Tag Archives: Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

Cup Final Special – KLSC FC Women v Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

Sunday 18th May

Norfolk Women’s League Plate Final

A trip over to Aylsham this Sunday to attend the Norfolk Women’s Finals Day at Youngs Park with two 11 aside final taking place along with the women’s 7’s league cup final. First up kicking off at 10:30am the Women’s Plate final between KLSC FC Women and Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves.

 The Plate competitive providing an opportunity for those clubs knocked out of the early round of the League Cup itself to compete for silverware and more often than not throws up as an exciting a match as the cup itself.

The Norfolk Women’s League Plate

 KLSC FC Women (King’s Lynn Soccer Club) are finishing the season in good form having had a difficult start to their Division One campaign falling into the bottom two with just 5 points won in their opening 10 fixtures. Having seen some of their senior players move on most notably Josie Turner who has been a prolific goal scorer for whole football career. However it is also the beginning of a new era with a number you young players stepping up from youth football to join the women’s squad.

 A 2-1 win against runaway leaders. Bungay Town Ladies, their only defeat of the season seeing the club begin to turn thing’s around with 5 wins in their next 8 league games to propel KLSC out of trouble at the bottom to put them right amongst the tightly packed cluster of sides jockeying for position in the middle of the table. With 3 games left after today’s Plate final have the potential to push into the top half of the table. Lucy Clarke the clubs top scorer this season, netting 14 goals, Katie Ward scoring 5 times with both Leeanne Smith and Tilly Sands on 4 a piece.

 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves are the only side in Norfolk Women’s Division One to have completed all of their league fixtures currently 5th on 29 points just 1 point from current 3rd placed side Sprowston FC Women, a tight cluster of sides below champions Bungay Town Ladies the league highly competitive. An up an down season for Mulbarton reflected in their tally of 20 player 9 won 2 drawn and 9 lost, made a good recovery after losing their open 3 league games. 3 managerial changes not helping, thing’s now stable under new manager John Vincent, putting together a 6 game unbeaten run to propel them all the way up to the top of the table for a short spell.

 Mulbarton despite their relatively short history building a decent sized squad of players to compete across the ERWFL, Division One and the ever popular 7’s league, which Mulbarton have won claiming the Division One title. A good blend of youth and experience, Becky Waters joining Mulbarton this season the current top scorer for the reserves netting 20 goals from her 13 games. Lucy Kean always amongst the goals has 13 so far with midfielder, Charlotte Groves on 6.

Road to the Final

  Both sides awarded the win in the 1st Round of the League Plate advancing straight to the quarter finals. KLSC drawn at home to play fellow Division One side, Long Stratton Women in the last 8 a close looking game on paper, proved to be the case on the pitch with the sides sharing 7 goals, drawing 1-1 at half-time KLSC going on to pinch it 2nd half winning 4-3 to book their spot in the semi-finals. Mulbarton too with a tricky quarter final tie having home advantage however as they took on Costessey Sports Ladies, Charlotte Grove firing home a brace, with Mary-Anne Hoy also finding the back of the net sending them into the last 4 with a comfortable 3-0 win.

 A mixed bag in the semi-finals of the Plate, KLSC away to the current holders of the trophy, FC Viking & Valkyries Women. A tough game on paper with Valkyries winning Division Two looking to reach a 2nd successive final to defend the Plate. A close game goals from Lucy Clarke and Tilly Sands sending KLSC to the final with a 2-1 victory. Mulbarton at home were taking on new Division Three side, Brundall Bolts Women pushing for the title itself at one point, Mulbarton with the experience and goals to get the job done however with Rebecca Waters scoring a hat-trick, Lucy Kean on the score sheet to with Mulbarton winning 4-0 to book their final spot.

 Youngs Park home of Aylsham FC the venue for the Norfolk Women’s and Girls Finals day for the past few seasons. A busy weekend Saturday hosting the numerous girls finals from age groups 8 to 16. Now for the adult finals the main grass pitch looking immaculate for the final not easy to do bearing in mind the lack of rain recently. The bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink. Another bright and sunny day, but thankfully not as hot as last weekend, still can’t complain a bit of cloud cover but the sun with some heat in it when it breaks through no rain forecast.

KLSC FC Women starting XI – Stella Astle, Elizabet Puckova, Amy Cropley (C), Viktorija Burkauskaite, Tilly Sands, Bonnie Parsons, Lana Sturgeon, Lucy Clarke, Nikola Maslak, Trinity Tokaji & Holly Pitcher. Subs – Taeya Mayes, Ellie Panks, Leeanne Smith & Lauren Moyes.

KLSC FC Women

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves starting XI – Kirstie Andrews, Faye Bye, Tasha Williams (C), Aneliese Smith, Bryony Knights, Charlotte Groves, Florence Martin, Mary-Ann Hoy, Emma Farmer, Lucy Kean & Becky Waters. Subs – Nicole Sheldrake, Megan Anderton, Jade Telfer, Tilly-Rose Dade & Maisie Palmer-Smith.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Extra time and penalties if required

  A minutes silence observed by both clubs in the centre circle before kick-off in memory of former FC Viking & Valkyries player Liv Martinez who very tragically took her own life after a long struggle with mental health. It’s a struggle many face and doing what we can to look out for one another is so important.

Captain’s Tasha Williams and Amy Cropley with this mornings match officials

 

  It’s KLSC to kick-off the Plate final wearing red shirts with black vertical stripes on the front, black shorts and red and black hooped socks with Mulbarton lined up opposite wearing Blue coloured shirts with black vertical stripes on the front blue shirts and socks. The ball played back into the defence, Mulbarton rush forwards to press the ball in the middle, Florence Martin charging it down knocking it on for Lucy Kean in attack, taking on the early strike from outside the area comes swerving in quickly to goalkeeper, Stella Astle gets be gloves up to beat it down miscued drops behind her, turns quickly to grab hold of it before it can creep over the line.

