Tag Archives: Norfolk Women’s Division One

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Bure Valley Women

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Sunday 13th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Fresh from covering my 600th game for Women’s Football East, it’s back to league action this Sunday and a game from Norfolk Women’s Division One, A trip to The Daly Group Stadium in Fakenham to watch Fakenham Town Ladies versus Bure Valley Women. 

  Still plenty of football to be played in Norfolk Women’s Division One, defending champions, Bungay Town Ladies looking on good shape to defend their title, the battle behind intense with a cluster of sides all putting together a run of results to push for a top three finish, very tight in the middle of the table too and things getting interesting at the other end with the sides seemingly becoming adrift at the bottom getting players back and picking up valuable points. Certainly any side can feel they can beat the other on their day.

  Bure Valley Women reforming a woman’s side last season and clinching the Division Two title to win promotion to Division One, a club with a strong youth section the first team now backed up by a new Development side entering Division Three as the league expands with a new influx of sides. Bure Valley’s 1st team currently 5th in the table. Having gotten off to a flyer winning 3 and drawing 1 in their opening 4 league matches. Picking up some good wins along the way, along with reaching the last 4 of the League Cup.

  Added to their attacking threat over the summer with Lauren Goulder and Rhiannon Dack joining the squad. Unfortunately have been without both through injury for a large chunk of the season. Dack returning in February, however their young squad has performed well regardless. Captain, Emma MacMillan top scorer for Bury Valley with 10 goals from her 15 matches with Maisie Redgrave and Megan Swain both on 5 each. 

  Fakenham Town Ladies were in danger of folding over the summer having just been relegated from the ERWFL after a 2 year stint and losing all most all of their squad. Only new captain, Gina Pooley and Hayley Marjoram from today’s squad still with the club. Fortunately the new management team had a group of young players ready to step up into the squad along with recruiting a few from Dussindale & Hellesdon’s U16s. Started the season well losing just one of their opening 4 league matches. Have won just 2 since with 4 draws that leaves them down in 8th position, now looking nervously over their shoulders with the sides below finding some form.

 Have a proven goal scorer in their ranks however with Maddie Green banging in the goals this season, joint 2nd scorer in Division One with 17 goals from her 16 games. Sister, Katie and Holly Williams have 3 goals apiece. With players coming of age to join the squad during the season the woman’s side looks to be back in good shape.

  The Daly Group Stadium the venue for this afternoons league encounter. The main pitch being rested no doubt in need of a good watering with the lack of rainfall so far this month. The club having two full size pitches opposite the carpark. Both well used, firm under foot in need of some rain, a little possible later in the day. The clubhouse open the bar serving hot and cold drinks. The main pitch is one of the largest around the pitch being used today much more compact, standing viewing all round the trees around the pitch white with blossom. The warm when able to poke through the grey clouds.

Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Karina Townsend, Francesca Wood, Sophia Price, Marcie McCullagh, Ella Ballett, Gina Pooley (C), Tayla Ewles-Belton, Holly Williams, Katie Green, Faith Fox & Maddie Green. Subs – Isabel Dallas Smith, Bethany Seymour, Sydney Smith & Hayley Marjoram.

Bury Valley Women

 Bure Valley Women starting XI – Danielle Barnes, Lucy Searcey, Willow Nye, Lucy Staff, Jasmin Snelling, Lily Norman, Eva Heald, Emma MacMillan (C) Rhiannon Dack, Emily Addison & Maisie Redgrave. Subs – Mariana Teixeira.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Gina Pooley and Emma MacMillan with today’s match referee William Lai.

  Bure Valley a little light on numbers naming just the one player on the bench, Fakenham with four substitutes to call upon, a injury concern in the warm-up sees Isabel Dallas Smith drop to the bench as a precaution with Sophia Price coming on at right back. It’s Bure Valley to get the first half underway wearing navy coloured shirts with red sleeves, navy shorts and red socks. Fakenham lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to captain Emma MacMillan she plays it back to Lucy Staff in defence, played up the left wing for Emily Addison to attack sends it on to Maisie Redgrave coming over to the left corner, the ball put back into Addison to turn a cross into the top of the area Holly Williams there to clear for Fakenham.

Bure Valley’s Lucy Staff

  Bure Valley with a throw out on the left, Williams busy for Fakenham early doors getting stuck in to challenge for the ball as the visitors try to link up their passes in the final 3rd. MacMillan onto the ball central for Bure Valley strokes it out to the right wing for Redgrave to chase down, held up by Francesca Wood checks back inside to lay the in central to Addison some 25 yards out goes to hit it first time curling her attempt over the crossbar.

  Wooded areas behind one goal and the side opposite the dug outs, players having to go on forays to retrieve it. A lively start both sides nipping in to try and close the ball down popping about in the middle, Eva Heald getting it out to the left for Bure Valley, Addison looking to attack in driving on, turning into the box, Price lunging in to deny the cross the ball out for a corner.

 

  Fakenham look to break out from the back, Katie Green on the ball left side clipping it into the middle for Maddie Green in attack, back to goal top of the D, held up by Jasmin Snelling lays it back into Williams to send a diagonal ball out to the right for Katie Green looking to get down the line, Staff closing her down the ball off the defender for a corner kick. Curled in long across the six yard box falling beyond the far post for Katie Green, knocked it down back into the mix, Bure Valley scramble it clear.

  Ella Ballett breaking up a Bure Valley attack top of her box for Fakenham getting the ball forwards into midfield, Williams helping it on for Maddie Green, attempts to play it in behind the defence for Faith Fox, however the flag goes up against her for offside. The ball hooked long upfield by Bure Valley for Addison in the left channel, running into the box, Price going with her for Fakenham sees it back to goalkeeper, Karina Townsend.

  Bure Valley bright in attack looking to play some neat passes just not coming off as they run into a congested centre, Ballett intercepting for Fakenham to clear. Williams battling for possession central for Fakenham wriggles free with the ball at her feet to send it on down the left with Wood breaking forwards beyond captain, Gina Pooley the ball crossed into the middle, cut out by Lily Norman for Bure Valley.

