Tag Archives: KLSC Women

Match Report – Aylsham FC Women v KLSC FC Women

Sunday 12th February

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aylsham FC Women

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

KLSC FC Women

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

(roll on roll off substitutes)

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

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

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

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

Hannah Claughton on the attack for Aylsham

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

KLSC’s Chloe Edwards

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

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

KLSC’s Taeya Miles

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

Aylsham’s Abbie Butcher

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

Kesley Ramm and Carly Allum

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

KLSC goalkeeper, Bryony Russell-Smith

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

KLSC defender, Chloe Moulton

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

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

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

Carly Allum breaking forwards in the build up to the penalty

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

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

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

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

KLSC attacker, Josie Turner

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

Kesley Ramm on the ball for KLSC

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

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

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

Aylsham’s Carly Allum

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

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

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

A brace for Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup

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

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

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

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

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

Chelsea Crowley with Aylsham’s 3rd goal

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

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

Full time Aylsham FC Women 3-0 KLSC FC Women

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

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

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

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

by Darren Gilham

Match Report KLSC FC Women v Sprowston FC Women

Sunday 30th October

NWGFL League Cup

With a busy weekend ahead only a game close to home would do this weekend and luckily there are plenty to be found with a trip up the A47 to King’s Lynn this Sunday to watch some action from the 1st Round of the Norfolk Women’s League Cup with Division Two leaders, KLSC FC Women taking on Division One side, Sprowston FC Women.

Today’s 1st Round League Cup tie delayed by a week due to Sprowston FC Women’s involvement in this season Women’s FA Cup. The NWGFL (Norfolk Women’s & Girl’s Football League) having two senior cup competitions with the sides knocked out in the early rounds of the League Cup going onto contest for the League Plate.

Today’s clash featuring two sides with the potential to go all the way in the competition. KLSC FC Women (King’s Lynn Soccer Club) entering their 2nd season. Have started the season brilliantly in NWGFL Division Two, leading the way with 5 wins from 5 to stand 5 points clear at the top of the fledgling table looking to push on from their 3rd place finish in their debut season. The club formed by ex-Lynn Ladies players, Lisa Wilson and Louise Coggles giving King’s Lynn a 2nd women’s football club within the town benefitting West Norfolk which still remains light on numbers of women’s sides within the county. A change of management at the start of the new season with Ellie Bennington stepping up from a coaching role last season to manage the side.

Striker Josie Turner highly prolific in front of goal for Lynn Ladies in their early years before their merger with King’s Lynn Town FC returning to the new KLSC FC Women set-up finishing top scorer netting 21 goals last season, has hit the ground running this season too netting 11 goals so far in the 5 league wins with Ellie Panks on 5 goals and Chloe Edwards on 4 respectfully in a total of 29 goals scored by KLSC FC Women so far this season. Firmly amongst the favourites for the Division Two title, they will face a strong challenge from newly formed Aylsham FC Women also making a 100% winning start along side Gorleston FC Ladies with another newcomer Blofield United Ladies currently 2nd also making an unbeaten start. Attention now though turning away from the league as KLSC get their cup campaign started.

Very much a revamped squad for Sprowston FC Women this season with 11 new faces within their 18 strong squad going into the 2022/23 campaign having seen several players move on with others going to university. Having become an established side within the NWGFL over recent seasons with a strong youth section, the rebuild squad once again laying it’s foundation in young players, new captain an goalkeeper Ellie Hambrook playing for Norwich previously along with midfielder Mollie O’Callaghan who made a name for herself in the county playing for Wymondham Town Ladies before moving to Norwich. Wymondham Town Ladies very sadly no more with Sprowston snapping up two of their promising recruits to add to their squad attacking players, Lyla Studd and Nyah White.

A loss and a win so far in Division One a run all the way to 3rd Round Qualifying in the Women’s FA Cup albeit with a bye in the previous two rounds with teams pulling out a heavy loss away to ERWFL Premier Division side Royston Town Women ending their FA Cup campaign, nevertheless with the improved prize money on offer this season the club has earned a tidy amount that will go along way to cover running costs for the season ahead.

KLSC FC Women playing their home matches at he King’s Way Playing Fields on Edward Benefer Way to the north of King’s Lynn. A familiar venue although I haven’t been hear for a few seasons the grass pitches well used by the local sides in the area. The furthest pitch from the changing rooms in use today a stiff wind blowing across the open field making it impossible to run out the tape to cordon off the playing area a rope called for instead. The clocks going back this weekend the leaves starting to fall now dotting the pitch, still mild for the time of year the wind though adding some bite, the earlier rain blowing through should be dry for the match.

KLSC FC Women

 KLSC FC Women starting XI – Selina Raines, Caitlin Jacob, Rhiann Ellis, Courtney Burch-Bailey, Millie Bareford, Kesley Ramm, Taeya Mayes, Josie Turner (C), Chloe Edwards, Trinity Tokaji & Ellie Panks. Subs – Viktorija Burkauskaite & Lucy Clarke.

Sprowston FC Women

 Sprowston FC Women starting XI – Ellie Hambrook (C), Bailey Curtis, Courtney Leggett, Madison Lee, Lois Irving, Olivia Leggett, Lilly-Ann Winney, Rosie Milligan, Nyah White, Lois Wright & Anais Winney. Sub – Charlotte Wickenden.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   Both sides light on substitutes going into the game with only 2 for KLSC and 1 on the bench for Sprowston. KLSC also searching for a new goalkeeper having lost theirs to King’s Lynn Town Ladies recently, Selina Raines donning the gloves for today’s game. It’s Sprowston to get the cup tie underway kicking off the first half wearing orange shirts and socks with black shorts, with KLSC lined up opposite wearing red and black vertical stripped shirts, red shorts and red and black hooped socks. The ball played short midfield, KLSC  immediately close it down forcing it back to the defence, Madison Lee sending a long clearance up the right wing for Nyah White to chase down, Caitlin Jacobs getting in to make the challenge for KLSC the ball out for a throw high up the pitch. 