   Mary-Anne Hoy looking to get away down the left wing for Mulbarton squaring a cross into the area cut out by Viktorija Burkauskaite at the back for KLSC. Mulbarton quick to regain possession on the left a high cross lifted in to the far post, Emma Farmer having broken forwards from the left to try and get her head on the ball, but halted by the offside flag.

  A bright start from Mulbarton getting hold of the ball inside the KLSC half not letting their opponents settle on the ball, Charlotte Groves in the middle sending the ball out to Hoy on the left her cross on the by-line deflected behind for a corner kick. Flung into the near post the ball turned behind for a 2nd corner. Burkauskaite clearing the 2nd delivery and in drops into the six yard box near side. Bonnie Parsons looking to get KLSC on the move sending a long ball up the right wing for Nikola Maslak, Mulbarton captain, Tasha Williams closing her down to nullify the threat.

  Lively Mulbarton getting stuck in to win the ball high, Grove, Martin and Bryony Knights in the middle looking to feed the ball on to Kean and Becky Waters up top. Emma Farmer right side sending a diagonal ball up into the centre 25 yards out Martin pushing it into Kean top of the D, she lays it off to the left for Waters who hits it first time, 20 yards out not getting a clear connection the ball skipping up off the turf safely handled by Astle in the KLSC goal.

  Burkauskaite diving in to win the ball for KLSC as Kean looks to slide Waters in behind into the area. KLSC having to ride out a lot of pressure early on attempting to get players forwards Lana Sturgeon with Parsons in the middle the ball fed on for Lucy Clarke breaking on the left, Aneliese Smith coming out from the back to close her down win her tackle. Mulbarton goalkeeper, Kirstie Andrews alert to the threat out of her box to clear as Parsons central plays a ball over the Mulbarton defence for Trinity Tokaji to chase.

  Hoy providing a useful outlet on the left for Mulbarton getting forwards well, Kean picking her out, Elizabet Puckova moving in to close her down, Hoy sending her cross behind at the near post. The game beginning to open up a little, KLSC pushing players on with pace whenever they get hold of it centrally, Hoy coming back to challenge Sturgeon as she combines with Maslak on KLSC’s right.

Mulbarton’s Florence Martin

 Mulbarton’s defence dropping off well as a unit as KLSC break, Faye Bye cutting out a pass intended for Maslak as she gets on the move on the right. Maslak linking up with Sturgeon and Tokaji as KLSC build on the right, Williams stretching out a leg to cut out the ball. Knights finding Waters to the left of the area 20 yards out sends the ball in central for Groves top of the D, can’t dig the ball out of her feet to get a shot away before being closed down by KLSC’s Tilly Sands. Sturgeon getting hold of the ball driving into space on the right lifting a cross into the box, Holly Pitcher coming in central, Andrews in ahead of her to catch hold of the ball.

 GOAL! Andrews releases the ball quickly getting it up into the opposition half, Groves helping it on to send Waters in behind left of the goal, Astle rushing out to try and close her down, Waters getting her foot through the ball to send it racing past her and on into the bottom corner to give Mulbarton the lead 0-1.

Becky Waters celebrates as she fires Mulbarton into the lead

 Mulbarton taking the lead 12 minutes into the game making a strong start, KLSC look to get the ball on down the left into Clarke after the restart pushing on down the line lifts her cross into the penalty spot, Andrews up to claim it. KLSC have pace when they break the younger players bursting forwards looking to find a way through the Mulbarton back line, disciplined however they a reading the game well. Waters seeing the ball into her feet turning it out to Hoy advancing on the left her shot from the angle high over the bar.

  Mulbarton winning a throw high on the left getting players in around the ball lifted into the box near side Waters rising to meet it turning her header across the six yard box looknig for Farmer at the far post, Astle getting up well to grab hold of the ball. The game opening up KLSC counter quickly Maslak sending Clarke away down the left channel looking to get into the box, Andrews rushing out to the top of her area sliding in to save at her feet, keeping hold of the ball.

Mulbarton goalkeeper, Kirstie Andrews

  Sands defending at the back for KLSC as Farmer hooks the ball into the middle from the right wing. Martin playing the ball in through the middle into Kean running into the box left of goal from the angle smashes a rising shot into the near post, Astle with a great save reacting quickly getting her gloves up to pull the ball down and claim.

KLSC goalkeeper, Stella Astle

  Cropley cutting the ball out as Knights looks to find Kean in attack. Williams getting a timely tackle in on Parsons as the midfielder threatens to steal in behind through the middle, Mulbarton quick to counter the ball Faye Bye sending the ball up top into Kean looking to turn and knock the ball past the defence, Burkauskaite lunging in to stop the ball, getting fouled in the process. 

  Burkauskaite defending again as Hoy winning the ball back on the left sends it on for Kean looking to run inside the box. Smith seeing the ball come to her as she gets up on the right fires a shot in from range across the goal out past the far post. 

 GOAL! Mulbarton double the lead, a simple goal but exquisitely executed, Farmer on procession on the right just inside the KLSC half sending a fantastic diagonal pass long into the top of the area for Waters to run onto left of goal and shoot sending her strike across the keeper to score her 2nd of the game 0-2.

Becky Waters onto Emma Farmers pass to score Mulbarton’s 2nd

Mulbarton’s Emma Farmer with KLSC’s Lucy Clarke and Bonnie Parsons

 Midway through the 1st half Mulbarton doubling the lead, pushing on looking for more goals, Kean coming in off the right into the middle 25 yards out putting the ball on for Waters left looking to steal into the area, Sands getting a foot in to block the pass, clear for KLSC. Clarke given the ball on the left bursts down the wing however her cross has no one in the box gambling to get on the end of it as Andrews collect unchallenged.

