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Match Report – King’s Lynn Town Ladies v Norwich City Ladies

 

Sunday 19th November

The football action this Sunday comes from The Walks, home of King’s Lynn Town FC, the 2nd Round of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup, with King’s Lynn Town Ladies taking on higher league opponents Norwich City Ladies.

 King’s Lynn Town Ladies getting the opportunity to play at The Walks again with all their home county cup ties played there. Football on a high in the town with all 3 King’s Lynn sides currently doing well in their respective leagues. The ladies side making the step up from county to regional league this season are doing fantastically well in the ERWFL Division One North on a great run of form, 4 points clear at the top of the table with just the one defeat so far in the league. A bye in the first round of the County Cup a tough draw and test in the 2nd round taking on Norwich City Ladies playing 2 leagues higher.

   Norwich City Ladies return to the County Cup after a 3 season absence the FAWPL South East Division One side previously dominating the County Cup, a leading force in women’s football in Norfolk for a long time. Battling at the wrong end of the table the County Cup a welcome distraction and a chance for Norwich to pursue silverware. The footballing map in Norfolk has changed a little in their absence from the County Cup, 3 potential challengers to their dominance emerging, all 3 plying their trade in the ERWFL, all ambitious, Acle United Ladies, Wymondham Town Ladies and King’s Lynn Town Ladies themselves all wanting to reach the FAWPL themselves.

 With the current County Cup holders, Thorpe United Ladies knocked out of the competition in the previous round by Wymondham Town Ladies, the County Cup is there for the taking.

The Walks the venue the large mainstand over looking a large pitch offering plenty of width. Seen plenty of action a little cut up, half the pitch shaded by the mainstand, a chilly but bright afternoon, no wind, great conditions for the match. The cafe open offering hot and cold drinks, with a barbecue outside that would tempt me at half-time. 

King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Bryony Russell-Smith, Vikttorija Burkauskaite, Jessica Evans, Shanice Burch, Albany Hodgson, Charlotte Griffith, Becky Russell (C), Shelley Woods, Tiffany Forshaw, Georgia Reardon & Jade Kelly. Subs – Elle Bocking, Olivia Baker & Michelle Stewart-Sheen.

Norwich City Ladies starting XI – Fiona Coombes, Millie Daviss, Summer Ward, Emily Moerkerk, Grace Parker (C), Sasha Diston, Paige Shorten, Aimee Durrant, Vivian Moyo, Natasha Snelling & Charlotte Broad. Subs – Eliza McDonald & Chelsea Garrett.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Handshakes before the match.

It’s Norwich to get the match underway playing in their traditional yellow and green kit with King’s Lynn in their home colours, blue shirts with yellow sleeves, yellow shorts and blue socks. Norwich press into the King’s Lynn half, Vivian Moyo a summer signing for Norwich from Norfolk Division One Champion’s, Thorpe United Ladies winning her side a throw deep in the King’s Lynn half the ball worked in towards the top of the area cleared by Kin’g Lynn’s Shanice Burch. 

  The home side look to play the ball out from the back, Norwich push bodies up pressure the ball, Sasha Diston returning to Norwich after a spell in Suffolk with AFC Sudbury Ladies nips in to win the ball off Albany Hodgson plays the long diagonal pass out to the right with Aimee Durrant on the move looking to get in behind the home defence is fouled as she crosses the ball into the area a free kick awarded to Norwich outside the box, midfielder Paige Shorten on the set piece looks to curl the ball in towards goal puts her effort over the bar.

A good start from Norwich getting players forwards from midfield to support the attackers, Shorten winning the tackle plays the ball into Charlotte Broad ahead of her outside the area wraps her foot around the ball playing it out to the right with Durrant on the move again, just a little early this time the offside flag up against her. King’s Lynn play the ball into captain Becky Russell she lays it forwards for Shelley Woods up the left keeping the ball in play knocks it inside for Jade Kelly up front looking to get into the area left of goal, Norwich’s Emily Moerkerk getting back to slide in to tackle the attacker put the ball behind for the corner.

GOAL! From the resulting corner King’s Lynn take the lead, Russell to play the ball in, initially aimed at Tiffany Forshaw at the near post her attempted flick on is cleared coming straight back to Russell on the left one touch and fires the ball in hard across the face of goal the ball going it at the far post with players diving in, none get a touch the goal is Russell’s, King’s Lynn lead 1-0.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies captain, Becky Russell opens the scoring

   The ball won back from the restart Woods is in behind for King’s Lynn taking the ball on into the box left side snatches her shot wide of the near post. Norwich go forwards the pass through the centre into Broad touched out to Moyo left side has support from Summer Ward behind her the left back firing the ball back into the area, Hodgson and Burch close Broad down the ball successfully defended.

  A competitive game both sides wanting to use the width of the pitch little time for anyone on the ball. Norwich with Moyo on the ball left side puts the pass inside to Natasha Snelling 20 yards on controls on the turn and strikes the ball towards goal, keeper Bryony Russell-Smith can’t get anything on it as it flies over her head, smashes against the crossbar dropping down into play inside the six yard box right of goal Durrant looks to hit it on the volley buries the ball into the side netting wide. 

  Norwich make the 1st change of the game, bring off Moyo, send on Chelsea Garrett. Norwich press the ball in midfield, Shorten stealing possession takes the ball on towards the area, will strike the ball from distance given half a chance and can get plenty of power behind the ball too, lining up to shoot top of the area Burch gets across in the nick of time to slide in and deny the chance.  

Norwich City Ladies, Paige Shorten

A volleyed clearance from King’s Lynn gives attacker Georgia Reardon a chance to run at the Norwich defence through the centre, Grace Parker, Norwich’s captain at centreback defends well against backtracking towards her area the ball cleared out to Russell on the right, King’s Lynn get plenty into the box as she goes to cross, the ball too close to goal, keeper Fiona Coombes with a solid take at her near post. 

Norwich City Ladies, Charlotte Broad

Broad looks to get hold of the ball inside the King’s Lynn half taking it forwards jinks left then right to line up a strike from 25 yards out Burch onrushing closes her down the ball deflected out wide for the throw in, the cross fired into the centre of the six yard box, Russell-Smith with a confident claim being closed down by Snelling. Norwich having more of the ball, King’s Lynn organised at the back not letting anything in behind. Norwich make another change bringing off Millie Daviss at the back bringing on Eliza McDonald. 

No advantage in the middle after Shorten is clipped passing the ball on for Snelling through the middle. A good 35 yards out, Durrant to take, a good effort clipped over the King’s Lynn wall on target dipping late just not quite enough a foot over the bar. Diston plays the ball forwards for Garrett in chase in behind the King’s Lynn defence fro once, bearing down on the box, Russell-Smith out of her area to challenge the striker, just about does enough the ball deflected off her legs out to the left into the area Garrett after it and empty goal to aim at if she can reach it, Vikttorija Burkauskaite gets there 1st however for King’s Lynn the right back sliding in to put the ball behind for the corner.

   Played in from the left with pace into the six yard box King’s Lynn clear runs straight out for Shorten latching onto the shot 25 yards out the ball is driven in low on target too many legs to get through is deflected wide to safety. Shorten with another long range pop minutes later swerving in the air, Russell-Smith behind the ball spills it behind for the corner kick sent in near post King’s Lynn get it away up field. Broad with another powerful run on the ball through the middle, good defending from Hodgson staying on her shoulder and timing her tackle well.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Albany Hodgson

Late into the 1st half King’s Lynn get players forwards the ball with Russell on the right a corner is won the ball played in low towards Forshaw at the near post is once again back to Russell swing the ball into towards the penalty area Parker rises highest to clear for Norwich. 

Half-time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 1-0 Norwich City Ladies

   An entertaining 1st half with King’s Lynn holding a narrow 1-0 lead over Norwich. The home side with a good 1st half performance to match their higher league opponents. Norwich with more of the ball haven’t been able to carve open the King’s Lynn defence and create many clear cut chances. King’s Lynn not having many themselves the ball hotly contested in the middle, will Norwich find a levelling goal 2nd half or can King’s Lynn build on their lead?

  No changes for either side at the start of the 2nd half Norwich out onto the pitch early. The temperature dropping it’s King’s Lynn to get the 2nd 45 underway. A quiet start to the 2nd half Norwich breaking up a King’s Lynn attack go forwards Durrant on the right plays the pass inside to Garrett helps it infield to Broad, Shorten goes beyond her the ball rolled into her path she tries to dink the ball up over the defence for Snelling, instead runs safely through to Russell-Smith. Space for Snelling drifting out to the left side the ball played forwards stands up in the turf preventing her getting on into the box, giving Burkauskaite time to get back on her make the tackle.

Forshaw’s turn to find some room out wide right for King’s Lynn the ball played on by Charlotte Griffith taking it forwards, Forshaw rides the challenge as Diston comes sliding in, keeping her feet the striker pulls the trigger from 20 yards out pulls the ball wide across the face of goal. A counter attack from King’s Lynn from a Norwich throw level with their box the ball sent long for Kelly in space left running towards the box 40 yards out, goalkeeper, Coombes has to come a long way from the ball Kelly goes to lob her, the ball over her bounces harmlessly wide of her goal. 

The game getting a little stretched Norwich risking a high line at the back as they look to press the ball higher up the pitch almost presents King’s Lynn with an attacking opportunity the ball won off a deflection in the middle Kelly after it, Ward coming round on the cover making a fantastic tackle to get the ball back to Coombes. Norwich with possession wide right Garrett wins the throw the resulting ball lifted high into the area, drops to Broad lays it on to Garrett, gets her foot over the ball smashes the bouncing ball back in towards goal is taken by Russell-Smith at her near post. 

King’s Lynn make their 1st change of the match bringing on Olivia Baker for Reardon, the switch pushing Forshaw into a more advanced role. A free-kick for King’s Lynn a good way out from goal as Russell is fouled. Woods on the ball takes aim for goal the ball on target, Coombes behind it all the way catches on the bounce. A knock to the ankle for Broad the Norwich attacker needing to come off Moyo coming back on. 

Shorten on the ball rolls in forwards for Snelling out to Garrett right side knocks the ball forwards looking to attack the box, her tough a little heavy allows Evans to get across her and clear the ball for a throw in. Norwich keep the ball inside the King’s Lynn half comes into Ward on the left the pass forwards for Durrant the winger cutting inside charging for the box the ball knocked forwards deflected off the King’s Lynn defence back to Durrant looks to curl a shot in towards goal, does so only succeeds in picking out Russell-Smith the keeper behind the shot.

Norwich City Ladies, Summer Ward

A throw on the left for Norwich the pass sees Ward breaking in behind the King’s Lynn defence her cross flashed across the six yard box cleared back out to Snelling some 30 yards out strikes the ball sweetly arrowing towards the top corner, Russell-Smith with an excellent save the ball tipped over the bar, corner conceded played in for Moyo at the near post six yards out can’t turn and get a shot away the King’s Lynn defence on her to clear the ball. Norwich with a sustained spell of pressure, King’s Lynn break the ball long for Forshaw right into the box looks to take on the shot plays the ball straight into Coombes’ gloves at her near post. 

Durrant’s runs out wide and through the middle are posing a threat for Norwich this time brought down in the middle 35 yards out Durrant on the free kick herself looks to go for goal her strike landing on the roof of the net. Soon after another run from Durrant cutting in from the left sees her brought crashing down by Russell the King’s Lynn captain shown the yellow card. NB (*Russell given final warning by referee not cautioned). A dangerous position 20 yards out from goal Durrant takes sending the ball angling towards the far post Hodgson gets her head on the ball sending it on for the corner which is successfully defended at the near post.

Norwich City Ladies, Aimee Durrant

   GOAL! 20 minutes left to play and King’s Lynn double their advantage. Forshaw further forwards now the scorer as she is played in from the left into the box, Coombes comes rushing in to dive at her feet the ball squirming through to the left cries for a penalty but Forshaw riding the challenge stays on her feet retrieves the ball on the byline and keeping her composure lifts the ball in towards goal to make it 2-0.

Tiffany Forshaw doubles the advantage for King’s Lynn Town Ladies

Norwich make a change Broad recovering from her knock returning for Snelling rejoins the attack. Shorten with a brilliant long range pass from halfway picks out Ward on the overlap left side into the corner, Kelly back on her tackles to put the ball behind for the corner. 

Red card! Pressing for a goal Norwich committing players forwards leave space at the back Forshaw ready to go when King’s Lynn break up play, Burch with the tackle the ball into the centre helped on to Forshaw right side a yard on Parker bearing down on the area, the defender dives in gets the ball but goes through Forshaw to do so bringing her down, the last defender Moerkerk might have gotten round on the cover but the referee doesn’t think so, Parker is sent off. Russell to take the resulting free kick her effort into the area deflected wide of goal. 

