a constant threat for Newmarket, enjoying a good contest with Pooley, this time opting to check inside 25 yards out find her way into the area, Riches though comes across to put in the blocking tackle for Fakenham. Buckley in the way to put in the block this time as Hayes coming inside from the right strikes the ball. Newmarket pressing winning a corner on the right, fired into a congested near post pops loose for Payne looking to get a shot in from the tightest on angles planted the ball into the side netting.

Felicity Payne battling for possession with Sian Sands

Newmarket pushing for a 3rd goal Riches defending another corner at the near post from the right. Riches driving forwards with the ball from the back for Fakenham runs into traffic 25 yards out, Gravett though quick to win it back laying it on for Riches breaking into the box right side her cross lifted in central, cleared by Dryland.

Another injury blow for Fakenham as Costin is down and unable to continue come off with Olivia Baker coming on up top with Shelley Woods dropping deeper. Fakenham successfully defending a Newmarket free-kick look to counter, Rusted out in the right channel taking the ball in behind striking the ball wide across goal from the angle.

Kirstie Rusted attacking for Fakenham

Midway through the 2nd half and Newmarket ringing the changes bringing on four players with, Liv Caffarelli, Violet Jones, Becca Reynolds and Niamh Sutherland coming on for, Evans, Wayman, Coley and Corbyn. A fresh injection of energy as they look to put the game to bed. Fakenham winning possession though as Rochelle Woods plays Gravett in right side plays the ball inside for Baker 25 yards out, Shelley Woods attempting to get into the area, Baker’s attempt to find her cut out by Reynolds.

Thing’s getting worse for Fakenham as they find themselves reduced to 10 players, for 10 minutes at least as Sands gets herself sin binned. Newmarket with a free-kick all of 30 yards out central, Hayes over it looks to have a go on goal strikes her attempt wide. Szary called into action making another vital save for Newmarket as Gravett breaking in behind the defence from the right tracks in central bearing down on goal, Szary out to close her down sliding in saving with her legs as Gravett looks to slip the ball past her.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary

Fakenham not deterred with a player disadvantage, Gravett putting in a shift up top chasing down the ball, winning another corner on the right. Lifted in high near post headed away for a 2nd corner, Woods again lifting it in near post Szary amongst a crowd can’t get hold of it loose in the six yard box for a moment the visitors scramble it clear.

Fakenham’s Georgina Pooley

Pooley carrying a threat on the left whenever she is able to get forwards the ground soggy now as she races onto a Rochelle Woods pass whipping a diagonal ball in central Gravett looking to latch onto it Szary coming out to the top of her area looking to win the race is going to fall short, her defence recovers superbly as both Caffarelli and Reynolds make up the ground either side of Gravett doing enough between them to put the striker off and allow their keeper to clear it.

The game is really open, Newmarket not prepared to sit on their lead looking for a 3rd while Fakenham aren’t interested in damage limitation want a goal themselves. The visitors winning a corner on the left, an in swinging delivery aimed high, Betts up well to pluck it down at her near post dropping onto the ball. Newmarket hitting Fakenham on the counter Hayes with a fantastic pass forwards into Mykhaylechko turning for goal 25 yards out, Riches on her shoulder, as the striker drives for the box, Riches winning the battle challenging her tackle deflecting the ball of Mykhaylechko back for Betts to claim.

Fakenham captain, Jemma Riches

Walker coming inside from the left 20 yards out blasting a shot in towards goal, Betts behind it beating the ball away. Newmarket with another set-piece on the left the game a little testy at times the ball floated in across the six yard box over everyone out the far side a nick off a defenders head seen a corner awarded. Cleared at the near post. Sands back on Fakenham back up to 11.

Shelley Woods

Fakenham winning a free-kick inside the Newmarket half on the right into the top of the area cleared by Walker. Fakenham keep the pressure on wide right a high ball looped up into the D, Baker seeing it down into Rusted to strike a ball in high over the defence, dropping out of the sky as Szary steps back on her line has to keep an eye on it and catches safely with no one chasing in on the follow up.

Fakenham’s Olivia Baker

No let up in the action, Jones advancing on the left for Newmarket played in central the tackle seeing the visitors awarded a free-kick 20 yards out in a dangerous position. Hayes taking on the shot heading for the top corner Betts back on her line with a brilliant save to get her gloves up turn the ball wide for a corner on the right. The delivery swung in central Betts getting up well to bring the ball down, knocked out of her gloves cleared for a corner on the left. Again fired into the mix dropping the shot blasted into a sea of bodies deflected behind for a goal kick.

Tilly Betts saving the free-kick

Pooley attacking on the left forcing Hayes to track back and put in the challenge the ground decidedly greasy now with the falling rain. Fakenham attacking late on Gravett shoved over by Payne getting a free-kick as she comes left, Rochelle Woods striking the ball in towards goal taken cleanly on the bounce by Szary back on her line. An intense finish to the game Newmarket haven’t put it to bed and Fakenham believe they can get something in the closing stages winning a free-kick in a central position in the closing seconds of the game 25 yards out Rochelle Woods aiming for goal curls the ball in to the right side, Szary across to bat it away, the final action of the game as the referee blows the final whistle and it’s a much welcome win for Newmarket lifting them back up into 4th spot.

Full time Fakenham Town Ladies 0-2 Newmarket Town Women

An entertaining match, played in some rubbish conditions in the finish, be nice to see a game completed in the dry can only hope that April’s better (needs to be still a lot of football to be played). Not for Newmarket however as they win their penultimate game of the season to end their winless streak and gain a spot in the Division One North table. Made a strong start to the game taking the lead inside the opening 15 minutes, Fakenham came back strongly to pressure the ball and looked to create openings in attack. Hampered by injury Newmarket won the 2nd ball well using the flanks effectively to push forwards and double their lead late in the first half. Didn’t sit back in the 2nd half wanting a 3rd goal, it wouldn’t come however even as Fakenham forced to vital saves from Dominika Szary as they pressed for a goal themselves further injuries and being reduced to 10 didn’t deter the hosts kept going Tilly Betts called into action to make a vital save too never gave up but wasn’t to be as their winless run extends, stay bottom but no where adrift with 4 games left to play, go to Newmarket next for the return match.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Tome to choose today’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. It’s rare I have it nailed in stone at the final whistle but not the caser today. Several performances to mention first though. Firstly for Fakenham a battling display, their captain Jemma Riches covering the ground at the back to win the ball with several vital tackles. Georgina Pooley on the left in a competitive tussle with Katie Hayes throughout getting forwards when she could and looked a threat when crossing into the area. Chloe Gravett battling for everything up top often lacking support chasing down lost causes setting up others unlucky not to score. Tilly Betts with some important stops to keep the score down keep Fakenham in the game right till the end. So too her opposite number Dominika Szary with two vital saves in the 2nd half to keep Newmarket’s lead intact. Holly Dryland reading the game well at the back getting into position to win a number of balls. Katie Walker strong on the ball in the middle winning her tackles and playing it forwards well. Today’s award though goes to Katie Hayes was a constant threat out on the right, to receive the ball and set up numerous attacks as well as getting forwards into the box on hand to score both goals.

As always an entertaining game from the ERWFL, rarely does it not delivery in terms of action a competitive contest. The weather wet once again but never mind, glad to have caught up with Fakenham after having seen the two previous opportunities rained off and didn’t think I’d get an opportunity to see Newmarket at all this season so pleased that I did. My thanks to both sides for all their help today, hoping the injuries picked up by Fakenham’s players prove not to be too serious and wish everyone a speedy recovery.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Hertford Town Women

Sunday 22nd October

FA Women’s Cup 3rd Round Qualifying

A place in the 1st Round Proper of this season’s FA Women’s Cup up for grabs this Sunday with 88 ties being played across England. A trip to the Daly Group Stadium featuring on Women’s Football East as Fakenham Town Ladies host Hertford Town Women both looking to made history in reaching the 1st Round Proper for the 1st time.

With the added incentive of £4,000 worth of prize money going to the winning side a huge amount for any grassroots club. The prize fund increasing (although still no where close to the men’s prize fund) giving the FA Women’s Cup more prestige seeing a record number of entrants.

Today’s tie between two sides competing in tier 6 of the women’s football pyramid. Albeit in separate leagues with tier 6 of the ERWFL divided into a Division One North and South. The ERWFL reaching it’s full compliment of 36 clubs across 3 divisions this season, has since been reduced by 3 due to teams struggling for various reasons often recruitment which continues to highlight how fragile the game remain despite rapid growth in recent seasons.

Fakenham Town Ladies making the step up into regional football last season off the back of winning the Norfolk Women’s League Cup the year before. A big step up and despite initially struggling for results the squad grew into the league and finished strongly setting the base for the coming season. Division One North swelling to 12 sides (now reduced to 10) including 3 more from Norfolk, Fakenham started well with a home win over Bedfordshire side Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses, two defeats were to follow however, the club responding well to the early setbacks to take 7 points from their last 3 games to climb up to 3rd in the table.

Chloe Gravett top scorer so far netting 12 goals in 7 appearances. Have bolstered the squad with the return of some former players, Imogen Dilling back after a year away with, Kayleigh Robb and Jade Doy also returning. Defender, Sophie Buckley back this season after joining for a spell late last campaign. Sadie Anderson joins, from Scotland whilst studying in Norfolk. With Holly Walker the newest addition joining from Wroxham Women. Under new management this season with Kris Healy and Reserve team player Matty Wheeler in charge. Recieved a bye in the 1st Qualifying Round before knocking out ERWFL Premier Division side King’s Lynn Town Ladies at The Walks in the previous round winning 5-2 with Chloe Gravett scoring 4 goals.

Hertford Town Women were only formed last season, entering the Beds & Herts Women’s Premier Division were amongst the title contenders all the way through to the very last game of the season that against title rivals Wormley Rovers Ladies in a winner takes all game. Sadly were to miss out losing the game 4-3 to finish runners-up, making up for that loss by winning the Chris Renshaw trophy. Applied to join the ERWFL and successful in their bid joining Division One South.

Making a promising start to playing at regional level with 3 wins and a draw from their opening 5 matches to sit 2nd in the ERWFL Division One South table. A young side newly formed have set up a partnership with Hartham United Ladies which will see a number of players dual signed including the likes of experienced striker Nicole Emmings and defender Kat Calvert. Georgia Elmer-Roads and Kaylie Clark leading the goal scoring charts with 4 goals apiece. A goal each for Georgia Elmer-Roads and Charlie Mills seeing Hertford beat Beds & Herts Premier Division side Stotfold Women in 1st Round Qualifying setting up a trip to Essex to play Harlow based side, Frontiers Ladies. Hertford coming out on top in a 10 goal thriller winning 6-4 with Kaylie Clark on target for a hat-trick.

The venue for today’s game the Daly Group Stadium (formerly Clipbush Park) home of Fakenham Town FC. Storm Babet bringing heavy rainfall to much of the country over the past 48 hours, the pitch though coping well soaking up the moisture looking in great condition. A large pitch offering plenty of width with a seated stand opposite the dugouts and clubhouse serving hot and cold drink and food. The calm after the storm, pleasant and mild, settled the sun low behind one end of the ground.

Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Tilly Betts, Georgina Pooley, Ruby Curtis, Jemma Riches (C), Sophie Buckley, Sian Sands, Rochelle Woods, Kirstie Rusted, Imogen Dilling, Shelley Woods & Chloe Gravett. Subs – Maddie Smith, Olivia Baker, Vicky Lubbock, Sophie Lubbock & Holly Walker.

Hertford Town Women

Hertford Town Women starting XI – Emma Gore, Leah Crocket, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads, Brodie McKie, Summer Young (C), Ellie Curtis, Kiera Groves, Georgia Elmer-Roads, Tazmin Symonds Bishop, Kaylie Clark & Charlie Mills. Subs – Katie Marshall, Ella Cripps & Ellie Young.

No roll on roll off substitutes in the FA Women’s Cup just 3 substitutes allowed with the tie being settled from the penalty spot if all square after 90 minutes. A switch of ends at kick-off with Fakenham attacking with the sun at there backs, wearing amber coloured shirts, black shorts and socks. Hertford to get the first half underway taking the kick-off wearing blue coloured shirts with white sleeves, blue shorts and socks. The ball played back to Brodie McKie in defence launched forwards up to attacker, Charlie Mills battling to win the ball getting it forwards to Georgia Elmer-Roads breaking in behind left wing, goes too soon the flag up against her.

Fakenham look to bring the ball out of defence on their left Georgina Pooley getting on with the ball pushed inside into the middle, Keira Groves lunging in to tackle winning possession back for Hertford. Pushed out to the right with Tazmin Symonds Bishop breaking down the wing her early cross swung into the area headed clear by Fakenham’s Sophie Buckley.

Fakenham’s Sophie Buckley

The visitors winning a free-kick on the right, the ball floated in towards the top of the area defended by Fakenham’s Sian Sands the ball knocked down for Buckley to kick clear. Fakenham giving away free-kicks early in the match inviting pressure as Ellie Curtis places the ball down to take top of the centre circle, the ball looping into the six yard box, goalkeeper Tilly Betts getting a glove on the ball to punch it away behind to her right for a corner kick. The ball fired in low cleared at the near post.

Fakenham a little nervy at the start build on the right, Kirstie Rusted bursting forwards lifting the ball on for Chloe Gravett in attack, Leah Crocket coming across to challenge clear the ball out for a throw in. Hertford lively at the start of the game getting forwards and spreading the ball across the pitch, fed into the left channel for Mills to chase, Ruby Curtis coming across her shielding the ball out of play for a Fakenham goal kick.

Fakenham’s Ruby Curtis

Fakenham come left Rusted sending the ball into Shelley Woods coming inside form the right, looks for Gravett breaking into the D, Crocket again getting a foot in to take the ball away from the Fakenham attacker the ball out for a throw. The ball over on the left as Hertford get players forwards, space opening up on the right for Crocket to move into see the cross field past put into her path drives on before crossing, Buckley winning the interception heading the threat clear for the hosts.

The free-kick count mounting Hertford winning another inside the Fakenham half, Curtis sending it up in towards the six yard box, Betts comfortable as she takes the catch down into her body. Pooley bringing the ball into space on the left for Fakenham firing the pass forwards into Shelley Woods 20 yards out left of the D, gets it out from under her feet forwards into Gravett coming across her path top of the area, driving for goal taking on McKie, the defender cramped for room to turn and challenge doing well to flick a boot out, the ball taking the smallest of deflections to see it run on for onrushing goalkeeper, Emma Gore to snatch up into her gloves.

Shelley Woods bringing the ball on for Fakenham

Hertford winning another set-piece on half-way to the left the ball played on up the channel, Fakenham captain, Jemma Riches stabbing a foot out to knock the ball out of Mills’ path as she bursts forwards to attack it. A competitive cup tie both sides getting after the ball, Groves busy in the middle of the park for Hertford looking to put Crocket away to attack on the right, Pooley stepping in to challenge for Fakenham coming away with the ball on the left surging forwards turning for the area, runs into McKie as the defender stands her ground.

Fakenham’s Georgina Pooley

Hertford getting bodies around the ball central the through ball out to the right releasing Symonds Bishop down the line turning inside top of the area, has Clark waiting to receive right of the D, the ball into her as Mills overlaps to burst into the area the ball put into her feet her shot on the angle charged down, the ball gathered in the middle by Curtis whose shot from distance drops wide of the left post. Hertford captain, Summer Young intercepting the ball at the back as Buckley sends it long from the back looking for Gravett

Hertford captain, Summer Young

GOAL! 25 yards out Gravett snaps back at Young to nick the ball play it forwards into Shelley Woods breaking in behind the defence left of the D to put herself one on one with the keeper, opening up her body to send the ball wide of the keeper before she can close her down to score 1-0.

Shelley Woods netting the opener for Fakenham

Fakenham taking the lead just past the opening 15 minutes, the goal bringing some confidence as the hosts get hold of the ball in the middle, Rochelle Woods with a strong run with the ball, laid off to Rusted on the right, looks for Gravett, Young winning the ball back for Hertford. The visitors awarded a free-kick wide on the left, Clark to play the ball in towards goal, Betts again with an assured take catching the ball as she drops forwards.

Imogen Dilling putting the ball on for Shelley Woods coming in of the right channel threaded into the area for Gravett, McKie coming across the attacker to shield the ball as Gore comes to claim it. Mills darting about up top for Hertford making some teasing runs keeping the Fakenham defence on their toes Riches and Buckley halting her progress. The ball given away on the right as Hertford press the ball Symonds Bishop on the move passing inside to Mills right of the D, Riches quickly across to dive in with an outstretched leg to send the ball away from a throw.

Penalty! The ball put in across the top of the area from the throw on the right sees Clark looking to turn get inside to shoot, Curtis bringing her down, referee Tom Miles pointing to the spot. Curtis shown the yellow card. Now my camera’s batteries chose this exact moment to die so I didn’t clock who took the penalty, nevertheless the ball is struck hard and rising, Betts going the right way is beaten but the ball cannons back off the crossbar, down into the area, Fakenham’s defence scrambling it clear the opportunity to level gone.

Ellie Curtis for Hertford with another attempt from range held by Betts back on her line. Hertford finding joy out wide, Georgia Elmer-Roads lining up a shot from the left on the angle driven in low to the near post, Betts right behind it. Fakenham getting themselves a free-kick wide on the right a chance for players to come up from the back, lifted into the area, Riches attacking it adjudged to have committed the foul.

Georgia Elmer-Roads

Groves getting stuck in in the middle for Hertford playing the ball out to Symonds Bishop on the right, powers forwards, Pooley getting back on her to tackle put the ball out of play for Fakenham. Shelley Woods finding useful pockets of space in the channels for Fakenham constantly looking to lay the ball into Gravett as she moves across the Hertford back line, McKie getting her head on the ball to clear. Young at the back sending a great pass forwards to see Mills race in between the Fakenham centre backs, 30 yards out, Betts though is alert to the threat and comes racing out of her box to get to the ball first kick clear.

Rochelle Woods

Pooley bringing the ball on left for Fakenham inside for Shelley Woods, 30 out rolls in inside for Rochelle Woods who sees Pooley continuing her run into the box hooks the ball forwards, McKie tracking across lunging in to get her foot on the ball knock it behind for the corner kick. The ball fired in near post cleared for a throw in.

Fakenham building some pressure out on the right players forwards into the area lifted into the box, Shelley Woods looking to latch onto it get ahead of the defence under challenge lifts the ball over the keeper to score, won’t count however with the referee spotting a pull of the shirt.

Clark moving across the path of Symonds Bishop on the right as the winner drives forwards with the ball, Clark taking the ball right of goal seeing her cross cut out, getting the rebound back attempts to pick out Symonds Bishop at the by line however the winger has strayed offside. Ellie Curtis sent tumbling for Hertford the visitors with another free-kick inside the Fakenham half central, Clark lines up a strike the shot swerving away from the top left corner.

Ellie Curtis

Hertford continue to press for an equaliser Groves getting the ball out to the left, Georgia Elmer-Roads inside for Clark moving into the area, Betts comes rushing out to close her down diving at her feet the ball knocked past her heading for the by-line Elmer-Roads after it from the acutest of angles gets a shot away the ball coming back off the base of the post.

Fakenham captain, Jemma Riches

End to end no sooner has Betts been called into action one end, Gore has to come rushing out to dive in save at the feet of Gravett as she looks to steal into the box from the right channel the keeper snatching hold of the ball quickly up to get her side on the move.

Hertford goalkeeper, Emma Gore out quickly to deny Chloe Gravett.

Betts down low to save at her near post as Georgia Elmer-Roads sends another angled shot in low towards goal. McKie doing well inside the box to defend against Gravett as Rusted attacking from the right hooks a high ball into the area. A busy end to the first half Hertford with a throw high on their right put across the top of the area into Mills slots the ball forwards for Clark to attack, Betts down smartly to save well at her feet.

Young stretching out a leg to cut the ball out as Shelley Woods attempts to put Gravett through into the box. Fakenham pushing up on the right, Gravett off a throw powering her way into the area, attempting to lay it back up towards the top of the area for Rochelle Woods, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads defending for Hertford.

Half-time Fakenham Town Women 1-0 Hertford Town Women

An entertaining 1st half, the teams go off with Fakenham holding the advantage, Shelley Woods 16th minute goal separating the sides. A bright start from Hertford have looked lively getting the ball about the pitch creating a few half chances. Fakenham a little nervous at the start settling into the game the goal seeing them press better get after the Hertford defence, giving away a penalty Hertford failing to capitalise both keepers called into action. The tie very much on a knife edge going into the 2nd half.

Hertford making a double substitution at the start of the 2nd half brining on Ellie Young and Ella Cripps for, Curtis and Crocket. Fakenham unchanged to get the 2nd half underway played back to the defence, Hertford pour forwards in an attempt to close the ball down the ball hastily cleared for a throw on the right. A strong start from Hertford winning the ball out on the left Clark inside for Mills out to Ellie Youngs attacking on the right side whips an early ball into the area headed away by Riches.