 Clarke down the left getting a throw the ball back into her feet as she turns at the top of the box looknig for a way through Mulbarton quick to close her down, tries to squeeze it into Pitcher central but Knights is back to clear for Mulbarton.  

  GOAL! Mulbarton clearing the ball up long through the middle, turning the KLSC defence around, Waters racing through the middle with Martin, looking to chase it down with Burkauskaite, the keeper rushing out a tangle at the top of the area as the ball is charged down, loose it falls to Kean’s feet 25 yards out shifts it onto her left foot and curls her shot into the empty net 0-3.

Lucy Kean fires Mulbarton into a 3 goal lead

 Mulbarton racing into a 3 goal lead with half an hour played. Burkauskaite hurt in the build up to the goal needing treatment, but is back up on her feet ready to play on.

  GOAL! Another blow for KLSC they get right back on the attack as the game resumes the ball played on down the right wing into Maslak takes the ball inside getting into the area and fires it past the on rushing keeper into the bottom corner 1-3.

Nikola Maslak gets a goal back straight away for KLSC

  KLSC breaking down the left Tokaji into Clarke, Smith tackling the ball out for a throw. headed on into the area, Knights dealing with it for Mulbarton. The game opening right up Mulbarton for their 3 goal lead cruising, rocked back a little by KLSC’s quick reply and drive to get the ball on, Puckova up on the right with Sturgeon a cross from deep claimed by Andrews inside her six yard box. 

Nikola Maslak

 Martin taking the ball on through the middle a driving run attempting to thread it through for Waters, Sands intercepting for KLSC. Waters linking up with Hoy out wide left for Mulbarton the cross worked into the area headed clear by Sands. Waters getting her feet up to hook the ball out to Hoy on the left whips a cross back into the area, Burkauskaite winning it for KLSC.

KLSC defender, Viktorija Burkauskaite

  KLSC snapping in to get hold of the ball, parsons busy in the middle tries to pick out Clarke on the right, Farmer back on her defending with Smith. Parsons onto the ball from Sturgeon has Pitcher making a run into the left channel, the past forwards intercepted by Smith. Hoy tackling Maslak as she looks to turn off a diagonal ball from Parsons in the middle. The ball pinging around outside the KLSC box a lucky rebound favouring Hoy eft side as she bursts in behind looking to get onto the end of it, Astle racing out to the top of her area getting there first to clear.

  Waters collecting the ball into her feet as she moves out to the left jinks her way inside to unleash a strike on the angle, a powerful drive rising past the keeper smashes over off the crossbar!

  A frantic first half moving into stoppage time Mulbarton seeing an attack break down as KLSC turn play around Parsons with a good pass up to Pitcher in attack, turns it out to the left for Clarke whipping an early ball into the top of the area, skipping up inside the D the bounce not favouring Tokaji as she looks to get it under control, give Groves the opportunity to close her down snatch the ball away.

Half-time KLSC FC Women 1-3 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

 Half-time and Mulbarton looking strong as they powered into a 3 goal lead within the opening half hour, Waters opening the scoring adding a 2nd involved in the 3rd as Kean turned it home. KLSC getting a goal back straight away have been under pressure at the back but looknig lively on the counter attack, Mulbarton not looking as composed after conceding the game opening right up. KLSC needing a goal before half-time to give them something to take into the 2nd period, both sides opting to stay out on the field during the half-time interval. Set up nicely for the 2nd half.

  KLSC making a change at the break, Taeya Mayes coming on in place of Cropley. Mulbarton unchanged getting the 2nd half underway. Rolled into Knights in the middle passed to Groves, Pitcher rushing in to close the ball down, KLSC pushing at the start looking to get after the ball. Parson taking the ball away to the right cutting a cross into the top of the Mulbarton area, Pitcher inside the D looking to take a swing at it not getting a clean touch.

  Maslak seeing the ball into her feet spinning in behind on the right wing to race on with the ball and deliver a cross into the top of the area, Martin cutting it out for Mulbarton the ball out for a throw. Martin changing her boots quickly after not happy with her first pair. KLSC busy winning a free-kick deep on the left Mayes over it firing a pacy ball into the near post, dealt with by Smith cleared outside the box, KLSC getting it back Mayes hooking a shot wide.

KLSC’s Taeya Mayes

  KLSC lively pushing players on at the start, Hoy looks to get hold of the ball take it on down the left get Mulbarton going up the other end, Tokaji now wearing the captains armband getting back at her to win the ball back. Burkauskaite closing Waters down as she looks to break through the middle from a Kean ball forwards. The ball pinging around as both sides look to get it on in attack,

Mulbarton’s Bryony Knights

  Hoy stretching for the ball left side of the area 20 out as it comes across to her on the half volley turns her shot wide. Parsons on for Sturgeon through the middle put on for Pitcher up top, Williams getting in front of her to clear for Mulbarton. Parsons coming to the right to link up with Tokaji and Maslak as they try to get the latter in down the line, Bye getting her tackle in to play the ball out for a throw.

KLSC’s Trinity Tokaji

  Hoy with a good spin on the ball as it comes into her from the middle, knocks it on through the middle for Waters breaking in behind but to her frustration the offside flag is up against her. Groves in the middle sends Knights away down the left channel looking to get into the box, Sands getting her challenge in to half the advance.

  Mulbarton getting on down the left Knights to Hoy the ball out for a throw, dropped into Hoy wide of the area hooks a cross on into the area, Astle getting her arms up to push the ball down into the ground, snatching it safely into her gloves before Waters close in can stab a foot at it. Mulbarton not having things all there own way 2nd half as KLSC push players on looking for an opening the defence busy. Sands over a free-kick on the left 30 yards out curled into the six yard box, Andrews bringing it down safely into her gloves.