  From the resulting throw in Sprowston get the ball down to whip a low cross in towards the near post missed by the KLSC defender going to clear runs on to striker Anais Winney, not expecting the ball to come to her tries to dig a shot out from under her feet, Selina Raines making the save at close range gathering the ball. 

  GOAL! The perfect start for the visitors as they get themselves into the lead inside the opening two minutes Olivia Leggett battling for the ball in the middle taking it forwards before lifting it on into the path of Anais Winney pulling off the defence right of the D closing in on the area before sending a shot arrowing in across the keeper 0-1.

Anais Winney on target for the opening goal inside 2 minutes for Sprowston

  KLSC  look to get on the attack as they regain possession at the back the ball sent long out to the right for Trinity Tokaji running onto space on the wing taking the ball on Sprowston centre back Lois Irving going with her, timing her tackle to take the ball off Tokaji’s boot before she can work room for a shot. Josie Turner getting hold of the ball in midfield pulling right and unleashing a shot from distance, 30 yards out the shot held by Sprowston goalkeeper and captain, Ellie Hambrook.

Sprowston’s Lois Irving up against KLSC’s Trinity Tokaji

  Irving getting her foot up well to intercept the ball at the back for Sprowston put on through the middle with Turner on the move looking to run in behind. White bringing the ball on up the right side for Sprowston firing a vicious cross in on the angle, intercepted by KLSC’s Rhiann Ellis cleared across her goal out to the right, Rosie Milligan up with Lois Wright on the left side retrieving the ball turning inside to attack the goal, her shot fired in at the near post straight at Raines.

   Sprowston lively at the start the early goal rocking KLSC a little, the visitors getting players forwards well up and around the final 3rd. Millie Bareford on the ball for KLSC playing the diagonal pass out to Chloe Edwards on the left flank. Looking to travel with the ball her progress halted by Sprowston’s Bailey Curtis. With Sprowston pushing up at times their is the opportunity to get the ball in behind, KLSC though struggling to time the pass more often than not running on out of the attacking players reach, the offside flag catching KLSC out too. 

 Lilly-Ann Winney, wearing different coloured boots to her twin sister Anais or I’d be hard pressed to tell them apart, like the Lubbock twins who play for Fakenham carrying the ball on through the middle drifting right sending the clipped pass on for White hurtling up the wing, her cross driven in behind the KLSC goal. Sprowston pressing the KLSC back line forcing errors leading to a corner kick on the right. An inswinging delivery curls over the crossbar and out for a goalkick. 

Sprowston’s Lilly-Ann Winney

  KLSC giving away a few free-kicks Irving over one wide on the right on the half way line plenty forwards for Sprowston, the ball won by Bareford top of the area. KLSC looking to release Tokaji running on down the right, Irving clearing for a throw. High up the pitch put into the mix top of the Sprowston area, players nipping at the ball on both sides KLSC applying a little pressure the ball not falling kindly as Sprowston scramble it away. Sprowston attacking on the right White skipping inside knocking the ball into the area, cleared drops to Lilly-Ann Winney right of the D 20 out scoops her shot wide of the right post. 

  Turner with the ball centrally for KLSC looks to release Tokaji out on the right flank, getting hold of the ball release it quickly into the middle, intercepted by Lee, the defender giving away a corner. Players up into the box the delivery dropping invitingly into the six yard box, Sprowston, get it clear put long the break on as the visitors attack right, Jacob doing well for KLSC getting across to put in the tackle stop the attack.

KLSC’s Caitlin Jacob

  Sprowston make a change bringing off Milligan, with Charlotte Wickenden abandoning line running duties to enter the playing field. Hambrook quickly out of her area to come clear the threat as Taeya Mayes plays a great long ball on for Ellie Panks to chase through the middle. Panks moving out to the left to support Edwards as she carries the ball on for KLSC, Curtis moving out to hold the pair up the ball played back into midfield for Mayes, tries her luck from distance not quite connecting with the whole of the ball her low strike running safely through for Hambrook to gather. 

Ellie Panks attacking for KLSC

 

 KLSC have struggled to find their rhythm in the game so far Ramm on the ball central looking to get thing’s going playing a great ball forwards into the path of Panks running into the left channel, the attacker driving on into the box, Curtis and Lee closing her down the KLSC forward winning her side a corner kick. KLSC making a change before the corner is taken it’s Panks coming off to be replaced by Viktorija Burkauskaite. The delivery whipped in towards the near post cleared by Curtis for Sprowston falling 20 yards out to Mayes to strike on the half volley, frustrated as she can only pick out the keeper, Hambrook holding onto the shot.

KLSC captain, Josie Turner getting the ball forwards

  Irving taking on the set-pieces for Sprowston as the foul count grows, players up around the top of the area for the visitors, it’s Ramm however who lays claim to the ball for KLSC carrying out out from the back moving to the left playing it forwards for Turner looking to get on with Tokaji, Irving getting across to defend for Sprowston the ball out for a throw. KLSC getting into the game better now attacking coming right the ball inside with Ramm 20 yards out goes for goal her angled shot in held by Hambrook.