  Fakenham working the ball down the left getting a throw played into Maddie Green 30 yards out to the left of goal hits the shot on the turn, her effort wide past the far post. Fakenham winning the ball well in the middle played out to Pooley on the left with Maddie Green the cross lifted in on goal, Danielle Barnes up to claim it at her near post. Pooley left playing the pass into Maddie Green back to goal 25 yards out left of the D, looks to turn into the area, Snelling putting in the tackle the ball running off her behind for a corner kick.

Jasmine Snelling about to clear for Bure Valley

 Played on long across the top of the area from the right, Bure Valley get hold of the ball look for the counter attack, Nye sending it up to Redgrave wide, has MacMillan looking to get up with her into the box the pass into her snubbed out, Addison racing to catch up with play trying to link up with Redgrave to her left in the box, but Fakenham have regrouped gotten numbers back, no shot on, Addison looks to dink a cross into the six yard box Townsend and get hold of the ball for Fakenham.

  A even contest both sides looking to get the ball forwards with pace, MacMillan driving on with the ball through the middle sending it on for Redgrave in the box left side, Ballett going with her looking to see the ball out of play for a goal kick, Redgrave managing to play it off the defender for a corner instead. Swung in to the middle of the six yard box Williams coming in to defend the ball heading it behind for another corner on the left. This delivery long across goal to the far post knocked back across goal, Fakenham with plenty back to defend getting it away to safety. 

Francesca Wood defending on Maisie Redgrave

 

 GOAL! Fakenham send the ball into the middle for Katie Green plays it out to the left with Maddie Green on the move down the wing taking the ball down into the corner cuts a cross back in towards the top of the area, Nye getting a slight touch the ball runs on to Katie Green top of the D and she strikes the ball in low past the keeper into the bottom left corner to give Fakenham the lead 1-0. 

Katie Green fires Fakenham into the lead

  Just past the opening quarter hour, Fakenham take the lead, Bure Valley looking to attack from the restart the ball played out to Redgrave racing on down the right strikes it early on the angle her shot arrowing behind at the near post. Fakenham break through the middle, Williams playing it forwards early for Maddie Green looking to run in behind the defence, Barnes needing to come out of her area just about wins the race, her clearance uncertain however as Fakenham pour forwards Katie Green looking to lift it into the area for Fox to attack, Barnes recovering to get her arms up to pull the ball down into her body.

Bure Valley goalkeeper, Danielle Barnes

  Bure Valley build through the middle MacMillan and Heald exchanging passes, before Heald attempts to pick out Addison on the left, Ballett though stretching out a leg to intercept the pass for Fakenham. Norman coming across to challenge Pooley on the left as she exchanges passes with Maddie Green in attack. slowing her progress, Annie Searcey getting up with Norman to see the ball out for a throw in.

Bure Valley’s Annie Searcey

 

  Fakenham making a change in attack, Fox coming off, Bethany Seymour coming on. Snelling bringing the ball out from the back for Bure Valley sending the pass into Heald moving left plays it on up the line for Addison looking to get in behind, again it’s Ballett moving across from the centre of defence to close her down play the ball out. Katie Green latching onto a loose Bure Valley ball at the back 25 yards out from goal shifts it to her right before pulling her foot through the ball, doesn’t get it cleanly the shot screwing wide.

  Williams snapping in to win the ball back for Fakenham playing it out to Katie Green wide on the left on half way looks for Maddie Green up top with the diagonal ball into her left of goal, taking it down to the by-line whips a ball in on the angle, Barnes down into it low at her near post.

 Bure Valley if anything over complicating the final ball one too many passes Fakenham’s defence as a collective unit keeping it tight through the middle, Searcey sending it on up the right for Redgrave, Wood can see it out of play for a goal kick. Bure Valley attack on the left Nye pushing on to get up with Addison the pair exchanging passes, Nye turning in inside, Rhiannon Dack closed down central before she can work space for a shot out to Searcey right forwards into MacMillan, dinks it into the box for Redgrave to attack, Townsend though coming to meet it getting hold of the ball before Redgrave can make contact.

  End to end, Fakenham looking for Katie Green on the right her passing up to Maddie Green in attack stretching the Bure Valley defence. Marcie McCullagh cutting MacMillan’s through ball out for Fakenham the hosts looking to attack Williams through the middle on for Maddie Green, Snelling intercepting for Bure Valley. The ball continues to be hotly contested in the middle of the park, Price and Addison fighting for the ball as Nye rolls it on for her left side, squirms away to lift the ball on for Redgrave up top, Ballett going with her winning the tackle for Fakenham. 

Fakenham defender, Ella Ballett

 Fakenham counter Tayla Ewles-Belton on for Maddie Green in attack left channel looks to burst through the defence to get into the area, Snelling getting back at her slowing her progress, instead clips the ball out to the right for Katie Green to hit the cross on the run, flashed in across the face of goal no one can get a touch cleared beyond the far post. Fakenham making a 2nd change, Wood coming of Hayley Marjoram coming on. Bure Valley making a change to with Mariana Teixeira coming on to replace Nye. 

 The visitors bursting on through the middle, Dack to MacMillan lifted on for Redgrave up top, the ball not falling kindly for her as she tries to take on the early shot from outside the box, cleared to the right Price sending it on for Maddie Green pulling wide left, Barnes starts to come Green taking on the early shot rushed a little, Barnes twisting awkwardly as she tries to get down to the ball but can see it roll wide of the far post. The keeper stays down in need of some attention but is up ready to play on.

Fakenham’s Maddie Green

  Redgrave up on the left with Teixeira the attackers looking to exchange passes work the ball into the box, Price getting in the challenge to take the ball out of play. Maddie Green a constant threat up top for Fakenham looking to pull into the left channel, Williams trying to pick out her run this time, Snelling reading it for Bure Valley. 

  MacMillan on the ball central for Bure Valley getting forwards pushed into Teixeira outside the box turns it on into the area with Redgrave making the run in behind, Townsend making the call, coming on to lay claim to the ball. Bure Valley getting the ball on well enough just finding that final ball elusive, Ballett and McCullagh keeping it tight through the middle backed up by Ewles-Belton and Williams. 