Lana Sturgeon

  Maslak offside as Sturgeon attempts to play her in through the middle. Mulbarton making a change, Groves coming off, Nicole Sheldrake entering the game on the hour. Mulbarton play the ball on for Waters in attack right side breaking in behind the keeper rushing out to the top of her area to try and close her down, Waters sending her strike past her, but also wide of the far post.

  Knights getting forwards well for Mulbarton coming left putting the ball on for Hoy her early cross into the area cut out by Burkauskaite. Parsons moving right on the ball forwards into Maslak, Bye coming to close her down for Mulbarton.

Mulbarton defender, Faye Bye

Hoy away on the left with the ball at her feet coming inside across the area encouraged to pull the trigger but reluctant having not had much joy so far instead dinks it on to the right into the area for Waters stealing on on goal from the angle smashes another vicious shot past the advancing keeper onto the crossbar. 

Tilly Sands clearing for KLSC

 The game getting stretched KLSC committing bodies forwards gaps appearing in front of the defence. Parsons linking up with Maslak on the right, Sheldrake in to put in the tackle slowing her down outside the box, but Maslak keeps hold of the ball moving inside to turn a shot right of the D wife past the near post.

KLSC midfielder, Bonnie Parsons

  Sheldrake tackling Tokaji as she looks to get away on the right for KLSC. Parsons brought down as she carries the ball forwards through the middle giving KLSC the free-kick. Mayes n the ball 25 yards out taken quickly lifted into the box with Maslak breaking in behind, but Andrews has seen the threat is on the move to get hold of the ball first. 

 End to end action as Mulbarton make a 2nd change in midfield, Martin coming off, Jade Telfer coming on. Lauren Moyes coming on too for KLSC. Mulbarton work the ball on through the middle a sliced defensive clearance from Burkauskaite sees the ball deflected in behind with Waters alert after it right of the D, Puckova going with her stretching to get to the ball the pair going to ground both hurt as Waters goes over the defender an accidental clash striking her head against the turf with her knee. 

 Both needing treatment, Waters knee not liking it needs to come off, hobbling to the side-lines, Megan Anderton coming on. Puckova up eventually holding an ice pack to her cheek over to the side-lines will be allowed back on when play resumes. The defender having cleared the ball to the right for a throw. Mulbarton turn it into a corner kick. Curled in ear side, Burkauskaite defending for KLSC, cleared out of the box a shot in from distance bouncing over the keeper but wide of Astle’s right post.

Mulbarton’s Jade Telfer

  Telfer onto the ball outside the box, spinning into the shot right of the D in low with pace, on target, Astle with an instinctive save with her leg turning the ball wide. Kean getting up well to turn her header into Hoy’s path as she races on left side, crosses into the area, Sands clearing the ball away to the right, Farmer getting it back firing the ball into the D, Kean shooting turning the ball in on goal but straight at the keeper. 

 Mulbarton creating chances but can’t dampen KLSC’s spirit as Parsons coming inside from the right plays it across the top of the area for Sturgeon left side, rolls it on for Clarke to strike on the angle, fires her shot over the bar. Smith coming off for Mulbarton with Tilly-Rose Dade coming on. Tokaji bringing the ball inside from the right 25 yards out pushed on into Moyes central, looks to shift it right the left between her feet looking for an opening, getting a shot away a defensive block taking the sting out of it runs through to the keeper to gather. Sturgeon into Maslak on the right and angled strike rising into the side netting, taking a nick off a defender a corner awarded.

Lauren Moyes

 GOAL! The corner swept in at an inviting height long across the six yard box beyond the far post, Clarke getting her head onto the ball to power it back across goal and into the back of the net to pull the scores back to a single goal 2-3.

Lucy Clarke heading the ball home to pull it back to 2-3 for KLSC

 Game on setting up a tense final 6 minutes. Players pumped up on both sides, Moyes nipping in to win the ball off the Mulbarton back line sending it out to Tokaji right side lays it back up the line for Sands to curl a cross into the area, goes long, Clarke closing in at the far post not quite able to get on the end of it. Mulbarton making a double switch, Farmer and Hoy coming off, Groves back on along with Maisie Palmer-Smith. Mulbarton looking to take the ball into the corner keep KLSC from attacking, Groves looking to hold the ball up aghast as she is pulled over but doesn’t get the decision.

  Into the closing seconds the ball lifted out to Palmer-Smith wide on the right clips a good cross into the area, Mayes back to win it for KLSC near side in front of the keeper. Mulbarton winning the ball back falls to Kean top of the box, Burkauskaite going with her as they head for the area, the defender fouled. That’s it the final whistle blows and Mulbarton have done it, celebrate as they win the League Plate final.

Full time KLSC FC Women 2-3 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

 Was a really entertaining game knew they’re be goals in it and so it proved, Mulbarton getting off to a good start applying pressure high up the pitch early on getting into an early lead, creating chances, Waters firing them into a 2 goal advantage a 3rd from Kean quickly added. KLSC didn’t let their heads drop came straight back to pull it back to 3-1, to have something to hold onto going into the 2nd half. Started brightly getting at Mulbarton throwing players forwards taking risks at the other end Waters hitting the bar for a 2nd time coming closest to extending the lead, KLSC pulling it back to 3-2 late in the game but Mulbarton had the experience and game management to see out the game and claim the silverware.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. Plenty of good performances out there from both sides but have one clear winner in mind. Firstly for KLSC, Bonnie Parsons was busy in the middle getting hold of the ball breaking it on and linking up with her attackers throughout. Lana Sturgeon too winning the ball and getting forwards well. Viktorija Burkauskaite and Tilly Sands in defensive with some vital tackles. For Mulbarton a solid defensive display for the majority, dropping off well as a unit. Becky Waters up top gambling well getting in behind scoring twice and rattling the woodwork. Lucy Kean linking up with the midfield setting up chances along with a goal. Flo Martin with some great tackles in midfield. Mary-Anne Hoy providing a great outlet on the left got forwards throughout. The award though goes to Bryony Knights won the ball well in front of the defence and as the game grew got forwards well covering the ground with some fine passes.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves 2024/25 Norfolk Women’s League Plate winners

 Congratulations to Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves on winning this season’s Norfolk Women’s League Plate.