KLSC’s Kelsey Ramm

  GOAL! However just as KLSC are starting to carry a threat in attack Sprowston break away to score a 2nd on the half hour with the ball fed on through the middle for Anais Winney pulling out to the left driving into the box under pressure from the KLSC defence gets her shot away firing the ball wide across goal. White stealing in unmarked at the far post to turn the ball home from close range to score her first goal for Sprowston 0-2.

Nyah White doubles Sprowston’s lead

  Sprowston after the ball as the game restarts Olivia Leggett winning it putting the pass forwards turned out to the right for White who fizzes a ball in across the top of the area not dealt with by KLSC, Lilly-Ann Winney with the 1st time hit sending the ball looping up towards goal, comfortably caught by Raines. Turner operating through the middle further forwards for KLSC now recieves the ball into her feet her touch taking her right opts for the early strike on the spin 30 yards out her effort running wide past the far post. 

  White making some powerful runs on the right wing for Sprowston driving up the line getting in behind turning inside into the box leaning back as she pulls the trigger, Raines down at her near post has the angle covered. Frustrations boiling over Sprowston unhappy with a decision letting the referee know their views. Not having it a heated exchange between Olive Leggett and the official follows. Sprowston on the end of a few robust challenges. The 2nd goal giving Sprowston a renewed burst of confidence as they get players on well. 

  Turner lunging in with a strong tackle on Lilly-Ann Winney that leaves the midfielder floored needing treatment again players react the situation calmed down. The referee having a strong word with Turner as Winney recieves treatment. A lengthy pause play resuming with a free-kick to Sprowston wide left Courtney Leggett playing the ball up the line the visitors getting a corner kick. A teasing delivery played through the six yard box met at the far post the header turned wide. 

  Ramm drives forwards with the ball at her feet for KLSC left side lacks support as Curtis comes out to meet her the Sprowston defender tackling well to regain the ball. Sprowston continue to show their frustration with the referee as they are awarded another freekick on halfway. Irving over it to put a long ball in towards the top of the area, won well by Ramm looks to release it early for Tokaji racing away central, Hambrook though quickly out of her area to deal with the threat for Sprowston. 

  Into stoppage time at the end of the first half, Sprowston attacking through the middle Olivia Leggett with the pass to release Anais Winney up top charging for the box, Burkauskaite chasing back with the attacker lunging in to win the ball, times her tackle well taking the ball away from Winney before she can pull the trigger. A throw out on the left high up the pitch put on across the top of the area KLSC don’t get it away as Olivia Leggett snaps in to win the ball prodded out to Wright left of the D, skips into the area before getting her boot under the ball to scoop a shot in towards goal, Raines right behind getting her gloves firmly around the ball.

Sprowston’s Lois Wright

  Burkauskaite with another last ditch tackle inside the area timed perfectly to deny Anais Winney another attempt on goal, as the forwards pass is lifted into box Winney looking to run onto it and shoot central, has a vicious spin on it however the bounce taking it away from the striker to the right of goal, giving Burkauskaite the vital second she needs as she lunges in a full stretch to take the ball away from Winney behind for a corner kick. Dropped into the six yard box Courtney Burch-Bailey gets it clear for KLSC.

  Seconds left to play KLSC get the ball on rapidly through the middle with Turner looking to attack it driving at the ball, Hambrook rushing out to meet her top of the area does enough to stop Turner stealing in past her the ball loose though top of the box, Courtney Leggett and Tokaji throwing out a boot in an attempt to win it, Tokaji getting the telling touch sending the ball on past the keeper towards the goal, Curtis though is round on the cover to protect her goalkeeper intercepting the ball and clearing it forwards the rapid counter on as Wickenden finds White on the right flank driving on shoots on the angle straight at Raines covering her near post.

A late chance for KLSC

Half-time KLSC FC Women 0-2 Sprowston FC Women

  A 2-0 lead for Sprowston at the break. The changing rooms a good distance away from the pitch the teams staying out on the field to receive instructions for the 2nd half. A perfect start for the visitors taking the lead inside the opening 2 minutes. On the front foot for a large portion of the 1st half taking the game to KLSC. The hosts rocked by the early goal in comparison taking a while to get into the game then just as they were looking to apply some pressure of their own got hit with a 2nd goal. Free-kicks given away much to Sprowston’s frustration they have looked a threat going forwards. KLSC’s best chance coming at the end of the half a goal pulled back then giving them confidence going into the 2nd half. 2-0 often a tricky score-line KLSC certainly not out of the tie but need to find a goal to put Sprowston under pressure.

Changes for both sides at the break, Lucy Clarke coming on for KLSC replacing Edwards on the left. Milligan back on for Sprowston with Wickenden off with KLSC getting the 2nd half underway with the sun breaking through the clouds at last, doing nothing to cull the bite of the wind however. The ball played bac into the defence Jacob looking to get on left side is tackled by Lilly-Ann Winney. Bareford battling on with the ball central for KLSC is fouled 35 yards out to the left of the D. A free-kick early in the 2nd half for the hosts. Mayes over it has shown she’s got a decent strike on her 1st half lines up a shot fired in aiming for the far post Hambrook moving across her goal, can let it go, out wide beyond the upright. 

 Curtis in to defend against Turner inside the six yard box as a cross is fired in across goal the ball out for a corner kick. Left side Turner to send a low ball in across the six yard box, cleared back to the corner taker Turner shifting the ball inside before curling her shrike over the crossbar. Mayes down having taken a knock for KLSC out on the right in attack a pause in play but is up and able to play on. Milligan seeing the ball into her feet well spinning it on into the path of White moving forwards right side looking to get into the box, Burkauskaite coming to close her down winning the ball back for KLSC.