15 minutes left King’s Lynn make another change, player manager Michelle Stewart-Sheen coming on for Evans at left back. King’s Lynn working hard as a team to defend giving very little away. Garrett on for Shorten running on ahead of her shoots from 20 yards out a fine save from Russell-Smith low to her right. Russell-Smith is then hurt in an accidentally collision coming out to the edge of her area to claim the ball on her knees, Broad trying to throw herself over the keeper catching her on the side of her face with her knee. Both need a few moments but are okay to continue. Durrant on the right driving with the ball into the box shoots, Russell-Smith close in low to her right pushes the ball behind for the corner kick.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Becky Russell with Norwich’s Paige Shorten

GOAL! Norwich have players up from the corner the ball cleared by King’s Lynn is with Durrant right side the shot is fired in with venom across goal skims off the crossbar falling back into play at the far post inside the six yard box, Moyo reacts smartly stabbing the ball over the line before being closed down 2-1. Game on with 5 minutes of normal play left.

A frantic end to the game the ball up either end Kelly placing a wild shot wide across the Norwich area. Broad breaking through the middle for Norwich her 1st touch too heavy allowing Burch the opportunity to get in front of her shield the ball back to Russell-Smith. Snelling on for Daviss returns to the action late on for Norwich as they search for an equaliser. A reckless sliding tackle from Hodgson on Broad sees the defender yellow carded. The free-kick in a dangerous position 30 yards out Shorten to go for goal a tame effort bounces through to the keeper. 

 Into stoppage time Broad can’t continue, Daviss back on as the visitors press on. King’s Lynn stand firm keeping a good shape Griffith breaking up play looking to get Woods away left side. Coombes gathers sends the ball long knocked on now way through the centre of the King’s Lynn defence, Russell bringing it forwards. The final whistle blows and King’s Lynn celebrate a memorable win.

Full time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 2-1 Norwich City Ladies

   2-1 to King’s Lynn Town Ladies at The Walks to go through to the quarter finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup. A good performance from start to finish working hard as a team to give little away, press the ball in the middle and time their attacks. Norwich with more of the ball had opportunities to score but found it difficult to find any openings in behind their opponents defence. Was an entertaining game another great showcase for women’s football in Norfolk.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

   A few contenders for today’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, goalkeeper Bryony Russell-Smith with some excellent saves. Shanice Burch at the back and Tiffany Forshaw up top too, but in the end it was a quality performance from King’s Lynn captain Becky Russell from the 1st minute to the last and she is today’s Player of the Match.

Another good game at The Walks, my thanks to both sides for their help again today and best of luck to King’s Lynn Town Ladies in the next round of the County Cup.

 

Match Report – Newmarket Town Ladies v King’s Lynn Town Ladies

Sunday 17th September

Back to The Ridgeon’s Stadium in Newmarket for more action from the FA Women’s Cup, 2nd Round Qualifying this Sunday. Watching 2 sides in this round for the 1st time history will continue to be made for one or the other as Newmarket Town Ladies host King’s Lynn Town Ladies.

 Here a fortnight ago for 1st Round Qualifying Newmarket Town Ladies facing a tough test drawn at home to Histon Ladies from ERWFL Division One South a league above. Played well to win 4-2 and progress to the next round of the FA Women’s Cup for the 1st time. Face a team from the same league above them once again another tough test.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies also made history in the FA Women’s Cup entering for the 1st time were drawn away to Leicestershire side Oadby & Wigston Dymano Ladies in 1st Round Qualifying won the game 3-1 to advance to the next round. Are testing themselves at a higher level this season promoted to the ERWFL in Division One North have started well in the league too winning both their opening games. A blend of experience and youth, younger players ready to stake their claim for a place in the side.

  For both sides history has already been made in the FA Women’s Cup this season for one the journey will go on. The tie having to be settled on the day extra-time and penalties if required. Both sides have recruited players from Brandon Town Ladies who sadly folded before the season started situated between the two sides a few former teammates against one another today. Both are with out a few players today Newmarket without goalkeeper Eloise Hope, Dominika Szary normally an outfield player taking on the role between the sticks. King’s Lynn without a few big hitters, captain Shelley Woods and striker Josie Turner unavailable, Becky Russell often influential in midfield or attack sidelined through injury. 

The Ridgeon’s Stadium the venue for today’s FA Women’s Cup tie, a state of the art artificial playing surface one of the best around. The bar open a seated stand covered beside. Normally I prefer to stand on the opposite side of the pitch to watch the game but so far today it had been bright then overcast with the odd torrential downpour and with dark clouds looming 5 minutes before kick-off I made a hasty retreat to the stands… just in time too!

A retreat for cover was called for!

Newmarket Town Ladies starting XI – Dominika Szary, Yasmin Woodfield, Jess Linger, Ellie Marshall, Beth Woodfield (C), Laura Bailey, Cindy Ponder, Chloe Slater, Abbie Marshall, Abbi Griffin & Jordanne Sillitoe. Subs – Amanda Stacy, Sarah O’Rourke, Brooke Wickens, Lauren Deller & Jess Anderson.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Bryony Russell-Smith, Vikttorija Burkauskaite, Lisa Wilson, Shanice Burch, Albany Hodgson, Charlotte Griffith, Bethan Jones (C), Jade Kelly, Oksana Imanalijeva, Elle Bocking & Tiffany Forshaw. Subs – Louise Coggles, Michelle Stewart-Sheen, Georgia Reardon & Olivia Baker.

Heavy rain falling at the start of the game

The teams emerge from the changing rooms just as the heavens open a torrential downpour at kick-off. It’s King’s Lynn in their away colours of red shirts with white collar, sleeves and vertical piping, red shorts and socks to get the match underway 1st half. Newmarket in their home colours yellow shirts with blue shoulders, blue shorts and yellow socks. With the rain lashing down play is restricted to the middle 3rd the ball hotly contested in midfield, Newmarket winning the ball send it long to the left Abbey Marshall with the run fires the ball into the box a clean gather for King’s Lynn goalkeeper Bryony Russell-Smith at her near post. Space for Abbi Griffin to run into on the right as Chloe Slater picks her out taking the ball into the area right side flashes a cross along the six yard box Jordanne Sillitoe arriving far post can’t get anything on the ball.

Jess Linger playing at right back today comes on with the ball support from Slater ahead of her the ball on for Griffin breaking in behind right side once again going on Shanice Burch comes across to put in the tackle deny the cross. As quick as the rain came it abruptly ends. A positive start from Newmarket taking the game to King’s Lynn both sides are looking to use the width King’s Lynn break as Vikttorija Burkauskaite brings it on from right back up the line for Jade Kelly a well timed ball beating the offside trap Kelly burst down the line flashes a cross square along the top of the six yard box Tiffany Forshaw newly joined from after spending most of last season with Lowestoft Town Ladies along with being dual signed with Brandon tries to get their central throws herself forwards in a attempt gets something on the ball but not enough to deflect it into the back of the net wide. 

Newmarket Town Ladies, Jess Linger

Cindy Ponder with a well timed run from midfield receives the ball outside the box top left for Newmarket her shot charged down by Burch. The rain ha started to fall again the pitch a little slick, Abbey Marshall with a diagonal ball from the left into the box finds Sillitoe she attempts to drive in towards goal, Burch is on her shoulder, the striker loosing her footing as she shapes to strike the ball. 

Kelly charging forwards with the ball cuts a cross into the box deflected back out towards Burkauskaite arriving top of the area her 1st time strike is deflected wide for a corner on the right. A high ball into the six yard box Dominika Szary jumping through the crowd gets a glove on the ball knocking it wide to the opposite side in the area picked up by King’s Lynn’s Lithuanian International, Oksana Imanalijeva fires the ball back into the players lined up along the top of the area is knocked back towards goal Szary out to claim as a red shirt bears down on her, play is stopped by the offside flag.

 A free-kick for Newmarket wide on the right 30 yards out as Sillitoe is brought down. Linger forwards to take a good delivery into the six yard box dropping far post Albany Hodgson’s clearance goes straight to Griffin positioned central top of the six yard box an instinctive stab of the foot to turn it goalwards plants the ball straight into Russell-Smith’s gloves. Bethan Jones wearing the captain’s armband for King’s Lynn today is doing well in the middle of the park finding pockets of space to receive the ball and looking to pick out her wide players, Kelly and Imanalijeva. 

King’s Lynn Town Ladies captain Bethan Jones

  Russell-Smith comes rushing out of her area to challenge Sillitoe for the ball as the striker races clear in the left side, the deflected ball off her from the keeper runs straight to Griffin central doesn’t try to go for goal with Russell-Smith out of position instead lays it on to Laura Bailey up with her, by then King’s Lynn have the numbers back to nullify the threat. Launch a counter attack the ball through the middle on for Forshaw 20 yards out an early shot puts the ball wide of goal. Forshaw with a shot from further out moments later the ball through the middle she has half a yard on her marker 35 yards out takes on the strike her effort rising over the bar. A fast paced game fairly even so far without either keeper being tested as we close in on the half hour mark. 

The deadlock is very nearly broke by Newmarket, Griffin combining with Bailey in the middle the latter passing the ball forwards to the left picking out Abbey Marshall on the move the ball at her feet pushing into the box doesn’t rush her shot fires the ball across goal past Russell-Smith who turns the see the ball strike the base of her far post still in play King’s Lynn send the ball long. On for Kelly right side head down charges on coming inside looks to strike a shot in towards the near post coming at Szary fast she claims well at head height. King’s Lynn starting to build some momentum going forwards. Elle Bocking receiving the ball from Charlotte Griffith central turns to force her way into the area is stopped by Ellie Marshall.

Newmarket make a substitution Abbey Marshall coming off to be replaced by Brooke Wickens. Hodgson plays a great ball forwards from the back for King’s Lynn picking out Kelly getting free on the right pushing forwards cuts the ball inside towards the near post Szary well positioned to claim with Forshaw coming in right behind her. The same is repeated in the next attack as Jones picks out Kelly this time. A ball through the middle has Wickens bearing down on goal for Newmarket has Sillitoe right on her shoulder not sure if the two exchange touches of the ball but it’s Wickens who has the final strike from outside the box the ball just inches over the crossbar. 

Into the final 5 minutes of the 1st half and Newmarket are reduced to 10 as their goalkeeper is shown a straight red card. A cutting ball through the middle by King’s Lynn the Newmarket back line high up the pitch at times as they press forward as a unit. Forshaw running clear is after it does have it as Linger gets across to try and shield the ball, Szary coming out of her area goes down low to gather the ball into her gloves, a huge error on her part play stopped for the free-kick she his shown a straight red card. Griffin doesn’t hesitate she takes the goalkeepers jersey from Szary as she leaves the pitch heads for the goal as King’s Lynn set up for the free kick, Newmarket send players back to cover both posts. Kelly top of the D lays the ball to her right for Forshaw to strike sends it past Griffin, Ponder covering the far post is there to clear the ball.

Down to 10 Newmarket break up an King’s Lynn attack, Beth Woodfield playing it on through the middle Bailey to Ponder lines up a powerful drive from 30 yards out, skipping off the surface Russell-Smith going down to her right saves well pushing the ball away, Wickens racing in from the right the keeper scrambles across to smother the ball into her body at her feet. 

GOAL! The stale-mate is broken with the very last attack of the half. Imanalijeva with a powerful run on the ball down the left wing getting into the box looks to fire a cross into the middle, Marshall gets a boot onto the ball trying to cut it out deflected out of the area it’s a race between the no 8’s as Newmarket’s Bailey and King’s Lynn’s Jones race forwards after the lose ball favours Jones slightly shots from  20 yards plenty of venom on shot it flies past Griffin into the back of the net 0-1.

Half-time Newmarket Town Ladies 0-1 King’s Lynn Town Ladies

  Inclement weather throughout the 1st half has been a tense affair evenly matched for a while Newmarket hitting the post before being reduced to 10 late in the half, King’s Lynn getting their noses in front on the stroke of the half with the rain returning. Have the edge in the 2nd half now they have a goal and a player advantage. Headed for the bar wanted a cheeseburger but the kitchen wasn’t open so had to settle for a bag of crisps. A quick turn around at half-time the sides back out, Little did I know what the 2nd half had in store so much so there wasn’t time to eat a bag of crisps! Here we go!

 King’s Lynn with the kick-off 2nd half, Newmarket react positively with a strong start to the half winning possession of the ball. Having to abandon my crisps and get the notepad out in a hurry, Wickens with the ball left into the box Burkauskaite with her Russell-Smith rushing out towards the pair an infringement is spotted by referee Chris Abbott an indirect free as the ball is knocked back to Russell-Smith she handles the ball. Left of the box top corner Linger comes forwards the ball knocked into her she shoots plants the ball wide of the near post. 

A free-kick on halfway for Newmarket as Jones handles the ball. Linger sends the ball up into the top of the area defended the ball comes out to Bailey shifts it between her feet then lets fly from 25 yards out the ball straight at Russell-Smith. King’s Lynn make their 1st change, Bocking coming off up top for 16 year old Olivia Baker. Newmarket push on the ball knocked across field into Bailey 30 yards out control and turn to fire a diagonal pass back to the left for Wickens racing forwards into the area closing in on goal no way past Hodgson the defender winning the challenge. 