  An entertaining final to start the day a quick turnaround and bite to eat before the next game sadly no time to catch any of the action from the 7’s final in between. My thanks to both sides for the team details always appreciated must get those numbers. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Sprowston FC Women v Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

Sunday 16th February

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Feeling unwell last Sunday so forced to sit one out, so keen to get back to it this weekend, staying in Norfolk for some action from Norfolk Women’s Division One, unfortunately my original game was called off but a planned early kick-off gave me time to get to an alternative and across the board there were some great match ups so opted to go to Blue Boar Lane to watch 2nd placed Sprowston FC Women as they took on Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves in 3rd.

  Been an interesting campaign so far in Norfolk Women’s Division One, proving to be competitive, Bungay Town Ladies the defending champions, with a 100% record to date, just 6 games on the board though have a busy ew months ahead of them, Sprowston FC Women 2nd also unbeaten from their 7 matches too have games to catch up on. Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves in 3rd have got their games in and as a result find themselves right up there despite a managerial change, can they stay with the other challengers will be intriguing to see, games in hand don’t necessarily mean points on the board.

  Sprowston FC Women under new management this season with, player Lois Irving stepping into the role, initially planned to be on the side lines but tempted back out onto the field for another season, partly due to necessity with the side undergoing a bit of a rebuild, several player moving on from the season have brought in some talented youngsters from Dussindale & Hellesdon’s U16 side. Katie Fray re-joining having had a spell in the ERWFL with Thetford Town Ladies. Lauren Bumstead was with Mulbarton last season. Goalkeeper, Tyla Cole dual signed with Dussindale & Hellesdon.    

Finishing runners-up to Bungay Town Ladies last season, have hit the ground running this time around unbeaten in their 7 league games played too date with 5 wins and 2 draws. Have been a victim to the poor weather seeing a number of postponements. Lois Wright leading the goal scoring charts so far with 7 from her 6 appearances, while Rosie Milligan has 6 from 9 matches. Sprowston boast a good youth set up and have produced some good players and sides throughout the season’s.

  Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves, have seen the management role change hands 3 times this season with Dave Skipp stepping down from the role, with a interim coming, now John Vincent is in charge of the side that has a strong pool to call upon with useful experience playing in the county leagues and above. Having made a poor start to the league campaign losing 5 of their opening 6 matches, the season has been turned on it’s head as things settle down management wise, as the club went on a 6 game unbeaten run winning 4 and drawing 2 to catapult them all the way to the top of the table.

  Have goals throughout the side, Rebecca Waters coming to the club, netting 9 from 8 games top scorer. Lucy Kean always amongst the goals too for the club, has 7 so far this season. Midfielder, Charlotte Groves, has 6 to her names while Mary-Anne Hoy has scored 4 goals. Amongst the title challengers Mulbarton’s Reserves are also into the last 4 of the League Plate competition. A high scoring encounter between Sprowston and Mulbarton in the reverse fixture back in September, 10 goals between them with Sprowston coming out on top 6-4.

 The Sprowston Sports & Social club on Blue Boar Lane the venue for this afternoons game. The social club itself open serving hot and cold drinks. Leading out to the pitch beyond. Well used with a game taking place just that morning, a little cut up and patchy, offering good width, standing viewing all round. The snow the previous evening cleared away leaving behind a sunny, cloudy mix with a distinct chill in the air when the clouds obscured the sun.

Sprowston FC Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Emma Webster, Lois Irving, Lauren Bumstead (C), Claire Weekes, Isla McKee, Holly Whayman, Katie Fray, Katie Moore, Rosie Milligan & Lois Wright. Subs – Lola Hallam.

Sprowston FC Women

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves starting XI – Kirstie Andrews, Aneliese Smith, Faye Bye, Bryony Knights, Tasha Williams (C), Charlotte Groves, Jade Telfer, Sophie Jermy, Mary-Anne Hoy, Megan Anderton & Lucy Keen. Subs – Tilly-Rose Dade, Mia Wilkinson, Steph Leek, Ella Cattermole & Nicole Sheldrake.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Tasha Williams and Lauren Bumstead with today’s referee Dan Knowles

Sprowston with a few players missing today, down to the bare bones naming just the one on the bench, whereas Mulbarton could name five substitutes on theirs especially useful with roll off roll on substitutes. It’s Mulbarton to kick-off the 1st half wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts, with blue shorts and socks. Sprowston lined up opposite wearing orange coloured shirts with black shorts and orange socks. The ball played central, Sprowston immediately in to close it down, Katie Fray getting stuck in looking to release Lois Wright as she makes an attacking move, Jade Telfer getting the ball back for Mulbarton out to Sophie Jermy on the right, fires a diagonal ball in towards the top of the D 25 yards out attacker Lucy Kean looking to get it under control hit on the turn, slips as she pulls the trigger screwing her attempt wide of the left post.

Mulbarton striker, Lucy Kean

Sprowston bring the ball on through the middle with pace Fray out to Wright pulling into the left channel, controls top of the area, drops her shoulder and makes a move to go inside, Mulbarton’s captain, Tasha Williams getting her challenge in to see the ball diverted out to the left for a throw. From the throw in Fray looks to get the ball down into her feet left of the D, snatches at her shot, runs wide of the near post.