Ellie Young attacking for Hertford Town Women

GOAL! Hertford get back on level terms with barely a minute of the 2nd half played, attacking on the right Ellie Young making an immediate impact laying the ball on for Mills wide of the area tracks inside towards the six yard box before laying the ball back towards the top of the area a host of blue shirts queuing up to strike it, Young with the strike smashing the ball into the roof of the net to equalise 1-1.

Hertford celebrate levelling the scores

Pooley closing down Clark as the Hertford striker brings the ball out to the right, deflected inside, Mills chasing after it into the D, Sands hooking clear. Hertford pressing well at the start of the 2nd half looking to push Fakenham back. A competitive game in the middle of the park, tackles flying in, Sands being cautioned by the referee.

Mills out to the right taking the ball on from Ellie Young checks inside playing in into Clark right of the D, Sands tracking back for Fakenham doing the defensive work regaining possession for the hosts. Fakenham attempting to regain the momentum finding Rusted out on the right, Gravett over to support, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads forced to play the ball out for a throw.

Fakenham midfielder, Sian Sands

Mills right sees her progress stopped by Pooley the ball out for a throw level with the top of the area played inside into Clark sees it down of her chest and turns into the shot striking the ball wide of the near post. Gravett hauled down as she breaks forwards from the left, no advantage play brought back for the set-piece the strike from distance fired over the crossbar.

Georgia Elmer-Roads coming out to the left has Cripps racing on ahead of her the ball fed into her run of for Clark who sends a dangerous ball into the area behind the defence, Buckley getting her toe on the ball to turn it behind for the corner kick. Swung in low to the near post cut out, Rusted rushing out to charge down a shot from outside the box the ball cleared upfield. Gravett pulling free on the right to chase the ball down into the area, Cripps chasing back stays on her well to lung in cut out her cross send it behind for the corner kick. The corner from the right, met by Groves coming out to clear, falls to a Fakenham player the shot struck from range angling wide of the far post.

Hertford’s Kiera Groves

Midway through the 2nd half the game delicately poised Hertford with a strong opening pushing players on stretching Fakenham the hosts defence coping well, Gravett and Woods looking to pull into the channels create an opening at the other end. Fakenham attacking on the left players attracted to the ball, the cross lifted into the box from deep, Rusted closing in on the keeper six yards out getting her head under the ball attempting to put it wide of Gore places it wide of the left post.

Fakenham’s Kirstie Rusted

The fouls mounting up for Sands as she goes into the book for Fakenham, the free-kick wide on the right 35 yards out, floated into the area Betts comes out well to claim the ball. Hertford committing players forwards get caught with a high line as Shelley Woods nips in on the ball and attempts to thread Gravett through into the box, is a vital touch from Kayleigh Elmer-Roads to cut the ball out or Gravett was in with a one one with the keeper.

Kayleigh Elmer-Roads

A double change for Fakenham with Pooley and Rochelle Woods coming off, Holly Walker and Vicky Lubbock. A change of shirt for Clark just to confuse things now wearing no 4. Kayleigh Elmer-Roads breaks away on the left in behind racing to the by-line as Riches comes out to close her down, completely misses her cross, but still manages to win her side a corner knocking the ball behind of the defender. Fired in near post defended knocked out to Ellie Young left corner fires a vicious ball back into the six yard box, cleared by Walker for Fakenham in front of her goal comes straight to McKie top of the box, shoots her shot rising clips the top of the crossbar on it’s way over.

Both sides showing intent going for the winner Hertford committing players forwards, Fakenham looking to get the ball back into their attackers remains competitive in the middle of the park. The hosts with a free-kick out on the left taken quickly fired in across the goal, Rusted closing in far post can’t get a telling touch. Rusted’s last action of the game then as she is taken off replaced by Sophie Lubbock with a little over 10 minutes left on the clock.

Gravett working hard up top for Fakenham running into the channels taking the ball on from Dilling running into the corner her cross swung in behind the goal. Fakenham pressing high Sophie Lubbock seeing her shot charged down, Hertford attacking on the counter. Mills taking the ball right her cross cut out by Buckley, comes back to Mills lifted into Symonds Bishop at the near post Betts diving in front of her doing enough to knock it against the attacker out of play for the goal kick.

Hertford’s Ella Cripps with Fakenham’s Chloe Gravett

End to end late in proceedings both sides seeking what could prove to be the winning goal with penalties looming. Groves taking the ball forwards pushed on into Mills, she finds her run halted by Riches inside the D. Kayleigh Elmer-Roads picking up a yellow card as she up ends Sophie Lubbock. The set-piece right of the centre circle lifted in towards the right post, Gore coming across her goal jumping to catch the ball.

Mills tracking in from the right seeing her strike deflected safely through to the keeper. Katie Marshall coming on for Hertford replacing Georgia Elmer-Roads. Gore down sharply to smother the ball as Fakenham lift it in from the left. Betts with a fantastic piece of goalkeeping as she comes racing out to meet Clark top of the area as she latches onto a through ball from midfield, the keeper down low on her knees getting a hand on the ball as Clark looks to go around her, Riches around on the cover clearing the ball.

Fakenham goalkeeper, Tilly Betts

Fakenham break up the other end the ball out to Gravett on the left 25 yards out with the turn and hit smashing a shot over the bar. The 90 minutes are up the game moving into stoppage time no sign that either side is settling for penalties Hertford press the ball, Sophie Lubbock though latching onto a misplaced pass 25 yards out drives for the area, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads getting across to dive in win the tackle.

Fakenham shooting from range a high ball in towards goal from the left threatening to dip under, Gore’s bar but she is tall, standing above her teammates isn’t caught off guard plucking the ball down from the air into the ground for the defence to clear.

GOAL! Hertford clear the ball forwards through the middle Clark racing onto it 35 yards out doesn’t hesitate lines up the shot putting her foot through the ball, striking it over the keeper to land in the goal beyond and runs away to her bench to celebrate 1-2.

Kaylie Clark firing Hertford into the lead in the 93rd minute

Hertford coming back from a goal down at the break to take the lead in the 93rd minute! Virtually no time left for Fakenham to respond a hammer blow the hosts press forwards looking to score. Hertford drop back to defend a little scrappy Clark picking up a yellow card. A free-kick wide on the left taken quickly in low cut out top of the area. Gravett inside to Vicky Lubbock on for Shelley Woods, cut out by McKie as she surges into the D the ball cleared the final whistle blows and Hertford win it at the death making history to reach the first round proper of the FA Women’s Cup.

Full time Fakenham Town Women 1-2 Hertford Town Women

A fantastic cup tie that looked to be heading to penalties until Kaylie Clark struck from range to find the winning goal for the visitors. A strong 2nd half from Hertford started quickly making changes paying off straight away with the equalising goal on 46 minutes. Further chances created after that, Betts with some great goalkeeping to frustrate them. Both sides looking for a goal to make it 2-1 after that. A great watch from a neutrals perspective could have gone either way, Fakenham will be bitterly disappointed had no time to reply. Hertford into the first round proper draw will be eager to see who they draw out of the hat.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Often a tough call and although there were a few contenders from both sides, one player had edged it in my mind before the final whistle. For Fakenham, Tilly Betts was superb in goal, controlled and making some vital stops, will be disappointed to concede so late on. Jemma Riches and Sophie Buckley with some strong tackling at the back making a number of interceptions. Shelley Woods in attack making some useful runs into the channels, with Chloe Gravett working hard up top trying to create an opening. For Hertford, Brodie KcKie had a superb game in defence making a number of tackles. Keira Groves all over the place in midfield fighting to win the ball setting up numerous attacks. Ellie Young making a real impact from the bench. Kayleigh Elmer-Roads with several vital tackles at the back too. Had already clinched the award before scoring the 93rd minute winner, Kaylie Clark was excellent in attack making some brilliant runs into the channels and across the defence, linking up well with Mills and Symonds Bishop in particular.

An entertaining cup tie, from the sides 3rd and 2nd in their leagues respectfully going into the game promised to be a good game and certainly delivered. My thanks to both sides from their help with the team details, like Hertford will be looking forwards to the upcoming draw for the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Fakenham Town Ladies

Sunday 19th February

Norfolk Women’s County Cup sponsored by Harrod Sport

Quarter finals weekend in this season’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup. 4 strong ties with the seeded teams entering the competition. Today’s fixture featuring an all ERWFL line up with Premier Division sides Wroxham Women taking on ERWFL newcomers Fakenham Town Ladies for a place in the last 4 of the cup.

Sponsored by Harrod Sports the Norfolk Women’s County Cup final will once again take place at Norwich City FC’s, Carrow Road stadium. Hosting the final twice previously, Wymondham Town Ladies winning on both occasions. Wymondham one of the seeded teams, the holders have since very sadly folded thus a new side will lift the trophy on Friday 19th May. A resurgent Norwich City Women looking the hot favourites to vying to reach Carrow Road for the first time in the competition, with ERWFL Premier Division sides, Wroxham Women and King’s Lynn Town Ladies the other seeded teams.

The quarter final draw pitting two of those seeded teams together with Norwich City Women hosting King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Two county level sides are guaranteed a place in the last 4 of the cup with last season’s finalists Mulbarton Belles Ladies hosting Thetford Town Ladies. While Norfolk Division One leaders Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women are away to Division Two side KLSC FC Women.

Wroxham Women themselves looking to get to the County Cup final for the 1st time. Have had an up and down season in the ERWFL Premier Division, sitting in mid-table under new manager Joe Simpson alot of new players have joined and it has taken time to settle. Have a good blend of youth and experience, able to bring in a trio of ex-Wymondham players in striker Hannah Waters, midfielder Jennifer Codman and defender Lauren Kett to further strengthen the squad. Waters top scorer with 11 goals from 11 appearances. The County Cup representing a strong opportunity for silverware.

Fakenham Town Ladies entering the Norfolk Women’s County Cup in the previous round, a potential banana skin away to a young and exciting looking Sprowston FC Women, however goals from, Nicole Costin, Sophie Lubbock and Chloe Gravett saw Fakenham come out on top of a physical tie reach the last 8 of the competition. Winning the League Cup last season Fakenham have moved up into regional league football for the 1st time. Has been a steep learning curve but one the squad has relished despite making a poor start losing their opening 5 games have rallied well working hard with a run of positive results in November to carry into the new year plus a good run in the ERWFL League Cup. Sophie Lubbock top scorer with 10 with Chloe Gravett on 9. Today’s County Cup game another stern test.

The venue for today’s game the FDC in Bowthorpe, having previously been on at The Open FDC in Sprowston. Wroxham Women usually playing at Trafford Park along side Wroxham FC the grass pitch has seen alot of action and in need of a little TLC, and with fixture slots running out for Wroxham Women and the Trafford Park pitch receiving a little attention the decision was made to switch venues. Norfolk FA’s FDC (Football Development Centres) spread out about the city and beyond across the county. Providing playing pitches for a number of clubs and communities. The FDC in Bowthorpe boasting the Harrod Sport Arena the large 3G pitch hosting a number of finals with viewing on three sides a small seated stand with the clubhouse beyond serving hot and cold drinks. Brilliant weather considering it’s February, bright and sunny with the sun low in the sky, no wind perfect playing conditions.

Wroxham Women

Wroxham Women starting XI – Cyan Fullbrook, Breanna Rudd, Lucy Bradford, Jess Horn (C), Tigi Robson, Zara O’Neill, Jennifer Codman, Becky Russell, Lauren Bullard, Holly Connell & Hannah Waters. Subs – Lara Densley, Holly Walker, Keela Olive, Ellie Overton & Lauren Kett.

Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Ciah-Lilly Rudkin, Maddie Smith, Amie Hutchinson, Jemma Riches (C), Sian Sands, Nicole Costin, Vicky Lubbock, Chloe Gravett, Ruby Curtis, Shelley Woods & Sophie Lubbock. Subs – Tilly Betts Hayley Marjoram, Olivia Baker, Megan Spurrell & Holly Davies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Both sides naming a strong starting line-up with 5 each on the bench. Wroxham with the kick-off first half attacking into the sun with the right side of the pitch well shaded by high trees, the ‘hosts’ wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks with Fakenham lined up opposite wearing Amber coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to captain Jess Horn in the defence, sprays her pass long out to the right for Lauren Bullard to attack, Fakenham close her down the ball cleared.

GOAL! Wroxham come straight back at Fakenham on the right the ball won in midfield forwards for Bullard has Becky Russell up with her inside the ball knocked into the midfielder releases it forwards for striker Hannah Waters to pull off the defence right of goal and strike the ball low across the keeper, Fakenham’s Ciah-Lilly Rudkin down smartly to try and get something on the ball, not enough and it deflected up off her into the bottom corner. Wroxham a goal up inside the opening minute 1-0.

Hannah Waters scoring in the opening minute for Wroxham (photo credit Daniel Kett)

The perfect start to the cup tie for Wroxham and they stay on the front foot closing the ball down in the middle getting on on rapidly players running at the Fakenham defence Bullard right side crossing into the box long gathered by Waters beyond the far post, lays it back to the top of the D for midfielder Zara O’Neill, shoots her attempt blocked by Fakenham captain, Jemma Riches. Jennifer Codman once with Fakenham before moving on to enjoy a successful spell with Wymondham now with Wroxham attacks on the left linking up with full back Breanna Rudd, Ruby Curtis getting in amongst the pair to regain possession for Fakenham.

Fakenham’s Ruby Curtis

All Wroxham at the start the game condensed in the middle the ball won are quick to get on the counter with Bullard, Waters and Holly Connell all showing good movement and pace in attack. Connell winning a corner on the right, players up into the box the delivery floated in towards the penalty spot a decisive header clear from Fakenham’s Shelley Woods. With Wroxham pushing Fakenham back keeping them inside their own half getting out is proving difficult, Nicole Costin finding Chloe Gravett out wide left looks to get on with the ball stopped by Wroxham’s Lucy Bradford.

Wroxham’s Lucy Bradford (photo credit Daniel Kett)

Woods with another clearance inside the box from a Wroxham corner on the right. Codman with a heavy tackle on Smith as the Fakenham defender comes to clear the ball. Sophie Lubbock up top for Fakenham is somewhat isolated looking to plough her own furrow whenever the ball comes into her feet, turns well on the right looking to drive for the box, Rudd getting back on her to challenge the ball gone for a throw. Wroxham alive to the counter attack the defence having runners left and right Bullard picked out right side down the line her cross into the top of the area a vital interception from Riches with Waters ready to take it on behind.

Wroxham’s Breanna Rudd

Fakenham mount an attack on the left Gravett winning a throw high up the pitch combines with Sophie Lubbock the cross put long into the six yard box, Curtis attacking the far post can’t quite get anything on it. Wroxham send it clear the counter attack sprung, Connell with a good show of pace bombing on right side her cross whipped into the six yard box, Rudkin down low to make a safe claim. Russell over on the left for Wroxham on down the line for Waters moving into the corner, plays it back up the line for Russell to play the pass into her path as she runs into the box heading for the by-line Riches comes steaming in to make the blocking tackle the ball gone for a corner kick. Russell slicing her cross from the corner the ball swerving across the top of the area cleared by Sian Sands.

GOAL! Wroxham capitalise on their fast start to the game by racing into a 2 goal lead, this one all about pace. The ball won inside the Wroxham half with Fakenham pushed up the pass threaded through the middle for Connell to chase, has the speed to out pace the defence to run onto the box right of the D, Rudkin racing out to try and close her down, Connell composed slotting the ball past her to find the back of the net beyond 2-0.

Holly Connell racing away to score Wroxham’s 2nd

15 minutes on the clock Wroxham 2 goals to the good and looking strong taking the game to Fakenham. Gravett coming left getting the throw, Sophie Lubbock with the turn and dribbles the ball all the way into the box before being tackled by O’Neill. Sands racing on looking to get hold of the loose ball, can’t get a shot away, nor can Vicky Lubbock as the midfielder presses up into the box, Wroxham scrambling the ball to safety.

Fakenham’s Sophie Lubbock

Codman tackling Sophie Lubbock sets up a counter releasing Connell on the right to power her way to the by-line Rudkin coming out to close her down does well sliding in at her feet winning getting the goal kick. Smith at the back cutting out Rudd’s pass for Waters looking to steal in behind on the left. Curtis has picked up an injury for Fakenham looks to be a hamstring can’t continue the away side making their first change Megan Spurrell coming on to the right of midfield. Fouled as soon as she gets on the ball Fakenham have a free-kick on half way, Smith to play the ball up to Sophie Lubbock, brings it down 25 out passing it to Spurrell wide right, Rudd getting into her to tackle for Wroxham.

The foul count beginning to add up for a few players on both sides, as yet now malice just a competitive affair. Gravett needed to help out at the back for Fakenham aswell as attack on the flank does well to get her head on the ball to cut out O’Neill’s diagonal ball intended to set Connell away on the wing. Fakenham rarely press Wroxham in front of their box but when they van get forwards in numbers that looks to be where they will get the most joy. Connell’s pace a threat, Gravett able to match it this time as she races back to put the ball out for a throw.

GOAL! Wroxham off a throw in on the left Waters takes the ball on her cross fired across the top of the area for Bullard, Gravett lunging in to block her shot the ball deflected behind for a corner on the right. The delivery sent in near post area skipping up off the surface met by Codman to twist her neck and send her header into the goal 3-0.

Jennifer Codman with Wroxham’s third goal

Wroxham pressing their advantage 3 up midway through the first half win the ball straight from the restart coming left Connell wide right inside for Bullard, Hutchinson blocking her shot from 20 yards out.

Fakenham’s Nicole Costin

GOAL! Fakenham are unsettled losing possession inside their own half Wroxham pushing their midfielders on the ball rolled inside from the right into O’Neill, 25 plus yards out isn’t closed down puts her foot through the ball getting plenty of power behind it the ball sailing into the back of the net 4-0.

Zara O’Neill with the strike from distance (photo credit Daniel Kett)

Fakenham’s Vicky Lubbock winning the ball inside the Wroxham half pressing forwards on for Spurrell coming inside from the right goes back across the pitch to Gravett left who aims to play the ball on for Lubbock continuing her run through the middle, Tigi Robson getting across the midfielder to tackle send the ball behind for a corner kick. Fakenham make a bit of a mess of the resulting corner failing to get a cross in but from the resulting throw Gravett drags the ball inside before sending a decent strike wide across the face of the Wroxham goal.

Tigi Robson

Robson pressing on from the back getting a favourable deflection off a 50/50 ball to run in behind the defence left side playing the pass on for Waters who skips inside into the box bearing down on the near post shots low, Hutchinson diving in to try and cut it out not putting off Rudkin beyond who is down sharply to make the stop. Russell with a shot from 30 yards out left side bouncing wide of goal.

Wroxham midfielder, Becky Russell

Spurrell is getting on better on the right for Fakenham pressing high her challenge seeing the ball rebound off a defender with Sophie Lubbock alert to run onto it inside the box and strike it on the angle low towards goal, Cyan Fullbrook with little to do so far has it covered as she drops to claim.

Fakenham’s Megan Spurrell

GOAL! Just as Fakenham are thinking they might get some joy in attack they are hit with a further blow pushed up are hit on the counter attack as Waters running through the defence beats the offside trap to head for a one on one with the advancing Rudkin, Waters with Riches on her shoulder touching the ball around the keeper, going right towards the six yard box, Riches wrong side can’t get to the ball as Waters calmly sends it home for her 2nd of the game.

A first half brace for Wroxham’s Hannah Waters (photo credit Daniel Kett)

Bradford with a robust challenge of Vicky Lubbock in the centre that sees the Fakenham midfielder down in some pain clutching her shoulder. A lengthy pause for treatment. Is unable to continue Fakenham forced into another change with Olivia Baker coming on late in the first half. From the resulting free-kick top of the centre circle Woods has only one intention to take on the shot hit well but wide.

Rudd with a quality diagonal pass to pick out Bullard on the move right side stretching the Fakenham defence her cross whipped in dangerous at the near post, Rudkin with the save of the half an excellent stop at close range… as the header is deflected goalwards off the back tracking Riches head (might be a pint owed there). Smith the latest Fakenham player to receive a heavy blow but is up after a moment’s recovery.

Chloe Gravett with Lauren Bullard

Riches with a well timed tackle on Waters left of the box as Codman looks to send the ball on. Bradford bringing down Gravett on the right picks up a yellow card for persistent fouling. The free-kick wide on the left in the closing stages of the first half Costin on the ball goes for goal her attempt landing on the roof of the net.

Half-time Wroxham Women 5-0 Fakenham Town Ladies

Wroxham in control of the quarter final tie going into the half-time interval with a strong 5 goal lead. Have looked the stronger from the opening minute taking the lead and going on to score at regular intervals throughout the first half. A dominant display from the midfield getting the ball into the attacking three quickly with the pace up top causing Fakenham issues. Penned back inside their own half getting forwards has been a challenge the ball all to often coming back quickly. Alot of work for Fakenham to do if they are to have any chance of getting back into it. Wroxham though can control the pace of the 2nd half.