 

King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Tiffany Forshaw

GOAL!  King’s Lynn double their lead 12 minutes into the 2nd half breaking forwards the ball fire forwards from the left to the right takes a nick of defender Yasmin Woodfield that sends it on for Kelly to burst in behind on the right space to run into carries the ball on time to assess her options sends the cross along the top of the six yard box picking out Forshaw timing her run to perfection to turn the ball into the goal 0-2.

A blow for Newmarket but their heads aren’t dropping quickly attack straight from the restart winning a throw on the left the ball played into Slater outside the area a good way out shapes to shot has the keeper beaten the ball smashes against the crossbar stays in play Burch beating Sillitoe to the ball clears. The rain has stopped for now but the pitch has trapped a fair bit of moisture, players like sliding about however if they get the chance. 

  Griffin makes a great stop with her foot as King’s Lynn press forwards Forshaw out left with the ball takes it on putting the ball into the six yard box for Kelly strikes the shot goalwards Griffin with the reactive save the ball knocked out to her right goes the more orthodox goalkeeping route throwing herself at the ball to claim before Baker can get a follow up shot in. Ponder and Sillitoe exchange passes through the middle the ball long out to the left for Wickens her shot blacked deflected back into the D straight at Sillitoe her strike charged down. Newmarket make a change Ponder looks to have taken a knock comes off a tactical switch Amanda Stacy named as substitute goalkeeper on the bench coming on she takes the shirt back from Griffin who returns to her more familiar midfield position. 

A great ball forwards from Jones into Kelly on the right wing knocks it on before delivering a cross into the middle of the box Forshaw good control on her chest looks to drag the ball behind her and turn into the shot clever but both King’s Lynn centrebacks have read it and are on top of the striker even as her foot is raised back to strike the ball. 

 GOAL! King’s Lynn go on to extend their lead making it 3-0 putting them in control of the tie the ball worked with pace through the middle finds the feet of Baker outside the box in a bit of space, Stacy comes rushing out to the top of her area to close the angle Baker shows good footwork shifting the ball between her feet three times before slotting her shot past the keeper and on into the goal beyond 0-3.

Olivia Baker pictured with Newmarket’s Brooke Wickens scorer of King’s Lynn Town Ladies 3rd goal

A little under 75 minutes of the game played King’s Lynn make a double switch taking off both Kelly and Wilson. Manager Michelle Stewart-Sheen brings herself on going into left back, also coming on new signing Georgia Reardon another 16 year old like Baker formerly with Brandon Town Ladies. Newmarket make their last substitution too 3-0 down take off a defender Marshall bring on a striker Lauren Deller. Has been a competitive tussle between Sillitoe and Burch all game as Newmarket attack, King’s Lynn sitting off the ball the cross from the right by Griffin comes inside to Sillitoe right of the D flicks the ball over her shoulder and turns towards goal, Burch stays on her shoulder lunges forwards with a tackle to push the ball away from the striker. 

 GOAL! It’s a goal out of nothing for Newmarket but nevertheless and brilliant piece of skill from Griffin a throw on the right into her well over 40 yards out has King’s Lynn players around her but no challenge she sees the keeper off her line goes for goal good pace on her effort it is over Russell-Smith and into the far corner 1-3.

Newmarket Town Ladies, Abbi Griffin

 GOAL! Straight away from pulling one goal back Newmarket score another! Get the ball played forwards centrally into Sillitoe outside the box pulls the trigger a the ball scooped up and over the keeper to land in the back off the net the crowd in the stand leap to their feet as Sillitoe pumps her fists in the air 2-3 it’s game on! 10 minutes left to play.

Jordanne Sillitoe with the ball for Newmarket Town Ladies

Newmarket with renewed vigour press forwards Wickens a threat coming in from the right takes a shot on left of the D 20 yards out wraps her foot around the ball a low drive in towards goal Russell-Smith saves well getting down to the ball pushing it behind for a corner. A great delivery flies across the six yard box no one can get on the end of it however. For a comfortable 3-0 position King’s Lynn are defending a 3-2 lead the game has become stretched ed to end. Forshaw on the counter with a run left channel pulls the trigger from outside the box pulls the ball wide across goal. 

 Into the last 5 minutes a great save from Russell-Smith to deny Bailey as the Newmarket midfielder has a strike from inside the box right side as the ball is deflected into her path from a block after Deller has a blast from outside the box left side the ball fired into her the shot, heading for goal Russell-Smith tips the ball over onto the roof of the net. A corner on the right Newmarket load the six yard box a good delivery Russell-Smith climbing through them to punch the ball away towards the top of the area Griffin is there her low drive back in has too many bodies to go through deflected back to her leans back into another shot sends it over the bar.

 GOAL! Newmarket come back from 3-0 down to level the scores in 2nd half stoppage time, attacking down the right players breaking forwards through the middle Sillitoe with Slater and Wickens beyond her. The diagonal ball inside coming straight for Sillitoe outside the area a brilliant piece of skill to flick the ball on runs through to Wickens taking it into her stride into the box left of goal opens up her body to send her shot back across goal wide of the keeper to nestle into the back of the net at the far post 3-3. The crowd goes wild in celebration.

Moment’s left King’s Lynn mount on last attack Imanalijeva getting forwards with the ball on the left fires a cross into the box Forshaw diving throws herself at the ball can’t direct it on target. The 90 minutes are up the game goes into extra-time.

Full time Newmarket Town Ladies 3-3 King’s Lynn Town Ladies

Extra-time

   Just about enough time to get a few crisps into me before the extra period kicks off 15 minutes each way for either side to find a winning goal or the game goes to penalties. All the substitutions have been made two sides used to roll on roll off subs the FA Women’s Cup altogether different. Newmarket get the 1st half off extra-time underway. Bright sunshine now. The home side play the ball long looking for Wickens making a central run the ball claimed by Russell-Smith. 

Both sides go for it Newmarket finding extra energy after their come back. King’s Lynn looking to regain their momentum the ball is fired into Forshaw outside the area 25 yards a good turn to move the ball to her left and turn into a strike curls the ball wide of the top right corner of the goal. A little frustration on the pitch now Newmarket are chasing the ball down all over the pitch, Beth Woodfield winning the header inside the box from a King’s Lynn attack on the right. A few mis-timed challenges on the field now. 

  Imanalijeva with a powerful run left side closing on the box Beth Woodfield on her shoulder, Stacy rushing out of goal all three come together the ball deflected behind for a corner kick. Into the near post a head on the ball sends the ball across the face of goal everyone gambling near post the ball is cleared. A free-kick for Newmarket on half-way Linger playing it up into the box is knocked outside falling to Deller turns and strikes the ball runs wide a touch on the way through a corner kick, Russell-Smith again coming through bodies to punch the ball to safety.

 A vital interception by Linger at the back sticking a boot out to take the ball away from Forshaw 20 yards out the long ball almost certainly putting her through on goal. Linger sending the ball on towards the King’s Lynn area the clearance is sliced the ball running wide right for Deller her sights on goal she slips at the vital moment the chance gone. Forshaw is almost through again only to be denied by a last ditch tackle from Linger. Again Forshaw receives the ball 25 yards out Stacy seeing the threat comes racing out to the edge of her area Forshaw lobs her the ball bounces wide of goal. The 1st half of extra-time is over.

King’s Lynn get the 2nd period of extra-time underway lose possession the ball fed up top to Sillitoe moving left side into the box sends her strike wide across the face of goal. Newmarket are going for it down to 10 you wouldn’t know finding space left and right. Wickens on particular on the left getting down the line puts her cross into the side netting. Bailey into Sillitoe left side drives for the area inside pushed wide by Burch manages to squeeze the pass back in towards Slater inside the D her snap shot put wide of goal.

GOAL! The come back is complete Newmarket having looked strong since getting it back to 3-2 and then 3-3 score to take the lead in the 2nd period of extra-time. Wickens with the goal as she picks up the ball in the middle turning 25 yards out takes on Hodgson head down gaining half a yard lets fly plenty of pace on the ball, Russell-Smith getting down to her right as the ball goes across her gets her gloves to the ball but can’t stop it going into the back of the net beyond 4-3.

Brooke Wickens scorer of the winning goal in extra-time for Newmarket

The tensions are rising Newmarket running on adrenaline, King’s Lynn frustrated. King’s Lynn press forwards have 10 minutes to pull a goal back Imanalijeva sees her cross claimed by Stacy at the near post. Newmarket are reduced to 9 a moment of stupidity from Sillitoe a couple of 50/50 challenges with Burch earlier the pair dive in for the same ball on the halfway line both hurt, play goes on Sillitoe to her feet first Burch says something causing the attacker to turn and spit at her, the linesman is no more than 10 feet away and flags for the offence in front of the mainstand too. Stopping play the referee consults with his linesman and a red card is shown. 

Down to 9 Newmarket have there backs up against the wall as King’s Lynn press the attack numbers forwards the ball cut into the box for Forshaw left of goal six yards out stabs the shot wide at the near post before anyone sees she has been flagged offside. Beth Woodfield strong in her box gets her head to the ball as Reardon fires a cross in from the right. Late on Imanalijeva takes the ball on into the box from the right, Wickens with the challenge, Imanalijeva grounded protests the appeals waved away. A drawn out 2nd period of extra-time plenty of stoppages however King’s Lynn can’t find a goal to force penalties and Newmarket celebrate the win at the final whistle.

4-3 to Newmarket Town Ladies after extra-time a magnificent result to come back from 3-0 with just 10 players in the final 15 minutes of the game. To force extra-time and then score the winning goal. Reduced to 9 in the finish it could have cost them dearly, didn’t they are through to the next round when the clubs form FAWPL Division One enter the competition. Showed great character kept going scoring twice in quick succession to make it 3-2 was the turning point the energy they gained took away their player disadvantage. King’s Lynn comfortable at 3-0 couldn’t see out the game, never regained their dominance in midfield a tough defeat in the end lessons to be learned but no doubt they will and be better for it.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

It’s a really tough one today picking the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Got to pick one however those are the rules I’ve set myself. Bethan Jones was fantastic in the middle especially 1st half. Newmarket battled hard as a team down to 10 then 9 late on everyone doing their part but I have chosen Brooke Wickens was a real threat after coming on on the left and drifting inside to pick up the ball, tracking back to defend to scoring the goal to bring it into extra-time then getting the winning goal.

 If there’s one thing I’ve learnt about the FA Women’s Cup over the years since I’ve been covering it is whatever the result is it puts a little more fire into a player and their team going forwards everyone loves the competition and there is something special about this one. Took me an hour and 15 minutes to eat a bag of crisps the football had me on the edge of my seat a thrilling match. My thanks to both clubs and Chris Abbott for their help with the teams today the draw for 3rd Round Qualifying will be made on Monday I can hardly wait.

Match Report – King’s Lynn Town Ladies v Milton Keynes Dons Ladies

Sunday 6th August

A new beginning on Women’s Football East the first match report published straight to the website as it becomes the new home for the SWF Blog my other women’s football adventure moving here after 3 and a half season’s to better streamline my coverage of the game. Still as it is a continuation of the SWF Blog, (same writer) just a different platform this is match report 291.

  A new season will soon be upon us pre season well under way for some clubs the FAWPL season beginning in less than 2 weeks. Still plenty to do on the website. Have had a good break over the summer after completing 102 matches in 2016 then pushing straight on into 2017. Needed the rest did me the power of good. Would have been back sooner covering a few more friendlies only family matters took a turn for the worse and needed my whole attention. Settled down now and time to get back into it.

  Enough about me however onto the football. Began my season with a trip up the A47 to King’s Lynn the venue The Walks stadium to watch King’s Lynn Town Ladies beginning their 2nd season under the King’s Lynn Town FC banner hosting Milton Keynes Dons Ladies who ply their trade 2 leagues higher in FAWPL South East Division One. 

 A good test for King’s Lynn Town Ladies as they get to host another showpiece game at The Walks following on from taking on a West Ham United Ladies XI last season. A club on the move beginning 3 seasons ago as Lynn Ladies winning promotion from Norfolk Women’s Division Two in their 1st season establishing themselves in Division One the following season. Merged with King’s Lynn Town FC last season as the club sort to build better community spirit and relations. The move bringing about more progress as the ladies side challenged for the Division One title and won their 1st ever piece of silverware the Ladies League Plate. Finishing 3rd in the end applied for promotion to the regional league and accepted won a place in ERWFL Division One North. The squad preparing for their 4th season playing at a higher level.

  Milton Keynes Dons Ladies will be amongst the favourites for the FAWPL South East Division One title this coming season having clinched runners up spot last time around. Bring a squad of both 1st team and development squad players up to Norfolk for today’s pre season friendly including new recruits Alice Hughes a recent signing from Nottingham Forest Ladies and striker Sarah Payne back to full fitness after recovering from a long injury lay off making the move from Stevenage Ladies.