A lively start to the game both sides looking to get the ball up field quickly, the pitch not suitable to an intricate passing game, that sees play turned around quickly Mulbarton pushing players on Jermy right side driving a cross into the top of the area, Sprowston captain, Lauren Bumstead getting something on it trapping the ball diverting it out to her far post, the defence racing back to clear, Mary-Anne Hoy running in from that side looking to close the ball down blocked back in towards goal, Tyla Cole down sharply on her line to get her gloves around the ball.

The hosts build on the right Emma Webster on for Katie Moore driving down the line squares a cross into the box, Williams tracking back getting in the block to cut the ball out near side turn it behind for the corner kick. Curled into the near post, Mulbarton win the header the ball cleared.

Sprowston’s, Katie Moore

Charlotte Groves bringing the ball on through the middle for Mulbarton going left forwards into Kean, looks to send Hoy through on the overlap, Moore back for Sprowston getting her foot on the ball to clear upfield. Mulbarton pushed up one end, space opens up for Sprowston to attack on the left. Moore surging on to the by-line cuts the cross back into the top of the six yard box, Wright there unmarked, goalkeeper Kirstie Andrews starts to come to close her down the striker rushes her shot pulls it narrowly wide of the far post.

Holly Whayman on the ball for Sprowston with Fray through the middle lifted out to Wright wide on the left, controls coming inside to send a cross in towards the fat post, Bryony Knights up well to head clear for the visitors, Sprowston pressing getting it back top of the area a shot racing in wide of the right post. Rosie Milligan taking the ball on towards the box right of the D, Knights tackling to deny the shooting chance. Niggly challenges from both sides the pitch wet and heavy in places.

Mulbarton’s Meg Anderton

Meg Anderton for Mulbarton, pulls out to the right to receive the ball from Jermy, angles a long cross in towards the far post, Hoy making the run, just a little too much on it out for a goal kick. Anderton moving well behind Kean looking to link up with hoy and Jermy on the flanks, coming over to the left sends Hoy through to deliver a cross, cut out by Sprowston’s Claire Weekes at the near post. Telfer getting hold of the ball 35 yards out lines up a strike, on target but straight into Cole’s gloves.

Mulbarton midfielder, Jade Telfer

Weekes bringing the ball out from the back on Sprowston’s left plays the pass inside for Milligan who turns looking to sweep a cross out to the right for Moore to attack, Faye Bye intercepts well for Mulbarton heading the ball clear. Hoy bursting up the left for the visitors, Isla McKee getting back at her to tackle send the ball out for a corner kick. A vicious ball in curled into the six yard box, knocked down towards goal, Cole again getting down sharply to grab hold of the ball saving it on the line. Mulbarton appealing it had crossed the line but nothing doing.

Sprowston launching a quick counter attack, Milligan sending the ball long though to Wright up top breaking in behind the defence central, Andrews racing out to the top of her area to close her down the striker taking it past her to the right of goal looking to slide it into the empty net, Knights though recovering fantastically for Mulbarton throwing herself into the slide to block the shot turn it behind for a corner kick. All action the corner clipped into the top of the area met by Fray looking to head the ball back in towards goal, Andrews right behind it grabbing hold of the ball.

Mulbarton’s turn to have a corner out on the left, players up from the back Anderton to play the ball in near side defended comes back to Anderton to angle another cross into the area, this time it’s Moore who hooks the ball clear for the hosts. Both sides working hard to win the ball, the game scrappy at times, fouls given away, Telfer sliding in to win the ball from Whayman, Jermy looking to take it on right side, tackled by Irving.

Williams on for Jermy though the middle for Mulbarton fires it forwards into Kean 25 yards out top of the D, lets it run past her with Anderton making a good run beyond her taking on the shot from 20 yards out blasts her strike wide of the right post. Kean battles for a corner for Mulbarton on the left. Swung into the near post Weekes winning it for Sprowston. Webster combining with Moore out on the right for Sprowston the cross clipped into the box, intercepted by Knights.

Play continues to be end to end Kean coming right with Anderton, looking to cross the ball in central, cut out by Irving. A free-kick to the visitors in the middle, fired long towards the far post, Hoy can’t do much with it, but does well to win a corner off a defender. Plenty up in the box for a Mulbarton corner, swung in near side the hosts scramble it away.

GOAL! Sprowston have pressed forwards in attack on the right the move breaking down Mulbarton get the ball forwards quickly into the left channel for Kean to chase, the covering defender given a shout from Cole as she comes racing out of her area trying to get to the ball before, doesn’t with Kean lunging in to meet it knocking it past the keeper from 20 yards out, ready to celebrate… but has to wait for the ball to roll into the bottom corner, 0-1.

Lucy Kean congratulated by her teammates opening the scoring for Mulbarton.

Kean opening the scoring just past the half hour mark. Sprowston on the attack from the restart Whayman forwards into Milligan top of the area tries to force her way past Knights to get in on goal, the defender having none of it the pair going down, the decision going Knights’ way. Mulbarton coming left Anderton on for Hoy up the line attempts to put an angled shot in at the near post, Cole can see it bounce wide of the mark.

The free-kicks being given away both sides unhappy with decisions such is the tempo they are playing at. In a dangerous position 25 yards out central, Milligan over it goes for the shot, on target by not troubling the keeper.

Sprowston with a change bringing on Lola Hallam for Webster. Mulbarton looking to be direct, Kean the target up top, Anderton moving well off her. Bumsted does well at the back for Sprowston as she deals with Kean one on one as she runs onto a through ball from Groves. Smith going on the overlap up the right for Mulbarton lifting a cross from wide into Anderton inside the box near side gets her foot up to try and turn the ball goal-wards, strikes Bumsted as she goes to block deflected of her for a corner kick. Curled in near side, cut out by Whayman for the hosts.