(photo credit Daniel Kett)

No more changes for either side as they come out for the 2nd half. Spurrell and Baker coming on for Fakenham in the first half through injuries to Curtis and Vicky Lubbock. Fakenham to get the 2nd period underway the ball into Costin back to Hutchinson in defence lifted forwards to the left, cut out by Bradford for Wroxham.

Russell turning on the ball in midfield for Wroxham looking to play the ball into Waters up top, cut out well by Riches. Bullard out wide on the right seeing the ball deflected back into her path strikes it on the angle Rudkin back on her line collecting it into her gloves as it skips up in front of her. Sands into Costin on for Baker, Fakenham building a solid attack, Baker pushing forwards aiming for Gravett, Horn coming to close her down tackling the ball out for a throw. From the resulting throw on the left Baker sees it cross her body well hitting the pass in across the top of the D, Woods looking to turn onto it a strike as it bounces up off the surface, Horn throwing herself forwards to knock it out of her path.

Fakenham’s Olivia Baker

GOAL! Just as Fakenham look to be getting some momentum going forwards they are hit with another sucker punch as Wroxham hit them on the counter the ball played on rapidly through the middle on for Connell central to run clear of the defence and run on for another one on one with the keeper, Rudkin diving in trying to get the ball Connell squeezing it past her and seeing it run on into the goal beyond to net her 2nd of the game 6-0.

A pause in play as Gravett picks up a head injury, time taken to be accessed before being allowed to continue. Riches needs to make the ball hers at the back for Fakenham as Connell hooks one forwards for Waters to attack left of the D, the defender winning her clearance sending the ball wide for a throw. Waters gathering the ball on the left driving on stopped by Smith for Fakenham. Again Fakenham look a threat when pressing the Wroxham back line forcing errors Fullbrook’s kick out from the goal falling straight to Costin left of the box 25 yards out, drags her shot wide of the near post.

Becky Russell holding off Jemma Riches

Woods with the ball in an advanced position on the left for Fakenham sending an angled cross into the top of the area, a glancing header from Horn as she goes to clear the ball enough to deflect it away from Sophie Lubbock to her left. Wroxham make their first change of the game Codman coming off to be replaced by Lara Densley. Riches getting her foot in to tackle Connell top of the D.

Fakenham captain Jemma Riches (photo credit Daniel Kett)

GOAL! Wroxham further extend their lead as they build well on the left players getting on to support Waters the attacker striking the ball from the left corner of the area to see it race across the goal into the bottom corner to complete her hat-trick. 7-0.

A hat-trick for Hannah Waters (photo credit Daniel Kett)

Wroxham 7 goals to the good both sides ringing the changes Fakenham bringing 3 off, Smith, Hutchinson and Costin all replaced, Hayley Marjoram, Tilly Betts and Holly Davies coming on. Wroxham with a double change Rudd and Bradford coming off the full backs replaced by Lauren Kett and Keela Olive. Wroxham winning a free-kick wide left Connell on the ball flighted into the near post claimed well by Rudkin with Waters lurking.

Fakenham deflated continue to battle despite being on the back foot Wroxham with renewed energy pouring forwards Russell into the box sees her she blocked the ball ricocheting to Bullard wide right of goal inside the box scoops it across to Waters closing in on the near post she shot held well by Rudkin back on her line as she gets down to take it into her body.

Fakenham’s Chloe Gravett

Gravett on the move with the ball releases Sophie Lubbock on half way, running for goal has alot of ground to cover and three Wroxham defenders converge to crowd the striker off the ball.

GOAL! Kett winning the ball at the back with a good ball forwards for Waters pulling away to the right her low drive in across the face of goal not held by Rudkin comes back off the post Connell on the follow up closing in back heeling the ball home from close range to net her hat-trick. 8-0.

Holly Connell nets a hat-trick for Wroxham

Despite the goals racking up Riches is doing all she can to limit the damage at the back for Fakenham winning a number of vital balls is on hand once again to deny Waters inside the six yard box to concede the corner kick. The inswinging delivery plucked down well by Rudkin. Rudkin coming out to take the ball as she sees Waters turn on the left towards her box.

GOAL! Waters quicker to release her shot moments later as she gets hold of the ball on the left to send her strike past the advancing keeper heading in at the near post, denied by Betts as the substitute blocks the ball on the line can’t do much about the follow up as the deflected ball comes straight to Bullard to curl the ball inside the left post 9-0.

Bullard coming off then for Wroxham replaced by Ellie Overton. Wroxham leading by 9 goals know how it feels to be on the other end of that score line. On top this afternoon dominating the game a strong performance and look hungry for more goals as they come on at will. Gravett a willing runner for Fakenham looking to make something happen traveling with the ball going all the way into the box from the left cutting inside is clipped, but stays on her feet before the ball is blocked and cleared.

Ellie Overton with Sophie Lubbock

Overton with a cross on the right from deep position long into the box cut out by Riches falls back into midfield a shot struck from distance held by Rudkin. Wroxham winning a corner out on the right the ball fired in long across the six yard coming to Russell beyond the far post can’t angle her header back on target, taking a nick off a Fakenham body a 2nd corner awarded on the left. Again long to the far post Olive looking to get it down under control inside the six yard box is crowded off the ball before she can get a shot away.

Wroxham defender, Lauren Kett (photo credit Daniel Kett)

Gravett coming off for Fakenham, with Costin back on. Waters pulling away to the right leaning back as she strikes the ball sending her effort over the crossbar. Olive with the pass on for Waters, Riches in to tackle the ball out for a corner on the right.

GOAL! Lara Densley bringing up double figures for Wroxham with a well struck shot. The ball played into the box is knocked down falling straight to Densley top of the area, behind it all the way the goal opens up before her as she puts her laces through the ball to send it into the corner of the net 10-0.

Lara Densley bringing up double figures for Wroxham

Wroxham with a double switch bringing Bullard and Rudd back on for Waters and Robson. Riches blocking the ball at the back as Wroxham send players on.

GOAL! One way traffic late in the game Wroxham able to come on at will Fakenham battling in defence. Bullard with the ball on the right wide twisting off her marker to steal in behind to whip a cross into the six yard box, Olive running in at the near post meeting in sweetly on the volley to turn the ball into the back of the net 11-0.

Keela Olive with the volley to make it 11

Nearly 12 as O’Neill’s strike from distance cones crashing down off the cross bar into the six yard box before being scrambled clear. Rudkin getting down to save on her goal line as Wroxham fire an angled strike in from the left the deflected ball coming to Rudd right of goal smashes her shot back in wide across the goal.

Marjoram with a neat bit of defending inside the box to deny Bullard a shot as she attacks from the right cleared for a corner. Spurrell breaking with the ball on the right in the final seconds can’t pick Sophie Lubbock out with the final pass as the final whistle blows.

Full time Wroxham Women 11-0 Fakenham Town Ladies

Wroxham dominating the game from start to finish booking their place in the last 4 of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup where they will be joined by Norwich City Women, Mulbarton Belles Ladies and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women with be an interesting draw all of these sides have beaten the other on their day in the competition. Wroxham making the perfect start with a goal inside the opening minute adding a 2nd after 15 never let Fakenham settle pressing the ball high the midfield linking up well with the attackers to press the advantage leading 5-0 at the break any response Fakenham could muster 2nd half was quickly extinguished both Waters and Connell going on to score hat-tricks. Raining goals Fakenham were out played a dispiriting result but fought till the end. One result doesn’t defy a season and although it’ll hurt they can be proud of the progress they’ve made as a squad so far.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Not an easy call today by any means several contenders for Wroxham. For Fakenham the stand out player was their captain Jemma Riches without her interceptions and tackles there would have been further goals fought till the end. For Wroxham it was a clinical display that will do no end to boost confidence. Was a strong performance from the midfield trio, Jennifer Codman, Zara O’Neill and Becky Russell winning the ball getting forwards and setting up attacks. Lauren Bullard with a strong game out on the right. Comes down to the hat-trick scorers, Hannah Waters with her experience getting into some great positions and taking her goals well, ultimately Holly Connell’s pace is what caused Fakenham the most issues with her up front Wroxham had a ready outlet for the counter and linked up will with the midfield showing great composure for her goals.

Never the easiest of report to write when one side has racked up a high score against another but that is football, you never know what’s going to happen. Great to be back at the FDC. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team details and to Daniel Kett for the additional photo’s used in today’s report.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Beccles Town Ladies

Sunday 2nd October

FA Women’s Cup

A massive 182 ties taking place this Sunday in 2nd Round Qualifying of the FA Women’s Cup. Keeping it local this weekend with a trip to The Daly Group Stadium, with Fakenham Town Ladies hosting Beccles Town Ladies.

This season’s FA Women’s Cup seeing a significant increase in the prize money clubs can earn increasing the incentive to want to do well in what is already a prodigious competition. An opportunity for a club to add some much needed funds to the pot with today’s winners recieving £3,000 the losers taking away £750. Potentially game changing sum for a club at grassroots level. With progress to 3rd Round Qualifying seeing the FAWNL Division One clubs entering the cup.

Fakenham Town Ladies off the back of a strong campaign last season winning the league cup taking the opportunity to set up into the regional set up above joining ERWFL Division One North. 8 sides in the league with alot more travelling involved often a test for a county league side moving up with trips as far away as Biggleswade and St Ives amongst others. An opportunity for the club to grow test itself at a higher level and develop. A tough start to the league with 4 straight defeats but the club is confident thing’s after improving game on game as the squad looks to find their feet in the 6th tier. The FA Cup serving too as a distraction from the league as the club looks for it’s first win of the season.

Beccles Town Ladies entering the new season with renewed confidence for a positive campaign. Building a squad to compete in Norfolk Women’s Division One after finding thing’s tough in recent seasons with long term injuries and player movement stretching the squad. Bringing experience players in to join the team last season, kicked off their season a little later than Fakenham with 2 league games played so far. Beccles have lost both, unlucky not to take their chances against newly promoted Caister FC Ladies on the opening day, and missing out against one of the league favourites Dussindale & Hellesdon Women last weekend. Drawn against Fakenham in 2nd Round Qualifying, conceded late on away to Fakenham to lose 3-2 in the league towards the end of last season, fancy their chances of causing an upset this afternoon.

Both sides used to roll on roll off substitutes, the FA Cup different with just the 3 substitutes allowed to be made, extra time and penalties to be played if required.

Clipbush Park now known as The Daly Group Stadium on the outskirts of Fakenham. The main stadium with two more full sized grass pitches beside. Busy with other matches taking place the women’s game on the main pitch. Is a large grass pitch which will test any sides fitness space to exploit out wide. The bar leading into the stadium open serving hot and cold drinks. Fantastic weather to start October, a bright and sunny day with a few clouds blotting out the sun, dry and still.

Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Ciah-Lilly Rudkin, Hayley Marjoram, Maddie Smith, Jemma Riches (C), Gina Pooley, Sian Sands, Nicole Costin, Shelley Woods, Holly Davies, Chloe Gravett & Rochelle Woods. Subs – Olivia Baker, Amie Hutchinson, Jodie Wright & Emily Fusco.

Beccles Town Ladies

Beccles Town Ladies starting XI – Megan Gowing, Georgia Tiffin, Kelly Collins, Charlotte Power, Poppy Wilson, Abigail Bell, Elisha Bower, Bethan Owen, Mia Wilson, Lola Barber-King (C) & Lucy Robbens Subs – Lily Bulloch, Grace Storey & Megan Sergeant.

It’s the hosts Fakenham to kick-off the tie, wearing amber coloured shirts, with black shorts and socks with Beccles lined up opposite wearing, white shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and yellow and black striped socks. The ball played back towards the defence Beccles rush in to close the ball down, Fakenham getting the pass out to Holly Davies wide on the right, looking to shift the ball inside is challenged by Beccles, Charlotte Power. The ball being hounded down in the middle as both sides go in on each other forcing rushed passes, Fakenham releasing the ball forwards into the right channel as Chloe Gravett peels free into space driving forwards into the box shaping to pull the trigger, Beccles Poppy Wilson getting back across her to slide in block the shot deflect it behind for a corner.

Beccles Poppy Wilson

The corner delivered in towards the top of the box met well by a Fakenham head looking to turn the ball on across the goal, falls wide of the far post. Gravett finding a pocket of space to steal into on the right as Nicole Costin wins the ball in the middle knocked forwards into her Gravett moves wider, her attempted cross blocked turned behind for another Fakenham corner. Cleared beyond the far post as it goes long across the six yard box. Fakenham making a bright start looking to take the game to Beccles Shelley Woods tackling the ball played out to Davies wide right, squared back into towards the top of the area, Power winning the ball ahead of Fakenham’s Rochelle Woods.

Holly Davies coming forwards for Fakenham

Beccles look to get forwards on the left Lucy Robbens bringing the ball on, with support Bethan Owen and attacker and captain Lola Barber-King pressing the Fakenham defence the ball played all the way out to the right, Hayley Marjoram clearing for Fakenham come straight back as Beccles put it forwards for Barber-King pulling into the right channel and good turn and strike from 20 yards out on the angle driven over the crossbar.

Beccles captain, Lola Barber-King

Gina Pooley bringing the ball on left side for Fakenham moving inside to play it into Rochelle Woods outside the D, she helps it on out to Davies forwards on the right , shifts towards the area, her ball knocked on cleared by Power. A busy start to the game with both sides creating opportunities. Gravett a threat for Fakenham pulling to the right in attack the midfield snapping in to win the ball looking to find her with the pass, Kelly Collins intercepting well for Beccles.

Seeing the ball into her feet central 25 yards out Rochelle Woods passes it forwards into the path of Gravett moving right, pace with the ball, turns inside running into the box, Power stepping in to make the challenge, Gravett brought down the referee pointing to the spot, PENALTY!

GOAL! A chance for Fakenham to open the scoring 10 minutes into the tie. Gravett the player over the ball struck low to her left, Beccles goalkeeper Megan Gowing going the right way getting down well to get behind the ball make the save she ball knocked up into the six yard box however Gravett is the sharpest to react getting her foot up to smash the rebound home 1-0.

Chloe Gravett centre celebrates after putting Fakenham into the lead

Beccles get players on from the restart looking to find Owen out on the left, and Mia Wilson over on the right. Owen winning a throw high on the left Fakenham are comfortable in defence. Beccles quick to come back at them snapping in to win the ball in the middle, Elisha Bower on for Robbens the ball sent on for Barber-King getting away in the left channel a powerful run into the box, Fakenham’s captain Jemma Riches recovering well getting back at her blocking Barber-Kin’s shot an the angle turning it behind for a corner kick.

Owen to play the ball into the six yard box a firm header to clear back with Owen on the left, Riches rushing out to close her down charging down the cross the ball out for a throw in.

Fakenham captain, Jemma Riches

GOAL! The throw on the left level with the top of the area dropped into Bower the midfield clever letting the ball run across her body to strike on the turn the spin on the half volley sending the ball looping up over goalkeeper Ciah-Lilly Rudkin to drop into the goal beyond 1-1. A good response from Beccles equalising just 4 minutes after conceding the opening goal.

Elisha Bower scores the equalising goal for Beccles

A competitive tussle in the middle crowded at times a few free-kicks being given away one going Beccles way inside the Fakenham to the left of the circle, Bower to play the ball in to the top of the area Fakenham clear but straight away another free-kick is given away by the hosts in a similar spot to the first. Bower getting it through into the box this time bouncing doesn’t trouble Rudkin.

GOAL! Beccles having upped their tempo to better close down Fakenham capitalise as they go on to take the lead, the ball won by Collins on halfway left side the defender charging forwards before laying it on for Owen moving into the corner, carries the ball inside into the six yard box wide of goal opens up her body to strike the ball across the keeper coming to her near post the ball curling inside to strike the inside of the far post and drop into the goal 1-2.

Bethan Owen puts Beccles into the lead

Beccles turning the game on it’s head coming back from a goal down to lead on 20 minutes. A dent to Fakenham’s confidence they look to get forwards from the restart Davies found on the right clipping a high ball into the box, claimed well by Gowing. Costin bringing the ball out left linking up with Davies and Gravett the later moving to the by-line sending her cross into the side netting. Is an entertaining contest both sides competing for the ball putting alot into it. Beccles with the lead growing into the match, Georgia Tiffin stopping Pooley’s attack on the left Beccles counter Bower up with Mia Wilson on the right the early cross headed clear by Riches top of her area.

Beccles, Kelly Collins

Abigail Bell on for Bower she attempts to play the ball over the top for Barber-King to chase too much on it Rudkin taking the catch cleanly. A strike from distance wide on the left from Fakenham racing wide across goal taking a nick on the way through a corner given. The ball into the mix inside the six yard box headed clear to the top of the area picked up by Rochelle Woods takes a step forwards preparing to strike the ball goalwards from 20 yards out, is put narrowly over the Beccles crossbar. Play brought back for the free-kick though within Woods having been caught late. Is down for a moment but gets up to take the set-piece struck under the jumping wall pulled wide of goal.

The ball carried forwards on the right wing by Mia Wilson for Beccles her cross lifted in towards the near post drops over Barber-King cleared by Maddie Smith for Fakenham beyond. Marjoram getting back at Mia Wilson to slide in to take the ball off her for a throw in as the Beccles wide player looks to get on again. Is an even contest with half an hour played still competitive, both Sands for Fakenham and Bower for Beccles on the wrong end of a robust tackle. Space opens up on the right for Fakenham with Gravett playing in Shelley Woods has Davies breaking into the box wide right looks to lay the ball into her run, Gowing out sharply to grab the ball before Davies can reach it.

Fakenham come close to equalising from a throw high on the right the ball crossed into Rochelle Woods at the near post inside the six yard box turned goalwards, Gowing with a brilliant save getting down smartly to block then scrambling up to get her glove around the ball pull it into her body. Beccles launching a counter attack Bower on for Barber-King spun out to the right for Mia Wilson, her attempted return sliced behind by Smith for a corner. Lifted into the near post area congested, Rudkin in amongst it to get her fist on the ball to punch it away.

Beccles goalkeeper, Megan Gowing

Fakenham’s turn to get the ball on the move Shelley Woods into Rochelle Woods 30 out she lays it on for Gravett racing away right channel 20 yards out strikes the shot on the angle the ball rising just over the bar. Robbins coming on linking up with Owen on the left winning a throw, the ball put into Barber-King top corner outside the area a good touch seeing her get away from her marker shift in field to take on the shot angle in can only pick out Rudkin.

Gravett getting the ball into her feet central threading the pass in behind for Woods to attack the area, Gowing with a good start position quick to rush out of her box to kick the ball away before it can be exploited. Smith with a taking too from the referee after she fouls Owen 30 odd yards out to the left Bower on the resulting free-kick, placed on target but as easy claim for Rudkin. 3 minutes left to play in the first half remains a good contest a cup tie for sure Beccles putting alot in close Fakenham down, Barber-King pulled up of offside as she tries to take advantage of Fakenham’s high defensive line.

Shelley Woods sending the ball forwards into the right corner for Davies to chase, Collins going with her throwing herself into the challenge to get the ball out for a corner kick. The delivery put long across goal knocked back into the crowded six yard box the ball scrambled away by Power for Beccles. The visitors getting away on the left Owen. Dropped into the six yard box Fakenham half clear Robbens after it near side to turn and stab her attempt wide form 10 yards out. The last action of an all action 1st half as the whistle blows.

Beccles, Lucy Robbens

Half-time Fakenham Town Ladies 1-2 Beccles Town Ladies

An entertaining 1st half with plenty of action both sides putting alot into the game, Fakenham starting well creating opportunities and finding the opening goal inside 10 minutes from the penalty spot. Beccles with a goo response finding the equaliser just 4 minutes later building on that momentum to go on to take the lead. Fakenham’s confidence dented the game become a more even affair both sides strong in the middle after the ball play turned around, Gowing with a superb save to ensure Beccles went in at half-time leading 2-1. The game still very much in the balance you sense there are further goals in it could be a case who runs out of steam first Beccles in particular doing alot of work to close down the ball got them the lead can they hold on.

Both sides out of the changing rooms early eager to get going again, have to wait however as the officials are having the allotted time, neither side making a change the sun is dropping lower in the sky Beccles facing it 2nd half, clouds still around shielding it. Beccles getting the 2nd half underway the ball played back then out to Tiffin at right back looks to push it on Fakenham rushing in to close the ball down.

Fakenham starting strong coming at Beccles, Gravett escaping on the right a burst of pace to take the ball on sifting into the box her low cross targeting Rochelle Woods, the ball blocked Woods hurt in the challenge needing treatment but okay. Fakenham have a corner on the right put in near post Beccles comfortably defend. Bell playing the ball out to Barber-King puling left striking a shot on the angle from 25 yards out, Rudkin saving dropping forwards onto the ball.