The playing surface at The Walks looked immaculate a great pitch to play on will see alot of action over the coming season with King’s Lynn Town FC having 6 teams, 1st’s, Reserves and U18s using it on a regular basis. King’s Lynn Town Ladies playing any home ties they receive in this season’s County and FA Women’s Cup here. A good sized stadium a large seated main stand, bar and refreshments. The weather was perfect bright and sunny another great opportunity to showcase women’s football at the ground. 

 King’s Lynn Town Ladies squad – Bryony Russell-Smith, Millie Wilson, Winnie Lee, Shanice Burch, Albany Hodgson, Bethan Jones, Jade Kelly, Becky Russell, Shelley Woods (C), Josie Turner & Elle Bocking, Vikki Burkauskaite, Tegan Wheeler, Lisa Wilson & Louise Coggles.

 Milton Keynes Dons Ladies squad – Sophie Shults, Khakr, Taylor Shields, Zoe Lander, Abbey Roberts (C), Sarah Harrison, Charley Aldridge, Molly Corbett, Taylor Duffy, Charlotte Murphy, Sarah Payne. Jemma Brittain & Alice Hughes.

Kick-off

   It’s the visitors to get the game underway Milton Keynes wearing an all red strip with a black and white vertical band upon the sides of the shirts and shorts along with a black ad white hoop upon the socks. King’s Lynn are wearing their new kit for the season sponsored by Adrian Flux Insurance, blue shirts with a yellow collar and sleeves, yellow shorts and blue socks. Milton Keynes start on the attack the ball played out to Taylor Duffy on the left wing runs inside taking the ball into the box, King’s Lynn centre back Albany Hodgson closes her down pushing her away from goal before tackling putting the ball behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! The last thing you want to do when facing higher league opposition is concede an early goal, Milton Keynes have several tall players in their side those fill the box for the set piece flighted in towards the far post by Duffy, Sarah Harrison is there connects knocking the ball into the ground on target one bounce taking it past goalkeeper Bryony Russell-Smith into the back of the net 0-1. 2 minutes played.

A positive start from the visitors, King’s Lynn yet to settle pushed back as Milton Keynes push players forwards win another corner on the left played in near side towards the top of the box, Charley Aldridge locks onto the  ball her shot is deflected wide of goal by a King’s Lynn leg to concede another corner. The ball comes in central is cleared by Hodgson for King’s Lynn the home side attempt to break the ball played long for Elle Bocking to chase threatening to get in behind is tackled by Zoe Lander for Milton Keynes.

 Charlotte Murphy gets hold of the ball in the middle for Milton Keynes attempts to play the ball in behind for striker Sarah Payne to chase taking her to the right of goal attempts to lift the ball over the defence into the middle of the six yard box the ball cut out is turned behind for the corner. Plenty of bodies in the six yard box the referee spots a foul as the ball is turned in towards goal a nervous start from the hosts. 

 King’s Lynn look to make progress down the right side the ball into Becky Russell helped on for Josie Turner up front again Lander gets across her to slide the ball into goalkeeper Sophie Shults to clear up field a counter attack on the pass from midfield finds Duffy running clear on the left carrying the ball into the box King’s Lynn’s Shanice Burch times her tackle perfectly going to ground to take the ball away from Duffy and behind for the corner. 

King’s Lynn need someone to get hold of the ball in the middle of the park. Coming forwards Bethan Jones gets the ball up the pitch Russell 25 yards out headers the ball on in towards the top of the area, Turner makes the run in behind, Lander goes with her however and gets her head on the ball to play it into her keepers gloves.

GOAL! Just over 15 minutes played and King’s Lynn get themselves back on level terms with some good build up play the ball with midfielder Jade Kelly 30 yards out she has possession drives forwards fires the pass into Bocking left of the D good hold up play from the attacker sees Russell making a central run rolls the ball into her path 25 yards out central she lets fly straight at the keeper it dips late Shults goes to block with her gloves doesn’t get a good connection the ball slipping beyond her and to her dismay into the back of the net 1-1.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies – Becky Russell

Play is stretched Milton Keynes prepared to play a high line at times, King’s Lynn try to counter get their strikers in behind, Lander isn’t letting anything past her, last player on a couple of occasions times her tackles well. With Kelly finding a little more room to exploit King’s Lynn a posing a few problems going forwards. Risk being hit on the counter Milton Keynes quickly turning things around players going forwards Payne up front ready to break clear of the last defender a good tempo to the game. A shot wide from outside the box by Milton Keynes, Molly Corbett as she receives the lay off from Payne dribbling inside from the left.

King’s Lynn captain Shelley Woods playing on the left fires the ball in towards Turner inside the box her snap shot is wide of the near post. Harrison carries the ball forwards for Milton Keynes play in on for Murphy ahead of her, she in turn sends it on into the box with Payne breaking, Burch goes with her tackling to put the ball behind for a corner kick on the right. Players go forwards a high ball into the six yard box central is met by Milton Keynes, Abbey Roberts who sends her header up over the crossbar.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies – Shanice Burch

GOAL! Milton Keynes score soon after to retake the lead the ball won up field is lifted forwards picked up by Harrison central drives forwards his challenged by Russell outside the area, charged down the ball pops back to Harrison she hits it first time a sweet strike that flies like a bullet past the keeper before she can react into the back of the net 1-2.

Milton Keynes Dons Ladies – Sarah Harrison

Milton Keynes make a change bringing right back Khakr off for Jemma Brittain. An injury blow for King’s Lynn, Kelly hurt as she goes in to tackle Duffy on the attack down the left side, the free kick awarded to the visitors Kelly can’t continue is carried off the pitch, Lisa Wilson coming on to join the action. Harrison to take the free kick the ball long towards the far post a touch but sent wide. Murphy wins Milton Keynes a corner on the right another good delivery into the box a point blank header from Harrison straight at Russell-Smith gloves it up into the air but claims as it falls. The referee plays an advantage as Duffy is brought down again on the left Taylor Shields on the overlap picking up the ball fires the diagonal ball inside to Murphy tees up a shot 20 yards out is wide of target.

Payne has been threatening to do it all through the 1st half, this time succeeds in beating the offside trap clear bearing down on the box, Russell-Smith comes rushing in to close her down, Payne shoots too close to the keeper takes a deflection off her putting it wide for the corner.

GOAL! The set-piece is played in from the left played up the line then fired into the area missed by the King’s Lynn defender attempting to clear runs through to Murphy beyond 8 yards from goal stabs her shot to the right of the keeper to score 1-3.

Up the other end Shults produces a fine save to deny Turner tipping her 20 yards strike over the bar, However both she and fellow striker Bocking had moved to soon as King’s Lynn looked to break as Jones and Russell break up another Milton Keynes attack. Penalty! A hand ball is spotted by the referee inside the King’s Lynn box as Milton Keynes attack down the left Duffy on the ball firing a ball into the area. It’s Duffy to take the spot kick fires her low drive narrowly wide of the left post the chance to extend their lead gone.

Payne finds herself in the clear again chasing another ball over the top 30 yards out closing in on the top of the area Russell-Smith comes out to close her down the pair collide as Payne squeezes her shot past the keeper the ball rolls wide across goal. Payne stays down a moment of concern as she clutches her ankle but it’s short lived as she gets back to her feet as the 1st half moves into stoppage time.

Milton Keynes Dons Ladies – Sarah Payne

GOAL! Milton Keynes go on to grab a 4th goal in the closing seconds play stretched King’s Lynn over committing to an attack lose possession the ball is played long for Murphy as she moves out to the right attacking down the line beats the full back taking the ball inside the area closing in on the six yard box has Payne free in a central position picks her out a simple stroke into the back of the net 1-4.

Half-time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 1-4 Milton Keynes Dons Ladies

  Changes for both sides at the beginning of the 2nd half a switch of goalkeepers for Milton Keynes, along with Khakr coming back on for Roberts. King’s Lynn make a change bringing on Vikki Burkauskaite for Wilson going into the left back position, sees Millie Wilson move inside to centre back with Hodgson pushed up into a midfield role. King’s Lynn to kick-off the 2nd half. 

The home side win an early free-kick on half-way Wilson to play the ball forwards left side into Woods combines with Turner the ball lifted in centrally into the box, Bocking getting onto the ball has just strayed offside. Hodgson wins the ball in the middle the pass on for Bocking up top good hold up play before shifting it out to Jones on the right shoots from the angle the 25 yard drive wide of the near post. A positive start to the 1st half from King’s Lynn. 

King’s Lynn Town Ladies – Albany Hodgson

GOAL! 6 minutes into the 2nd half ad King’s Lynn pull a goal back a well timed run from Turner attacking left into the box as the ball is lifted forwards composure as she opens up her body to curl her shot wide of the keeper to score 2-4.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies – Josie Turner

GOAL! A sluggish start to the 2nd half from Milton Keynes the King’s Lynn goal waking them up the ball won in midfield played out to Duffy on the left side takes her the full back getting inside carries the ball on into the area before shooting firing a low strike across the keeper and into the far corner of the goal 2-5.

Milton Keynes Dons Ladies – Taylor Duffy

Another chance for Duffy moments later as the ball is played into Payne central back to goal outside the D, works it wide into Duffy’s run as she charges into the box pulls the trigger shooting across goal this time the ball races wide of the far post. both sides make a change with Roberts back on for Milton Keynes replacing Harrison, Wilson back on for Jones. Good work from Russell on the right for King’s Lynn the ball rolled on for Bocking to attack inside the box sliding in at her feet the keeper can claim 1st. 

 Duffy plays an inviting cross in from the left Payne leaps inside the box a glancing header puts the ball wide of the far post from 10 yards out. What happened next I didn’t think was possible but even a 50+ goals a season striker can blaze over from 3 yards! King’s Lynn are attacking down the right good build up into Turner inside the box to the by line right of goal turns inside gets the ball past the keeper at the near post Woods is there unmarked looks certain to score but doesn’t the ball deflecting up off her boot over. 

GOAL! Moments from pulling it back to 3-5 Milton Keynes go up the other end and extend their lead, a swift counter move the ball turned around played wide to Duffy on the left an early diagonal cross into the box players free running in at the far post Payne and Murphy one of then turns the ball into the back of the net think it was Murphy but either way Milton Keynes lead 3-6.

A dominant spell from Milton Keynes follows King’s Lynn pushed back, Lee does well to keep Duffy getting inside the box before sliding in to challenge for the ball. Jones returns to the field for King’s Lynn replacing Hodgson. Milton Keynes press Payne picking up the ball centrally screws left then right before passing the ball forwards into the box for Roberts making the run, left of goal she shapes to shoot Russell-Smith dives in to save at her feet before Burch clears the ball. Harrison returns to the pitch for Milton Keynes as Duffy pushes inside from the left plays the pass across the top of the area into her inside the D, Harrison picks out Payne inside the box she drives her strike wide across goal.

Late into the game King’s Lynn have expanded alot of energy but break late on Russell finding space on the right cuts inside towards the area sees the keeper moving towards her opts for the early lob getting the ball over her, sees her effort bounce off the far post before Khakr gets back to clear. 

GOAL! Into the closing minutes and Milton Keynes score a 7th goal, Harrison has made several attacking runs throughout the game finding space tired legs in front of her now drives in right side into the area closing in on the by line cuts the cross back along the face of goal beating the keeper Payne running in with a defender far post both sliding in the ball ends up in the back of the net as Payne claims her 2nd of the game 2-7.

King’s Lynn push on late on in stoppage time Burkauskaite goes forwards getting in behind looks to turn inside get into the box closed down by Khakr the ball put behind for the corner left side Russell with the inswinging ball teasing bounces at the far post inside the six yard box but no one can connect as it goes out for the goal-kick.

Full time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 2-7 Milton Keynes Dons Ladies

   The final whistle blows and Milton Keynes wrap up a 7-2 win as they prepare for the new season. Played well with some good individual performances and some well taken goals. A pre season friendly ultimately is about getting minutes in the legs, bedding in players and finding match sharpness in that regards a useful exercise for both sides. King’s Lynn recovering after a nervy start looked to be building momentum after equalising after Kelly started to find time on the ball, her injury a loss. Milton Keynes 1st team players having the experience to find the space and exploit it with Payne a good foil up front. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

   Today’s Women’s Football East (as a pose to the SWF Blog) – Player of the Match goes to Milton Keynes Done Ladies, Sarah Harrison good work on and off the ball always available for the pass and looking to make something happen carrying it forwards.

  The 1st match report of the new season, have missed it now rested up and ready to go with a new home can’t wait for the competitive action to begin so check back soon.