 GOAL! Mulbarton looking to finish the 1st half strong into the closing moments, Jermy up to support Kean on the right, forcing a corner kick. The delivery fired in central knocked back in towards the far post area players looking to attack, Telfer and Hoy the ball struck goal wards, striking a defender as they go to block not enough the ball finding the back of the net to see the visitors double their lead on the stroke of half-time. 

Mulbarton celebrate as they double their lead on the stroke of half-time

Half-time Sprowston FC Women 0-2 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

  Both sides staying out on the field for the half-time interval. Mulbarton the happier doubling their advantage on the stroke of half-time. Both sides looking to be direct has been all action, little pause in play (except for tying boot laces). Mulbarton pushing players on using the flanks well, Meg Anderton moving off Kean linking up the midfield and attack, creating chances. Sprowston winning the ball back, niggly fouls on both sides, have created some good opportunities of their own a blow to go 2 down when they did and will be looking for a positive start to the 2nd half. 

A quick turn around for the 2nd half, for myself too as having been in between the dugouts on one side, the low sun as welcome as it is was going to play havoc with the camera so over to the opposite and as better as it was had to give up the sun for a chilly patch of shade, roll on summer. No changes for Sprowston, Mulbarton bring on Steph Leeks and Mia Wilkinson for Smith and Bye at full back. Sprowston to get the 2nd half underway, immediately closed down in the middle, Fray battling for the ball wins it back on for Milligan right on for Wright who tracks inside forcing her way into the box, takes on the shot lacks the power to trouble Andrews.

  Sprowston pressing the ball well on the left wing, Fray up with Wright, the striker looking for force her way through into the box, coming together with Leek picking up a knock, needing to come off Smith back into the action. Moore linking up with Wright as the hosts build again in the left, 20 out the striker makes a move to drive towards the corner of the box, the tackle comes in, heavy contact as Wright goes to strike the ball, a painful blow to her ankle, the free-kick is awarded. Wright down for a few moments some concern but thankfully is ok to continue. Irving over the set-piece on the left corner of the area a dangerous position looks to lift the ball in towards the far post, Telfer defending for Mulbarton sending the ball out for a corner on the left.

Tasha Williams with Lois Wright

 GOAL! The ball whipped in across the top of the six yard box, attacked by Fray, power on her header drives the ball in to smash down off the crossbar, bouncing down, Andrews getting down to beat it away, even as Sprowston turn to appeal that the ball was over the line, comes back to Irving outside the box left of goal, lashes her strike over. Sprowston though adamant the ball was over the line, the referee going over to consult with the clubs linesman in this case one of the Mulbarton substitutes, and points to the spot signalling a goal, Sprowston getting a goal back early in the 2nd half, 1-2.

Katie Fray powers her header towards goal to smash down off the crossbar.

Sprowston appeal thinking the ball crossed the line

  Kean bringing the ball away down the left for Mulbarton, played back up the line to Groves, clips it into the top of the area for Anderton, Irving challenging the ball going behind for a corner kick. Anderton swinging the corner into the area, Groves central knocking it back out to her, from the angle Anderton look to float the ball in over the keeper, Cole, though getting her gloves up to pluck the ball down into her body. 

  Wright driving with the ball at her feet, in off the left wing, Smith and Williams in to close her down the ball behind for a corner. Whipped in across the six yard box to the far post by Irving, is knocked down back in towards goal, Andrews there to scoop it up. End to end once again with both sides determined to get the ball into there attackers quickly, Telfer on for Kean moving into the right channel, Bumstead closing her down, tackling to send the ball out for a throw. 

Katie Fray holding off Jade Telfer

  The visitors appealing for a hand ball as the ball is lifted into the top of the area, Weekes going to head it down, does brush her arm as it falls but nothing intentional about it. Sprowston pushed up on the right pressing the ball, McKee with Milligan, the latter dropping her shoulder coming in off the flank 25 yards out, clips a shot up in towards goal, Andrews right behind it to claim. A battling contest played at a decent tempo, Irving getting on with the ball left side sending the pass through to Milligan up top, looks to spin in behind, Williams close on her getting her tackle in top of the area.

Holly Whayman bringing the ball forwards for Sprowston

  Telfer coming off for Mulbarton, on comes Nicole Sheldrake with around an hour gone, Moore with a burst of pace on the left pushing the ball up to Wright, tries to get past Williams unhappy as the foul goes against her giving Sprowston another free-kick on the corner of the area. Irving to send it in beyond the far post players queuing up, Weekes getting her head on the ball sending it back in over the crossbar.

  A vital interception from Bumstead at the back as Mulbarton look to turn play around rapidly, Jermy on the move through the middle looking to send Kean in with the through ball, Sprowston’s captain getting her foot out to cut out the pass top of the D. Both sides are getting frustrated with a few decisions, such is the nature of the game both wanting to get on quickly, Sprowston feeling they can get another goal, Mulbarton intent of restoring their 2 goal cushion. 

  Lively as Irving takes the ball forwards on the left playing a diagonal pass in central to Fray who helps it on for Milligan out on the right, from the angle drills a shot in to the near post, low, Andrews has the angle covered down to save. Knights defends for the visitors as Whayman looks to pick out Milligan in the right channel. 

 GOAL! Mulbarton press players on Groves on for Jermy right, puts the return pass into Groves as she continues her run out to the right, whipping a pacy cross into the six yard box, Kean rushing in at the far post looking to get a touch as the keeper goes down trying to grab it, both miss as it flies on out out to the left, Mulbarton keeping hold of the ball pulling players out of position the cross clipped back in central at Kean quickly drops off her favourably for Jermy to steal in unmarked to stab it wide of the keeper to make it 1-3.