KLSC’s Viktorija Burkauskaite

  GOAL! Sprowston get players forwards attacking left side moving on towards the top of the area Wright up with Anais Winney and Milligan the cross inside to Milligan inside the box left of the D, gets her foot under the ball to lift her shot up to sail over the keeper and into the back of the net to extend Sprowston’s lead 0-3.

Rosie Milligan putting Sprowston into a 3 goal lead

  As with the first half it’s the perfect beginning to the 2nd for Sprowston as they score a goal early to move 3 goals clear. The visitors getting the ball back straight from the restart looking to attack as White is picked out on the right charging on players rushing in towards goal as she fires her cross in racing through the six yard box no one can get a touch. Turner looking to make herself available for the ball in attack is picked out by Bareford moving right, turns inside well driving for the Sprowston area getting a shot away from 20 yards out the ball racing wide of the near post. 

KLSC’s Millie Bareford

  Raines releasing the ball rom her gloves a fantastic ball forwards has Turner attacking it bouncing not dealt with by the Sprowston defence knocked out to Tokaji right side does well to win a corner. Turner to take it an inswinging ball drops onto the crossbar and out for a goalkick. Sprowston making a change White coming off for a rest, Wickenden back on with an hour played. Burch-Bailey making a vital challenge inside the box left of goal on Wright as the left sided attacker looks to battle her way through on goal a corner conceded. Wright to send the corner in a great ball into the six yard box Olivia Leggett rising to meet it heading the ball wide past the far post.

Sprowston midfielder, Olivia Leggett

  Sprowston getting forwards well Wickenden up with Anais Winney as they combine top of the rea before Winney bursts in behind right of goal to send a shot in across the face of goal, intercepted well by Burch-Bailey. Cleared out to the top of the area, Sprowston with bodies up to pressure the ball, a shot from distance with venom, Burch-Bailey blocking it feeling the full force needing a moment to recover. 

KLSC defender, Courtney Burch-Bailey

  Courtney Leggett over a free-kick out wide right for Sprowston, players coming forwards cueing up top of the area the delivery swept in, Ellis heading clear drops down to Olivia Leggett 20 yards out central, strikes a shot goalwards her effort flies over the crossbar. KLSC making a change with Edwards returning to the pitch replacing Tokaji on the right. Wright is fed in left side her cross driven into the top of the area Anais Winney squeezing a shot away as players rush in on the ball, Raines with a superb save as she drops sharply to her right to get down to glove the away to the left.

  Sprowston keeping the attacking pressure on the ball fired into the area own into the six yard box, Anais Winney then Olivia Leggett attacking it unable to get a shot away as the ball is half cleared by KLSC falling to Lee outside the box her strike flashed over the bar. Bareford on the ball central for KLSC onto Turner played out to Edwards on the right as she takes the ball forwards up the line before delivering a cross through the six yard box met by Clarke at the far post looks to turn the ball goalwards, puts it straight into Hambrook moving well across her goal to close the angle.

  Bareford busy in the middle for KLSC battling on the ball to get forwards coming out left lifts it onto Clarke top of the area left of the D, shifting the ball onto her left foot, sends a rising ball in towards goal, Hambrook across to her near post taking the ball comfortably above her head. KLSC finding some signs of encouragement. Sprowston though remain lively getting players forwards a free-kick won central Irving playing it long for Milligan pulling left blasts her shot into the side netting. Anais Winney coming off for Sprowston with White back on. 

  Burkauskaite defending on Wright for KLSC to concede a throw in the corner as White attempts the diagonal pass from the right. Clarke seeing the ball into her feet for KLSC on the left has Turner making a run ahead of her into the channel, attempting the forwards pass, Lee is quickly in to make the tackle for Sprowston stop Turner breaking in behind. Turner doing all she can to find a opening up top for KLSC pulls into the box off a throw high up the pitch on the left, a powerful strike, held well by Hambrook at her near post.

Josie Turner

  Milligan getting the ball down onto her feet 25 yards out driving a shot narrowly over the KLSC crossbar. Milligan finding space in the middle to get the ball into her feet and look to create an opening going forwards for the visitors spins away to release a pass forwards into Lilly-Ann Winney breaking into the area, Burch-Bailey back at her well for KLSC to dive in take the ball away for a corner. The game entering the final 15 minutes. A player down on the right for KLSC, Ramm having taken a knock can’t continue helped off the pitch Tokaji comes back on. 

  White with a burst of speed on the right flashing a cross into the KLSC six yard box, Milligan closing in can’t get the touch to turn it home. Curtis doing well at the back for Sprowston winning the challenge as Turner looks to knock the ball on into the area. 

  GOAL!  *correction* Out of no where KLSC pull a goal initially thought it was Mayes with the shot and got conformation from the crowd hence I gave it to the wrong person. KSLC are up and around the Sprowston box pressing the ball when it comes to Turner who strikes it well from distance to send the ball rifling in low past a static Hambrook inside her left post a goal back for KLSC, 1-3.

 GOAL! A goal back for KLSC with the clock ticking down at the end of the 2nd half, Sprowston with the perfect reply as they get the ball forwards straight from the restart into White catching the defence off guard to race into the box left of goal, Raines racing out to close the angle, White releasing her shot early to send it past the advancing keeper and into the goal beyond to restore the 3 goal cushion 1-4.

Nyah White straight from the restart restoring Sprowston’s 3 goal lead

  Less than 5 minutes of regular time left to play Anais Winney back on for Sprowston, Wright off. Burkauskaite defending for the hosts as White drives into the box from the left. Olivia Leggett from 25 yards putting a shot straight at the keeper. Wright back on for Wickenden as Lilly-Ann Winney curls a shot in from outside the box held by the keeper. Sprowston regularly rotating their attacking players as the tie moves into stoppage time. Olivia Leggett clipping a long pass out to Wright attacking wide right, she sends a shot rising over the KLSC crossbar. A  coming together between Burch-Bailey and White leading to the visitors being awarded a corner in stoppage time. 