Match Report – King’s Lynn Town Ladies v Thorpe United Ladies

Not a coat or umbrella in sight the sun cream applied a trip across to the west of Norfolk this Sunday to watch a top of the table clash from Norfolk Women’s Division One just a point between leaders Thorpe United Ladies & King’s Lynn Town Ladies in 2nd going into the game, the hottest day of the year and it’s only April, plenty of action in this one..

Match Report – King’s Lynn Town Ladies v Thorpe United Ladies

 
  Hot and sunny! Haven’t said that to often at the start of a new match report on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog. A top of the table clash in Norfolk Women’s Division One this Sunday as leaders Thorpe United Ladies travel west across the county to play 2nd placed King’s Lynn Town Ladies just a point between the sides.

  8 teams in the Norfolk Women’s Division One this season playing each other 3 times most sides having completed 2 thirds of their games still alot of football to be played, nothing will be decided to day however it could give one side or the other a huge advantage along with next weekends reverse fixture. 3rd placed North Walsham Angels and 4th placed Bungay Town Ladies 5 and 6 points off top spot themselves aren’t out of the race yet and will be interested observers.

  King’s Lynn Town Ladies began their season at Thorpe United Ladies and won’t thank me for reminding them they suffered a heavy defeat. However since then King’s Lynn have gone unbeaten in the league, 6 straight wins followed, 10 in total now with 2 draws in their 13 games played have led the table themselves this season as their opponents suffered from postponements. Could yet be a league and cup double for King’s Lynn having reached the final of the Norfolk Ladies Plate. Captain, Shelley Woods is way out in front as the leagues top goalscorer closing in on 50 goals so far this season.

  Thorpe United Ladies looked like they were going to take some stopping at the start of the season leading the way winning 9 league games in a row before their run was halted away to Bungay Town Ladies. A win and 2nd loss followed, taking over at the top again last time out a point clear of King’s Lynn both having played 13 games in the league. A double on for King’s Lynn, it could be a treble for Thorpe United as they have reached both the finals of the Ladies League Cup and Norfolk Women’s County Cup where they are the defending cup holders. However the challenge will test the Thorpe United squad to the max as the finals have been scheduled to take place just 2 days apart!

   River Lane Playing Fields in Gaywood, King’s Lynn the venue for today’s match. A beautiful day, temperatures into the twenties, sun cream needed and not a coat or umbrella in sight. A good covering of grass on today’s pitch firm underfoot. Sunny skies however there is a strong breeze blowing across the pitch from one goal to the other.

  King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Christina Vivas, Vikttorija Burkauskaite, Lisa Wilson, Albany Hodgson, Millie Wilson, Millie Hopkisson, Becky Russell, Emma Woods Tegan Wheeler, Shelley Woods (C) & Josie Turner.
  subs – Natalie Bunton, Amy Gillon & Leanne Keeley-Smith

  Thorpe United Ladies starting XI – Cara Anderson, Bethan Sommerfield, Olivia Mungham-Gray, Lisa-Marie Riches, Lauren Kett, Alice Ford, Sophie Jermy, Laura Hedtke, Vivian Moyo, Shanice Sutton & Rebekah Lake (C).
  subs – Nicole Read, Chelsea Clarke & Jade Powell.
  

 (roll on roll off substitutes)

 It’s Thorpe to get the 1st half underway wearing dark pink shirts with black across the top of the sleeves, black shorts and pick socks. King’s Lynn lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts with a blue and white band across the front, blue shorts and socks have the breeze at their backs 1st half, new signing Tegan Wheeler recently joining King’s Lynn from Spalding United U18s Girls starting in midfield for the home side, Leanne Keeley-Smith on the bench looking to make her 1st appearance for King’s Lynn today.

  Getting hold of the ball early King’s Lynn look to play the ball out to Wheeler making a move into the right channel, looking to turn in field take the ball in towards the box, Thorpe full back, Olivia Mungham-Gray closes Wheeler down putting in a crunching tackle to win the ball back. The ball played up the pitch for Shanice Sutton comes together with King’s Lynn’s Emma Woods a bit of shoving as they regain their feet the referee quick to blow up call them over and issue a warning to both.

  The ball is rolled into the feet of King’s Lynn captain Shelley Woods as she looks to make a run down the left closing in on the area, Thorpe right back Bethan Sommerfield goes to ground stretching her leg to take the ball away from the striker concede the 1st corner of the game. The corner goes long bouncing out of play without a touch at the far post. A bright start form King’s Lynn, Becky Russell who used to play for Thorpe getting forwards linking up with Wheeler as the ball is brought out to the right another corner won the ball is fired in low towards the near post Thorpe have it covered launch the ball clear. 

King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Becky Russell

  Russell is all over the pitch in the opening minutes left then right side on the ball from the left looks to thread a ball into the box for Josie Turner, is intercepted by Thorpe’s Lisa-Marie Riches her clearance lands at the feet of Wheeler 25 yards out sends a shot in towards goal, Cara Anderson keeping goal for Thorpe today is right behind it sees the ball safely into her gloves.

Tegan Wheeler looking to get forwards for King’s Lynn Town Ladies
 GOAL! Capitalising on their start, King’s Lynn preventing Thorpe from getting the ball beyond the midfield the ball closed down quickly and the inch rule ball through the middle has Turner running in behind on the shoulder of centre back Lauren Kett both racing towards the area, their is contact Kett ends up on the ground Thorpe want the foul, Turner keeps going into the box slides the ball past the static Anderson into the bottom corner to hand the home side the lead in the 8th minute 1-0.
 
 GOAL! No sooner have King’s Lynn taken the lead however Thorpe come right back at them with an almost immediate response winning the ball on the right side played into the feet of Vivian Moyo she slides the ball in towards the top corner of the area, Thorpe captain Rebekah Lake playing off the shoulder of the last defender makes the run in behind looking to get onto the end of the ball, King’s Lynn goalkeeper, Christina Vivas comes rushing out to close her down, Lake reaching the ball 1st sends the lob over the keeper and into the back of the net beyond 1-1.
 
 GOAL! A complete turn around 4 minutes after conceding Thorpe not only equalise but go on to take the lead! King’s Lynn are looking to push on up their right the ball is closed down with space in behind both Lake and Sutton make runs to the left as the ball is played forwards, Sutton gets there 1st taking the ball on into the box Vivas comes Sutton looks to send the ball low past her right into the near post, the goalkeeper diving to her right gets a glove on the ball pushing it away from goal but it is still alive Sutton goes after it the angle going away from her defenders rushing back sends the shot in on target, King’s Lynn defender, Millie Wilson almost gets there to clear the ball off the line but her effort is in vain 1-2.

Thorpe United Ladies, Shanice Sutton

  A vital header from Wilson moments to stop Thorpe getting through on goal for another shooting opportunity as midfielder Alice Ford drives forwards with the ball having won it out on the right coming inside 30 yards out looks to put the ball in towards the top of the box, Wilson gets her head on the ball if she hadn’t Lake drifting in behind would have be through on goal. A busy start to the match the breeze has gotten stronger a physical game developing on the pitch. 

  Shelley Woods is given the ball from midfield moving out wide left sends the diagonal ball into the near post area with Turner providing the run, Riches sliding in throws herself at the ball reaching it 1st clears the threat. Thorpe deal with the resulting corner kick. Attacking down the right King’s Lynn get the corner kick Turner plays the ball into Russell coming towards the ball near side, Ford on her won’t let Russell turn and shoot the ball is deflected back towards Emma Woods top of the area, her shot is closed down the deflected ball coming back out to Turner on the right plays it long across the face of goal Shelley Woods putting the ball over the line at the far post however the flag is raised against her for offside. 

  Sutton has taken a knock for Thorpe the visitors make a change bringing on Jade Powell. Not long after King’s Lynn make their 1st change Emma Woods making way for Natalie Bunton. Thorpe cut an opening through the middle of the park the ball over the top Lake shoots early Vivas diving low to her right pushes the ball away from her goal conceding the corner. An injury to Thorpe’s Sophie Jermy, she comes off to be replaced by Chelsea Clarke. Turner comes off for King’s Lynn up front Millie Hopkisson pushed further forwards as Leanne Keeley-Smith comes on for her 1st appearance for King’s Lynn.

  Clarke gets into the action straight away hassling King’s Lynn as they try to bring the ball out winning possession her diagonal ball putting the King’s Lynn centre backs under pressure struggling to get control, Lake is ready to pounce inside the D her snap shot whistling over the crossbar. Nobody is thinking about the guy trying to write notes on the side of the pitch the action is soon up the other end, the ball from Lisa Wilson into Russell ahead of her on the left played on for Shelley Woods making a charge for the Thorpe area, Kett lunges in to win the ball take it off her toes for a throw.

King’s Lynn’s Vikttorija Burkauskaite with Thorpe United’s Chelsea Clarke

  An action game, Vikttorija Burkauskaite closes the ball down and wins it for King’s Lynn at right back sends the threaded ball up the line for Bunton has Hopkisson in field plays the pass into her breaking forwards fires the ball up towards the D with Shelley Woods making the run from the left side chests the ball down into the area Riches goes with her gets fouled as Woods tries to get a shot away the ball running out of play.

Thorpe United Ladies captain Rebekah Lake looking to get a shot away

  Lake is a nightmare for defenders to deal with specialises in playing off the shoulder you just never know which one to look over. Small of stature but rapid from a standing start the ball is played over the top peeling away to the left Lake controlling the ball well looks to sends the ball across the face of goal towards the far post, Albany Hodgson throws herself into the path of the ball making the block deflects back to Clarke outside the box space to her right, has the vision to control and drill the ball in low towards the opposite post Vivas seeing it late does well diving to her right to save and pull the ball into her body.

Half-time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 1-2 Thorpe United Ladies

  A busy 1st half King’s Lynn starting on the front foot taking the early lead only for Thorpe to come straight back at them equalise then take the lead with 4 minutes. Has been a competitive contest, physical from both sides a bit of banter two which isn’t fazing either side both can give as good as they get. End to end no one getting any time on the ball Vivas with a couple of saves to keep the deficit down the a single goal for King’s Lynn all to play for 2nd half.
  King’s Lynn to get the 2nd half underway, Wilson also off at left back, Burkauskaite coming over to that side with Amy Gillon on at right back. A few testing balls put long at the start defences clearing the ball. King’s Lynn win a free-kick inside the centre circle, Hodgson on the ball sends t long up into the area Anderson not distracted by the on coming runners gathers the ball cleanly. Hopkisson makes a move to the right outside the box as Wheeler wins the ball slides her in, Anderson comes rushing out towards the attacker makes the block with her legs as she pulls the trigger the ball deflecting away for a throw.
 GOAL! The throw in level with the top of the box is taken quickly played into Wheeler the cross comes in going long towards the far post players over for the throw, Shelley Woods arrives unmarked to header the ball in from close range to put King’s Lynn back on level terms 2-2. 

King’s Lynn Town Ladies captain, Shelley Woods

  A good start to the 2nd half from King’s Lynn, getting bodies forwards, Keeley-Smith playing the ball on for Russell, Hopkisson to her left looks to pick out Woods, Kett intercepts the pass. The physical contest continues the referee again calming thing’s down.

 GOAL! Just like the 1st half after conceding Thorpe aren’t long in finding a response pushing forwards the ball played into the feet of Laura Hedtke 25 yards out right of goal has Lake peeling into space on the wing that side rolls the ball into her path continues her run into the box, Lake cuts the ball back to Hedtke who leaning back hits it first tie sending her shot looping up and over Vivas into the back of the net 3-2.

 GOAL! What are the odds of the same thing happening in the space of 2 halves of football, well they do like the 1st half after conceding Thorpe respond with 2 quickfire goals. On the counter attack Thorpe go forwards the ball with Powell in the centre of midfield his lifted over the top for Lake breaking into the area on the right side seeing the ball across her body strikes it on the bounces her looping ball flying in towards goal, Vivas throws her gloves up reacting quickly but doesn’t get enough of the ball to stop it falling behind her into the back of the net as Lake scores her 2nd of the match making it 4-2.

Thorpe United Ladies captain Rebekah Lake (central) always looking to break forwards

  Straight from the restart King’s Lynn get the ball forwards into Woods moving right hits the shot early on the angle her effort sailing over the bar. Thorpe attack through the middle, Hedtke onto Powell long for Lake moving into the right channel, her ball squared into the area no one making a central run, Keeley-Smith able to clear far post. Lake wins Thorpe a corner on the right the ball high into the box headed clear by Millie Wilson falls outside the box Powell onto the ball 25 yards out fires a shot in towards goal, Vivas behind it collects on the bounce inside her six yard box. 

 Russell gets hold of possession in the middle of the park has Shelley Woods ahead of her making a run left to right across the face of the area, plays the ball forwards, in a race to reach it before Thorpe’s Kett hurdles over the defender as she goes to ground inside the D taking a blow to the back of her head off Woods’ knee play is stopped so she can receive treatment both sides taking the opportunity to take on fluids. Kett needs a moment to recover Nicole Read comes on albeit briefly this time around.