Fakenham goalkeeper, Ciah-Lilly Rudkin

Costin fighting for the ball in the middle getting it out to Davies away on the left coming inside opts to shoot from distance Gowing having the angle covered. Costin on for Shelley Woods moving forwards on Fakenham’s left linking up with Pooley before crossing from the by-line an inviting ball across the face of goal Davies can’t quite get on the end of it far post. The hosts looking to get at Beccles higher up the pitch the visitors not getting the ball into their attackers as easily. Owen doing well to regain possession in the middle managing to release Mia Wilson on the right opts for the early strike off target.

Fakenham’s Maddie Smith

Gravett with Davies attacking right for Fakenham a low shot on the angle basted wide at the near post taking a nick off a Beccles defender a corner given. The set-piece put in near side dropping beyond into the mix, Bell rushing off the back post to put in a brave block getting hurt in the process the ball not cleared still alive outside the box inside the D struck wide of the left post. Bell needing to be checked over but is okay to continue.

Beccles, Abigail Bell putting in a brave blocking challenge inside the box

An hour played Fakenham with the momentum, Costin winning more of the ball in the centre Shelley Woods getting forwards more to support the attack. Gravett picking up the ball right channel on the move top of the box shoots, Gowing with a good save blocking with her gloves to turn the ball wide for a corner. The hosts over commit going forwards Beccles winning the ball be get in the counter left the ball clipped long for Barber-King, Marjoram with a vital interception to cut the ball out play it safely back to her goalkeeper. Shelley Woods on the attack driving on with the ball battling forwards as Beccles close her down en masse is brought down Fakenham awarded the foul 30 yards out to the left of the goal.

Fakenham defender, Hayley Marjoram

Shelley Woods bursting forwards for Fakenham before being fouled

GOAL! A pause before the free-kick is taken with Davies down needing attention. Costin placing the ball down for the free-kick. The clouds suddenly parting hands up to shade eyes as she moves back for her run up. Is a superb strike lifting the ball up over the wall with good pace on it to arrow in towards goal dipping late to beat Gowing who had the sun to contend with as it drops under the crossbar to nestle in the back of the net. Costin wheeling away in celebration having drawn Fakenham back level with 25 minutes left to play 2-2.

Nicole Costin’s free -kick on it’s way into the back of the net

Nicole Costin

Straight away Fakenham make a change bringing off Rochelle Woods and sending on Olivia Baker. Beccles making a switch too with Barber-King off, Lily Bulloch coming on. Bower going out to the left playing a good cross forwards to pick out Robbins in the middle but had strayed offside. Owen taking a painful knock for Beccles play paused while she receives treatment up on her feet able to play on. The game getting a little scrappy players tiring, Davies breaking clear out on the right side angling a cross in to the near post players rushing in to attack, Gowing though claiming untroubled. Fakenham make a 2nd change bring off Marjoram at the back for Amie Hutchinson.

Fakenham are turning to screw finding room for players to run into Pooley closing in throwing herself forwards can’t quite get to the ball as it is flashed in across goal. Shelley Woods getting more involved in the final 3rd in the 2nd half causing problems for Beccles gets forwards as Baker combines with Davies on the right the ball squared into her 20 yards out right of the D, struck on the volley lands on the roof of the net.

Baker on the ball coming right with Davies back to Costin her deep cross claimed high by Gowing. Robbins getting onto the ball charging forwards moving to the right, Hutchinson getting across to put in the tackle, then again as Mia Wilson looks to latch onto the loose ball. Robbins last action in the game as she is subbed for Grace Storey. Tiffin intercepting at the back for Beccles as Woods looks to find Gravett up top. The game moving into the final quarter hour Davies finding room on the right, Collins getting into her to make the tackle, the loose ball picked up by Costin 30 yards out struck goalwards, a decent hit but straight at Gowing who gloves it down to claim comfortably.

Beccles send the ball on for Storey to chase right side in a race to get to the ball ahead of Rudkin rushing out to the throws herself forwards attempting to dive on the ball getting it just ahead of Storey the assist flags the ball handled outside the area Beccles awarded the free-kick Rudkin shown a yellow card. Bower to take played into the box a firm header cleared by Smith in front of goal. Fakenham’s Gravett turning inside as she takes the ball down off a throw in from the left, Poppy Wilson nipping back at her with the well timed tackle to halt her attack.

GOAL! The momentum has been with Fakenham all through the 2nd half and with the clock running down they retake the lead attacking down the right Baker on with Davies the ball played inside to Gravett inside the top of the area dragging the ball on turns onto it to smash her strike hard into the back of the net 3-2!

Chloe Gravett firing Fakenham into the lead in the 2nd half

Fakenham coming back from 2-1 down to lead 3-2 with 7 minutes of regular time left to play. Hutchinson winning the ball at the back coming on left side on for Pooley Tiffin into her to put the ball out for a throw. The throw level with the top of the area helped on into Woods inside the D she turns to strike the ball charged down by Power, Sands latching onto the rebound striking the spinning ball wide of the left post from 20 yards.

Beccles Charlotte Power, with Fakenham’s Olivia Baker

Beccles are tired Mia Wilson has the ball on the right hooting from distance her effort claimed by Rudkin. Woods taking the ball on for Fakenham who have a 2nd wind having fought back to lead, good ball control out on the by-line, Poppy Wilson managing to adjust to get the tackle in before she can get into the area.

Baker coming on through the middle plays it into Gravett inside the box looks to shift then shoot Poppy Wilson lunging in to block. Woods on the rebound outside the box her strike also blocked by Wilson turned out to the right the 3rd shot held by Gowing. The Beccles keeper once again out of her area winning the race to clear the ball in the nick of time as Gravett is played through central.

Woods attacking on the left moving to the by-line sending a teasing ball across the six yard box, Davies on the half volley beyond the fat post pulled back across goal retrieve by Woods left side goes for goal herself despite the tight angle Gowing taking it. Fakenham are finishing strong on the attack ignoring the calls to run the ball into the corner stoppage time being played getting players forwards Gravett spinning the ball out to Davies on the right lifting her cross high is taken above her head by Gowing. Costin bringing the ball on lifted out to Pooley left side, Tiffin stretching to cut it out. The ball staying in the Beccles half as Fakenham have the energy to get numbers forwards.

Full time Fakenham Town Ladies 3-2 Beccles Town Ladies

Fakenham turn the tie around in the 2nd half to win the game 3-2 to advance to the next round of the FA Women’s Cup. Were the stronger side in the 2nd half taking the game to Beccles limiting their opponents chances in the 2n period creating chances scoring the equaliser midway through the half then going on to find the winner with 7 minutes left to play. Used the width well with Shelley Woods coming on more from the middle to link up with the attack. A great cup tie with Beccles playing their part Fakenham making the better start taking the lead from the penalty spot in the 10th minute but Beccles came back well to find an equalising goal 4 minutes later then quickly take the lead themselves competing well to lead at the break. Put alot into the first half and tiredness would come into play. Fakenham strong from the off in the 2nd half never losing the momentum.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. An entertaining cup tie with a few contenders. A few performances to mention. For Beccles, Bethan Owen had a strong game getting forwards on the left causing Fakenham a few issues contested the ball well. Poppy Wilson making some vital tackles and blocks at the back, whilst Megan Gowing produced a couple of wonderful saves to keep her side in contention right till the end. For Fakenham Shelley Woods came into her own 2nd half taking on a more attacking role coming on from the middle with some good movement and touches creating chances. Nicole Costin was strong in the middle battling for the ball with a good range of passing to get players on the move a well struck free-kick. Today’s award though goes to striker, Chloe Gravett scoring both the opening and the winning goal. Was a threat throughout finding space to run into in the first half reading the game well, a good turn of pace on the ball with some useful touches to get herself and others into good positions.

An enjoyable game at The Daly Group Stadium a much needed first win of the season for Fakenham, while Beccles look in good shape for the season ahead. Look forwards to the draw for 3rd Round Qualifying. As per usual my thanks to both sides for their assistance with the teams and other info much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Mulbarton Belles Ladies v Fakenham Town Ladies

Sunday 15th May

Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final

Onto the 2nd of this Sunday’s final this one the NWGFL League Cup Final to be contested by Division One Champions, Mulbarton Belles Ladies and 2nd placed Fakenham Town Ladies.

Before that however a special mention for the winners of the 7’s League Cup Final played earlier that afternoon. Hugely popular in Norfolk the 7’s league features a 12 strong division the game a hour long and a smaller playing surface. Growing year on year some sides fielding an 11 and a 7-a-side team. The two contesting today’s final Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies, 4th in the league against Costessey Sports Women challenging for the title itself a point behind current leaders Mulbarton both with one game remaining. Costessey Sports winning today’s final courtesy of a single goal scored by Sharnie Boast.

7’s Cup Winners, Costessey Sports Women (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Congratulations to Costessey Sports Women on winning the 2021/22 &’s League Cup.

One potential league title on the way for Mulbarton Belles Ladies another sown up a while back with their 11-a-side squad clinching the Norfolk Women’s Division One title with a 100% winning record taking maximum points for all 20 of their league games finishing some 14 points clear of the rest. Playing their first full season as Mulbarton with the club stepping in to provide a new home for a talented squad in danger off being broken up after a despite with their former club. Going with their manager Martin Francis reached the County Cup Final last season, and have done so again this season beating the likes of Norwich and King’s Lynn along the way to set up a dream final at Carrow Road against Wymondham Town Ladies who have already achieved a league and cup double. Mulbarton with ambitions to achieve the same.

A strong squad enhanced with the signings of Lucy Lincoln and Atlanta Griffith from Tavern Ladies. Have scored an incredible 114 league goals whilst conceding just 11. Captain Rebekah Lake their talisman up front one of the best attackers in the county, a nightmare for defenders has scored 42 goals this season. Griffith strong in attack too with 22 from 14 appearances with Sophie Jermy on 18 for the season, their league campaign ending on the 24th of April has been a bit of a wait for today’s League Cup final with the County Cup to follow on the 25th of the month.

Fakenham Town Ladies come into today’s final as the underdogs despite finishing their league campaign, currently 2nd can finish no lower than 3rd should Dussindale & Hellesdon catch them up. Were only assured of their place in the final in mid-week after playing their semi-final against fellow Division One side Stalham Ladies on Wednesday evening. Made a flying start to the season racking up a 22-0 win on the opening day and from there have remained in contention at the top throughout grinding out results when they’ve been under the cosh. Beaten 5-2 and 4-1 in the league respectfully by Mulbarton know they will be up against it today. Attackers, Shelley Woods and Sophie Lubbock with the bulk of their goal with Woods scoring 28 and Lubbock 33.

Road to the Final

Contrasting routes to the final itself for both sides. Mulbarton with a potential banana skin handed to tough looking fixture with Dussindale & Hellesdon. Braces for both Rebekah Lake and Atlanta Griffith plus a goal for Sophie Jermy seeing them win 5-1. Fakenham recieving a bye in the 1st Round. Into the 2n Round and this time it was Mulbarton’s turn to progress without kicking a ball awarded the A-W over Beccles. Fakenham a short trip to play Division Two side Red Rose FC. Up against a depleted squad Fakenham racked up the goals a double hat-trick for Chantelle Ketteringham with Sophie Lubbock and Olivia Baker on target for 5 and 4 each respectfully in a crushing 24-0 win.

Onto the last eight. Mulbarton at home to Division Two newcomers FC Viking and Valkyries Women. Lake and Griffith both netting hat-trick along with Ellie Hunter as Mulbarton ran out 17-1 winners. Controversy in Fakenham’s quarter final tie at home to fellow Division one side Long Stratton confusion with the competition rules seeing it go straight penalties Fakenham coming out on top before the league ruled the game should have gone to extra-time and be replayed Fakenham emerging victorious again in regular time this time Vicki and Sophie Lubbock both scoring along with Ketteringham in a 3-0 win. Mulbarton away to Bungay Town Ladies in their semi-final Laura Hedtke scoring a brace with Griffith and Melissa Belsey on target in a 4-0 win t send Mulbarton into the final. Fakenham’s semi-final seeing a long delay with their opponents eventually changed with UEA FC Women who won their quarter final in extra-time against Stalham kicked out of the competition the result voided Stalham progressing taking place just four days ago, Shelley Woods with 2 goals and another for Sophie Lubbock securing a 3-1 win and a spot in Sunday’s final.

Aylsham FC’s Young Park the venue once again hearing several positive comments about the choice of venue for the finals weekend. The modern clubhouse with bar and kitchen with a barbeque serving sausages in a bun and burgers going down a treat o much so they ran out of food for Sunday with demand so high on the Saturday. The weather not so great with a few spots of rain in the air, the umbrella needed on occasion. A good crowd building a buoyant atmosphere.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies

Mulbarton Belles Ladies starting XI – Cara Anderson, Megan Belsey, Olivia Smith, Lucy Lincoln, Vicky McNorton, Ellie Hunter, Laura Hedtke (C), Alice Smith, Sophie Jermy, Atlanta Griffith & Melissa Belsey. Subs – Jenna Wales, Olivia Mungham-Gray, Alice Ladbrooke, Molly Ryan & Annie Smith.

Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Tilly Betts, Gina Pooley, Maddie Smith, Jemma Riches, Amie Hutchison, Sian Sands (C), Nicole Costin, Megan Spurrell, Imogen Dilling, Sophie Lubbock & Shelley Woods. Subs – Hayley Marjoram, Olivia Baker, Vicki Lubbock & Holly Davies.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Laura Hedtke and Sian Sands at the coin toss

An injury blow for Mulbarton with their captain, Rebekah Lake out having suffered a broken arm. A couple of other injury concerns within the squad. Fakenham to get the NWGFL Cup underway kicking off the 1st half wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Mulbarton opposite wearing black and blue vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. Played out to Sophie Lubbock in attack, Vicky McNorton defending for Mulbarton the ball sent forwards helped on to Sophie Jermy looking to advance on the right, Amie Hutchison closing in to defend for Fakenham.

Mulbarton’s Sophie Jermy

Fakenham look to play the ball out from the back on the left Hutchison on with Gina Pooley looking to put Sophie Lubbock in behind has strayed offside. Atlanta Griffith on the ball for Mulbarton left side squares the ball inside to Alice Smith getting on through the middle clips the ball on over the top looking to put Jermy into the box from the left, Pooley going with her to challenge and get the ball away for Fakenham.

Mulbarton midfielder Alice Smith

Nicole Costin on the ball in midfield for Fakenham getting it out to Megan Spurrell advancing on the right side her crossfield ball in towards the top of the area finding Sophie Lubbock her attempt on goal blocked by Alice Smith. The ball worked through the middle by Mulbarton up to Melissa Belsey inside the D, Jemma Riches getting in a high challenge to take the ball away from her. Jermy looking to take the game to Fakenham on the right running the ball on into the corner turning to flash a cross in along the six yard box, Maddie Smith stabbing out a boot to clear for Fakenham. Defending deep at times working hard not to let Mulbarton have a run at goal.

Megan Belsey at right back inside for captain, Laura Hedtke she in turn sends a diagonal ball out to Jermy on the move right side, Pooley cutting it out for Fakenham. Spurrell on the right for Fakenham getting up on the right support from Imogen Dilling and Shelley Woods playing a neat triangle as they get up the pitch, Olivia Smith in to tackle for Mulbarton the ball out for a throw. The cross lifted into the Mulbarton area near side Hedtke back to clear the ball regained by Fakenham in midfield a shot struck from distance goalkeeper, Cara Anderson right behind it palming the ball down safely.

Ellie Hunter looking to control the ball for Mulbarton (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Alice Smith sends a diagonal ball from the centre out to Jermy on the right stealing into the box, goalkeeper Tilly Betts comes out to close down the angle staying big as Jermy shoots, her effort off target. Griffith closing the ball down inside the Fakenham box left side getting it out of her feet stabbing a shot narrowly over the crossbar. Fakenham play the ball out to Sophie Lubbock on the left side looks to get on, no way past Megan Belsey. Alice Smith into Hedtke on the ball through the middle for Mulbarton lifts it on for Melissa Belsey to the right of goal, looking to put Jermy in making the run to get beyond her, Hutchison going with her for Fakenham putting in the challenge to regain possession .

Mulbarton’s Megan Belsey with Fakenham’s Sophie Lubbock challenging for the ball

Fakenham soaking up a good amount of pressure at the back from Mulbarton as they look to keep it tight at the back. The ball cleared out to Alice Smith 30 yards out lines up a strike her shot racing wide of Betts’ left post. Hutchison with a crucial interception at the back for Fakenham with Melissa Belsey trying to get in behind. Fakenham looking to keep hold of the ball whenever they have it play it out from the back not launch it looking for Lubbock and Woods to get them passing options up top.

Fakenham defender, Amie Hutchison with Mulbarton’s Melissa Belsey

Melissa Belsey bringing the ball down top of the D, screws her shot wide as she strikes it on the turn. Sophie Lubbock getting on with the ball left side turns infield travelling towards the Mulbarton area, McNorton standing firm in defence tackling to win the ball back. 20 minutes played Mulbarton looking strong with more of the ball looking to get forwards create openings. Fakenham’s defence fighting to win their tackles.

Jermy escapes in behind wide right for Mulbarton her cross lifted in across the six yard box, Hutchison getting something on it defending for Fakenham, drops for Ellie Hunter, her shot blocked deflected behind for a corner on the left. Put in near side cut out by Maddie Smith for Fakenham. Mulbarton press players on in attack when they have possession Jermy and Griffith combining as the latter comes over to the right Jermy’s pass finding her inside the box, slips though as she goes to strike the ball allowing the Fakenham defence time to clear.

Mulbarton captain, Laura Hedtke (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Melissa Belsey good on the ball inside the D turns to escape her marker into the box, Riches recovering well to nip back a her shielding the ball allowing her keeper to clear the ball. Hedtke playing the ball on through the middle into Melissa Belsey inside the box, Riches getting a foot in to deflect the ball away for a corner kick. Taken short between Jermy and Belsey the cross angled into the box, headed clear by Fakenham. Dilling helping it on through the middle for Fakenham up to Sophie Lubbock up to, Lucy Lincoln winning the ball back for Mulbarton.

Fakenham up on the right Spurrell getting a throw worked inside to Woods striking the ball on the angle from outside the box her effort racing wide of the near post. Melissa Belsey with the ball on the right for Mulbarton looks to take on Hutchison getting away into the corner, Hutchison staying on her Belsey squeezes a ball into the box near side for Griffith, she is tackled by Maddie Smith unable to get a shot away. A good battle between attack and defence, Fakenham’s back line fighting for the ball.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Hunter with possession in the middle for Mulbarton lifting it out to Melissa Belsey wide right her cross into the box headed behind by Maddie Smith for a corner at the back stick. A scramble to clear the ball then as the ball drops down into the six yard box. Mulbarton awarded a free-kick wide on the left as Fakenham look to clear their lines. Struck in across goal the ball attacked at the far post but wide. Pooley bringing the ball out from the back left side lifting it on for Sophie Lubbock, Megan Belsey not giving her any room closing in to tackle.

Alice Smith on for Jermy out to Melissa Belsey drifting right, turns back infield heading for the box, too many bodies to get through loses the ball. Jermy moving over to the other side of the pitch looking to get into the area from the left, Maddie Smith winning the challenge for Fakenham. The Belsey twins look to combine on the right with Megan overlapping Melissa to send a cross in near side Jermy unable to get her head on it the ball running onto Griffith left, Riches standing firm against her for Fakenham.

Megan Belsey

The Belsey’s linking up on the right side to win Mulbarton a corner kick. In across the six yard box Lincoln at the far post knocking it down Alice Smith running onto it her strike charged down, the ball half cleared won back by Smith her 2nd attempt lifted in towards goal caught by Betts. Mulbarton continue to press, a few signs of frustration creeping in with the break through yet to be made another strike from outside the box deflected through to the keeper. Hunter holding the ball up for Mulbarton 25 yards out on the middle laying it back for Hedtke to curl a shot in towards goal, coming in at Betts at a comfortable height catching confidently.

Fakenham’s Gina Pooley

Sands looking to make ground on the left with the ball plays it inside for Dilling forwards for Woods right channel, pushing for the area, McNorton going with her defending to see the ball out for a goal-Kick. Into 1st half stoppage time Mulbarton with a free-kick some 30 yards out to the left with a push spotted on Jermy. Hedtke over the ball struck in towards goal, not troubling Betts.

Half-time Mulbarton Belles Ladies 0-0 Fakenham Town Ladies

The 1st half draws to a close with the sides level no goals scored. Mulbarton with much of the possession and chances as yet to find the break through. Getting on with the ball Jermy and Griffith looking to drive at the defence. Fakenham holding a solid line deep defending inside their own box leaving little room t exploit winning their tackles with Betts solid beyond not exposed. Have soaked up alot of pressure and as such found it tough to get anything going up the other end. Can they maintain it 2nd half or will Mulbarton start finding gaps to exploit.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

A change for both sides at the break. Vicki Lubbock on for Sands for Fakenham. Molly Ryan on for Mulbarton joining the attack with Melissa Belsey dropping back, her sister Megan off. Mulbarton getting the 2nd half underway. Hedtke winning the ball for Mulbarton putting it on for Jermy clear on the right her cross swung into the six yard box headed behind by Riches for a corner. Played into Hunter top of the area near side angles the ball in across to the far post, Fakenham heading the ball clear. The threatened showers have arrived the umbrella needed.