  GOAL! The tie won Sprowston nevertheless bring plenty off players up into the area to attack the ball as the corner is played in by Olivia Leggett, A teasing ball in across the penalty spot the ball attacked the header turned goalwards looping over the keeper to find the top corner, sadly for KLSC an own goal with Sprowston going 1-5 ahead at the death.

Full time KLSC FC Women 1-5 Sprowston FC Women

  The game ends a 5-1 victory for Sprowston FC Women to see them into the 2nd Round of the NWGFL League Cup. Their new look side showing plenty of potential with a confident display to win comfortably against the Division Two leaders. Scoring an early goal setting them on their way adding a 2nd on the half hour mark to lead 2-0 at the break looked strong for their lead and capitalised with an early goal 2nd half to go 3 ahead. KLSC has their chances and would certainly have posed a threat had they pulled a goal back a good chance late in the 1st half worked hard, Sprowston carrying a strong attacking threat KLSC nevertheless found a goal to get something out of the tie only to concede straight away an own goal at the death probably undoubtedly harsh.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. It’s a tough one no doubt was a strong team performance from Sprowston. A few performances to mention though, firstly for KLSC FC Women. captain, Josie Turner always carried a threat looking to make something happened whether trying to get others on the ball or leading the attack. Courtney Burch-Bailey with some strong tackling at the back along with Viktorija Burkauskaite. For Sprowston, Lois Irving is the experience head in the defence and marshalled thing’s at the back well with some good positioning. Bailey Curtis too was excellent with some great challenges. Olivia Leggett strong in the middle of the park with Rosie Milligan showing some great movement and control of the ball. Today’s award goes to Nyah White was a threat on the right in attack straight from the whistle and got forwards with purpose scoring twice.

  An enjoyable return to The King’s Way Playing Fields, great to catch up with both sides who produced another great showpiece for the NWGFL good luck to both in the competitions going forwards and thank you for the team details as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – KLSC Women v Gorleston FC Ladies

Sunday 17th October

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

 A short trip along the A47 this Sunday for a top of the table clash from Norfolk Women’s Division Two, with newly formed KLSC Women, 3rd in the table hosting early league leaders, Gorleston FC Ladies.

Has been a turbulent time for the county leagues across the region as the country itself emerges from the COVID pandemic that has affected the past two seasons. Norfolk seeing alot of changes within the women’s county league a host of new side joining had hoped to go with 3 divisions of 10 which in the end was reduced to 8. This proving unpopular with several clubs and with further sides withdrawing the decision was made to go with 2 divisions of 11 on the eve of the new season. Again not to everyone’s liking but with alot of chances within alot of clubs too I feel it will take a season or two to settle down again. Have been some eye watering results across both leagues with in itself reflections the difficulties the league has faced. 

 KLSC Women are one of the new sides joining the NWGFL this season. KLSC (King’s Lynn Soccer Club) Women were only created in April with former Lynn Ladies players Lisa Wilson and Louise Coggles approaching the club to set up a new women’s club within the King’s Lynn area. Lynn Ladies originally set-up in 2014 going on to join with and become King’s Lynn Town Ladies now competing the the ERWFL Premier Division the 5th tier of the women’s game. Norfolk is a large county and a good portion of it is still badly under represented in women’s football, with only King’s Lynn in West Norfolk meaning long trips to Fakenham, Thetford or March in Cambridgeshire the only other viable options for players in the area. The formation of KLSC Women giving King’s Lynn a  2nd club which is excellent for a town of this size.

KLSC Women making an excellent start to the season too, assembling a squad with a good blend of experience and youthful talent a few former Lynn Ladies players amongst them. Winning 6-1 away to another newcomer Loddon United Ladies in their opening fixture. There home debut saw them fire 12 past Red Rose Ladies whilst they were held for a point in a 3-3 draw away to newcomers Shrublands Ladies last time out. Taking them to 3rd in the table unbeaten after 3 played. Josie Turner starring in front of goal in Lynn Ladies fledging years, returning to KLSC Women has netted 9 goals so far in those 3 matches! 

   Gorleston FC Ladies are themselves a new side of sorts with just one player captain Leanna Muffett remaining at the club form the previous era with much of that squad moving on to become Caister FC Ladies. A rebuild of sorts for joint managers  John Barrett and Keegan Snell. Have a very young squad with more coming through to join. Playing at Emerald Park home of Gorleston Town FC  are well backed by the men’s club. Have made an excellent start to the season like KLSC Women scoring plenty of goals along the way too. Starting off with a 9-4 result at home to Red Rose Ladies. Were held to a 1-1 draw against local rivals Shrublands in the following match before going on to pick up a great 5-3 win at home to another side likely to be challenging at the top this season UEA Women. A dominant 10-0 win away to Bulldogs Ladies seeing Gorleston go top of the table unbeaten in their 4 games played to date with Becky Waters top scoring on target for 8 goals in those matches.

Back to the beginning for KLSC Women in more ways than one as the club returns to Lynn Ladies original home, West Lynn Social Club on the other side of the Great Ouse Rivers from King’s Lynn itself. The Community Sports and Social Club featuring a clubhouse and bar with the main playing field beyond. Shielded by a high embankment it can nevertheless get pretty cold out there on a match day during the winter. Has been along while since I’ve been here to see a match. The pitch a good size plenty of width good grass cover a little bobbly. The weather pretty miserable overcast with the chance of a shower or too forecast during the game.