  Pushing forwards down the right players supporting Lake she wins her side a throw in taken quickly put into the path of Powell as she reaches the top right-hand corner of the box is falling back as she looks to turn and sends the ball goalwards slices her attempt wide. King’s Lynn bring Wheeler off send Lisa Wilson back on with a little over 15 minutes of the 2nd half left to play. Russell charging the ball down 30 yards out continues her run the ball now deflected into her path shoots from 25 yards out Anderson well placed in her goal to get her body behind the strike. Read comes on again this time to replace Hedtke in the centre of midfield. 

  Turner rejoins the action for King’s Lynn replacing Hodgson as both sides continue to press for a goal. King’s Lynn have upped the tempo pressing Thorpe inside their own half looking to pull a goal back Woods is fouled as she jumps for the ball outside the box Kett winning the header but adjudged to have taken the player too.

 GOAL! A dangerous position 25 yards out right of goal, Shelley Woods on the ball takes on the shot a great strike arrowing across the diving keeper to nestle into the back of the net to pull it back to 3-4.

  A nervy finish on the cards into the last five minutes King’s Lynn having regained momentum drive forwards, Hopkisson through the middle on for Woods inside the D lays it out to Lisa Wilson on her left, looks to fire the ball in across the face of the six yard box the ball is cleared by Thorpe out for a throw on the far side, King’s Lynn keep pressing are awarded a free-kick that side. Woods to take goes for goal again flashes inches wide of the far post. 

King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Lisa Wilson

  The game moves into stoppage time King’s Lynn have a corner kick on the right side players up into the box the ball played long Woods gets up highest far post to head the ball back across goal Thorpe do enough to prevent an attempt at goal before Kett is fouled trying to bring the ball out. Getting the ball up field into the run of Lake closing in on the box two King’s Lynn defenders slide in on her to win the ball as she reaches the top of the box the ball deflected back into the gloves of the goalkeeper. 

Full time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 3-4 Thorpe United Ladies

  The final whistle blows and despite late pressure from King’s Lynn, Thorpe United Ladies hold out to win the match 4-3 take the 3 points back to the capital with them go 4 points clear at the top of the Norfolk Women’s Division One table. A good win a few knocks to show for it however. An entertaining contest between two good sides they meet again next Sunday at Thorpe, a must win game for King’s Lynn you would think to prevent their rivals going 7 points clear still plenty of action to come in the league however a busy few weeks for both sides and still all to play for.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

  Today’s SWF Blog – Player of the Match goes to Thorpe United Ladies captain, Rebekah Lake, two well taken goals plus and assist, caused problems for the King’s Lynn defence all game some clever runs always looking for space and making herself available to receive the ball.  
  My thanks to both teams for their help with the team details today will see both at the respective finals come the end of the month best of luck to both.

Match Report – Acle United Ladies v Kings Lynn Town Ladies

   It was a wet one across the whole country on Sunday with a huge amount of postponements disrupting a County Cup fixtures weekend. The Supporting Women’s Football Blog settled early on a 3G option, a quarter final from the Norfolk Women’s County Cup, with Acle United Ladies hosting King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Two league between the sides King’s Lynn encouraged by a bright start gave their opponents plenty to think about, lots of goals in the game read about them all in the report below.

Match Report – Acle United Ladies v King’s Lynn Town Ladies

 
  The action on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Sunday comes from the quarter finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup, with ERWFL Premier Division side, Acle United Ladies hosting King’s Lynn Town Ladies from Norfolk Women’s Division One.

  A wet Sunday right across the country saw a large number of fixtures called off, with their fixtures already piling up, Acle United Ladies took the decision early to switch the game to an all weather 3G pitch, at Flegg High School in Martham where the side trains during the week.

  Acle United Ladies play their football 2 leagues higher than their opponents today in the County Cup 1 of 3 sides in Norfolk who play their football outside the county leagues. Currently 7th in the ERWFL Premier Division table have games in hand on all the sides above them. Won the Norfolk Women’s County Cup 2 seasons ago. Entered this years competition in the 2nd Round winning 4-3 away home against Norfolk Women’s Division One side, North Walsham Angels Ladies. Acle announced the signing of California State University San Bernardino scholar Megan Todd earlier in the week after obtaining international clearance, makes her debut in the County Cup.

  A good test for King’s Lynn Town Ladies today taking on a side 2 leagues higher, but come into the game on the back of a 7 match unbeaten run in the league which included 6 straight wins to see them up into 2nd place in the table. Also entered the competition in the 2nd Round, beating fellow Norfolk Women’s Division One side, Fakenham Town Ladies 8-0 at The Walks

   A nice 3G facility at the Flegg High School, room for spectators to stand beside the pitch, hot and cold drinks available from vending machines. A narrow pitch. Like I said a wet day across the country the waterproofs were needed the umbrella up, making juggling a camera and notepad tricky, but at least keeping both dry.

 Acle United Ladies starting XI – Chloe Nixon, Anna Larkins, Luka Goodchild, Chloe Shields, Kate Pasque, Amber Rowland, Alice Ladbrooke, Bryony Knights, Megan Todd, Rebecca Burton (C) & Jody Wells.
 subs – Joanne Hooper, Jade Copeman & Sarah Howard.

 King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Christina Vivas Artacho, Winnie Lee, Lisa Wilson, Albany Hodgson, Emma Woods, Bethan Jones, Taylor Sarchet, Jade Kelly, Becky Russell, Shelley Woods (C) & Oksana Imanalijeva.
 subs – Katie Garner, Emma Corbyn & Natalie Bunton

(roll on roll off substitutes)
  It’s Acle to kick-off the 1st half, wearing red and white vertical striped shirts, white shorts and red and white hooped socks, with King’s Lynn lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts, with blue shorts and socks. The home side push players forwards at the start Alice Ladbrooke playing the ball out to Megan Todd on the right wing, drives forwards with the ball flashes a cross into the area race wide behind the goal. 
  A lively start from both sides, Bethan Jones sliding in to win the ball in the middle plays it forwards early looking for Shelley Woods, the King’s Lynn captain looking to make a run through the middle, her 1st touch a little heavy allows the Acle defence to get back on her regain possession and sending it long, King’s Lynn goalkeeper, Christina Vivas Artacho is out of her area quickly to win the race for the ball. Starting and attack on the right full-back Winnie Lee brings the ball on playing it forwards for Becky Russell ahead of her sends the looping cross into the box, moving right side Oksana Imanalijeva brings the ball down well with her chest inside the area knocking to down right of goal shoots as she reaches the six yard box the ball is blocked at the near post as the Acle defence goes with her.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Becky Russell
 Acle’s front two link up captain, Rebecca Burton, only just returned to action after a two month injury layout pressures the King’s Lynn defence, has Jody Wells in close support rolls the ball forwards for her outside the box, Wells back to goal holds the ball up before laying it back to Burton who goes for the 1st time strike sending her shot over the bar. Acle win a free-kick inside the King’s Lynn half on the right, Anna Larkins over the ball sweeps it high in towards the far post area, Todd gets up highest, getting her head on the ball can’t direct it on target.

Acle United Ladies, Anna Larkins
  King’s Lynn get forwards on the right the cross in across the face of the area is intercepted by Chloe Shields rolled into the midfield for Amber Rowland to carry forwards, player break threads the ball into the path of Wells 30 yards out is closed down quickly by Jones still manages to get a shot away her effort flying over the crossbar. Chances for both sides early on King’s Lynn getting joy out wide play the ball out to Russell high on the right wing, fires a ball in across to top of the area, good control from Shelley Woods inside the D to kill the ball and turning hits the shot in the half-volley, arrowing for the top corner, Acle goalkeeper, Chloe Nixon produces a fantastic save a full stretch tipping the ball over the bar for a corner kick.
  King’s Lynn are encouraged by their bright start, pressing Acle on the ball is a competitive match, Russell with another surge up the right wing gets the corner taking it herself is an inswinging ball flies across the six yard box low no one can get a touch as it kisses the far post running wide for the goal-kick. Bryony Knights has possession of the ball on the left side for Acle, plays the ball inside for Wells she is closely marked by King’s Lynn’s Emma Woods, the ball is won by the defender played into Taylor Sarchet in the middle and on quickly for Shelley Woods in attack a good 30 yards from goal wastes no time in shooting the ball landing in the side netting.
Acle United Ladies, Jody Wells, battling for the ball with
King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Emma Woods
  Shelley Woods reacts quickest to a poor kick out of the area from Nixon, dropping to the King’s Lynn captain 25 yards out drives on towards the top of the area moving right of goal Kate Pasque gets back on her shoulder as Nixon comes to close the angle, Woods shoots, Nixon throwing herself to the right makes the save pushing the ball wide across her area conceding the corner. Acle launch a counter attack from the corner, a strong run on the ball from Luka Goodchild from left-back sends the ball on into the area near post, Wells can’t quite reach it. Acle make a change, Joanne Hooper on in midfield replacing Rowland.
 Acle have another free-kick on the right inside the King’s Lynn half the ball is played into the area, Todd the target again gets up for a free header, a tall player knocks the ball down into the ground inside the six yard box is straight at the goalkeeper, Vivas Artacho dropping to the floor and making the save. Both sides are pressing looking for the opening goal, Acle over load the right side win a throw taken quickly into Wells turns inside towards the box moving across the face of the area is fouled as she cuts the ball into the area for Burton, no advantage play is brought back for the free-kick 20 yards out right of goal, Wells to take it goes for goal sends the ball over the bar.
  Albany Hodgson does well at the back closing down Knights as she is playing in moving in field from the left getting into the area Hodgson slides in to take the ball away from her out for a corner kick, Played in from the right, Todd in a central position outside the six yard box is allowed another free header, drops the ball wide trying to direct it into the bottom corner. More attacking play from Acle down the left Ladbrooke sending Knights in down the left swings the ball in across the six yard box, Vivas Artacho gets down but spills the ball out into the middle of the box, Emma Woods gets their before the Acle attackers the ball is cleared long out to the left side, picked up by Imanalijeva the striker takes it up the wing has Jade Kelly on that side with her lose sight of both as the crowd get excited, a shot comes blazing in however from distance, Nixon throwing herself to her right can’t get to it the ball past her cannons off the post and deflects behind for a goal-kick. 
  GOAL! 27 minutes into a busy 1st half Acle go straight up the other end from the goal kick and take the lead the ball is played quickly through the midfield and a perfectly weighted pass picks out Todd as she cuts inside from the right, takes the ball on into the area, right of goal sends her shot across Vivas Artacho and into the back of the net to score her on her debut 1-0.
 
A goal on debut for Acle United Ladies, Megan Todd
 

Kate Pasque makes it
2-0 for Acle

GOAL! A blow for King’s Lynn after matching Acle competitively for nearly half an hour find themselves 2-0 down just a minute after conceding, Acle get forwards down the right Larkins linking up Todd, a corner is won. The ball is fired in along the six yard box, comes straight at Pasque central, at head height a difficult ball to deal with, can’t jump no time to stoop either makes good contact with her forehead turning the ball towards goal and into the back of the net 2-0.

 
  King’s Lynn look for a response Sarchet getting the ball up to Shelley Woods moving out to the right turns towards the area holding it up before playing it back to Russell moving towards the right corner of the box, shoots her low drive held by Nixon at her near post. Acle attack down the right the ball played inside is helped on towards Burton who is fouled right on the edge of the area a shove in the back is OK after treatment, Larkins over the ball right of goal, Wells is free unmarked 20 yards out in a central position Larkins rolls the ball into her path fires the ball into the area too many bodies to squeeze through the shot is blocked. 
  Shelley Woods and Imanalijeva combine up front for King’s Lynn the ball with Woods on the right turns inside reaching the area lays it across the face for Imanalijeva inside the D, digs the ball out from under her feet sending a rising shot goalwards, Nixon palms the ball down and gathers cleanly. Another chance for Imanalijeva moments later as Emma Woods breaks up an Acle attack gets the ball up field to Shelley Woods passes it out to Imanalijeva left side outside the area meets the ball 1st time slicing her shot away from goal. 
  A throw for King’s Lynn on the left inside the Acle half Kelly into Imanalijeva heads the ball on towards the far post Shelley Woods coming onto it as it arrives in the six yard box fires the ball wide across the face of goal. Picking up the ball in half way Burton carries it forwards picking out Todd on the right, holding the ball up looks to spin in behind get into the area, Emma Woods goes with her gets a foot on the ball to push it on for Vivas Artacho to launch out of the area.

GOAL! Into the last 5 minutes of the 2nd half, Burton with another run from half way has Larkins bursting forwards on the right getting ahead of her rolls the ball into her path taking in on down the wing squares a fierce cross in across the six yard box, Vivas Artacho throwing herself forwards can’t quite reach it, nor can Hodgson tracking back, somehow Wells gets in between them and pushes the ball over the line to make it 3-0.
 