Marcie McCullagh

 The sun shinning bright the first half being played at a furious pace, into the final 5 minutes MacMillan inside for Heald looks to drive forwards 25 yards out, McCullagh stepping out of the back line to put in the challenge. Fakenham break the ball into Maddie Green central turns it on up top to Williams bursting forwards right channel 20 yards out takes on the strike hit on the half volley coming at Barnes two feet of the ground the keeper, behind it making the catch look easy.

Fakenham’s Tayla Ewles-Belton

  The hosts finishing the 1st half strong, Ewles-Belton on for Maddie Green central Williams making to move to go beyond her left channel Green rolling the ball into her path the shot from outside the box straight at the keeper. Katie Green surging on down the right with the ball at her feet for Fakenham firing a cross into the area long past the far post, Norman defending as Maddie Green looks to attack it. Maddie Green pulling left to see the ball rolled into her feet from Pooley, turns to strike on the angle Barnes down smartly at her near post getting a touch the ball diverted into the side netting for a corner kick. In from the left high across the six yard box knocked back across to the left post coming into Katie Green at an awkward height can’t get it down under control before being closed down.

Half-time Fakenham Town Ladies 1-0 Bure Valley Women

  A fast paced first half coming to an end, both sides staying on the pitch for the half-time interval. Bure Valley starting brightly looking to get the ball forwards, Fakenham battling to win it back coming into the game themselves looking to do the same, contrasting attacks Fakenham keeping it tight through the middle dangerous on the counter looking to stretch the Bure Valley back line without overly committing players into the box. Katie green firing them into the lead on 16 minutes. Bure Valley getting players up into the final 3rd but so far unable to find the final ball to unlock the hosts defence. Still all poised for the 2nd half.

 Both sides making changes at the break, Nye back on for Bure Valley replacing Heald. Marjoram and Seymour off for Fakenham, Fox back on along with Sydney Smith. It’s Fakenham to get the 2nd half underway, the ball played back into the defence, Bure Valley moving in to press, no head way, Fakenham feeding it on up the right the ball out for a throw in. 

  Bure Valley feed the ball out to Dack drifting out to the left, helps ball on into the box with Teixeira peeling off the defence, but the attacker can’t quite get onto the end of it as Townsend sees it out for a goal kick. Pooley getting the ball into her feet left side sending it on up the line for Smith, Snelling getting across to tackle see the ball out for a throw. Both sides continue to race in close the ball down Bure Valley attack right Redgrave inside for Dack has Searcey moving down the wing plays the ball into her path, Searcey in turn putting it inside to Redgrave top of the box, Pooley their to nip in to steal the ball back for Fakenham. Bure Valley get a throw high on the right that leads to a corner kick.

GOAL! The ball fired into the box low central players racing to meet it turned back out to the corner taker on the right lifted back in towards the top of the D, half cleared MacMillan onto it 25 yards out teeing up Dack to strike angled in on goal flies past Townsend to sneak in at the left post 1-1. Dack’s first goal for Bure Valley too.

Rhiannon Dack’s shot from outside the box sneaking in at the left post

Rhiannon Dack scores the equaliser for Bure Valley

  Bure Valley back on level terms early in the 2nd half. Fakenham getting the down on for Maddie green in attack some 30 yards out attempting to swing at it on the turn, doesn’t get hold of it the ball drifting wide of the mark. Katie Green on the attack right side for Fakenham sees her cross turned behind for a corner kick. Curling in on the keeper, Barnes getting a hand on the ball to knock it on past the far post dropping for Katie Green to lift a cross back into the middle, Williams leaping central can’t get anything on the ball as Bure Valley get it cleared to safety.

  The ball is rarely still only the odd trip into the woods to retrieve it. The pitch hard a few spots of rain in the air, the umbrella needed to keep the notepad dry, can’t put it my pocket too much happening. Nye getting the ball into MacMillan top of the area 20 yards out has Redgrave beside her the short pass into her helped out to Addison on the left takes on the shot the ball powered straight in on the keeper, Townsend comfortable in the save.

Bure Valley’s Willow Nye

  Dack moving in to press the keeper on a back pass Townsend rushed plays it straight to Addison left outside the box rolls it inside for Teixeira left of the D, goes to shoot, McCullagh going to charge it down takes the sting off the shot as it rolls safely through for Townsend to gather up inti her gloves. The rain adding a little slickness to the pitch both sides intent on scoring.

Annie Searcey with Maddie Green

 Katie Green getting hold of the ball out on the right firing a low shot in on the angle, Barnes diving forwards to get a glove on it at her near post turning it behind for a corner kick. Fakenham pushing players up for the corner, curled in central Dack getting a touch to take it away to the left, Fakenham quick to get it back the ball hooked back in to the far post area, Barnes trying to reach it stretching hurt as she goes to ground. The referee stopping play so she can receive treatment. 

 The rain stopped for now the sun back out, 20 minutes gone in the 2nd half play resuming with a drop ball much to Fakenham’s displeasure as they had possession when play was stopped. Nevertheless the hosts win it back through Price on the right sends it on for Katie Green on the wing, sends a high ball into the area looking for Smith running in far post, Snelling getting a touch to knock it out to the right, Norman sending it upfield.

  Fakenham winning a free-kick in the middle, Katie Green sending it long for Maddie Green to control bring down the left cutting a cross back into the top of the area, MacMillan there in cut the ball out for the visitors. Maddie Green snapping in to steal the ball back 25 yards out for Fakenham central sends it right into the path of Williams who goes to hit it first time 30 yards out the shot dipping straight into the keepers midriff.

Holly Williams

  Fakenham pushing up Williams looking to join the attack, on for Maddie Green going down the left to the by-line, Norman holding her up comes back up the line passing to Pooley to try and drill the ball into Williams inside the D, MacMillan in there with her close putting in the challenge to win the ball back. Wood coming back on with 20 minutes left on the clock replacing Smith for the hosts. The game end to end, you feel it could go either way without neither side getting on top of the other for long.