KLSC Women recieving instructions from their management team prior to kick-off

 KLSC Women starting XI – Bryony Russell-Smith, Ruby Faulkner, Lisa Wilson, Viktorija Burkauskaite (C), Courtney Burch-Bailey, Millie Bareford, Kelsey Ramm, Tilly Sands, Chloe Edwards, Josie Turner & Ellie Panks. Subs – Georgia Hill, Saskia Johnson & Nicole Dockerty.

Gorleston warming up with King’s Lynn’s riverfront in view in the background

 Gorleston FC Ladies starting XI – Nicole Leech, Chloe Bailey, Jenifer Martins, Maddie Furbank, Sienna Saunders, Leanna Muffett (C), Megan Bartlett, Mara Fernandes, Marianna Lino, Becky Waters & Kelsi Adams. Subs – Hannah Halfnight & Sammy Greenland.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s Gorleston to get the match underway kick-off first half wearing an all green coloured kit, with KLSC lined up opposite wearing red and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and black and red hooped socks. The away side putting the ball back into their defence to play upfield, KLSC are quick to press the ball out on the left Josie Turner stealing in to win the ball off the full back runs in behind driving into the area from the left, Nicole Leech in goal for Gorleston having to rush out to close her down making a blocking save with her legs as she slides in to stop Turner’s shot. An early warning for Gorleston.

Gorleston goalkeeper, Nicole Leech with a vital save in the opening minute

  Jenifer Martins plays the ball on up the right for Gorleston looking to pick out Becky Waters, Lisa Wilson stepping across her to clear the ball for KLSC. Gorleston winning the ball back on the right up to Waters the break is on as she looks to thread it in behind for Kelsi Adams to go after in the middle, Courtney Burch-Bailey closing in to win the ball back for KLSC. Gorleston with a corner won on the right, Sienna Saunders up well at the near post heading the ball down towards goal, blocked inside the six yard box by KLSC before being scrambled clear. 

A lively start to the game the ball being moved upfield quickly, Chloe Edwards pressing on the right for KLSC winning a throw high up the pitch, Tilly Sands capitalising to win a corner kick from it. The delivery goes long beyond the far post is fired back in through the crowded penalty spot out to Millie Bareford free out to the right opens up her body clipping a shot up over the bar. KLSC pressing the ball high, Ellie Panks with Sands bringing another corner on the right, Same delivery long beyond the far post controlled well by Edwards, the Gorleston defence moving quickly to close her down releases her shot the ball rising over the crossbar. 

  Mara Fernandes getting hold of the ball for Gorleston in the middle of the park threading a ball through for Adams up top,, KLSC captain Viktorija Burkauskaite and goalkeeper Bryony Russell-Smith almost get in each others way before Russell-Smith sliding in lays claim to the ball inside the area. Marianna Lion left side for Gorleston on halfway plays the ball inside for Megan Bartlett. Puts an ambitious ball forwards for Adams playing off the shoulder of the last defender after it has too much on it allowing Russell-Smith to gather before she can attack it. 

Mara Fernandes on the ball for Gorleston

 A frantic start to the game has settled down a little, Gorleston beginning to see more of the ball. Fernandes tripped out on the left presenting Gorleston with a set-piece level with the top of the area. The ball flashing into the area headed clear, Wilson on for Turner the break is on, Muffett getting across to tackle. A clash of heads sees Sands on the floor in need of treatment. Assessed needs to come off to recover, on in her place, Saskia Johnson. Play resuming with a drop ball, Gorleston build in attack up to Adams, combines well with Waters looking for find a way through ends up fouling Burkauskaite.

Kelsi Adams after the ball for Gorleston

   KLSC push forwards a great diagonal finding Edwards out on the right takes the ball on towards the area, is pushed wide by Gorleston full back Chloe Bailey nevertheless turning her body to release a shot from the angle as she falls lifts the strike up over the bar. Passes going astray for both sides with neither giving themselves time on the ball. Is a fairly even contest KLSC pressing higher keeping Gorleston’s defence pushed back making it harder for them to get the ball up to Adams leading the attack. A throw on the right a clever touch from Bareford almost comes off as she looks to spin in behind, Bailey close enough to her to stick out a foot take the ball away from her.    

Gorleston’s Chloe Bailey

 Some decisions not going Gorleston’s way leading to a little frustration being shown, Fernandes with a talking to from the referee asking her t calm down. Gorleston get players up well in support of Adams outside the area. Martins on the right tucking inside latching onto a half clearance sending a shot in on the angle from 25 yards rolls wide beyond the far post. 

Jenifer Martins takes aim from distance for Gorleston

  Ellie Panks is a speedy player in the centre of the attack for KLSC a ball clipped over the top falling into her path takes it on well pushing for the area. Leech comes rushing out towards the top of her box looking to close the angle sliding in Panks gets the ball past the keeper her attempt bouncing wide of Leech’s left post.

 Is certainly an action packed contest can’t take your eyes off it for long, Gorleston playing the ball through the middle up to Waters, her touch seeing her get the better of Burkauskaite out to close her down, spinning in behind, Wilson is round on the cover to put in a good tackle to regain possession for KLSC. The hosts coming right Edwards winning a throw, Ruby Faulkner up to take it combines well with Panks and Edwards the cross delivered into the Gorleston box, Maddie Furbank with a firm head to get it clear for the visitors.