Fakenham looking to get forwards with greater intent at the start of the 2nd half Costin into Woods right plays the ball inside to Sophie Lubbock making a central run striking a shot wide from inside the D. Pooley defends well on Hunter as the midfielder brings the ball away to the right for Mulbarton. A more open start to the 2nd half this though will suit Mulbarton, Pooley carrying the ball out into the middle forwards into Vicki Lubbock has a go for goal from distance 35 yards out her effort running wide of Anderson’s left post.

Shelley Woods attacking for Fakenham

Woods out right with the ball at her feet for Fakenham in attack pushing it inside to Vicki Lubbock outside the box her first time strike charged down by Belsey. Jermy away with the ball left side on for Hunter who plays it into Ryan inside the box right of goal, Pooley getting in on her to tackle deflect the ball away for a corner kick. In from the right Mulbarton with plenty inside the box comes to Griffith on the penalty spot, strikes the ball goalwards, smashes against the right post coming back out into the mix, Alice Smith latching onto it her blast at goal blocked. Fakenham look to launch a counter attack the ball launched up to Vicki Lubbock in attack, Anderson though out on her area to clear the ball.

Fakenham’s Vicki Lubbock (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Griffith with Alice Smith sent on for Ryan top of the box, Hutchison backing off her in the right place to make the tackle as she turns inside. Mulbarton put it long to Griffith advancing on the left holding the ball up has support from Olivia Smith giving her the ball crosses into the box, Riches heading clear for Fakenham. A change for Mulbarton with Alice Smith coming off on comes Jenna Wales. The ball through the middle for Fakenham into Woods 25 yards out central, moves left then right looking for half a yard to shoot getting her strike away can only plant it into Anderson’s gloves.

The Lubbock twins turn to combine as they bring the ball on through the middle Vicki on for Sophie, Wales cutting the ball out for Mulbarton. Hedtke off for Mulbarton with Alice Smith returning to the action. Griffith with a shot outside the D 20 yards out as the ball, lifted in towards goal dips late on the keeper, Betts nevertheless getting hold of it. Players starting to show signs of tiredness a few down with cramp as they stretch for the ball. Alot of effort put in. Riches dealing with Jermy as she looks to get the ball on inside the box.

Changes for both sides, Sophie Lubbock off for Fakenham Olivia Baker joining the attack. Melissa Belsey and McNorton off for Mulbarton on come Olivia Mungham-Gray and Annie Smith. Alice Smith sending the ball on for Mungham-Gray right, fresh legs takes the ball on into the corner. Pooley getting back holding her up before the ball inside is cleared. Hunter right with Ryan to Alice Smith in the middle, Costin tracking back to defend for Fakenham.

Mulbarton’s Molly Ryan

Getting on down the left Fakenham win a corner, the ball fired into the six yard box knocked on across the face of goal, Woods getting it down into her feet at the far post seeing her shot charged down. Mulbarton straight on the counter attack Ryan though the middle to Griffith left shooting from the angle her strike racing wide across goal. The clock ticking down neither side finding the break through yet the game opening up more with players tiring. Hunter with the ball right crossing into the area looking for Griffith, Maddie Smith clearing for Fakenham.

Atlanta Griffith

Mulbarton press on down the left Jermy into Griffith strong inside the area, Riches with her attempting to challenge as the defence is turned, Betts out to close Griffith down, the shot striking her squeezing under the keeper trickling through to goal, Pooley around on the cover to clear the ball off the line. Wales bringing the ball on right side lifted on for Mungham-Gray she crosses the ball into the area near side for Hunter, leaning back into her shot, doesn’t get it on target. Costin attempting to thread the ball on for Baker for Fakenham the attack looking to get in behind can’t take the ball in her stride.

A substitute for Mulbarton, Hunter coming off for Alice Ladbrooke. Vicki Lubbock with a distance strike for Fakenham, not troubling the keeper. Into the closing moments of the 2nd half the game looking to be heading for extra-time Mulbarton winning a last gasp corner as Alice Smith’s shot from a lay off from Ryan on the right is deflected behind. The ball lifted into the area Griffith deep with a header forwards, headed out of the six yard box knocked back to Jermy right outside the area puts in central for Ladbrooke to clip a looping shot back in from inside the D, the ball dropping down of the crossbar before being cleared, the last action of the game with the final whistle blowing and the Cup Final heading to extra-time.

Full time Mulbarton Belles Ladies 0-0 Fakenham Town Ladies

Alot of tired bodies out there, a huge effort put in by all. Fakenham continued to be strong in defence frustrating Mulbarton who have come close to scoring but thwarted by the woodwork on two ocassions. Another 30 minutes to be played, will tiredness play a part now. Fakenham getting forwards more in the 2nd half opening the game up a little yet to test Anderson. The players eager to get underway waiting on the officials.

Extra-time

Mulbarton getting extra-time underway the ball lost on the right as Wales looks for Ryan. Mulbarton come right again getting to the by-line the cross cut out for a corner turned behind. Players up into the area, the ball attacked near post Alice Smith twisting round as she goes to head the ball sending her attempt up over the bar. Jermy through on the left into the channel shifting inside striking the shot from the angle across the keeper, her effort coming back off the base of the far post.

Mulbarton pushing on looking for a goal in extra-time Griffith out to Jermy left plays it in central for Ladbrooke smashes a shot in towards goal, Betts with the save a great effort as she tips the ball up beyond her far post out for a corner that Mulbarton don’t capitalise on. Fakenham bring off Costin with Sands returning to the pitch. Mulbarton winning a free-kick inside the Fakenham half right of the circle players up as Wales plays it up into the box, Alice Smith at the near post turning her header in across goal, gaps as it runs narrowly wide.

GOAL! Having upped their game at the start of extra-time Mulbarton at last find the break through attacking left Ryan up with Jermy the ball turned behind for a corner kick the two combine for the set-piece as players come up from the back Jermy into Ryan coming for the ball gives it back to Jermy she drops her shoulder to get inside at the by-line before lifting a cross into the six yard box, dropping at the far post Lincoln is there to head the ball down back across goal to score 1-0.

Lucy Lincoln scores for Mulbarton in extra-time

Fakenham’s resistance broken at last they respond straight away bringing Sophie Lubbock back on in attack. Gets an opportunity straight away as Fakenham press players on Sophie Lubbock into the box left side flashing a ball into the six yard box Woods attacking it turning the ball up over the bar. Woods then brought down outside the D left of goal a free-kick awarded she attempted shot striking the wall. Mulbarton bringing the ball out looking to counter Griffith taking the ball on down the left, Maddie Smith with a tired lung bringing the attacker down earning a yellow card in the process. Played into the box from Jermy wide left, Betts doesn’t get hold of it loose Griffith on the follow up placing it wide.

Griffith driving on with the ball towards the Fakenham box, Riches closing down holding her up well as Maddie Smith slides in to take the ball behind for a corner. Goes through everyone inside the six yard box out the far side for a goal kick.

Half-time extra-time Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1-0 Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham making a change at the start of the 2nd period of extra-time, Hayley Marjoram on at the back for Maddie Smith wary of her earlier booking. Fakenham with the kick-off out to Spurrell on the left, Wales tackling for Mulbarton. Olivia Smith back on for Mulbarton. Jermy travelling with the ball attacking left side runs the ball into the side netting.

Griffith with a shot from distance some 30 yards out central running wide of the left post. Ryan getting on right side for Mulbarton into the box her shot cut out and cleared by the Fakenham defence. Fakenham bringing on Holly Davies for Pooley at the back, Marjoram over to left back. Mulbarton with changes too Ladbrooke and Smith off Melissa Belsey and Hedtke back on.

Betts brave with the blocking save in front of Griffith inside the box as the diagonal ball is played in from the left. Melissa Belsey after it right side her cross back in cleared by Riches for a corner. Fakenham batting to win possession get the ball forwards as they look to find a goal. Mulbarton bringing of both Griffith and Jermy, Hunter and McNorton back on.

GOAL! Fakenham look to play the ball out from the back a long diagonal ball up to Spurrell on the left bombing on with support from Baker wide combining the ball put back into Baker outside the box she strikes a dangerous dipping shot in towards the keeper on Anderson quickly doesn’t get hold of it deflecting of her across the face of goal , Sophie Lubbock lunging in to turn the ball home. 1-1 is immediately pounced on by her gleeful teammates.

Back level both Marjoram and Davies come off with Costin and Dilling back on for Fakenham. The game minutes away from going to penalties Fakenham find a burst of energy getting the ball onto Baker wide right she helps it into the box for Sophie Lubbock closing in on the six yard box left side gets hold of the ball a rush of blood sends her strike wide of the far post. That’s it Fakenham come back to level the tie late in extra-time to see it settled by the dreaded penalty shootout.

Full time extra-time Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1-1 Fakenham Town Ladies

Penalties

Penalties are a lottery, 5 each if the scores remain level it will go to sudden death.

Mulbarton up 1st Jermy placing the ball on the spot looks to placed it high to the keeper left, sees her strike hit the woodwork. 0-0

Hutchison up 1st for Fakenham makes no mistake a pile driver high into the back of the net 0-1.

Griffith up next for Mulbarton a composed strike fired into the bottom right corner 1-1.

Woods next up for Fakenham, their most experienced player she pulls her penalty wide seeing it strike the right post 1-1.

Alice Smith with Mulbarton’s 3rd places the ball high past the keeper giving Mulbarton the advantage 2-1.

Sophie Lubbock up to take Fakenham’s third penalty opts for powers sent home through the middle. 2-2

Hedtke’s turn for Mulbarton placing the ball down cool as you like wide of the keeper 3-2.

Costin up next for Fakenham, neither keeper getting near the ball as of yet, Anderson down to get behind the ball save as Costin sends it on low…. miss but wait the lineman is flagging Anderson coming off her line too soon the penalty to be retaken. Costin with another opportunity strikes it hard and low into the bottom corner 3-3.

Wales up into the box for Mulbarton’s 5th penalty has to score or hand the advantage to Fakenham a powerful drive finding the back of the net 4-3.

Now it’s Fakenham’s turn to score or the tie is all over Vicki Lubbock up for this one no mistake placed to the keepers left into the bottom corner 4-4.

The shootout heads to sudden death, Ryan to take the 6th for Mulbarton, sweeps the ball into the bottom corner right of the keeper 5-4.

Again Dilling has to score for Fakenham if she’s feeling the pressure it doesn’t show struck well hard and low into the corner of the net. 5-5.

McNorton the next penalty taker for Mulbarton. Running up to strike the ball her hands fly to her head in agony as she sees her shot fly up over the crossbar, distraught her teammates rush to console her 5-5.

A chance for Fakenham to win the Cup Final, Baker with the ball the referee blows his whistle Baker runs in and sends the ball wide of the keeper to score running away in celebration as her teammates rush forwards in triumph 5-6.

Fakenham win this season’s League Cup Final with a 6-5 sudden death penalty win over Mulbarton after the sides draw 1-1 in extra-time. A hard fought contest for Fakenham who for the large part where defending resolutely as Mulbarton came at them. Creating numerous chances Fakenham’s defence deep at times doing well to keep it tight win challenges and protect their goalkeeper. Meant getting forwards became a challenge. Mulbarton hitting the woodwork on several occasions coming close but not close enough. The game heading into extra-time players tiring space opening up the break through at last as Lincoln headed home. The clock ticking down Fakenham giving it one last push the shot coming in from Baker spilt and sent home by Sophie Lubbock to take the tie into the penalty shootout could have gone either way, but Fakenham are delight it went there way. Mulbarton disappointed nevertheless finishing the league season as Division One Champions with a 100% winning record and a County Cup final to look forwards to. Congratulations to them

Mulbarton Belles Ladies, Norfolk Women’s Division One, Champions (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match and boy is this a tough decision to single out an individual player for the award. Several strong contenders players to mention for both sides. For Mulbarton Alice Smith was superb in the middle constantly winning the ball back and getting forwards herself or setting up her attackers coming close to scoring on a couple of occasions. Sophie Jermy too full of running taking the game to Fakenham looking for a way through the defence to shoot herself or set up others. For Fakenham a pat on the back for the whole defence and goalkeeper Tilly Betts a strong display from start to finish winning numerous tackles full credit to Maddie Smith, Amie Hutchison and Gina Pooley edging you out by a whisker the award goes to Jemma Riches. A great defensive display all round.

Fakenham Town Ladies 2021/22 NWGFL League Cup Winners (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Congratulations to Fakenham Town Ladies on winning the 2021/22 NWGFL League Cup Final

An enjoyable but long day over at Aylsham extra-time and penalties adding to the drama good to see finals day back after the previous season were cut short. Congratulations to all the winners both sides for getting me the team details I might know most of the players but it always pays to check. Thanks again to Scott Grearhardy for the use of his pictures for the report will share more as they a produced. Thanks also to the NWGFL committee and Aylsham FC for putting on a great weekend of woman and girls football too.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Fakenham Town Ladies

Sunday 30th January

Norfolk Women’s Division One

County league action featured on Women’s Football East this weekend with a top of the table clash from Norfolk Women’s Division One, as 2nd placed Thetford Town Ladies host 3rd placed Fakenham Town Ladies.

A point between the sides going into the game with both having played 7 to date in Division One. Thetford Town Ladies making a fantastic start to life in Division One especially as they could very well have been on Division Two his season had the original plan for the county league in Norfolk gone with 3 divisions instead. As it was with teams withdrawing late in the planning the format was adjusted to accommodate 2 divisions with Thetford joining Stalham Town Ladies, North Walsham Angels and Beccles Town Ladies in Division One.

Of the four that moved up Thetford have by far had the best start, the squad gaining valuable experience since joining the league a few players with experience at regional level with Bury Town Ladies added to the squad at the start of the season. An unbeaten start to date recording 6 wins and a draw, reaching both the quarter finals of the County and League Cup. Losing out to County Cup favourites Wymondham Town Ladies a fortnight ago were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Bungay Town Ladies in last Sunday’s League Cup quarter final. Rebecca White is Thetford’s top goal scorer so far with 12 goals with Melissa Boulton and Shannon Richardson joint 2nd with 7 goals each from 7 played with Hannah Rogers scoring 6 from 6. Darrell Allen recently joining Thetford Town Ladies to help run the social media and promotion of the club brings valuable knowledge within the woman’s game and is keen to promote both mens and women’s football within Norfolk.

Fakenham Town Ladies too making a fantastic start to the season in Norfolk Division One, were rampant in their opening game running out 22-0 winners away to Thorpe St Andrew Women. Another 24-0 result logged in the League Cup too against Red Rose from Division Two. Are through to the semi-finals of the League Cup after they beat Long Stratton Women on penalties after the sides finished 3-3 in regular play. Sit 3rd after 7 played winning 6 with a single defeat. Sophie Lubbock top scoring so far with 18 goals from 9 appearances with Shelley Woods on 14 from 8 and Chantelle Ketteringham on 12 goals from 9 played.

Thetford Town FC the venue for today’s league encounter, one of the closest grounds to my home, on Mundford Road in Thetford. The grass pitch sloping offers plenty of width. Fenced on all sides leading onto more sports pitches and the leisure centre beyond. A covered stand offering seating for spectators on one side with a modern bar and spacious clubhouse beside. A bright dry day. The sun with a little heat in it falling behind the stand, noticeably cooler in the shade. Today’s game part of a Thetford/Fakenham double this weekend with the men’s sides meeting in their respective league yesterday. A single goal the difference then going the way of Fakenham.

Thetford Town Ladies

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Lydia Ward, Chloe Webb, Ellie-Mae Davies, Sausha Levy-Twomey (C), Katie Hardie, Courtney Musgrove, Dayna Howard, Melissa Boulton, Abbie Corbyn, Chloe Bentick & Rebecca White. Subs – Amy Coaker, Mia Bambury, Hannah Rogers, Amy Skipp & Charlotte Howard.

Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Tilly Betts, Gina Pooley, Chantelle Ketteringham, Jemma Riches, Amie Hutchinson, Sian Sands (C), Vicky Lubbock, Megan Spurrell, Sophie Lubbock, Shelley Woods & Olivia Baker. Subs – Holly Davies.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

A minutes silence observed before kick-off in in respect to Fakenham’s Lewis Sturman and the passing of his mother.

The players from both sides observing a minutes silence

Thetford short on numbers in last weeks quarter final loss name 5 on he bench for today’s top of the table league clash. Fakenham travelling with just the one named substitute available.

It’s the hosts Thetford to get the game underway kicking-off first half, wearing blue shirts with a white band across the top of the chest, navy shorts and socks with Fakenham lined up opposite wearing amber shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks. The ball played out to their left Thetford are quick to close it down in the middle the ball going out of play. Is scrappy in the opening exchanges the ball pinging between feet over on the far side of the pitch neither side making any headway.

Thetford’s Rebecca White with Fakenham’s Gina Pooley

Fakenham’s, Olivia Baker dropping deeper to get hold of the ball has Sophie Lubbock to her left the pair exchanging passes before Baker threads a diagonal ball to send Sophie Lubbock in behind on the left into the box takes on the early strike pulling the shot wide of the near post. Play is exclusively on the sunny side of the pitch in the opening minutes the ball not sticking with anyone Fakenham captain Sian Sands in with a strong tackle to win possession up to Baker, she in turn tackled by Thetford captain, Sausha Levy-Twomey at the back.

Baker moving to the right running onto the ball played on by Shelley Woods, wraps her foot around the ball her cross dragged back along the top of the area out beyond the D, gathered by Sophie Lubbock who turns into the box striking an angled ball rising towards the near post, Thetford goalkeeper, Lydia Ward, plucking the ball down and claiming it on the bounce.

GOAL! The deadlock is broken inside the opening 5 minutes, Fakenham with a couple of half chances are hit on the counter as Thetford play the ball long out to the right for attacker Rebecca White to run onto, checking back inside around her marker fires an inviting ball across the six yard box, Chantelle Ketteringham stretching for it for Fakenham deflects it out beyond the far post straight into the feet of Abbie Corbyn racing into the box from the left, hits it first time low back across the keeper and into the bottom corner 1-0.

Abbie Corbyn opening the scoring for Thetford

Players from both sides rushing in to close the ball own in the middle, Sands playing a good diagonal ball out to the right for Megan Spurrell, is quickly closed down by Thetford’s Ellie-Mae Davies. Fakenham push players up as they are awarded a free-kick on halfway Amie Hutchinson over the ball, Thetford clearing the ball for a throw high on the left, Fakenham keep bodies up the pitch pressure as Hutchinson turning off the throw sends a diagonal ball in to the top of the area, cleared by Thetford’s Courtney Musgrove. Fakenham regain possession Hutchinson central punching her way through the middle takes on the shot from inside the D, a low effort bobbling up off the pitch, Ward behind it all the way down to gather into her body.

A lively contest the sides evenly matched, Melissa Boulton bringing the ball on down the right up to White she attempts the flick on looking to send Chloe Bentick clear through the middle, too much on it however allowing Fakenham’s goalkeeper, Tilly Betts to claim. Woods wriggling away on the right wing drives on before sending a dangerous cross in towards the near post, Ward needing to get her gloves on the ball punch clear or, Sophie Lubbock closing in is heading into an open goal.

Thetford’s Melissa Boulton

Musgrove playing the pass forwards into Bentick she turns sending the ball out to White on the right, controls checking back inside to turn towards the box opening up her body to unleash a left for strike angled in the ball deflected off a Fakenham leg runs wide for the 1st corner of the game. The set-piece coming to nothing. Thetford are proving difficult to break down at the back, both full back making vital interceptions. Boulton coming on down the right linking up well with White before Hutchinson comes across sliding in to take the ball from the Thetford attacker.

Chloe Bentick moving inside with the ball for Thetford

Thetford press the ball in the final 3rd winning a corner on the right, driven low into the crowded six yard box is scrambled clear falling to Thetford’s Katie Hardie outside the D. Gets her foot over the ball to lash a shot back in taking a wicked deflection sending it up to smash off the bar and out for another corner on the left. Betts coming through a crowd to get her gloves on the ball half clears helped on Fakenham break through Vicky Lubbock, Dayna Howard quickly across to nullify the threat taking the ball out for a throw in.

Thetford’s Katie Hardie clearing the ball

Thetford taking full advantage of the width with White and Corbyn both gaining ground left and right. Corbyn playing a low cross into the box cleared out straight to Musgrove 20 yards out her shot driven back in blocked spinning out to the left Corbyn trying to take advantage, Ketteringham across her well to defend see the ball out for a goal kick.