  Maddie Green seeing the ball into her turning it out to the right for Katie Green, Nye back on her to win the ball back infield to MacMillan of for Dack tries to thread it through the defence for Redgrave running into the box, but Townsend can gather it first. Bure Valley press the attack win the ball high MacMillan central lifting it to Addison left bursting into the box, Townsend rushing out to try and close her down, Addison squeezing the ball past her bouncing through on goal, Price running around on the cover clearing the ball off the line!

Sophia Price clearing off the line for Fakenham

 Bure Valley winning a corner on the right, whipped in with pace through the six yard box Price trying to defend at the far post knocking in down into the box Teixeira latching into it 10 yards out pulls her foot through the ball, everyone turns to see it race narrowly wide of the left upright.

Bure Valley’s Mariana Teixeira

  Dack bringing the ball on through the middle for Bure valley MacMillan up with her the ball fed out to Addison on the move left side, Price stretching out a leg to cut the ball out for the hosts. Pooley seeing the ball into her feet out wide left for Fakenham sends in on looking for Maddie Green up top, Norman closing her down for Bure Valley. MacMillan on the ball central for Bure Valley on the move lays it to Addison in the left channel she in turn turns it into Teixeira running through the middle, McCullagh getting across her path the shield the ball back to her keeper. 

Bure Valley captain, Emma MacMillan

  MacMillan taking the ball down the left wing off a throw in lifting a cross into the area, Townsend being closed down by Teixeira getting a glove up to knock the ball down into the area, Ewles-Belton hooking it clear for the hosts. Continues to be a fast paced match Bure Valley getting the ball into Addison left side driving forwards, price in to play it out for a throw. Dropped into MacMillan to strike goal wards on the angle, rising, Townsend getting her gloves up to beat the ball down into the deck and claim.

  Fakenham break through the middle, Ewles-Belton with Williams to Pooley left up to Maddie Green looks to play it central for Williams, Snelling stepping in to intercept for Bure Valley. End to end Bure Valley straight on the attack curled out to Addison wide left cut back into the area for Nye, closed down manages to get it out to Redgrave wide right put back up the line for Searcey to attempt the cross, Pooley winning it back for Fakenham.

  Feel it could go either way as Fakenham make another change Fox coming off with Isabel Dallas Smith entering the game. Fakenham with a corner left side into the box cleared out to Pooley 25 out right of the D, looking to hit it on the volley, has to stretch for it causing the ball to pull wide of the mark. Katie Green taking the ball on right down the line Nye up with her pressing the ball green putting her cross behind.

  Dack laying the ball out to Addison for Bure Valley wide left, Ballett out to close her down, out for a throw high up the pitch. MacMillan getting a shot away on the angle put straight at the keeper. Searcey picking up the first yellow card of the game as she comes together with Pooley, The rain starting to fall again as the game moves into the final 5 minutes. Katie Green sending the resulting free-kick long up towards the area Snelling rushing in to charge down Maddie Green as she looks to see it down top of the D.

Emily Addison

  Bure Valley winning a free-kick inside the Fakenham 35 yards out to the right, MacMillan to fire it with pace into the penalty spot, Dack taking a swing at it but making little contact deflects out to Addison left of goal, rushed into her shot blazes it over. Bure Valley push up late on Nye into Dack out to MacMillan left of the box hooks it back into the middle, Williams back to clear for Fakenham.

 Pooley getting up on the left taking the ball on from Maddie Green to get to the by-line, Norman blocking her cross the ball behind for a corner kick. Curled into the six yard box, Addison coming to defend heading it behind for a 2nd corner out on the left. Whipped in cleared to the top of the area, Williams on it down for Maddie Green central to spin away to the right for Katie Green who strikes it on the angle over the bar. Seconds left Bure Valley attempt one last attack MacMillan hooking it forwards high for Redgrave, McCullagh intercepting for Fakenham to clear upfield. 

Full time Fakenham Town Ladies 1-1 Bure Valley Women

  The points are shared, no doubt could have gone either way 2nd half a fast paced game both sides looking to get forwards. Fakenham with the 1st half lead, Bure Valley with a better 2nd half performance getting back on level terms early in creating some good chances to try to get their noses in front, Fakenham remained a constant threat both keepers called into action. A draw perhaps the fair result although both will feel they could have gotten more. The point keeping Bure Valley on the tails of the sides in the top 4, Fakenham have 3 games left including the return fixture against Bure Valley late in May need a few more points yet to ensure safety.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, certainly a few contenders, although I was more or less certain of who the award was going too after the match. Still several performances of note to mention was a lively contest. Firstly for Bure Valley, Jasmine Snelling was composed at the back reading the game well intercepting the ball. Emily Addison providing a good outlet on the left side making some good runs. Rhiannon Dack finding some good positions especially 2nd half as Bure Valley looked to press the attack on hand to score the equaliser. Set up by Emma MacMillan who had a strong game in the middle of the park getting up and down the pitch to defend and link up with the attackers. For Fakenham, Ella Ballett and Marcie McCullagh kept it tight at the back making it tough for Bure valley to cut them open. Katie Green a constant outlet right side with a great range of passing opening the scoring. Maddie Green too getting into some good positions pulling players out of position to allow others to attack. The award today though goes to Holly Williams set the tone early on for Fakenham busy as she closed the ball down and took it forwards with determination making some good runs, covering the ground whether it be helping out in defence or getting up with the attack.

  Another enjoyable encounter from Norfolk Women’s Division One shaping up to be a thrilling end to the season a still plenty of games left to play. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line up as is always the case much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Aylsham FC Women v Long Stratton Women

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Sunday 6th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Back to league action this Sunday, with a trip to Youngs Park to take in a game from Norfolk Women’s Division One, as Aylsham FC Women take on Long Stratton Women.