   GOAL! Acle continue to attack late on in the 1st half, are hit on the break as Lisa Wilson wins the ball back plays in infield the ball on through the middle finds the attackers Shelley Woods and Imanalijeva next to each other in a central position 25 yards from goal, it’s Imanalijeva who spins inside with the ball, a surging run into the area reaching the top of the six yard box fires her shot past Nixon to pull a goal back for King’s Lynn 3-1. 
 
King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Oksana Imanalijeva
Half-time Acle United Ladies 3-1 Kings Lynn Town Ladies
  An action paced 1st half Acle United Ladies leading the quarter final 3-1 at the break as the rain starts to slow and eventually stop. A competitive battle King’s Lynn encouraged by a positive start had chances to take the lead, Acle prepared to push bodies on at timely intervals getting into a quick-fire 2-0 lead, more chances followed, Acle going on to score a 3rd goal, that scoreline harsh on King’s Lynn going into half-time they pulled a goal back before the whistle to keep the deficit down to 2 goals.
  It’s King’s Lynn to kick-off the 2nd half. A change for Acle at the break, Burton off, Hooper moving up front with Rowland back on in midfield. Sarchet closes the ball down quickly in midfield for King’s Lynn played the ball backwards for Emma Woods who sends it long over the top with Shelley Woods breaking in behind the Acle defence, Nixon quick quickly off her line to come sliding in and smothers the ball on the edge of the area. Shields with a good tackle deals with a high ball put in from the right for Acle.

  An early switch 2nd half for King’s Lynn with Kelly the player substituted, Natalie Bunton coming on, is involved in the action straight away as Sarchet bringing the ball on through the middle releases her on the right wing, takes on the early shot outside the area the strike off target. The 2nd half has started in a similar tempo to the 1st half, both sides looking to attack, Acle’s Wells has the ball on the left 25 yards from the King’s Lynn goal opens up her body as she shoots sending a curling ball wide of the far post. 

  A good turn in the ball by Shelley Woods as the ball is played into her 25 yards out back to goal, escaping her marker lays the ball forwards for Russell on the left, taking the ball to the by-line is tackled by Shields the throw leading to a corner kick, swung in from the left towards the top of the area, won by Ladbrooke the ball is cleared, King’s Lynn regain possession come forwards the ball played into the box claimed by Nixon. Acle press players forwards, Larkins going past Todd as the ball is held up by Hooper outside the area rolls it towards the on coming full-back shots the ball flying straight into Vivas Artacho’s gloves the keeper positioned in the centre of her goal. 

Taylor Sarchet wins the ball for King’s Lynn Town Ladies

  Sarchet gets forwards for King’s Lynn as Shelley Woods has the ball out on the right for plays it across the face of the area, meeting it Sarchet fires a shot in across the keeper, diving full stretch to her right, Nixon makes the save pushing the ball wide of her goal. Larkins nips in to win the ball on the right inside the King’s Lynn half fires it into Wells holding position outside the area right of the D, Hodgson gets a toe on the ball to stop her turning in behind, Wells gets back on the ball pushed wide lifts a cross towards the far post Todd coming in puts her shot wide of goal.

  A 50/50 tackle in the centre of the park leaves Sarchet down on the floor clutching her ankle in alot of pain, play is stopped looks a nasty one, receives lengthy treatment on the pitch, cannot carry on with her ankle now heavily bandaged is helped of the pitch, Emma Corbyn joining the action.  

 GOAL! Play held up for 4-5 minutes it’s Acle who take advantage going on the attack the ball played up to right Todd on for Larkins taking the ball into the corner sends the cross long across the six yard box, Wells is their the ball behind her, thinks about the overhead kick, however Knights is right behind her, meets the ball 1st time sending it under the diving goalkeeper 4-1 extending Acle’s lead with around 25 minutes left to play.

  GOAL! As in the 1st half one goal is quickly followed by another however it isn’t Acle who extend their lead further. The ball is with Shelley Woods receiving it from a throw on the right side is inside the area, right corner shoved over the referee pointing to the spot, it’s Woods herself to take it Nixon guesses right dives to her right but the ball is placed perfectly by Woods into the bottom corner of the net 4-2.

Diving full stretch, Acle United Ladies goalkeeper, Chloe Nixon can’t stop Shelley Woods penalty

 A rush of blood moments later from Nixon as the Acle keeper comes rushing out of her area as King’s Lynn, Shelley Woods is played in behind, gets to the ball 1st taking it past the stranded keeper on towards the edge of the box, Larkins gets back just in tome to stop Woods taking an early shot into an empty net, by the time the striker manoeuvres herself into a position to shoot her strike is cut out by Pasque and the threat cleared. King’s Lynn bring Kelly back on replacing Bunton.

  Nixon hasn’t been put off coming out for the ball the save is needed as Shelley Woods sends Kelly through on the right, the keeper coming outside the box making it the ball before Kelly can push it past her. A change of formation for King’s Lynn as they look to try and pull a goal back, Wilson off at right back, Bunton back on to join the attack as they go 3-4-3 as the game moves into the final 15 minutes. 

Acle United Ladies, Amber Rowland gets to the ball ahead of Becky Russell

  Rowland takes the ball forwards for Acle playing the pass out to Todd on the right, 30 yards from goal is given time and space to line up a shot, whips the ball in towards goal, isn’t too far over the cross bar. Knights with a strong run on the left wing gets a corner for Acle the ball is playing into the middle, Pasque jumping highest heads the ball down into the ground right in front of Vivas Artacho the goalkeeper down quickly getting hold of the ball. A minute later up the other end Pasque head the ball clear of her area as Hodgson lifts in a free-kick from halfway. 

  Corbyn wins a 50/50 ball on the right plays it down the line for Bunton ahead of her travelling with the ball getting into the box on the right tries to cut the ball back into the six yard box from the by-line, Nixon has come the ball under her feet adjusted well to stab the ball away. Acle have a throw on the left, played in field into Rowland she attempts to lift the ball over the top for Todd breaking into the area, coming forwards Vivas Artacho get’s her gloves around it 1st. Into the last 10 minutes and Acle are looking for a 5th goal. The ball is played into Wells 20 yards out, tries to turn, Emma Woods wins the tackle the the foul for King’s Lynn.

 
 GOAL! No let up in the energy both sides keeping up a good tempo, Acle have possession with Rowland in the middle a good move sees her play the ball up to Wells outside the box on the right side this time, holding the ball up has support from Todd lays the ball back to her, Todd with a burst of pace drives into the box goes to shoot is brought down by Jones the penalty kick awarded. It’s Todd herself to take it, hits the ball low and hard to the keepers right beyond Vivas Artacho’s outstretched gloves into the bottom corner 5-2 with just a couple of minutes of normal time left on the clock.
 
 
King’s Lynn Town Ladies captain Shelley Woods

 GOAL! Again King’s Lynn respond with a goal, after a 20 strike from Imanalijeva is held by Nixon before King’s Lynn win the ball from the kick out is played over the top Shelley Woods beating the offside trap and Nixon as the Acle goalkeeper comes out to close her down taking the ball to the left of goal, turns and lifts her shot over the defenders racing back to drop into the net beyond, 5-3.

  Into injury time Acle make a double switch, Jade Copeman and Sarah Howard on for Goodchild and Ladbrooke. A late chance for Acle who have the ball on the left getting a throw the ball is played into Knights fires a diagonal ball in across the face of the King’s Lynn goal, throwing herself at it far post Howard can’t get anything on the ball to deflect it goalwards. 

Full time Acle United Ladies 5-3 Kings Lynn Town Ladies

  A 5-3  win for Acle United sees them through to the semi-finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup, a highly entertaining match plenty to cover, both sides playing their part in a competitive performance, both intent on attacking throughout the 90 minutes. King’s Lynn can take alot away from the match a good test for their side that continues to improve. Acle with some good attacking play getting players forwards will fancy their chances in the semi-finals, where they will be joined by Wymondham Town Ladies who beat Stalham Town Ladies 7-1 and last seasons beaten finalists Aylsham FC Ladies who beat Briston Wanderers Ladies 3-2 away from home the winning goal coming in the last 30 seconds. Holders Thorpe United Ladies will be away to Bohemians Ladies next Sunday.

SWF Blog – Player of the Match

 A tough one this Sunday with so many players putting alot of effort into 2 good team performances, but with her 2 goals on debut I’ve chosen Megan Todd, her pace and power on the ball adding a new dimension to the Acle United Ladies side.
  A great cup tie, entertaining plenty of goals and the rain even stopped. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team and sending my best wishes to King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Taylor Sarchet hope she isn’t too badly injured and makes a speedy recovery.

Match Report – Kings Lynn Town Ladies v North Walsham Angels Ladies

This weekends football on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog came from Norfolk a top of the table clash in Division One with 2nd placed North Walsham Angels Ladies newly promoted this season travelling to play 3rd placed Kings Lynn Town Ladies who were unbeaten winning all of their league matches since an opening day defeat.

Match Report – Kings Lynn Town Ladies v North Walsham Angels Ladies

 
   A top of the table clash from Norfolk this Sunday a trip west along the A47 to watch the Women’s Division One encounter between 3rd placed Kings Lynn Town Ladies taking on 2nd placed North Walsham Angels Ladies.

  Both sides were formed in the 2014/15 season and have both enjoyed 2 progressive seasons since. Kings Lynn Town Ladies are now affiliated with the men’s side renamed at the start of the season having been Lynn Ladies previously playing their football in West Lynn, earning promotion to Division One in their debut season a 5th place finish in the top league in Norfolk last season. The union with Kings Lynn Town FC has seen them strengthen over the close season with a good pre-season including a 2-2 draw with a West Ham United Ladies Development side at The Walks where they will be playing their County Cup matches this season. Suffered a heavy defeat on the opening day of the season away to current Division One pace setters Thorpe United Ladies. Have recovered since going on a 5 match winning run to sit in 3rd place in the table one of those wins away from home against today’s opponents a 4-2 win at the end of September. 

  One of only two defeats in the league for North Walsham Angels Ladies so far this season since earning promotion from Division Two last season. A young side hungry for success, have started the season well. 18 points from 8 played to sit 3 points behind leaders Thorpe United Ladies the other side to have beaten them this season edging North Walsham out in a 4-3 win. Are the leagues top scorers having netted 46 goals from their opening 8 games with an average of 5.75 goals per match. Sisters Luci and Hope Middleton both scoring plenty of goals for the side.

  Both sides winning by double figure scorelines last Sunday to collect the 3 points, not expecting a 0-0 today. The venue for today’s match the Riverlane Playing Fields in Gaywood in Kings Lynn a multi-sports facility 2 football pitches plus other amenities. Alot of rain around yesterday however with a dry but overcast Sunday to follow the game was on plus an opportunity to squeeze in the last round of Xmas shopping.

  Kings Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Cristina Viva Artacho, Vikki Budulyte, Antonia Flack, Millie Wilson, Albany Hodgson, Taylor Sarchet, Bethan Jones, Natalie Bunton, Becky Russell, Shelley Woods (C) & Josie Turner.
  subs – Emma Woods, Lisa Wilson & Oksana Imanalijeva. 

  North Walsham Angels Ladies starting XI – Cyan Fulbrook, Sian Wager (C), Rosie Filby, Bethany Childs, Hannah Roe, Alicia lacey, Lauren Yarham, Rachel Bussey, Hope Middleton, Alice Wardle & Luci Middleton.
  subs – Emily Farmer & Robyn Johnson.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  The pitch for today’s game is fairly short, North Walsham have kick-off 1st half wearing white shirts with black shorts and black and white hooped socks with Kings Lynn lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts with blue shorts and socks. The visitors go on the attack from the off Rachel Bussey into Lauren Yarham through the middle looks to play the ball over the top through the middle of the Kings Lynn defence with Luci Middleton making the run across the centre backs to get in behind, Albany Hodgson playing at centre back for Kings Lynn gets her head on the ball to clear the threat.
   Luci Middleton on the ball down the right forces the throw deep in the Kings Lynn half the ball is cleared by Taylor Sarchet falls for North Walsham’s Alicia Lacey a summer signing from Aylsham FC Ladies sends the ball in towards the top of the area with Yarham looking to run across the D, a meaty challenge from Hodgson gets the ball away upending Yarham in the process play continues, a counter attack from Kings Lynn the ball played upfield helped on by captain Shelley Woods playing it over the top for Josie Turner to chase into the area forces North Walsham into conceding the 1st corner of the match.
  Minutes into the game and it clear it’s going to be played at a fast tempo the Kings Lynn corner comes to nothing the ball back with North Walsham is soon up the other end a chance out of nothing the ball running long into the box goalkeeper Christina Viva Artacho sliding in to gather the ball looks comfortable with Luci Middleton closing in, the ball is split loose beyond the keeper Middleton gets after it right of the goal leaning back as she tries to place the ball into an empty net doen’t get a good connection with the ball falls wide into the side netting.
  Sarchet plays the ball up the pitch for Turner out on the left making the run forwards has Woods making a run inside her plays the ball into her feet takes on the shot from the top of the box the ball racing wide across the face of goal. On the opposite flank Becky Russell comes on with the ball looking to drive into the box, North Walsham’s Bethany Childs gets across her puts the ball out for the corner. The set-piece is played long beyond the far post Turner heads the ball down towards goal, keeper Cyan Fulbrook stops it but doesn’t collect running loose inside the six yard box, Bethan Jones latches onto the ball tries to hit it goalwards, is deflected wide out to Turner still at far post sends her shot wide of the post.
Kings Lynn Town Ladies, Taylor Sarchet
  Kings Lynn continue to press forwards getting width the ball played on for Natalie Bunton on the right whips in an early cross with Turner the target in a central position inside the box looks to see the ball across her hit it on the turn, closely marked by North Walsham’s Hannah Roe the defender reads it gets her foot onto the falling ball pushes it clear of the area. Jones plays the ball on for Vikki Budulyte getting forwards from right back on the right sends the ball up the wing for Bunton driving on with the ball sends a diagonal ball in towards to near post Turner sliding in to reach it is beaten by the North Walsham defence.
  A few tempers are getting frayed out there on the field players from both sides unhappy with challenges and some afters that aren’t needed nor being picked up by the referee. Sarchet getting hold of the ball in the middle of the park for Kings Lynn plays it forwards the long pass picking out Turner on the moves through the centre 20 yards out goes to shoot early pulls the ball wide of the North Walsham goal. 
  GOAL! 12 minutes on the clock and Kings Lynn having started the game well get themselves into the lead. Sarchet and Jones get the ball up the pitch out with Woods on the left side lines up a shot from distance 30 yards out sends the ball in towards goal looping up and dropping, Fulbrook gets her gloves up to the ball but can’t keep it out as it drops over the line to make it 1-0.
 