Fakenham’s Sophie Lubbock

Sophie Lubbock receiving the ball off her twin sister Vicky in the middle, takes the ball all the way up the left flank driving on forcing Boulton to concede the corner. Put in near side Vicky Lubbock coming for it turns the ball deflected behind for another corner. This delivery longer to the far post area, Baker getting it out of her feet smashing a shot goalwards blocked comes back to Baker for another bite fired in low is blocked on the line this time and launched clear.

Thetford make a change with Mia Bambury coming on for Chloe Webb at the back. Jemma Riches moving across from centre back to deal with the threat of White on the right as Boulton scoops the ball over the top for her to chase down. Off the resulting throw Boulton crosses the ball into Bentick outside the D, can’t dig the shot out before being closed down, retains possession shifting it back across the area for Boulton, aiming to curl a shot into the top corner, doesn’t get it further enough away from the keeper, Betts with a comfortable catch.

Thetford make a triple substitution bringing off, Musgrove, White and Bentick for new signing Amy Coaker, Charlotte Howard and Hannah Rogers. Boulton carrying a knock is brought down as she attacks coming inside from the right 25 yards out. Rogers over the free-kick goes for goal getting the ball over the wall well on target but dropping short safely into Betts’ gloves.

Boulton taking the ball on the right, Gina Pooley staying on her forcing her out wide, checks back managing to get a cross into the box but the Fakenham defence has regrouped, with Sands clearing from the top of the area. Boulton having been struggling with a knock needs to come off receive treatment. White back on with five minutes left to play in the first half. Coaker coming across to the right side immediately wins a corner kick.

Thetford’s Hannah Rogers tackling Fakenham captain Sian Sands

Fakenham awarded a free-kick on halfway to the right played in towards the top of the area right side knocked down by Woods comes across to Sophie Lubbock left of the D her first time strike angling away from goal. Fakenham attacking late in the first half Spurrell into Baker she looks to combine with Sophie Lubbock left, Bambury intercepting the pass for Thetford.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 1-0 Fakenham Town Ladies

A pretty even 1st half between the sides. Few clear cut chances created, both sides applying pressure well in the final third at times. Thetford with the early lead Abbie Corbyn firing the hosts in front after 5 minutes. Have worked hard as a unit at the back to limit Fakenham’s chances. The final ball from Fakenham letting them down at times often too easily intercepted. Thetford have countered well, White and Corbyn using the flanks well. The woodwork struck and Fakenham seeing an effort blocked on the line is a close game. One goal you think is not going to be enough for Thetford all the play for 2nd half.

One change for Thetford at the break with Bentick back on in place of White. Holly Davies is on the field too for Fakenham at the back with Baker the player off. Fakenham with the kick-off in the 2nd period a carbon copy of the first the ball played out to the left immediately out for a throw. Spurrell comes on with the ball right side sent infield for Sands advancing through the middle takes on the early shot from all of 30 yards out the ball running safely through to the keeper.

Holly Davies in to defend close on Bentick as she looks to gain ground on the left with the ball at her feet. Corbyn gathering the ball off the throw in twists and turns her way free moving central turning towards goal before firing a shot from 25 out off target. Corbyn then back to help Ellie-Mae Davies at the back as Sophie Lubbock picks up the ball on the right powers her way forwards.

Rogers on the attack for Thetford moving left with the ball to the by line twists back to fire in a cross near side, attacked by Howard the ball smashing her in the face painfully as it cannons against her off a defender. Needs looking at and is brought off with White returning to the action. Play resumes the ball spread cross field to Ketteringham on the right advancing with the ball pace is closing in on the area, over runs the ball slightly allowing Ward to step out come drop onto the ball.

Fakenham midfielder Vicky Lubbock

Vicky Lubbock through the middle picking up the ball drives on through the middle moving left to right, sliding onto the ball to shot under challenge the ball fired wide from 25 yards out. Spurrell on the right squares it inside for Sophie Lubbock up top ploughs forwards into the area wide sends a cross long through the six yard box into Ketteringham beyond the far post, can’t dig the ball out from under her feet before Hardie closes her down. The visitors have upped the tempo pressing forwards taking the attack to Thetford the hosts finding themselves under pressure.

Thetford’s Hannah Rogers with Fakenham defender Jemma Riches

Fakenham risk getting hit on the counter, as Thetford do just that White with the ball up to Coaker on the right goes forwards, Ketteringham coming all the way back to put in the tackle win the ball back. Holly Davies with a crucial interception on the left to deny Bentick as Corbyn’s clever footwork looks to put her through on goal. Davies though is hurt in the move and going down needs to come off. Baker returning to the action Spurrell dropping into the defence.

Thetford goalkeeper Lydia Ward punching the ball away

Woods powers her way forwards wide on the left for Fakenham playing an early diagonal ball into the area only Sophie Lubbock in there beyond the far post managing to reach the ball on the by line attempts to turn it back across goal, plays the ball into the side netting. Ellie-Mae Davies comes off for Thetford with Boulton back on with a little under half an hour to play. Howard moving into the left back position. Howard clearing the ball as Vicky Lubbock picking up the ball in the middle drives forwards left to right. A corner won on the right for Fakenham.

The set-piece played into the near post defended by Levy-Twomey a 2nd corner awarded. Ward coming into the crowded at her near post to punch the ball down Fakenham getting a 3rd corner on the left. An inswinging delivery from Ketteringham the ball striking the near post rebounding back into play half cleared Riches hitting it back into the top of the area Hutchinson turning into the shot striking the ball over the bar.

Thetford’s Corbyn getting a throw high on the left, Rogers and Boulton combine a one two Rogers putting Boulton in behind left, Betts rushing out to beat her to the ball clearing it for a throw in in the corner. Played into Boulton left corner of the box shifts to her right opening up her body to curl a shot in on the angle, Betts sees it all the way makes a comfortable catch. Ketteringham taking the ball on down the left for Fakenham striking the shot early from distance angling across the keeper, Ward down well to make the save getting something on the ball to turn it past her far post for a corner.

Ward getting her gloves on the ball to punch clear to the top of the area her defence scrambling it away. Corbyn showing more good footwork on the ball squirming free in the middle driving on towards the area, Riches standing firm to put in the challenge inside the D stopping her progress. Corbyn is proving a handful in the middle for Fakenham, slides the ball through to Boulton outside the D, turns into Hutchinson the centre back halting her attack the ball loose gathered by Corbyn left of the D 20 out sees her strike hit Boulton.

Baker on the right off a throw turns has Woods and Vicky Lubbock driving on though the middle attempts to lay the ball in behind the defence, too close to Ward however as the keeper gets it ahead of her attacking players. Bentick comes off for Thetford replaced by Musgrove with 15 minutes left to play.

Fakenham’s Megan Spurrell

Corbyn combining well with Boulton on the left the latter looking to get behind Spurrell, the full back recovering well to get back at her nip in to retake the ball. Fakenham make a change with Davies recovered back on for Baker. Fakenham with a free kick on the left angled in towards the near post skips up in front of Ward the keeper, not collecting, Musgrove there ahead of Sophie Lubbock to hook the ball clear. Fakenham applying pressure late on Thetford starting to look nervous at the back as they defend their single goal lead. Levy-Twomey across to tackle Sophie Lubbock put the ball out for a throw in as she looks to get in behind on the right.

Hannah Rogers looking for the through ball for Thetford

The throw into Vicky Lubbock chests down and hits a shot in towards the near post from the top corner of the area Ward down at her near post to save. Woods comes on with the ball left side drives a cross through the box looking for Sophie Lubbock right side, Levy-Twomey hooking the ball behind for a corner. The delivery fired in towards the near post attacked players diving in, the ball sent narrowly over the cross bar. Fakenham turning the screw late on have a free-kick wide left some 25 yards out. Angled in towards the near post Ward sees it all the way.

Musgrove across to the left to prevent Ketteringham delivering a cross into the box. The game moving into the final minute of regular play Thetford make a late change bringing off Levy-Twomey for Ellie-Mae Davies.

GOAL! Fakenham capitalise as they are awarded a free-kick on the right the ball played up towards the top of the area push players forwards looking to get hold of the ball, half cleared Vicky Lubbock gets it threading a ball through the ball line into Woods breaking in behind to the left of goal and strokes a shot low across the keeper into the back of the net to score a late equaliser 1-1.

Shelley Woods with the 89th minute equaliser for Fakenham

Into stoppage time a sucker punch for Thetford at the death they go on the attack straight from the restart the ball out to Corbyn on the left takes it on in behind whipping a cross in along the six yard box picking out White at the far post two yards out looks to send her header over the keeper and in, too close to Betts however the keeper getting her arms up to block pull the ball down to safety.

Thetford’s Abbie Corbyn looking to get around Fakenham’s Megan Spurrell

GOAL! A chance to retake the lead at one end Fakenham press the ball played on through the middle clipped on over the top into the box sees Woods breaking clear once more left off goal and from the angle hits a fantastic strike up over the keeper to nestle in the back of the net and steal the 3 points at the death 1-2.

Shelley Woods with her 2nd of the game winning it at the death for Fakenham

There’s practically no time left for left for Thetford to mount a serious attack as referee Paul Gibson blows for full time.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 1-2 Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham stealing the 3 points at the death with a last minute equaliser and winning goal in stoppage time to end Thetford’s unbeaten start to the season and climb above them into 2nd spot in the Division One table. Thetford good value for their lead at the break Abbie Corbyn’s 5th minute goal the difference. Limiting Fakenham’s chances. One goal however was never likely to be enough and with both sides making changes both in personal and tactically throughout the 2nd half you felt the hosts were going to need a 2nd goal. Fakenham applying pressure Thetford getting nervous towards the end, but just as it was starting to look like one of those days for Fakenham where a goal wouldn’t come Shelley Woods found the net with an 89th minute equaliser. Thetford with a good chance to retake the lead in stoppage time however it was Fakenham and Woods with her 2nd of the game that would have the final say. A draw may well have been the fairer result but that’s football.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Not an easy one at all both sides playing their part in an entertaining contest. Several performances of note firstly for Thetford. Dayna Howard covering a lot of ground in both midfield and defence to win the ball back on numerous occasions. Melissa Boulton solid in defence and bringing the ball forwards bringing other into play throughout. Don’t normally single a player of the match out for both sides but on this occasion I will was impressed by Abbie Corbyn today showed great footwork and close ball control getting round players and setting up numerous attacks scoring the opener. For Fakenham, Jemma Riches played well in defence solid throughout tough to break down tackled well. Vicky Lubbock in the centre of the park was busy winning several tackles driving forwards and regaining possession. Today’s award though goes to Shelley Woods her goals winning the game for Fakenham, provided the thrust for many of Fakenham’s attacking moves.

Another great advert for women’s football in Norfolk between two sides that have improved immensely. An enjoyable afternoon at Thetford my thanks to both clubs for there help today and to Darrell Allen for his assistance.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Sprowston Athletic Ladies

25th October

Norfolk Women Division One

The action this Sunday on Women’s Football East comes from Norfolk, a game from Division One, Fakenham Town Ladies hosting Sprowston Athletic Ladies.

Another game close to home for myself with Fakenham just 25 minutes up the road. Norfolk Women’s Division One looking strong again this season with 10 sides competing in the top tier of the county league this season. A match today between two sides who will be aiming to push for a top 5 finish at least.

Fakenham Town Ladies begin the new season under new management with Ben Binder moving on to take charge of Norwich City Women’s Reserves side. Thomas Bulley and Ed Savage taking on the running of the women’s side at the club. A good set up with in the club Fakenham returning to Division One last season bouncing back from Division Two at the first attempt last season of course cut short by COVID. Olivia Baker and Shelley Woods amongst the new faces joining the squad have experience at a higher level and in Woods in particular a player with an eye for goal. Lost their opening two league fixtures before registering their first win last time out a good result away to rivals Tavern Ladies winning 6-1.

Sprowston Athletic Ladies have themselves had their best start to a season yet in Norfolk Women’s Division One winning 3 of their opening 4 matches to lay 2nd in the early table. Have recently merged with Sprowston FC who have a strong tradition in youth football both boys and girls and are now part of one of the biggest clubs in terms of sides present in the county. Have scored 13 goals so far in 4 matches with Bryony Brierley top scoring with 5 from 4. Katie Fray to often amongst the goals for Sprowston has 3 in 3 so far. A match today between two sides who are high in confidence.

Clipbush Park the venue for today’s match (The Daly Group Stadium as it’s also known) usually the match is played on the main pitch, however for the first time I’ve known it the game today to be played on one of the grass pitches behind the stadium the raised pitch where the reserves play, Is smaller than the main pitch offering less width, not so energy sapping as the larger pitch with is always a good test of fitness. The pitch railed off all round with brick dugouts. Despite the heavy rainfall overnight the pitch is in great shape, the weather set to be dry a few clouds around but breezy and mild. The clocks going back the sun already on it’s way down could cause issues later on in the game.

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Easter, Amie Hutchison, Gina Pooley, Sian Sands (C), Maddie Smith, Holly Davies, Vicky Lubbock, Jemma Riches, Sophie Lubbock, Shelley Woods & Chantelle Ketteringham. Subs – Olivia Baker, Chelsea Thomson & Karina Townsend.

Sprowston Athletic Ladies starting XI – Jade Knight, Georgia Bryant, Zuleika Laffitte, Maria Braithwaite, Keri Boorman (C), Katie Fray, Kate Morris, Olivia Leggett, Rebecca Kirby, Courtney Leggett & Bryony Brierley. Subs – Laura Jenkins, Tabby Mileham & Hannah Taylor.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Sprowston to take the kick-off 1st half wearing blue shirts with navy blue sleeves, blue shorts and socks. Fakenham opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks. Fakenham in to close Sprowston down right from the off chasing down the defence as the ball is played back passes rushed possession quickly regained Vicky Lubbock for Fakenham onto the ball central moving right pushed out to Jemma Riches on the wing attempts to thread it in behind, the pass cut out by Sprowston’s Courtney Leggett.

Fakenham making a bright start pushing 3 in attack, Sophie Lubbock and Chantelle Ketteringham either sides of Shelley Woods central rushing at the Sprowston back line defended by captain Keri Boorman the ball put straight to Riches closing on from the right her touch knocking the ball high into the air dropping 20 yards out central Vicky Lubbock closing in to strike it on the bounce through on target bouncing in the six yard box Jade Knight drifting across her goal catching it cleanly.

Sprowston come on through the middle Olivia Leggett carrying the ball forwards into the Fakenham half a good pass out to the right finding Kate Morris her cross looping up high into the box close to goal is collected high by goalkeeper Chloe Easter at her near post. Fakenham get straight on the counter attack the ball into Amie Hutchison on for Holly Davies left side players from both sides drawn over to that side of the pitch as Sophie Lubbock takes it on Woods in close support a vicious cross fired in low towards the near post Zuleika Laffitte does well coming across to win it and take it away from danger.

Sprowston Athletic Ladies, Zuleika Laffitte

Intent from Fakenham early on press forwards looking to get players in left and right, Ketteringham in behind on the right this time spin back on the by-line to send a cross racing along the face of the Sprowston goal. Is scrappy with players rushing in to close each other down throws being given away by both sides unable to make headway up the flanks. Georgia Bryant stepping in to tackle Sophie Lubbock as Woods turns the ball on into her path. Bryony Brierley has pace in attack for Sprowston ready to go get in behind the Fakenham defence, the flag going up against her as a ball in threaded into her through the middle.

Rebecca Kirby on the ball for Sprowston coming left plays in on for Brierley left of the D, holding it up the striker looks to turn inside, Fakenham captain Sian Sands closing in on her lunging to make the tackle the ball going away for a throw in. Morris getting in some advanced positions with the ball for the visitors moves right her cross spinning behind for a goal kick. Vicky Lubbock jumping in to win the ball centrally nods it out to Riches on the right she takes a touch laying it on for Ketteringham ahead of her, a little too much on the ball, however Woods racing into the box beyond her almost reaches it Knight unfazed by her run gathering the ball safely.

Vicky Lubbock heads the ball on for Fakenham Town Ladies

Laffitte with a good stop at the back to cut out a through ball intended to put Ketteringham in behind to her right from Davies. Fakenham setting the tempo Sprowston not settled yet the visitors push on through the middle Maddie Smith stepping out of the Fakenham back line to clear the ball long upfield, turns into a great ball for Woods to exploit taking it on towards the opposition area right side under challenge from Laffitte manages to get a shot away on the angle a tame effort however lacking the power to trouble Knight. Sophie Lubbock left side plays it inside 20 yards out looking to play it into Woods path, Boorman sticking out a leg nicking the ball away from her.

Fakenham captain, Sian Sands with Sprowston Athletic striker Bryony Brierley

A good battle forming between the Sprowston full backs Bryant and Laffitte as Fakenham push Sophie Lubbock and Ketteringham on left and right. Sophie Lubbock on the angle smashes in a shot from all of 25 yards out the ball wide at the near post. Olivia Leggett comes away with the ball at her feet left side for Sprowston travelling up the wing looking for crossing options as Brierley comes to make herself available, Riches though tracks back for Fakenham to regain possession for the hosts.

Fakenham’s twin sisters, Vicky and Sophie Lubbock both causing problems for Sprowston, Vicky making some strong runs through the middle getting the ball down chasing into space on the right swings in a high cross into the six yard box, Knight leaping excellently getting up to glove the ball up and reacts well as she comes down getting across her goal to smother the ball at the far post before any Fakenham attacker can latch onto it. Knight busy in goal for Sprowston with another double save as Fakenham overload the left a diagonal ball angled in towards goal kept out spins away to the right Riches rushing onto it hits it hard from close range, Knight back on her line doesn’t know much about it as she saves with her legs deflecting the ball away behind for a corner.

Courtney Leggett carrying the ball forwards for Sprowston Ladies

The delivery from the corner on the right angled in towards the top of the area a shot comes in taking a deflection sending it away for another corner. This delivery attacked far post ends with a goal kick awarded. Bryant is busy in defence on the right for Sprowston, Vicky Lubbock getting support from Woods and Davies as se comes forwards the full back standing up against her putting in the blocking tackle to stop the hosts advance. Smith brings Brierley down 35 yards out from goal right of centre Sprowston awarded the free-kick. Boorman plays it on for Kirby right side outside the area looks to come inside getting a shot away through bodies on target low lacks pace Easter seeing it into her gloves.

Fakenham are straight on the attack the ball on for Riches right side her cross in half cleared loose 25 yards out a shot coming in from distance Knight safely behind it. Vicky Lubbock coming down the left cuts inside getting past Boorman flashes a ball into the six yard box, cleared by Laffite comes to Davies 25 yards out takes on the strike dipping in front of goal is caught by Knight. Strong tackling between Fray and Morris in the middle for Sprowston sees the visitors getting on up the right as Kirby takes the ball on coming infield runs into trouble as Smith comes to close her down win the ball outside the box.

Vicky Lubbock on the ball for Fakenham Town Ladies

Sprowston starting to gain some momentum in the final third as Morris gets further forwards with the ball looking to link up with Brierley in attack winning a throw high on the left lifted into Brierley the attack spins in behind her marker making a move for goal inside the box, Smith comes across with a strong but well timed challenge to take the ball away. Fakenham continue to attack with pace and purpose, Vicky Lubbock on for Woods left channel has Sophie Lubbock ahead of her feeds the ball on into the area, Knight out saving bravely at Lubbock’s feet as her momentum takes her on.

A good triangle between Olivia Leggett, Morris and Fray in the centre for Sprowston as they gain momentum inside the Fakenham half, the final ball into Brierley outside the D see’s her closely marked by Sands, Fakenham’s captain winning the ball back. Morris bringing the ball on 30 yards out on to Brierley moving to the right inside the area latching onto the ball swings in a cross from the by line a dangerous ball flashing across the face of goal scrambled away for a corner at the far post by Hutchison. The set piece going long Fakenham get hold of it press forwards, Sprowston giving away a free-kick central Fakenham push players up to the top of the area a Hutchison places the ball. Vicky Lubbock getting a head on the delivery under challenge the ball put back to Hutchison all of 40 yards out takes a wild swing at it her attempt off target.

Sprowston Athletic Ladies, Olivia Leggett

Fakenham press down the left after Davies wins possession back central Vicky Lubbock pushing on down the line fires in a low cross on the angle, Knight down onto it at her near post with Ketteringham racing in. Morris strong on the ball comes left into space 25 yards out squares her pass inside for Olivia Leggett, Davies closing in wins the 50/50 the loose ball running behind Leggett to Fray she looks to loft it up into the area spotting Brierley peeling off her marker, Smith though intercepts the pass for Fakenham.

Boorman cuts out a cross inside the area as Pooley gets away down the left for Fakenham the Sprowston centre back conceding a corner. The set-piece delivered towards the congested near post is half cleared to the top of the area, Smith latching onto it for Fakenham sends her shot up over the crossbar. Into the final 5 minutes of the first half. Sprowston’s defence have been the busier Braithwaite deflecting a cross flashed in from the left out towards the top right hand corner of the box, Ketteringham rushing onto it sends her strike over the bar.