Bungay Town Ladies the defending champions looking strong in their defence of the title, 5 points clear at the top with games in hand, although a surprise 1st league defeat of the season to 2nd bottom KLSC FC Women last time out raised a few eyebrows, have a busy run in too, having reached both the League and Suffolk Women’s County Cup finals. Behind Bungay the race for runners-up spot is incredibly tight and wide open with UEA FC Women climbing into 2nd, just 6 points between them and 8th placed Fakenham Town Ladies sure to be plenty of twists along the way. Anyone finding a run of results now could claim that spot and be ready to pounce should Bungay falter.

 Aylsham FC Women, 9th in the Division One table looking to pull clear of the bottom two sides and get in amongst the pack in the middle of the table. Like nearly all the sides in the league getting a decent run of matches has been a challenge for various reasons this campaign, with weather and cup competitions playing there part, went deep into the County Cup and even better in the League Cup reaching their 1st final since reforming where they will take on Bungay Town Ladies on Sunday 18th May.

A tough start to Aylsham’s league campaign taking just 1 point from their opening 4 matches have since improved without finding consistency in the league winning as many as they’ve lost, get a run of results going and that will see them climb the table with a useful blend of experience and youth in the squad have the potential to finish the season strong. Christina Papadopoulou Aylsham’s top scorer so far this season netting 19 goals from her 15 matches. Vicky Lubbock too also into double figures scoring 12 goals in her 16 matches. Twin sister Sophie has 9 to her name along with Shelley Woods.

Long Stratton Women with an unbeaten streak of 4 matches through February through to March including 3 straight wins climbing up to 4th spot in the Division One table since than have suffered a couple of back to back defeats allowing others to overtake dropping to 7th but still well placed to push on. Like many sides in the Division have plenty of games to play, having completed just over half their league fixtures through a combination of postponements and cup games interrupting the league campaign with the majority of those games at home will be looking to finish strong. The club expanding it’s women’s section this season too creating a new Development side playing in Division Three.

Long Stratton Women’s recent good run coinciding with them bringing Luci Middleton out of retirement (again) having previously played for the club finishing highest scorer in the league too before following manager Adam Race to Wroxham Women, coming back to Long Stratton a proven goal scorer smashed home 11 goals in her 7 appearances. Has since signed for Wroxham, a miss for Long Stratton no doubt but have another striker in good form in front of goal with Caitlin Skipper the leading scorer with 14 so far from her 9 appearances. Daisy Stobbart on 5 goals Long Stratton are bringing through alot of young players at the moment building for the future.

A bit of toing and froing with this weekends fixture with the sides yet to meet this season, was earlier moved to Long Stratton’s Manor Road ground before Aylsham rearranged to play the fixture at home on their brand new 3g pitch at Youngs Park. The ground continuing to develop, with numerous grass pitches beside the clubhouse with large function room bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink. The 3G pitch bringing in new revenue for the club hosting a number of games, beside the main grass pitch being rested and watered today. A compact artificial pitch with standing viewing on one side. A bright sunny day albeit with a stiff and chilly breeze blowing from one goal end to the other the sun too bright behind one goal.

 Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Mia parker, Jess Greengrass, Ellie Snowling, Charlotte Crane, Sophie-Jayne O’Connor (C), Cayla Brown, Carly Allum, Shelley Woods, Jasmine Walford, Olivia Baker & Billie Myall. Subs – Sophie Lubbock, Vicky Lubbock & Elisha Nobbs.

Aylsham FC Women

 Long Stratton Women starting XI – Cyan Fullbrook, Emily Coe, Summer Whiting, Jade Copeman, Esme Goodall, Megan Vincent (C), Ella Karkoska, Pip Giacomelli, Liv Charlton, Eloise Flack & Caitlin Skipper.

Long Stratton Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Aylsham without a number of key players, including top scorer, Christina Papadopoulou for this afternoon’s game, with twin sisters, Sophie and Vicky Lubbock arriving late on the bench. Welcome back Australian, Billie Myall recently returning for Aylsham after giving birth, having made a huge impact for the club signing on last season. Long Stratton too with several missing travel with the bare 11.

Captain’s Sophie-Jayne O’Connor and Megan Vincent with todays match official Elise Mileham-Carol

A last second switch with Elisha Nobbs coming on right on kick-off with Myall needing to feed her child, babies have no sense of timing but most certainly come first. It’s Aylsham to kick-off the first half wearing orange coloured shirts with blue shorts and socks with Long Stratton lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts and socks with black shorts. The ball rolled back to the defence played right to Jess Greengrass, sends it up the wing for Jasmine Walford to attack, Emily Coe can see it safely out of play at the back for Long Stratton.

Probing balls forwards from both sides early on put into the channels, Long Stratton looking for Caitlin Skipper as she turns to attack on the right, Aylsham captain, Sophie-Jayne O’Connor at the back getting across her run putting a foot in to divert the ball away from her allowing full back Ellie Snowling to clear. Long Stratton winning a free-kick in the middle inside the Aylsham half the ball launched up to the top of the area won by Charlotte Crane at the back for the hosts, then as the ball drops to a Long Stratton player outside the box, it’s Crane who gets the block in as the shot is fired in.

 

The ball being moved quickly between the sides congested in the middle not finding the nark up top, lifted forwards by Aylsham, Jade Copeman at the back penalised for a handball as she goes up to clear it. Shelley Woods over the free-kick top of the circle hit long to the left post area, too much on it runs out of play before anyone can run onto it. Snowling sending the ball up the left wing for Aylsham, Elisha Nobbs looking to get it under control as she turns into the area, Copeman in close attention managing to get her tackle in to knock the ball from under her feet before she can get a shot away.

Elisha Nobbs being tackled by Jade Copeman inside the box.

Long Stratton with energy in their attack looking to get players forwards, Skipper seeing the ball into her feet looking to spin off her marker and make runs into both channels. Eloise Flack with the ball at her feet on the right for the visitors aiming to play Skipper in behind the defence into the box right of goal, the pass intercepted by Aylsham’s Carly Allum.

Aylsham midfielder, Carly Allum

Aylsham press winning a throw high on the left, Olivia Baker up around the box on for Nobbs, challenged by Copeman inside the box, cleared straight to Woods, 25 yards out hits it first time sent over. Myall being subbed back on going into attack replacing Nobbs. Aylsham bring the ball on through the middle into Myall back to goal lays it off for Baker coming on spins to get into the area, Baker lifting the ball over the Long Stratton defence, goalkeeper Cyan Fullbrook alert to the danger, out quickly to rush onto the bouncing back.