Sophie Jermy firing Mulbarton into a 3-1 lead

  Mulbarton restoring their 2 goal cushion with a little over 15 minutes left to play, Anderton having picked up a knock minutes before, coming off for the visitors with Ella Cattermole coming on to join Kean up top. Groves getting on with the ball through the middle linking up with Jermy going right, Bumstead diving in to tackle the ball back central with Sheldrake 30 plus yards out, has a go from range, straight at the keeper. 

 Into the final 15 minutes, Sprowston not sitting back, Milligan bringing the ball down right outside the box dropping it into Wright, drives into the area, Wilkinson tackling for Mulbarton, the loose ball coming to Fray running onto it 25 yards out blasts her attempt over the bar. From a corner the ball comes out to Whayman to have a crack from range, on target but again straight forwards for the keeper. Hallam back on for Sprowston as they send Weekes up to to join the attack.

 GOAL! The ball played into Weekes inside the box from the right looks to turn move left, Williams going with her sliding in to tackle, Weekes going down, the referee pointing to the spot, Mulbarton furious as Sprowston have the penalty. It’s Irving to take, no mistake as she goes for power drilling it to the keepers right low into the bottom corner 2-3 game on.

Lois Irving fires home the penalty for Sprowston.

 Mulbarton already unhappy about conceding the penalty break down the left, bodies forwards the cross stabbed into the area, appeals go up straight away for a hand ball…

 GOAL! Even as the appeals are going on one end Sprowston counter attack the ball clipped on through the middle for Wright to attack, running in behind, Andrews has to come can’t get there as Wright lifts the ball over her to bounce into the goal beyond, turns to celebrate as she fires the hosts back onto level terms 3-3.

Lois Wright jubilant after levelling the scores for Sprowston.

 Tempers overheating Mulbarton naturally furious to have conceding the equaliser having had a strong appeal turned down at the other end, comments going too far for the referee going over to the bench to show a card, have a word with the manager and supporters. Into the final 5 minutes the action on the pitch continues Groves looking to play Jermy through up top, Cole gives the call to her defence coming out to deal with the ball. 

Charlotte Groves sending the ball on for Mulbarton

  Whayman clearing the ball for Sprowston, up to Wright wins her side a corner on the left, players up curled into the near side, Weekes heading it on into the mix, Fray looking to get it down wriggle free to unleash a shot, Mulbarton snapping at the ball taking it away from her, Milligan putting it wide of the right post from the top of the D. Sprowston with their tails up, Mulbarton rattled needing to calm down, Jermy firing the ball into Sheldrake up top, can’t quite get it under control as Irving moves in to close her down.

  Hallam getting her foot out to cut out the cross from Wilkinson as Mulbarton press down the left the ball behind for a corner kick. 

 GOAL! The corner clipped into the area initially cleared by Fray back out to the left, retrieved by Mulbarton with Sheldrake from the angle looking to curl a shot in under the crossbar, Cole stretching to reach it back on her line, plucked down, but not claimed in the six yard box, Kean looking to attack it, Bumsted blocking as it’s Mulbarton’s turn to appeal that the ball from Sheldrake was over the line, the referee calling it, awarding the goal Mulbarton retaking the lead in the closing stages 3-4.

Nicole Sheldrake’s ball in towards goal judged to have crossed the line to see Mulbarton retake the lead

 Definitely a heated finish to the game, his time Sprowston unhappy having clawed their way back into the game to concede late on. One last push from the hosts Whayman lifting the ball on into the top of the area, Weekes jumping for it brushes off her head to fall to Wright, left of goal, Groves back to challenge clear the ball for a corner. Seconds left, the keeper up from the back for Sprowston, but they can’t make the opportunity count as Mulbarton come out top in a 7 goal thriller. 

Full time Sprowston FC Women 3-4 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

  What a game, 17 goals between the sides in their 2 league matches. Mulbarton edging it this time, ending Sprowston’s unbeaten run in the process and coupled with Bungay draw at home to Aylsham, return to the top of Division One. Leading 2-0 at the break, Sprowston looking for a positive start to the 2nd half getting a goal back early. Mulbarton dug in both sides giving away fouls unhappy with some decisions but the game remained at a high tempo, the visitors getting clear to restore their 2 goal advantage. Sprowston kept going into the last quarter hour winning a penalty, the broke from a Mulbarton attack to level the scores. Mulbarton frustrated found the resolve to dig in and get forwards to retake the lead to win the game.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Another tough call with several contenders on both sides, for Sprowston, Claire Weekes and Lauren Bumstead put in some vital tackles at the back, especially as the game became more stretched in the 2nd period. Lois Irving too putting in some good tackles bringing the ball on a played some useful set-pieces. Rosie Milligan coming in off the right linking up will with the midfield setting up chances. Lois Wright working hard up top driving at the defence getting the equaliser. Katie Fray strong from midfield using the ball well linking up with Milligan and Wright up top. For Mulbarton, Bryony Knights was superb in defence making a number of important tackles and blocks. Jade Telfer in front of the defence getting stuck in to win the ball, Sophie Jermy out on the right taking the ball on used it well linking up with the attack and midfield runners. Meg Anderton showing great movement working hard up top behind Kean coming out wide to receive the ball create opportunities, edging it though is midfielder Charlotte Groves, won the ball well in the middle, getting it into the attacking players quickly and making some useful runs through the middle.

  An action packed game with a little controversy mingled in, played at a good tempo, not an easy pitch to play on, Division one is certainly proving to be competitive this season and there is still alot of football to be played. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details this afternoon, good to catch up with both. 

by Darren Gilham