 

  Bareford picking up a knock for KLSC sees her coming off with Sands returning to the action. Gorleston also making a change bringing on Sammy Greenwood for Furbank. Sands straight back into the game on the ball 30 yards out not closed down whipping a shot in towards goal, dipping early straight into Leech’s arms. Panks’ pace causing the Gorleston defence a few issues the ball rolled into her path as she spins to the right centrally drives for the area, Saunders manging to get back across her doing enough as Leech is able to kick it up field. 

Josie Turner chesting the ball down for KLSC

  Turner is using her experience well drifting about finding space out wide and infield, Martins and Muffett both defending against her. Martins taking the ball on up the right for Gorleston squares it across the top of the area for Fernandes she attempts to put Adams in on goal, a vital interception from Burkauskaite. tempers flaring up between Turner and Fernandes in the middle both recieving a yellow card for their efforts. Lino gets away on the left for Gorleston taking the ball in behind the full back attacking the area, Edwards going with her tracking back well to making the sliding tackle inside the area put the ball away for a corner. Burkauskaite winning the header in the box for KLSC.

Chloe Edwards getting back for KLSC to defend against Gorleston’s Marianna Lion

  Gorleston bring off Fernandes before her frustrations get the better of her and she sees red. Furbank coming back into the game. Soon after KLSC bring Bareford back on for Faulkner. Adams is getting isolated at times up top for Gorleston having to battle for possession in the final 3rd does well to wriggle free 25 yards out to drift in from the right to have a shot the effort charged down skips up to Muffett central looks to chip it over the defence, Burkauskaite up well to get her head on the ball. 

  Turner with another chance on goal is played in behind on the left by Ramm the ball dropping before her top of the area as Leech comes rushing out to meet her takes it early with the outside of her boot evading the onrushing keeper the ball rolls wide of the far post. KLSC pressing hard as the first half draws to a close Burkauskaite’s clearance low finding it’s way through to Panks central can’t quite take it cleanly moving out to the left six yards out fires a low ball in across goal Turner in there, Gorleston scramble it away coms out to Edwards on the right drills a shot back in is narrowly wide of the near post.

  Turner is getting into some great positions up top Gorleston’s defence aren’t picking her out the ball dropping to her inside the D, the attacker has more time than she realises as she takes it 1st time not controlled the ball spins away wide of target. Sands tackling well to win the ball central lays it forwards for Turner outside the D, Turner is falling as she unleashes her shot making her lift it higher than intended over the bar. Furbank getting a crucial header on the ball inside the area as a cross his dropped in from the left, without her intervention Turner is free to walk the ball into the net. 

 Late at the end of the firs half Ramm doing well centrally with Sands out to Edwards on the right who flashes a shot on the angle wide across goal for KLSC. The hosts with rapid build up play through the middle Bareford onto Sands onto Turner right of the D shifts the ball between her feet to get inside releasing a shot as she spins the ball rolling a foot wide of the right post. 

Half-time KLSC Women 0-0 Gorleston FC Women

 A frantic first half comes to an end, despite scoring 46 goals between them before today it remains goalless at the break. KLSC though have created a number of chances right from the kick-off and could very well be 3 or 4 goals to the good. A little bit more composure maybe needed at times. There’s been more time on the ball than both sides have allowed themselves at times. KLSC starting well have remained on the front foot through out the half. Gorleston growing into the game haven’t got going in the final 3rd and can count themselves lucky to be level at the break. Both sides planning tackle changes at half-time. The umbrella going up for the start of the 2nd half with a few spots of rain around.

   KLSC with the kick off 2nd half bringing on Nicole Dockerty for Panks the change seeing Ramm move up top. Gorleston bringing on Hannah Halfnight to join the attack coming on for Bartlett. Ramm looking to turn in the middle on the ball fires it out wide to Dockerty the substitute trying to getting in behind Muffett sending her cross behind goal.

Nicole Dockerty on the attack for KLSC

   As with the first half KLSC make a positive start think the have opened the scoring too as they build on the right Edwards into Turner top of the area right of the D, sees the ball onto her chest well, hitting the dropping ball on the turn, clipping it up into the air the ball smashes against the bar the ball dropping down into the box is then slammed into the back of the net but KLSC’s celebrations are cut sort by a raised offside flag.

  Edwards is enjoying a good battle with Bailey on the right for KLSC, running with the ball at her feet drives a low shot in on the angle skipping up off the surface Leech goes down to save it the ball escaping her gloves accidentally knocks it out of play for a corner off her back. The delivery sent in towards the top of the area, Martins closes Turner do well to defend for Gorleston.  The rain coming and going KLSC strong at the start of the 2nd period, Gorleston struggling to get the ball into their attackers. The hosts with a free-kick on their right into the box defended well by Gorleston’s Saunders at her near post.

  Ramm plays the ball out to the right for Turner, looking to go on Bailey gets across her well shielding the ball for her keeper to clear. Opportunities rare for Gorleston, a reminder they are far from out of the game as Waters from the left fashions a shot out of nothing to send a dangerous shot in across the six yard box. Up the other end Turner with an ambitious effort attempting the overhead kick from the top of the area right of the D, sends it wide of Leech’s far post. 

Gorleston captain, Leanna Muffett

  Gorleston win a free-kick some 30 plus yards out central Adams over the ball has an attempt on goal Russell-Smith rising the ball dropping narrowly over her bar. Changes for both sides on the hour with Gorleston bringing Fernandes back on for Waters. A double change for KLSC with Johnson and Burch-Bailey off. Faulkner back on along with Georgia Hill the move seeing Sands drop into the back line. 