Long Stratton quick to launch the counter attack the ball wasting no time on its way out to Skipper pulling into the right channel, in behind the defence, looking to break into the area goalkeeper Mia Parker comes racing out to close her down sliding in to try and save the pair colliding as Skipper sees her hurried effort to evade her loop up to fall onto the crossbar and out of play. Both down for a moment, Skipper up first Parker needing a little more attention, Walford a good keeper in her own right should she be needed however, Parker is back on her feet and ready to continue.

Eloise Flack on the attack for Long Stratton

Aylsham win the ball back in the centre Cayla brown on for Allum, Woods ahead of her looking to get on up top with Myall the pair playing a one tow as they turn the Long Stratton defence, Woods looking for the return pass as she goes right, Coe intercepting well for the visitors.

GOAL! The break is one as Coe launches the ball forwards long out to the right helped on for Skipper with gets hold of it drives forwards with pace to burn outside the area 25 yards out with the keeper starting to advance she strikes it on the angle firing it with venom low past the keeper across goal into the bottom corner 0-1. 

Caitlin Skipper driving forwards with the ball opening the scoring for Long Stratton

Long Stratton into the lead inside the opening 15 minutes, getting forwards with purpose, Skipper the ready outlet making some great runs into the right channel looking to get in behind the Aylsham defence the hosts put on the back foot. Skipper linking up with Flack out on the right the cross into the top of the area sliced clear by O’Connor going out for a throw in.

Allum sending the ball on through the middle for Aylsham up to Myall in attack carries it out to the right, Coe going with her putting in the challenge to put it out of play for a throw in level with the long Stratton box, the ball thrown in towards Myall positioned just inside the area right of goal, chests it down well turning towards goal hitting her strike on the angle sending it into the side netting.

Ella Karkoska winning the ball in the middle for Long Stratton laying it out to Flack to her right lifted on for Skipper in attack looking to surge into the box right of the D, O’Connor just getting a slight touch on the ball, enough to deflect it away from Skipper, on for parker to snatch up into her gloves. Aylsham counter with Baker finding Myall bursting into the left wing, looking to drive on to the by-line, Summer Whiting lunges in to tackle playing the ball out for a throw.

The wind is bitter in the shade, may be favouring Long Stratton too as they play the ball forwards with pace looking to get Skipper on the ball run at the Aylsham defence, Snowling being kept busy at left back, Flack looking to double up with Skipper with pip Giacomelli providing runs through the middle, Megan Vincent seeing the ball into her from Liv Charlton lifting it on over the top for Skipper, bursting into the box, Parker jumping up to claim it on the rise.

Aylsham winning a throw high on the right, put into the area for Walford back to goal hooks it on towards the far post, at an awkward height for Copeman to deal with especially with Woods closing her down but does well to get it away for a throw on the left. Aylsham getting players on better now, but that in turn leaves them vulnerable to the counter attack, Coe winning it well at the back for the visitors plays it on for Vincent, Brown moving in quickly to close her down before she can attempt to release Skipper already on the move into the right channel.

Aylsham’s Billie Myall

Aylsham find Walford out on the right drives on, Coe closing her down, Walford emerging with the ball after the 50/50 challenge inside looks for Myall inside the D, controls looks to turn left, Esme Goodall putting her foot in to win the ball back for Long Stratton. Charlton for Long Stratton into the centre for Vincent lifted out to Skipper right channel sees it down laying it on down the line for Flack to surge forwards, Snowling managing to get across her path to shield the ball play it back to her keeper to clear.

Long Stratton’s Liv Charlton

Long Stratton regain possession on the left Charlton playing in on for Flack coming to receive the ball with Giacomelli ahead of her the ball crossed into the top of the Aylsham area, Crane cutting it out for the hosts. Both sides intent on getting forwards Brown clearing for Aylsham, up to baker 20 yards out forwards into Myall inside the D right of goal looks to turn, Coe putting in the blocking tackle.

Long Stratton full back Emily Coe

Long Stratton waste no time getting the ball on through the middle, into the path of Skipper who shapes to go right before pulling the trigger some 35 yards out from goal, her low bouncing effort running straight into Parker’s gloves. Skipper getting a few knocks for her efforts to, fouled on a number of occasions as she threatens to get in behind the Aylsham defence. One of those attacks seeing the attacker break into the area from the right, then being pulled down, the referee pointing to the spot, Penalty!

 GOAL! *Correction* It’s Karkoska to take the penalty. No messing goes for power hitting it on the ride before Parker can react into the right side of the goal to double Long Stratton’s lead. 0-2.

The visitors moving 2 goals ahead on the half hour, Aylsham rocked looking to get on the attack from the restart, baker finding Myall moving out to the right taking the ball on a drop of her shoulder to give herself a half yard of space to cross sends it in low to the near post, Fullbrook down onto it to make the save.

Woods playing the ball forwards into Walford coming in off the right 25 yards out, Charlton in to put in the blocking tackle just as she is about to pull the trigger. Long Stratton counter the ball into Skipper back to goal lays it on for Flack going on down the right wing, plays the ball back in across the top of the area with Giacomelli making a central run looking to get onto the end of the ball, O’Connor stretching forwards to get her foot out to cut out the pass.

Aylsham captain, Sophie-Jayne O’Connor

Myall up top for Aylsham seeing the ball down into her feet from the left outside the D, Coe in to close her down getting a nick on the ball, but Myall still has it as she pulls left into the area with Fullbrook advancing looks to lob it over her, the ball bouncing wide at the far post. Reinforcements have arrived in the shape of the Lubbock twins as they are subbed into the game, with Walford and Baker the players coming off.

Sophie Lubbock moving up top with Myall straight into the action off a throw high in the right, comes into her inside the D, turns to shoots a low strike lacking the power to trouble Fullbrook at the far post. Aylsham pushing players on now Myall with players around her looks to go right, tackled well by Coe, the ball quickly won back however Aylsham with a punt from range on the angle dropping wide of the far post.