  Fulbrook reacts quickly as Kings Lynn get back on the ball from the restart play it long for Bunton on the move to get into the box from the right side, the North Walsham keeper winning the race to the ball sliding in to clear with her shins. The afters are continuing still nothing is being done, the crowd is starting to get involved too. Russell pushing up on the right with the ball sends in a low cross along the six yard box, no one coming in through the middle Woods from the left is 1st to it far post a tame shot however is easily gathered by Fulbrook. 
A competitive encounter all over the park
  A good through ball by Lacey releases Hope Middleton on the left is in behind the Kings Lynn defence carries the ball on into the box looking to come inside to shoot, Budulyte gets back on her sliding in does enough to prevent Middleton shooting, retaining possession turns back out of the area moving across the D gets a shot away the ball charged down by the Kings Lynn defence. Good pressing from Luci Middleton on the right side squares the ball into the middle with Yarham quickest to the ball, turns inside hits a shot from outside the box races wide across the goal out for a goal kick.
  GOAL! 20 minutes into a busy 1st half and Kings Lynn double their lead have players forwards from a previous attack the ball is won in the middle played out to the left side Turner and Woods are out on that side the ball is fired low into the area Sarchet has it at her feet back to goal at the near post lays it back out of the area directly to Russell who has her leg pulled back ready to recieve the ball hits the shot in towards goal skiping along the ground sneaks inside the post Fulbrook diving in vain 2-0.
 
  North Walsham are rattled losing a bit of composure feel they aren’t getting the decisions. So to however do Kings Lynn, players on both sides needing to calm down, not getting phyiscal hands on mind, both sides just feeling something needs to be done and isn’t and the person being asked the question is the referee. Yarham is putting alot into the midfield contest ingoring a kick on the knee continues to make a run through the middle almost releases Luci Middleton in behind only for her to be stopped by the offside flag.
 
  GOAL! North Walsham pull a goal back 5 minutes after going 2-0 down pushing forwards the ball is sent forwards cleared back out to the middle, Lacey picks it up gets a lot of power on the ball as she drills it through the middle with Luci Middleton the target in between the Kings Lynn defence lined up along the top of the box, a defender lunges sticking out a leg to try and cut out the ball instead it deflects up off the leg into the area, Middleton breaking in behind is after it running right of goal sends her shot past the keeper into the back of the net 2-1.
 
North Walsham Angels Ladies
Luci Middleton
 
  Kings Lynn make a change, Oksana Imanalijeva coming on for Bunton on the right. Is involved in the action straight away as Kings Lynn are awarded a free kick on the right inside the North Walsham half the ball played up into the box by Hodgson is headed out of the area by Lacey, comes back to Russell outside the box on th right plays it inside to Imamalijeva inside the D stabs a 1st time shot in towards goal the ball running along the ground straight into Fulbrook who sees the ball up into her gloves.
  A throw for North Walsham deep on the right Wager playing the ball into Luci Middleton lays it back for Alice Wardle who sends an good cross into the box, Lacey arriving near post lifts a leg six yards out knocks the ball down into the ground Millie Wilson throwing herself at it takes the pace of the ball as it runs on for Vivas Artacho to save beyond. Up the other end Fulbrook saves at the near post as Woods drives in a shot from the left the ball not held by the keeper rebounds into the path of Turner, she is quickly closed down by Childs under challenge can’t get her shot on target.
Alice Wardle on the ball for
North Walsham Angels Ladies
  A double switch for Kings Lynn, Turner and Flack off, Emma Woods and Lisa Wilson on the switch sees Russell take up the central attacking role. Jones on for Shelley Woods on the left side rolls the ball on for Russell drifting that side shoots from the top of the box her low drove saved by Fulbrook diving at her near post pushing the ball behind for a corner on the left. Is a vicious ball flashed in across the six yard box bouncing at the far post Imanalijeva lunging at it can’t connect to turn it in. 
  Now anyone reading one of my match reports has probably guessed I write extensive notes, sometimes I preempt whether there is going to be a card shown write it in the notes, should/could have been 6 in the game so far and 2 of those would have equalled a red, that said no cards have been shown yet despite tempers continuing to flare and some poor challenges being shown, no doubt it has affected North Walsham more than Kings Lynn but both sides aggrieved the referee opting to have a word with the supporters instead.
  GOAL! Right no the stroke of half-time Kings Lynn get the ball up the other end and score a 3rd goal. The ball is fed up through the middle into Russell making a run to get into the box left side of the goal, has Childs in front of her with Fulbrook coming off her line a mix up the two come together fail to clear the ball runs past them, Russell after it latches onto the ball and lifts it into the empty net beyond 3-1.
Half-time Kings Lynn Town Ladies 3-1 North Walsham Angels Ladies

Plenty happening in that 1st 45 minutes on and off the ball a committed contest both sides using the short pitch to full affect the play has been fast paced the tempo high little time for anyone on the ball, everywhere on the pitch players have been quick to close down, Kings Lynn starting the better getting into the lead, both sides getting under the others skins the home side dealing with it better ending the half 3-1 in front as both teams coaches wander onto the pitch to have a word with the referee at half time.
 

Kings Lynn Town Ladies, Bethan Jones

A change in the sky at the start of the 2nd half the clouds breaking and the low setting sun blazing the sky amber behind one of the goals, which North Walsham with have at their backs 2nd half as they look to try and compose themselves and get back into the game. The visitors making a change at half-time Hope Middleton off, Emily Farmer on. Kings Lynn kicking off the 2nd half press forwards the ball with Russell on the right looks to play Shelley Woods in as she makes a run in behind into the box is marked well by Wager the North Walsham captain who clears the ball back out to the right the ball is played back into the top of the area Woods seeing it into her body turns to strike the ball goalwards doesn’t make a clean connection with the ball rolls safely into Fulbrook covering her near post.

  Getting the ball forwards on the right side of the pitch North Walsham win themselves a corner kick, the ball is fired in near post Yarham making a run towards the ball flicks it on falls to Wardle top of the area, smashes the ball goalwards her strike charged down the ball picked up from deep a shot is sent back in well over the goal. Early possession inside the Kings Lynn half from North Walsham, Rosie Filby winning the ball playing it into Lacey who passes it out to the left winning a corner players go forwards the ball sent in near post both Luci Middleton and Lacey attack it, Lacey with the header puts the ball behind for a goal-kick.
Kings Lynn Town Ladies, Emma Woods with
North Walsham Angels Ladies, Lauren Yarham
  Lacey gets forwards from the middle as Luci Middleton picks the ball up in the centre of the Kings Lynn half looks to pass the ball into Lacey’s path as she looks to break into the box, Wilson does well at the back for Kings Lynn getting across to intercept the ball. Wardle is brought down 30 yards from goal in a central position a free-kick for North Walsham. Roe is over the ball takes on the strike getting the ball up and over the players lined up across the top of the area is straight at Vivas Artacho who claims hold of the ball.
  GOAL! 10 minutes into the 2nd half and North Walsham’s positive start to the 2nd half sees them pull a goal back. Breaking from the back the ball is played up the park quickly into the middle out to the left the early cross played long into the box stretching the Kings Lynn defence, Lacey making the run to get into the box through the middle arrives at the penalty spot throwing herself at the ball turns it past Vivas Artacho into the back of the net 3-2.
 
North Walsham Angels Ladies,
Alicia Lacey
  
 Kings Lynn attack the ball is with Wilson on the left half way lifts the ball over the top of the North Walsham defence for Shelley Woods to chase taking the ball down the line works her way inside getting into the box evading a challenge before shooting aiming the ball in towards the near post the shot lacking power Fulbrook gas it covered near post. Russell taking the ball on out to the right side gets the pass in behind down the wing for Imanalijeva taking the ball into the corner looks to cross, Filby gets back on her to tackle put the ball out for a throw. Cleared back to the halfway line Kings Lynn are awarded a free kick, Hodgson puts the ball up into the D, Russell looking to bring the ball down can’t turn into her shot before Farmer gets it away from danger. 
   North Walsham make a change bringing Roe off and putting Hope Middleton back on as they look for an equalising goal. Lacey plays the ball up to Hope Middleton on the right side takes the ball inside evading a challenge sends the ball in towards Wardle making a far post run, Budulyte has tracked her and does well prevent her reaching the ball. Kings Lynn make a change sending Turner back on up front with Wilson coming off at the back with 20 minutes of the game left the lead still 3-2.
 
  A card is shown with Hope Middleton yellow carded for a push in the back. The free kick in the middle of the park comes to nothing the ball won by North Walsham played long up the left with Filby getting forwards for the visitors driving inside towards the box manages to squeeze a shot away flying past the advancing Vivas Artacho into the side netting taking a deflection on the way for a corner kick the ball cleared near post by Kings Lynn. 
  Sarchet gets hold of the ball after coming out the better from a full on 50/50 challenge taking the ball on through the middle passes the ball on for Turner making a run into the box Fulbrook comes racing off her line to close her down Turner gets the ball past her but also wide of the goal beyond. It’s mid-December the light is beginning to fade quickly the sun falling below the horizon with 10 minutes of the game left to play. Luci Middleton is left a little dizzy on the floor as she gets a heavy touch on the ball trying to head it away.
  Yarham picks up the ball in the middle plays it into Hope Middleton all of 30 yards out flicks the ball up and hits it on the turn bouncing in the box drifting away from goal Viva Artacho gathers. Launches it up field helped on one touch runs forwards into Turner breaking through the middle meeting it top of the box spins and pulls her shot away from goal. 5 minutes of the game left, Luci Middleton has dropped into the defence for North Walsham in the latter stages takes another knock as she and Woods challenge for the ball a painful blow to the jaw on landing. 
  GOAL! Into the latter stages of the game and with the play stretched North Walsham taking a few risks going forwards Kings Lynn having ridden out the pressure restore their 2 goal cushion. Counter attacking the ball played out to the right Imanalijeva and Russell link up before the ball is crossed into the box Turner making the run near side latching onto the ball and sending it across the keeper into the bottom corner 4-2.
 
  Into injury time and possession is with Kings Lynn Russell holds the ball up on the left side off a throw in before turning and lifting it over the top into the box for Shelley Woods her strike is straight at Fulbrook who gets her gloves around the ball. Kings Lynn with a free-kick wide on the right inside the North Walsham half Jones plays the ball long into the box both Russell then Turner in front of her can’t get a touch to turn it home the flag up however as Turner strays offside. Doesn’t matter however as the final whistle blows at Kings Lynn Town Ladies win the 3 points.
Full time Kings Lynn Town Ladies 4-2 North Walsham Angels Ladies

 A good result for Kings Lynn Town Ladies moving level on points with North Walsham with 18, have 2 matches in hand. Both 3 points of leaders Thorpe United Ladies. A strong 1st half display, dealt with North Walsham well as they pressed 2nd half after what was a difficult 1st half. Not the best game you’ll see by any stretch and it’s a pity as both sides can play better, got under each others skins today. A learning curve. Both Kings Lynn Town Ladies and North Walsham Angels Ladies are a rising force in Women’s football in Norfolk and ending 2016 well can only get better in 2017.
   My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams always appreciated, see you in the New Year.