Brierley continues to look a threat in attack for Sprowston has had to go it alone more often than not does well to shake of Sands get after a threaded ball laid into the area right of goal, Smith though produces a risky but well timed tackle to deny her a shot. Throw in’s have been a constant feature in the first half no one afforded any tie to settle on the ball. Riches trying to race away after the ball right side, Knight rushing out of her area clearing the danger for Sprowston.

Half-time Fakenham Town Ladies 0-0 Sprowston Athletic Ladies

The first 45 minutes end goalless the game played at a furious pace Fakenham attacking throughout creating the better opportunities forcing a couple of excellent saves from Jade Knight in the Sprowston goal. Pushing on against the visitors full backs looking to take on the defence have had the better of the half but frustratingly haven’t broken the deadlock. Sprowston dealing with alot of pressure at the back have stood firm put in some vital tackles when needed didn’t settle early on and haven’t been afforded much time on the ball keeping a clean sheet began to create opportunities of there own and if they can get closer support to Brierley in the 2nd period will create more chances of their own.

A change for Fakenham at the start of the 2nd half with Olivia Baker on in midfield for Vicky Lubbock. The hosts to get the 2nd half underway Chloe Easter donning a cap with the sun now low in the sky facing her goal. A scrappy start to the 2nd half a few niggly challenges too free-kicks given away in the middle. Sprowston getting hold of the ball centrally Fray sending it up towards the box Smith back peddling chesting it down to her keeper, just enough pace on the ball for Easter to claim with Brierley rushing in to close her down.

Fakenham scramble the ball clear off a Sprowston corner

Fakenham play the ball up the line left side Pooley racing forwards doing well to not only keep it in play but put it in diagonally into Sophie Lubbock inside the area, attempts to turn Boorman close in on her preventing her going anywhere with a good challenge putting the ball away for a corner. An inswinging delivery from the left into the six yards box Smith getting her head on the ball placing it over, however a goal kick is signalled.

GOAL! 6 minutes into the 2nd half and Fakenham find the break through pressing forwards through the middle the ball lifted on Boorman looks to head it back to her keeper inside the box doesn’t get enough weight on the ball with both Woods and Sophie Lubbock racing in to close down the advancing keeper, Woods doing well getting a touch before Knight can reach it knocking it past her presenting Sophie Lubbock with an open goal to tap the ball home 1-0.

Sophie Lubbock opens the scoring for Fakenham Town Ladies

Braithwaite comes across from the centre to support Laffitte as Baker plays Ketteringham in behind on the right hand side sending the ball away for a corner. Fakenham placing a cluster of players at the top of the area as the corner is played into the box, Smith and Hutchison are on top of one another as they attack the ball not sure which one got the final touch driven in towards goal however is straight at and a comfortable height for Knight to hold onto.

Fakenham defenders Maddie Smith and Amie Hutchison

Sprowston play the ball out from the back into Courtney Leggett getting on down the left side advancing down the wing squared it inside to Morris her reverse ball sending it on into the area as Brierley peels off Sands in behind, Easter off her line quickly out to claim it before the striker can shoot. Laffite sliding in does well to deny Ketteringham an opportunity to skip in behind on Fakenham’s right. Chances for both sides with Fakenham making a double substitution bringing on Chelsea Thomson and Karina Townsend for Davies and Pooley. Sprowston making their first change bring on Tabby Mileham for Courtney Leggett.

Tabby Mileham playing the ball forwards for Sprowston Athletic Ladies

Laffite conceding a corner as Ketteringham pushes on right side off a Baker ball from the centre. The delivery in from the right towards the top of the box is meet by Baker left of the D hit hard and low races narrowly wide of the far post.

GOAL! A little over an hour gone and Sprowston draw level pushing on well through the middle Morris up with Brierley as the ball comes into the striker left outside the area turns well the ball taken on by Morris, riding the challenge from Smith gets into the box left of the D and smashes the ball hard and high across the keeper 1-1.

Kate Morris levels the scores for Sprowston Athletic Ladies

Fakenham get straight on the attack from the restart playing the ball out to the right winning a corner of Laffite. The ball played into the box cleared by Braithwaite the visitors looking to get forwards quickly Olivia Leggett is taken out by Smith on half way a strong tackle in from behind leaves Leggett floored in some pain. Smith recieves a yellow card. Leggett up gingerly on her ankle hobbling a little is keen to get back on the pitch and is allowed too. Sands produces a good tackle to stop Morris turning inside the D as Mileham gets a cross in from the left.

Sophie Lubbock often the most advanced in attack for Fakenham in the 2nd half drifts inside to receive the ball centrally dribbling on takes on the defence gaining ground before Fray back tracking puts a foot in to stop her outside the D. Up the other end Smith slides in well to deny Brierley an opportunity 20 yards out as Morris plays the ball on the ball going away for a corner kick. An inswinging ball in towards the near post sent behind for another corner. Fakenham defend well and attempt to break the ball up to Ketteringham spinning away right side is brought down by Laffite conceding a free kick.

Sophie Lubbock getting past the Sprowston defence

Woods over the ball some 40 yards out as players head up into the box from the back. lofts a ball in dropping six yards out right of goal Sophie Lubbock with the cushioned header back across goal Sands with a bullet header to drive the ball home into the back of the net… however the celebrations are cut short by a raised offside flag in won’t count. Sprowston make a double change with Laura Jenkins and Hannah Taylor coming on for Olivia Leggett and Boorman. The hosts keep up their pressing on either flank Riches sending in a cross from the right forcing a corner. In towards the top of the area gathered into her feet by Baker turning into a strike has too any bodies to go through Sprowston blocking with a little over 15 minutes left on the clock.

Sands is fouled bringing the ball out from the back for Fakenham the advantage played though as Woods spins away into space with it left into the box, doesn’t make the most of it dragging her shot wide. Vicky Lubbock returns to the game for Fakenham replacing Riches. Straight into the action centrally playing the ball out to Thomson racing on up the left wing goes on checking back to spin in behind Bryant before lifting a cross into the area the ball headed clear by Fray.

Smith sends the ball up field finding Sophie Lubbock on the left gets in behind riding a sliding challenge on into the area the angle going against her left of goal drags her shot wide across the six yard box Woods running in far side almost capitalising. Courtney Leggett back on for Sprowston with 10 minutes left to play for Kirby. The hosts push on through the middle Baker onto Vicky Lubbock her diagonal ball picking out Thomson high on the left into the box shoots Knight reacting smartly gloving the ball down and away from danger. Townsend getting on with Ketteringham on the right the ball fired in along the face of goal Thomson close in at the far post can’t get a telling touch.

GOAL! The game stretched both sides looking to find opportunities late on Fakenham winning it in midfield lofting the ball up to Woods making a run into the right channel into the box the keeper coming to close her down narrow the angle Woods does well to lob the ball over her to bounce on into the empty net 2-1.

GOAL! Fakenham regaining the lead with 7 minutes left to play Sprowston however hit back straight away from the restart playing the ball out to the left side sent down the line with Jenkins peeling away in behind checks back inside skipping past a challenge to get into the area the angle tight hits it well low and fast across the keeper to find the bottom corner and equalise 2-2.

Substitute Laura Jenkins scores straight away to level the scores for Sprowston Athletic Ladies

Late drama the hosts regaining the lead but pegged straight back, Olivia Leggett retuning to the action the game stretched now Sprowston finding renewed energy to push forwards. Has been a physical game through out the referee needing to have a word calm thing’s down, Sands playing the ball on for Sophie Lubbock left inside the area, Olivia Leggett back on her to tackle and concede the corner kick.

No advantage as Brierley is pulled down on half way play brought back for the free-kick, Olivia Leggett to play the ball in towards the top of the area headed clear by Vicky Lubbock comes bac to Leggett who takes a wild swing it it falls well wide of the mark. Jenkins offering a threat on the left in attack for Sprowston now taking on the Fakenham defence getting a cross into the area Smith heading it clear for a throw. Sprowston press forwards numbers around the edge of the box win a free-kick in a very dangerous position outside the area.

GOAL! Right on the edge of the box left corner of the area Mileham placing the ball, hits it beautifully rising with power and pace behind it finds it’s way through to strike the back of the net 2-3. Sprowston coming back for a goal down twice to lead the match with just stoppage time left.

Tabby Mileham hits the winner for Sprowston Athletic Ladies

Fakenham suddenly on the back foot for the first time in the match get forwards on the left Thomson fouled by Courtney Leggett giving away a free-kick 25 yards out, a threatening position on the angle as Woods advances to take it. Angles it in high across goal to be attacked far post, a little too much height on the ball sees it run out of play.

Sprowston get hold of the ball, Courtney Leggett in the middle comes inside form the right is encouraged to run it into the corner runs into traffic instead 30 yards out Fakenham defend the ball loose latched onto by Morris, goes for the shot blasts it wide of the right post.

Full time Fakenham Town Ladies 2-3 Sprowston Athletic Ladies

Sprowston win all 3 points to make it 4 wins out of five and remain 2nd in the Division One table level on points with Bungay Town Ladies at the top. Grinding out a win at the death having fallen behind twice in the 2nd half. Weren’t at their best and they will be the first to admit it would no doubt have been happy with a point but to win when you haven’t played so well is often the sign of a good team a battling performance to keep Fakenham at bay 1st half showed good character to get back level twice before going on to find the winner at the death. Fakenham in contrast will feel gravely unfortunate not to take anything at all from the game created by far more opportunities in front of goal had the Sprowston defence on the back foot for large spells of the game. Perhaps should have held a lead at half-time and will rue misses chances getting the lead twice and not holding on disappointing a late goal conceded tough to take.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match and once again several contenders tough to single out one but you know I have to. For Fakenham the Lubbock sisters were both superb, Vicky in particular 1st half the driving force in midfield, Sophie in attack on the left a threat throughout. Maddie Smith making several tackles at the back strong in defence. For Sprowston Kate Morris made some good runs in midfield getting forwards and bringing others into play. At the back the full bacs had a busy afternoon stuck to their tasks well making several important challenges never made it easy for Fakenham, Georgia Bryant at right back is narrowly edged out and it is narrowly (two tackles according to my notes) by Zuleika Laffitte.

An entertaining game, expected nothing less, Division One certainly looks strong this season of these two sides are anything to go by. Crazy times we live in but it has to be said the football provides a much needed and welcome piece of normality for all playing and spectating. My thanks to both sides for the team details as always much appreciated.

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Tavern Ladies

Sunday 20th October

Norfolk Women’s League Cup

County Cup football this weekend on Women’s Football East with the Norfolk Women’s competition getting underway this Sunday. A trip to Clipbush Park to watch Fakenham Town Ladies v Tavern Ladies meeting in the 1st Round.

Last season’s final played in front of a record crowd at Norwich City FC’s Carrow Road ground, Wymondham Town Ladies beating King’s Lynn Town Ladies to lift the county cup for the 2nd successive season.

Today’s clash between two sides promoted to Division One this season. Fakenham Town Ladies finishing runners-up in Division Two last season bouncing straight back up following relegation the previous season. Tavern finishing 4th in Division Two going up due to an influx of new sides joining the league this season one of a total of six sides moving up to the top division to ensure an equal distribution of teams.

Fakenham bringing in several new faces over the summer to bolster their squad as they look to consolidate and push on in the top division. Players needing time to settle and gel a heavy loss on the opening day have bounced back since winning two of their last 3 league matches. Started last season with a 4-0 home win against Tavern, the aggregate score 5-5 though with Tavern finishing the season well and scoring plenty of goals winning 5-1.

An excellent start to the new season for Tavern Ladies, the Dereham based side playing in Division One for the first time. A 100% winning start with 4 wins from 4 are one of three sides to have made a perfect start sharing the lead with Bungay Town Ladies and defending champions Thorpe United Ladies who they beat in last years League Cup to reach the final itself. Scored plenty of goals during that campaign most notably Atlanta Griffith and Katie Hart-Copsey scoring 74 goals between them, Hart-Copsey one of two players in the East of England last season to surpass 50 goals. Lucy Kean leading the goal scoring so far this season with 6 goals.

Clipbush Park the venue for today’s match the bar open serving hot and cold drinks leading out onto the pitch itself. A large pitch offering plenty of width a test for any teams fitness. A small seated stand on the opposite side of the pitch, covered areas behind both goals. An overcast day dark clouds around and unfortunately some light rain as the teams walked out onto the pitch.

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Easter, Jemma Riches, Lauren Crundwell, Maddie Smith, Sian Sands (C), Celemence Anhour, Vicki Lubbock, Tash Patten, Holly Davies, Megan Spurrell & Sophie Lubbock. Subs – Rosie Smith

Tavern Ladies starting XI – Zoe Gibbons (C), Emily Fusco, Roxy Bailey, Millie Bell, Cody Barnes, Nicole Costin, Atlanta Griffith, Meganne Smith, Katie Hart-Copsey, Sophie Fuller & Lucy Lean. Subs – Danni Lee & Nat Merry.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s the hosts Fakenham to kick-off the first half wearing amber coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks. Tavern lined up opposite in an all blue kit with white trim. The visitors quick to close straight from the off the ball closed down in midfield knocked out of play for a series of throws on the left.

Fakenham defender Maddie Smith putting in the tackle

Fakenham looking to make ground on the flank, Tavern regain possession and counter Atlanta Griffith central with the long pass to release Meganne Smith away on the left she plays the ball into the middle for Sophie Fuller 30 yards out she flicks it on through the middle for Lucy Kean getting in between the Fakenham centre backs bearing down on the box, goalkeeper Chloe Easter has to come goes to ground looking to block Kean’s run the attacker taking the ball to her right past her and shoot at the open goal beyond, an early let off for Fakenham as the ball runs wide of the post.

Fakenham attack on the left can’t make any head way in behind the Tavern back line are awarded a free-kick wide on the left players forwards as Maddie Smith prepares to launch the ball forwards towards the area a good delivery near post Sophie Lubbock with a well timed run can’t quite get on the end of it as it runs safely through to Tavern goalkeeper, Zoe Gibbons. Tavern come left a throw in won high dropped into Griffith she spins to play the ball into the box, headed clear by Fakenham captain Sian Sands.

Holly Davies plays the ball forwards as Fakenham bring the ball out for the back picking out Megan Spurrell breaking away on the right wing moving forwards Tavern get players across quickly three conversing to crowd Spurrell off the ball. Emily Fusco at right back for Tavern winning the ball brings it forwards aiming to release Katie Hart-Copsey on the wing, Sands with a timely interception to prevent her getting away. Tavern getting forwards well in numbers Fusco up field as Nicole Costin spreads play in the middle out to the right on for Hart-Copsey, slips on the wet surface as she goes to cross allowing Sands to get across to clear the danger for Fakenham.

Megan Spurrell bringing the ball on for Fakenham Town Ladies

Griffith showing great movement off the ball early on getting free on the left the ball put into her path she clips it inside for Fuller central, under challenge as she unleashes a shot form all of 30 yards the pace taken out of the ball runs safely through into the box for Easter to collect. Tavern get high on the left a throw won in the corner put into Kean back to the box close to the byline hooks the ball up and beyond her into the ball dropping central inside the six yards box, Fuller goes to attack it, Fakenham scramble clear, gathered by Meganne Smith wide of the area strikes the shot back in flies wide across goal.

GOAL! The early pressure Tavern have applied seeing them open the scoring inside the opening 15 minutes closing the Fakenham defence down for the ball in front of their area snapping into the challenge it finds it’s way across to the right Hart-Copsey free putting her foot through the ball sending her shot racing past the keeper and in from 18 yards 0-1.

Katie Hart-Copsey with the opening goal of the game for Tavern Ladies

Fakenham straight on the attack from the restart Vicki Lubbock driving forwards from midfield winning a throw on the right. Put into the box the clearance straight to Tash Patten her cross fired in striking Costin somewhat painfully deflected behind for the first corner of the game. The ball lifted into the six yard box cleared by Cody Barnes, Tavern looking to break, Maddie Smith preventing them from doing so.

Holly Davies getting hold of the ball for Fakenham Town Ladies

Patten getting in close to charge down Fuller as she goes to shoot from the top of the area, the rebound fired in towards goal from distance, not troubling Easter. Tavern burst forwards Griffith taking the ball on sending it on to Fuller a flowing move she helps it on over the top for Kean to chase after, too much on the ball allowing Easter to come and claim first. Fakenham make a change, Lauren Crundwell off for Rosie Smith in defence. Maddie Smith wins the race as Fuller plays the ball in behind for Kean to go after.

Tavern Ladies, Roxy Bailey

A few strong challenges coming in a physical contest Tavern using it to their advantage, Griffith getting about in midfield well supported by Costin, the latter winning the ball on for Fuller, Griffith running beyond her to the left the pass into her feet, Maddie Smith sliding in to tackle and regain possession for Fakenham. Bringing the ball on through the middle Clemence Anhour forwards Sophie Lubbock n attack heading it down to Davies on the left she looks to drive in behind, Fusco tackling for Tavern.

GOAL! Fakenham level the scores get players forwards as Spurrell battles for possession on the left with Barnes, the defender lunging in to take the ball away from the attack gifting it to Vicki Lubbock who drives into the space opened up by Spurrell on the right 25 yards out on the angle strikes the ball well the ball coming in at pace rising to drop beyond the keeper into the back of the net 1-1.

Fakenham Town Ladies, Vicki Lubbock

Half an hour gone Maddie Smith being kept busy by Kean defending against her at the top of the area as Tavern break forwards with intent Costin winning it in the middle. Griffith coming left squaring the ball inside for Costin 35 yards out forwards for Fuller, Sands stepping out of the Fakenham defence nips in to make the challenge. Kean gets in behind central as the ball is put over the top closing in on the box Easter coming to close her down the attacker manages to get the ball past her before they come together, no pace on the ball however off target as the Fakenham defence get back to clear.

GOAL! Tavern are soon back in front, attacking Fuller on the ball cutting inside from the right outside the box brought down a free-kick awarded. Fuller herself to take the set-piece in a dangerous position. The ball hit well rising to clear the ball and over the keeper to creep in under the bar 1-2.

Sophie Fuller scoring from the free-kick to restore Tavern’s lead

Fakenham come right win a corner kick. Sands to take a good delivery in near side Vicki Lubbock with a clever run to get in front of her marker puts her head on the ball her attempt wide of the post. Tavern play the ball on for Hart-Copsey getting free on the right sends a cross in along the six yard box, Maddie Smith getting in front of Kean at the near post to head clear. Fuller shooting from distance 20 yards out right of the D her effort stinging Easters gloves as she palms it down cleared before Kean can pounce.

GOAL! Tavern extend their lead, attacking down the right Hart-Copsey getting deep to the by line playing a pacy cross in towards the near post Easter their gets her gloves to the ball but doesn’t stick, the ball dropping to the ground Kean is coming in on the follow up on top of her getting her toe to the ball first to prod it past her into the goal beyond 1-3.

Lucy Kean with her eyes on the ball scores the goal to put Tavern 3-1 ahead

10 minutes left to play in the first period, Fakenham play the ball on through the middle into Sophie Lubbock she drives on into the Tavern box, Millie Bell in to make the tackle the ball out for a throw. Jemma Riches getting up the field for Fakenham from defence as the hosts mount an attack the ball squared into Vicki Lubbock top of the box right of the D she plays it forwards for twin sister Sophie making the near post run clear to shot a rising strike Gibbons across to cover the angle making the save pushing the ball behind for the corner kick.

Fakenham Town Ladies, Celemence Anhour

This is where the note taking skills get put to the test, Fakenham up to attack the corner on the right Sands delivering towards the near post Vicki Lubbock coming to attack it, defended put back out to the right for Sands to cross in again dropping central into the six yard box missed, bouncing up at the far post an amber shirt rising to head the ball goalwards the ball striking the crossbar back down into a congested box a scramble ensures, Gibbons getting down to smother the ball.

Tavern continue to attack strongly getting forwards well whilst keeping it tight and organised at the ball. Fakenham finding it tough to break them down. Spurrell looking the most likely on the right a strong run on the ball getting in behind support from Sophie Lubbock struck low on the angle the ball taking a deflection on it’s way through taking it behind for the corner. Vicki Lubbock making some good runs to make herself available for the corner deliveries Tavern not picking her up once again as she moves towards the ball near side turns and sends a shot from 8 yards out over the bar.

Vicki Lubbock controlling the ball for Fakenham looking to play Megan Spurrell in on the wing

Good combination play between central midfielders Anhour and Vicki Lubbock through the middle for Fakenham make ground before Lubbock is stopped by Griffith top of her area for Tavern. Patten on the left getting in beyond for Fakenham to the byline skips pass a defensive challenge going on to cross the ball into the six yard box, Bell cutting it out for Tavern.