 GOAL! The clock ticking down in the first half Aylsham getting players on Vicky Lubbock with Woods fed into Myall back to goal inside the box right of goal, strong taking it down to the by-line holding over Coe she manages to wriggle free to sweep a cross low into the six yard box straight into Sophie Lubbock’s feet controls well and stabs it goal wards wrong footing Fullbrook putting it across her to score 1-2.

Sophie Lubbock pulling a goal back for Aylsham

The substitutes with an immediate impact pulling a goal back for Aylsham late in the first half. The hosts coming no strong late in the half winning a corner on the right, swept in long across the six yard box, turned behind beyond the far post for another corner on the left. Played in high to the far post Woods up to head it back across goal, Long Stratton getting it clear.

Skipper brought down on the right on halfway, the referee having a word with Snowling, Long Stratton with the set-piece, fired long up into the box, Parker going up to claim it even as Giacomelli comes running in trying to attack it, the pair colliding the keeper coming off worse, however once again is alright to continue. Long Stratton look to counter the ball into Skipper back to goal tackled by Allum as she looks to turn right, Flack onto the loose ball surging on, Snowling in to close her down.

Charlton bringing the ball on down the left for Long Stratton squaring it into the middle for Karkoska, to strike from 30 yards out her effort finding the Parker back on her line to make a comfortable save.

Aylsham goalkeeper, Mia Parker

The first half finishing at a furious pace as Aylsham press players on Long Stratton remaining a threat on the break, end to end before Mileham-Carol blows up to bring play to an end.

Half-time Aylsham FC Women 1-2 Long Stratton Women

 Both teams opting to stay out on the pitch during the half-time interval. Aylsham pulling a goal back late in the 1st half reducing the deficit to a single goal. Long Stratton starting the game well getting the ball forwards quickly Caitlin Skipper making some positive runs into the right channel looking to take the ball on find her way through the Aylsham defence scoring the opening goal inside 15 minutes, then brought down inside the box on the half hour to double the visitors lead from the penalty spot. Posing Aylsham a few questions the hosts tentative probing with their attacks early on gradually committing players further forwards, Billie Myall taking the ball into the channels looking for an opening, the introduction of the Lubbock twins seeing them press the attack get more bodies forwards Myall setting up Sophie Lubbock to score, late in the half giving Aylsham the momentum going into the 2nd half.

  A quick turn around ready for the 2nd half, Long Stratton to get the 2nd half underway the ball rolled back into the defence out to Whiting looking to push up on the right, clips a long diagonal ball up into the box looking for Skipper making the run through the middle, Parker though moving out of her six yard box coming to collect the ball.

  Straight from the start Aylsham looking to push players on fight for the ball higher up the pitch, Myall now out to the right, Allum sending the ball into her, Coe tackling before she can get a cross into the box. Myall again with the ball at her feet on the right has support with Vicky Lubbock outnumbering Coe the cross into the box cleared by Goodall. Long Stratton look to get it forwards quickly a long punt up towards the top of the area for Skipper to try and chase down, travels through to the keeper.

Esme Goodall

 GOAL! Parker releasing the ball quickly, Aylsham’s turn to get the ball forwards with speed played through to Myall making a run right channel, driving on towards the top of the box, unleashes her strike early sending in arrowing in on goal past the keeper and into the bottom corner to level the scores 2-2.

Billie Myall getting Aylsham back on level terms

  Aylsham back on level terms 3 minutes into the 2nd half. Long Stratton’s Karkoska winning the ball putting it out to the right for Skipper to attack, Snowling going with her getting to the ball first no taking any chances playing it out for a throw in. Up the other end Aylsham attack right winning a throw high up the pitch. Dropped into Myall who turns to strike the ball on the angle flashed over the bar. 

Eloise Flack

 Vicky Lubbock pressing up with Myall out on the right winning her side a corner kick. Aylsham pushing the Long Stratton defence back. Players up from the back, the delivery coming in towards the near post, headed over the crossbar. Lively Aylsham pressing high Allum into Vicky Lubbock taking the ball right, squaring a cross along the top of the Long Stratton box, Goodall intercepting and clearing for Long Stratton.

  Goodall winning the header inside the box as the cross comes inside from the right the clearance dropping straight into Vicky Lubbock’s feet 25 yards out central shifts it to her right before getting her shot away low angling in to the right post, Fullbrook diving down to make the save. 

Long Stratton goalkeeper, Cyan Fullbrook

  Long Stratton working hard at the back under pressure now chances to get the ball up field more limited, Skipper not getting the support up to her as quickly, the visitors nevertheless remain a threat on the counter attack, Flack moving right getting onto the end of a cross-field pass taking the ball on delivering an early cross in towards the top of the box, Crane cutting it out to clear for Aylsham.

  Aylsham probing, the Lubbock twin’s linking up with Myall in attack, Woods pushing further forwards too, linking up with Myall given the return ball as they pair attack on the right Woods lifts it into the top of the area with Allum central the target, Whiting in to close her down bringing the ball clear for Long Stratton. 

 Brown operating in front of the defence for Aylsham cutting out a number of inviting balls forwards as Long Stratton look to counter, play turned around Woods pulling into the left channel breaks in behind the defence moving towards the area comes inside onto her right foot to curl in a shot from outside the box, her effort just wide of the far post.

  Long Stratton bring the ball on right side Whiting getting up the pitch with Flack the diagonal ball into the area as Giacomelli bursts on through the middle, Parker quick off her line getting hold of the ball 1st. Myall straying offside as the Long Stratton defence hold their line with Allum on the turn looking to put the diagonal ball into her path. 

  Coe does well at the back for Long Stratton under pressure from Myall to deal with an awkward bouncing ball played over the top by Allum out to the right. The visitors working hard at the back forced back into their box at times as Aylsham push players on, that does occasionally leave them light at the back Skipper moving out into the wing to chase the ball down, keeping Snowling busy the full back closing the ball down turning it out for a throw. Long Stratton take it quickly Flack up with Skipper getting the ball into the box, Parker claiming it.