Gorleston’s Marianna Lino

 Russell-Smith out quickly to the top of her area to save bravely at the feet of Adams as Fernandes places a great ball in behind her defence. Sands cutting out a low cross from Gorleston’s Adams out to the right to concede a corner kick. The ball put in across the six yard box is knocked down into the six yard box falling straight to Lino, she can’t dig it out as KLSC rush to close her down the ball scrambled away to safety. Gorleston starting to get a foothold in the final 3rd

KLSC goalkeeper, Bryony Russell-Smith

 The visitors attack Fernandes on through the middle up to Adams the attacker managing to wriggle free of both Burkauskaite and Sands to push on towards the area. left of the D blasts a rising ball in towards goal, Russell-Smith sliding in getting her gloves up to make a fantastic save palming the ball away wide to the left. Gorleston quicker to the loose ball a shot is flashes wide across the six yard box.

   GOAL! A great chance at one end for Gorleston to take the lead KLSC go up the other end to score. Players up from an earlier set-piece the ball is out on the right Edwards firing it into the six yard box Ramm has it at her feet, is closed down the ball deflected away to the right, comes straight to Sands who from the angle gets her foot up over the ball to lash it back in past the keeper into the back of the net 1-0.

Tilly Sands giving KLSC the lead

  The hosts with the lead with around 20 minutes to play in the 2nd half. Gorleston continue to feel frustrated as decisions go against them. Play scrappy at times, rushed, Lino aggrieved after being fouled on halfway no advantage play brought back. Sands defending at the back for KLSC. Turner drifting free in the middle picks the ball up off Bareford turning 30 yards out to have a strike on goal, Leech down to it palming the ball into the ground, loose Dockerty is racing in on the follow-up Leech doing well to make herself big does enough to see Dockerty place the ball wide of goal.

KLSC’s Millie Bareford

   Leech saving again with her feet denying Turner outside the box as she meets a low ball put in from the left. Into the final 15 minutes KLSC dropping back a little making their management team nervous. Adams continues to battle for the ball up top joined by Halfnight, Wilson lunging in to stop her getting into the box right side. A free-kick awarded to the host some 35 yards out as Bareford is fouled. Sands to play the ball in dropping on the penalty spot bouncing, players closing in Leech keeps her eye on it well to make a clean catch. 

KLSC captain, Viktorija Burkauskaite defending against Gorleston’s Hannah Halfnight

Lino comes off the worst from a challenge in the middle, struggling to regain her breath is brought off to recover with Waters going back on. Fernandes to play the ball forwards into the box, Sands doing the defensive work for KLSC. The hosts inviting Gorleston on more than they want to with the clock ticking down Martins advancing on the left sending a low cross into the box, Sands defends up against Adams before Burkauskaite launches clear. 

  Gorleston bring Bartlett back on with 7 minutes left for Martins as they look to get themselves back into the match. Is a nervous finish. Wilson carrying the ball out from the back as Halfnight looks to pick out Fernandes who has made a run through the middle. Possession lost Gorleston feed Halfnight in central sends it out to Waters on the right shifting inside she strikes the ball rom 20 yards her effort charged down. 

  Space opening up for KLSC to exploit if they can break Edwards consistent on the right throughout driving on flashing a ball into Turner near post the attacker not quite able to wrap her foot around the ball to put it by the keeper. Edwards carrying the ball on down the right again sends it forwards early for Turner to run onto as she travels into the box Leech comes out to close her down stays big, Turner attempting to put a low ball under her Leech saves with her foot deflecting the ball behind for a corner. The set-piece defended as KLSC don’t commit too many forwards the game into stoppage time. 

Full time KLSC Women 1-0 Gorleston FC Women

  A single goal enough to win it in the finish with KLSC collecting the 3 points to keep up there unbeaten start to left in the NWGFL. Stay 3rd but move level on points with Gorleston now 2nd with Caister keeping up their 100% winning start to the season top by 2 points. On chances created KLSC deserving of the 3 points starting on the front foot an early warning shot created a host of chances in the 1st period on another day leading by 3 or 4 but at 0-0 Gorleston were still very much in it Leech with some important saves struggling to get going in the final 3rd Adams isolated at times the game scrappy decisions frustrating the visitors too.

 All to play for 2nd half both making changes, KLSC thinking they’d gotten the break through denied by the flag. Were strong at the start of the 2nd half but further stops from Leech and missed chances meant if Gorleston could get an opportunity in front of goal themselves they might very well get into the lead. Russell-Smith making a vital stop KLSC going on to take the lead moments later. Sat back after that inviting Gorleston on both keepers called into action again the hosts though holding on despite a nervous finish. Dare say both sides will have learned alot more about themselves from this game than those previous.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. It’s not an easy decision once again a few performances of note to mention. Firstly for Gorleston, Nicole Leech did all she could in goal to keep the scores level for much of the game with some crucial saves especially in the opening minute. Mara Fernandes in midfield used the ball well and broke up play, a few thing’s going against her would have had a greater influence on the game. Kelsi Adams working hard up top leading the attack kept battling throughout. For KLSC, Millie Bareford has a good game in the middle picking up a couple of painful knocks for her efforts, tackling well. Josie Turner getting into some great positions in attack proving very hard to mark. Chloe Edwards was a constant threat attacking on the right and narrowly misses out to the goal scorer Tilly Sands playing in a number of positions during the game was creative on the ball in the middle linking up with the attackers and makes some important tackles when moved into the back line.

 An enjoyable return to West Lynn. An entertaining and action filled game from two new sides that have assembled a talented group of players that will both be challenging at the top of the league throughout the season. My thanks to both management teams for providing with the team details today. I know I’m long over due a visit to Emerald Park but the list of places to visit only gets bigger not smaller. 

by Darren Gilham