Half-time Fakenham Town Ladies 1-3 Tavern Ladies

An entertaining first half played at a good pace, Tavern leading 3-1 having the better of the play creating more opportunities scoring early in the game, organised at the back getting forwards with pace closing down well physical. Fakenham creating chances themselves although not getting in behind the Tavern defence tough to break down. Getting it back to 1-1 Tavern coming back with a well taken free-kick gifted a 2nd goal to hold a two goal lead. Fakenham coming close to pulling a goal back on a couple of occasions hitting the bar with one. All to play for 2nd half.

Tavern to get the 2nd half underway. Fakenham with a change at the start of the half, Crundwell back on for Patten. Fakenham quick to close the ball down get it on down the right for Spurrell to attack winning a throw in, defended as Sophie Lubbock seeing the ball into her feet looks to turn and take the ball into the box. Fakenham lively at the start of the 2nd half Vicki Lubbock receiving of another throw right side top of the area driving inside to the byline looking to cross, Bailey preventing her from doing do lays it back outside to Riches 20 yards out a cross driven in low racing wide near side.

Sophie Lubbock intercepting a poor goalkick top of the box goes to shoot charged down the effort loops up high into the air and drops wide of the Tavern goal for a corner. The delivery in close to the near post not attacked Tavern able to clear. Fakenham continue their early attacking 2nd half Sophie Lubbock moving wide right has Spurrell behind her Costin back to defend outside her box for Tavern.

Nicole Costin playing the ball on for Tavern Ladies

Tavern break the ball taken to the byline by Kean cut back towards the top of the area for Hart-Copsey, Vicki Lubbock back on her defending for Fakenham before she can get a shot away. Hart-Copsey over on the right a ball crossed into the box headed clear by Sands, up to Anhour in the middle forwards for Davies to attack central running on with the ball but no way through the Tavern defence.

GOAL! Having ridden out a strong spell from Fakenham at the start of the 2nd half Tavern extend their lead with 55 minutes played. The ball won back inside the Fakenham half on the left passed central into Griffith all of 30 yards out lets the ball run across her before striking it a good connection the ball flying in towards goal with power past the keeper before she can react and in 1-4.

Tavern Ladies, Atlanta Griffith

Fakenham are getting a little frustrated in the final third good build up play the final ball won’t come more often than not collected by a blue shirt. Fakenham bring Crundwell off on the left side Patten back on. From a throw on the right Vicki Lubbock looks to drive on with the ball at her feet tries to pick out sister Sophie ahead of her in the box, Bell intercepting for Tavern. The visitors make their first change of the game, Danni Lee on for Meganne Smith goes into the defence.

Play stretched now Fakenham taking more risks as they attempt to pull a goal back Kean sending the ball on for Hart-Copsey to run in behind central Rosie Smith getting back on her as the pair close in on the area does well to get across her see the ball back to her keeper. Sophie Lubbock chasing the ball as with Bailey in the left corner the striker pressuring to get the ball back up the line to Patten she strikes the ball goalwards from the angle can only put it into the arms of the goalkeeper.

Fakenham Town Ladies, Tash Patten

Tavern continue to win the physical battle stronger to win the ball, nothing malicious is a good spirited game, a good contest. Hart-Copsey lifts the ball on for Griffith breaking through the middle, Rosie Smith getting cross to lung in to put the ball wide for the throw in. Tavern winning a corner as Fuller’s turn and hit from 20 yards out takes a nick to divert it wide of goal. The delivery in close to the near post defended. Tavern make another change Barnes the player off back on comes Meganne Smith.

Vicki Lubbock nipping in to win the ball back central for Fakenham lay it forwards for Sophie Lubbock top of the area she shoots the strike put over the crossbar. Tavern turn play around in the middle quickly Kean threatening to get away through the middle 25 yards out Sands lunging in brings her down, the free-kick awarded, not the last defender as the whole Fakenham defence had turned in unison and Maddie Smith was close, nevertheless a yellow card shown to Sands and another set-piece in a dangerous position for Tavern.

GOAL! Now I run the batteries in my camera to the limit knew it was nearly out, so now wasn’t the time to get the big red flashing battery symbol but there you go… happens once a game. Slightly further out to her goal in the first half Fuller is on the set-piece once again left of the D is another well struck shot a strong hit past the wall to land inside the left post and extend the visitors lead 1-5.

A little under 10 minutes left to play Tavern with a commanding lead. Tavern playing well Hart-Copsey latching onto a poor goal kick 30 yards out central tries to lift a shot straight back in plays it off target. Fakenham aren’t giving up by any means looking to get forwards find a goal Spurrell central sees Sophie Lubbock making a move out to the left to get in behind Bailey the full back though reading the move steps across to intercept the pass clear it out to the right, Riches having bombed on for Fakenham getting hold of the loose ball drives a shot wide of the near post from 20 yards.

Kean running on trying to get in behind the Fakenham defence as the ball is put long for her to go after heads it on in behind left of goal carries it on towards the box letting fly with a shot beating the advancing keeper sees her effort strike the side netting. Fusco winning the ball at the back gets a rush of blood to the head as she takes the ball forwards making it at the way to the top of the area before shooting a challenge deflecting it on pushed wide by Easter.

Tavern Ladies, Emily Fusco

Fakenham come forwards going left good combination play between the Lubbock sisters as Davies chases the ball into the left corner put back up to the top corner of the box for Patten she takes on the shot a looping ball that dips late on the keeper, Gibbons across at her near post blocking with her legs the ball behind for the corner.

Tash Patten taking on the shot for Fakenham Town Ladies

The corner ball in cleared by the Tavern defence. The visiting side getting forwards in the closing minute the ball across the top of the area, Meganne Smith brought down inside the D by the outstretched leg of Vicki Lubbock a last gasp free-kick for Tavern. Fuller on a hat-trick setting the ball down this one alot closer not always the easiest to strike has a go for goal the strike put over the bar the last act of the game Tavern winning 5-1 to advance in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup.

Full time Fakenham Town Ladies 1-5 Tavern Ladies

An enjoyable cup tie competitive between the two sides. Clear to see why Tavern have made such a good start to the season organised at the back getting forwards well, clinical with their chances. Fakenham no doubt disappointed but had chances of their own the final ball just not happening at times. Tavern winning the physical battle showing great movement and vision going forwards.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few notable performances to note from Fakenham first, Vicki Lubbock with some great ones on midfield creating both goal scoring opportunities for herself and teammates well backed up by Celemence Anhour who I believe was making her competitive debut in midfield along with Megan Spurrell in attack. For Tavern it was an all round team performance organised at the back breaking up play in the middle and breaking forwards well. There has to be one name alone though. Atlanta Griffith with some great movement on and off the ball the award goes to Sophie Fuller aside from two very well struck free-kicks provided some fantastic link up play between midfield and attack.

An entertaining game both sides have come along way in the year and a bit a last saw them face each other. A competitive cup tie with Norfolk FA making the draw for the next round live on Wednesday evening on twitter at 6pm. My thanks to both sides for the team details much appreciated.

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies

Thursday 25th April

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

A return trip to Clipbush Park this Thursday evening for another slice of action from Norfolk Women’s Division Two, Fakenham Town Lades once again the hosts taking on Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies.

Still plenty of games left to play in Norfolk Women’s Division Two, Fakenham with 4 left, Bure Valley Wildcats with 5, although some of these may see the points awarded. Fakenham taking on league leaders Taverham Women United 11 days ago, under the cosh for much of the game Taverham leading 1-0 didn’t take their chances with Fakenham’s bare 11 battling hard breaking late on to win a last gasp penalty and level the scores. Taverham however getting the points they needed to clinch the title this Sunday.

Fakenham’s hopes of clinching runners-up spot taking a huge blow this Sunday away to Tavern Ladies, A poor performance seeing Fakenham lose 5-1, Tavern the form side in the league moving above them into 2nd spot. Fakenham with a game in hand played this evening looking to move back level on points, Tavern with a superior goal difference however now in pole position.

This evenings game technically Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies home game but without floodlights at their Coltishall base forfeited home advantage to get the game played with Fakenham one of the few sides in the league to possess a pitch with floodlights. Bure Valley Wildcats are into their 2nd season playing women’s football stepping up from the youth league was a tough start to that season a steep learning curve but they adapted well and towards the end of the season they were in promotion winning form. A good start to the season scoring goals new signing Kiera Brown making a difference, since then Charlie Cooper has took over as top scorer with 25 goals from 15 appearances. A larger league this season with a host of new sides Bure Valley are comfortable in mid-table looking well placed to secure a top 6 finish.

Clipbush Park the venue this evening a flurry of activity on arrival, the circus in town the big top set up on the field leading into the ground, youth matches and coaching taking place on the practice pitches beyond. Fakenham Town Ladies play on the main pitch, the bar open, food and hot drinks available too. The pitch large in good shape for the time of year could do with a little moisture but the rain forecast today didn’t arrive. A dry evening the sun setting low to one side of the ground, behind the stand thankfully making viewing the game less of a strain.

Russell’s Circus Big Top will be a familiar sight across the county in the coming weeks

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Easter, Katrina Townsend, Ellie Websdale, Jemma Riches, Maddie Smith, Sian Sands (C), Jennifer Codman, Amber Guyatt, Fran Dankskanen, Tara Betts & Megan Spurrell. Subs – Tash Patten & Kayleigh Robb.

Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies starting XI – Danielle Barnes, Chloe Yarham, Abbie Cushion, Molly Ferguson Willow Locke, Imogen Shearing, Carrie Last, Lalaine Davey, Hannah Burton, Becky Wood & Charlie Cooper (C)

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Better numbers for Fakenham this time around with two substitutes available, Bure Valley the side this time only able to field the bare 11 have the kick-off wearing navy shirts with red and white trim on the sleeves, navy shorts and red socks. Fakenham wearing their amber shirts with black shorts and socks. Bure Valley look to play the ball on through the middle Hannah Burton on for Cooper captaining the side in attack, Maddie Smith winning it at the back fr Fakenham.

GOAL! A fantastic start to the game for Fakenham as they open the scoring from their first attack, Fran Dankskanen played on down the right winning her side a corner. The delivery put in from the right dropping down at the near post bodies around the ball deflected on into the back of the net Jennifer Codman with the final touch putting the hosts into the lead 1-0.

Build up to the opening goal

Bure Valley build on the left wing Abbie Cushion on for Carrie Last the ball carried into the corner, Ellie Websdale preventing a cross from coming in for Fakenham. From the resulting throw in the ball is played back up the line before a cross is lifted in towards the near post the ball cut out by the Fakenham defence. Attacking the ball played out t captain Sian Sands moving into space on the left she looks to combine with Tara Betts in attack the final ball into the area having too much weight on it running out for a goal kick.

Willow Locke at centre back for Bure Valley heading a cross put in from the left wing out of her area. Fakenham quick to regain possession the ball played diagonally out to Dankskanen peeling in behind right, Chloe Yarham in to tackle concede the corner. The delivery into the near post again Bure Valley scramble it clear. Fakenham counter the ball through the middle played on to see Megan Spurrell in behind right taking the ball on into the area, shoots her strike rising over the crossbar. Cooper getting the ball down central drives on through the middle, stopped by Smith outside the area, the ball out for a throw on the left Bure Valley play well getting a good cross into the area, Becky Wood making the run the ball however safe in the hands of goalkeeper Chloe Easter.

Amber Guyatt with a fantastic pass through the middle releases both Sands and Dankskanen in behind on the right, Bure Valley goalkeeper Danielle Barnes reading it well out of her area quickly to win the race and clear the ball. Guyatt with another quality through ball 25 yards out that almost sees Sands played in central as she peels in behind the move not quite coming off Barnes able to claim. An injury blow for Fakenham as full back Katrina Townsend goes down after played the ball clutching her calf. In pain is helped of the pitch after treatment can’t continue on comes Kayleigh Robb.

Fakenham looking better organised the back four keeping a good shape Jemma Riches clearing the ball Codman on for Guyatt plays another ball forwards, Molly Ferguson stepping up to intercept for Bure Valley. Tash Patten also on for Fakenham in place of Tara Betts. A slip at the back from the Fakenham defence sees Cooper getting hold of the ball 30 yards out and making a driving run towards goal unleashing a shot from outside the area the ball pulls wide of the right post. Sands left with the ball sends it on for Spurrell into the area forced away from target marshalled well by Ferguson a throw won high on the left.

GOAL! Fakenham keep the ball in the final third Sands top of the area central back to goal holding the ball up looks to tee it up for Spurrell, Lalaine Davey getting back from midfield to put in the tackle the ball pops out to the Patten 20 yards out right of the D, with no back lift strikes the ball well lifting it in towards goal past Barnes before she can react to double Fakenham’s lead 2-0.

Bure Valley look for an immediate response the ball played between Last and Burton sent forwards into Cooper left of the D , strikes the ball towards goal her low effort racing wide across the six yard box. Burton and Cooper link up in attack through the middle for Bure Valley the ball into the striker she is closely marked by Riches. Codman plays the ball forwards with Spurrell looking to get hold of it top of the area central, Ferguson doing really well under pressure to control the ball and get it away for Bure Valley. Sands winning the ball more often than not as Bure Valley attempt to play it out from the back to put Fakenham back on the front foot.

Fakenham captain Sian Sands winning the ball

An injury blow for Bure Valley sees them having to continue with just 10 players, Yarham the player down having defended a corner, in alot of discomfort can’t put any weight on her leg needs to he helped off. Fakenham press the attack Dankskanen right combining with Patten and Spurrell, the ball laid back to Sands, Cushion getting the tackle in as Bure Valley scramble it away. Fakenham on top seeing more of the ball as the floodlights start to take effect. Sands central 25 out rolls the ball on into Spurrell top of the area, sees Dankskanen free to her right looks to tee her up Ferguson sticking out a leg nicks it for Bure Valley the ball collected by Codman 35 yards out has a go the shot wide of the goal.

Fakenham Town Ladies, Jennifer Codman

Sands with time to shoot 20 yards out central her effort over taking a nick off a defender on the way through a corner given. Sands to take from the left put back to her by Codman running in near side the second delivery high towards the far post the Bure valley defend heading the ball over for another corner. This delivery in central headed clear falling straight to Guyatt her strike from 25 yards out straight at Barnes the keeper claiming the ball. Woods charging the ball down on the right as it is sent on, deflected in behind into the area, Woods after it, Easter out smartly getting her gloves around it first.

Barnes down to smother the ball to the left of her goal as Patten shoots from 20 yards out a curling ball in. Fakenham pressing late on Dankskanen picking up a knock. Sands nodding the ball on central gets into the area moving left looking to shoot, Ferguson back well in throw herself into make the block.

Half-time Fakenham Town Ladies 2-0 Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies

Fakenham leading 2-0 taking an early lead in the game in control throughout, organised with some good build up play Sands, Guyatt and Codman with some great balls on. The lead doubled through Patten, Bure Valley with the bare 11 hit but an unfortunate injury to Yarham down to 10 now players out of position have been on the back foot a testing 2nd half looms. A change for Fakenham at the start of the 2nd half Betts back on for Dankskanen. The hosts with the kick-off. Patten providing an early run through the middle the ball put on from the left, Ferguson intercepting for Bure Valley at the back.

The ball back and forth a spot of head tennis in the middle it bounces away in behind with both Betts and Spurrell after it the latter with a shot form the top of the area dragged wide across the face of goal. Cooper doing her best in attack to get the ball on but with little support Fakenham soon outnumber her to regain possession. Betts in to steal the ball on the left high a shot fired in near post Barnes down smartly to save.

Numbers forwards for Fakenham using their player advantage well, Betts coming inside Guyatt getting forwards centrally the pass into her feet out for Spurrell right tries the return ball for Guyatt, Locke closing her down, Guyatt laying it back to Codman position 25 yards out takes on the shot the ball over the bar. Smith with a shot from all of 40 yards out, high into the area, not enough though to trouble Barnes who can safely catch. All Fakenham, Bure Valley absorbing alot of pressure, Imogen Shearing with the sliding tackle getting back to take the ball of Betts as she comes inside the full back.

Robb with a great ball in from left back to Guyatt central breaking into the area, goes to strike the ball the shot wide of the left post. Riches heading the ball on for Sands in midfield combining with Codman, Guyatt bursting forwards the through ball attempted, Ferguson in again with a determined challenge to win the ball.

GOAL! On the hour Fakenham further extend their lead great possession and build up play on the left inside the final third the pass into the box seeing Guyatt baring down on goal, poking the ball on she sends the ball wide across the stranded keeper and into the bottom corner to score 3-0.

Last carries the ball out from the back left for Bure Valley has support inside from Burton into the Fakenham half Cooper looking to make a run in behind, Smith holds her ground for Fakenham winning the header to give possession back to the hosts. A free-kick awarded to Fakenham top of the area 20 yards out Guyatt to play it her strike sent over. Davey plays the ball on for Cooper in attack in behind but too much ground to cover as Easter who has virtually been a spectator 2nd half gets to the ball first.

Fakenham’s Sands winning the ball from a goalkick strikes the ball back towards goal from 25 yards out, the attempt dropping wide of the post. A corner on the right for Fakenham Sands to take the delivery fired in low across goal met by Smith at the back post getting her foot over the ball smashes a shot back wide across the six yard box. Websdale coming off for Fakenham, Townsend recovering from her first half injury back on. A tough game for Bure Valley are working hard continue to be on the back foot, Locke and Ferguson battling well in the centre of defence.

Betts is in on goal as the ball in from the left inside the six yards box is missed by Barnes, hesitates before shooting however giving the keeper the opportunity to scramble to grab the ball at her feet. Fakenham forwards on the left a corner awarded put in towards the near post Barnes doing well getting a glove on the ball to take it off Betts as she goes to head it. Cleared only to the edge of the box a shot is lifted back in lands on the roof of the net. Codman with a strike on the half volley 30 yards out caught by the keeper.

25 goals so far this season for Bure Valley Wildcats, Charlie Cooper

Last, Burton and Wood getting forwards when they can to try and support Cooper in attack but often two, Fakenham can soon get back to outnumber them. A further blow for Bure Valley as anther injury blow sees them forced to play on with 9. Davey I think helped off but Bure Valley have red numbers against a navy background tricky to read under the lights, especially on Fakenham’s wide pitch. More adjustment players well and truly out of position now but they regroup for the final 15 minutes.

Barnes plucking the ball down well as it is fired in high from the right. A free kick for Fakenham right Codman running onto the ball at the far post, Barnes down well keeps it out. Dankskanen back on for Fakenham with the ball on the left holds it up support from Townsend, her cross into the six yards box, Betts can’t reach it out for a goal kick. Robb on the ball at right back players bombing forwards into the area her ball played in bouncing safely gathered by Barnes.

Fakenham push late on Bure Valley have done well in defence restricting them to one goal 2nd half, Spurrell top of the box laying in inside to Patten inside the D, Sands on behind her 20 out gives her the ball a tremendous save from Barnes tipping her strike over the bar. Fakenham with a corner in towards the near post Bure Valley defending.

Full time Fakenham Town Ladies 3-0 Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies

Back to winning ways for Fakenham Town Ladies, the perfect response to last weekends disappointing result. On top right from the start an early goal. Both sides having to deal with injuries, Fakenham having the substitutes available, whereas Bure Valley didn’t. 2-0 down then going down to 10 players meaning they were always up against it from then on. A creditable performance however as Fakenham pushed for further goals with some great build up play and forward passes. Bure Valley backs to the wall limiting Fakenham to just one more goal in the 2nd half, Ferguson and Locke in central defence with Barnes making some vital stops in goal. A long hard season in Division Two most sides feeling the strain towards the end, games still to be played yet.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Mentioned the Bure Valley central defence a great effort under pressure for much of the game. For Fakenham the link up play in the middle was excellent Sian Sands winning alot of ball bringing others into the game, Jennifer Codman notable too with some fine balls forward plus the early goal. The award this evening going to Amber Guyatt played some fantastic through balls from midfield and made several runs to support the attack scoring Fakenham’s 3rd goal.

My thanks to both sides for the team details tonight always appreciated, good to see both sides, has been a while since I’ve watched Bure Valley good to see them in action again despite it being a tough game for them credit to the 11 and wishing both their injured players a speedy recovery.

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL EAST

Covering Women's Football in the East of England

Tag Archives: Fakenham Town Ladies

Match Report – Costessey Sports Ladies v Fakenham Town Ladies

Sunday 15th December

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 31st March

ERWFL Division One North

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Hertford Town Women

Sunday 22nd October

FA Women’s Cup 3rd Round Qualifying

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Fakenham Town Ladies

Sunday 19th February

Norfolk Women’s County Cup sponsored by Harrod Sport

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Beccles Town Ladies

Sunday 2nd October

FA Women’s Cup

Cup Final Special – Mulbarton Belles Ladies v Fakenham Town Ladies

Sunday 15th May

Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Fakenham Town Ladies

Sunday 30th January

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Sprowston Athletic Ladies

25th October

Norfolk Women Division One

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Tavern Ladies

Sunday 20th October

Norfolk Women’s League Cup

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies

Thursday 25th April

Norfolk Women’s Division Two