Aylsham full back Ellie Snowling

  Giacomelli moving into the left wing taking the ball on from Charlton getting forwards to lift a high cross into the area, Flack the furthest forwards running in central, Parker though with a confident claim high at her near post. Aylsham turn play around Vicky Lubbock right channel bringing the ball on looking to set up sister Sophie inside the box, crossing the ball in low, Goodall intercepting for Long Stratton. 

 Midway through the 2nd half Aylsham winning a free-kick top of the circle, O’Connor to deliver into Woods’ feet top of the D, looking to turn find a half yard to shoot is closed down by Vincent the ball deflected away for a throw to the right. A spirited game by Long Stratton fighting for the ball with the bare 11, Vincent with Karkoska trying to get the ball on through the middle, Brown cutting it out as Skipper looks to break in behind, forwards for Allum her through ball seeing Sophie Lubbock caught offside.

 Myall right putting a lopping cross in towards the top of the area, Sophie Lubbock trying to get it under control, Goodall on her shoulder, Woods up with play seeing it down into her feet inside the D, back to goal hits it on the spin, turning her strike over the bar. Aylsham making a change, Allum coming off in midfield, Baker coming back on.

 GOAL! Baker onto the ball laying it out to the right for Myall as she bursts down the wing before lifting a cross into the box, Sophie Lubbock in central top of the six yard box, Woods too closing in on the ball attacking it ahead of her meeting it on the run to smash into the back of the net to fire Aylsham into the lead 3-2. Looked to have received a tug too so may well have been a penalty otherwise.

Shelley Woods fires Aylsham into the lead

 Aylsham turning the game around coming back from 2 nil down to take the lead in the 65th minute. Aylsham getting players forwards keeping Long Stratton on the back foot, winning a free kick outside the box, 20 yards out left of the D, Woods over it goes for the strike, hits the shot over the bar. Coe getting a vital touch at the back to clear the ball for Long Stratton as Sophie Lubbock steals into the box from a Baker through ball. 

  Coe defending again out to the right as Aylsham attack Vicky Lubbock on for Myall, shielding the ball from the attacker allowing Fullbrook to come to claim the ball. Myall with the ball on Aylsham’s right squared into Woods top corner of the area cushions it back for Baker to run onto, her low strike angling in on goal straight at the keeper. 

 Whiting lunging in with the tackle to stop Sophie Lubbock getting away on the left. Aylsham over commit in attack pressing for a 4th goal Long Stratton get the ball up the pitch quickly Skipper on her own looking to race in behind the defence central, Parker comes rushing out of her box needing to get there to try and clear Skipper getting the touch just ahead of the keeper, trying to lob her the ball running wide of the left post.

 Long Stratton doing there best to get players up to support Skipper, Giacomelli linking up with her to the left of goal, Greengrass into defend for Aylsham comes back to Karkoska who strikes it from distance not a bad effort landing on the roof of the net. Skipper continues to get fouled as her pace threatens the Aylsham defence picking up another knock. 

  Aylsham build on the right Baker into Vicky Lubbock on for Myall with speed the cross angled into the Long Stratton box coming to Sophie Lubbock six yards out to the left of goal, looking to set herself for the shot, the Long Stratton defence looking to recover, it’s Whiting who throws herself across Lubbock to block her shot deflect it away for a corner on the left.

  Skipper seeing the ball into her feet from all of 35 yards out, back to goal turns well to strike the ball a speculative effort that doesn’t trouble Parker. The hosts getting on well down the left Sophie Lubbock inside the box laid back for Baker top of the area, into her feet look to turn get a strike away, her shot past the keeper off the base of the left post away for a corner.

Olivia Baker

  Hit long beyond the far post cleared but so won back by Aylsham players up around the box, Brown into Sophie Lubbock top of the box central, Whiting in to make the blocking tackle, Goodall with her clearing the ball. Aylsham looking the more likely to add to their lead Long Stratton working hard at the back, Woods sending a free-kick into the box dealt with by Whiting. The hosts back on the ball laid out to the right, Woods with Myall bringing a throw that leads to a corner kick.

Long Stratton full back Summer Whiting

  Players up from the ball as the delivery is curled in from the right, Baker trying to get a touch far post, not getting clean contact with O’Connor better placed behind her. Karkoska looking for Giacomelli moving to the left attempting to bring the ball on for Long Stratton, Crane across to tackle play it out for a throw in. A few niggly fouls creeping into the game Long Stratton tiring. Goodall dealing well with an awkward bouncing ball top of her area as Sophie Lubbock looks to try and bring it under control.

 Greengrass playing Myall on with the ball on Aylsham’s right flank sends a looping cross in across the face of the Long Stratton goal. Vicky Lubbock with a shot from 25 yards out blazed wide past the near post as a deflection sees the ball come back at her. Walford coming back on for Aylsham replacing Myall. 

 Snowling getting a vital touch on the ball as Flack looks to try and send Skipper clear on the right, the ball out for a throw. Vincent getting back to defend on Vicky Lubbock inside the box as she drives on with the ball right of the goal the ball turned behind for a corner. Moving into the closing stages of the first half, Aylsham encouraged to keep the ball on the corner, work a cross low into the near post, Fullbrook down on it smartly to turn behind for another corner.

  Flashed in from the right over Walford leaping up at the near post runs on for Baker to meet central turns over the bar, but a nick off a Long Stratton player spotted seeing another corner awarded. Curled into the near post Copeman down at the near post as Whiting gets the ball clear. The final whistle blowing to see Aylsham win the 3 points.

Full time Aylsham FC Women 3-2 Long Stratton Women

  Aylsham coming back from 2 goals down to win the game 3-2 moves them onto 15 points and right onto the tails of the mid-table sides some of whom may be looking over their shoulders with KLSC FC Women also winning too. A valiant effort from the visitors playing with the bare 11 making a positive start Caitlin Skipper’s pace asking questions of the Aylsham defence, firing them into the lead and doubling it from the penalty spot. Aylsham making substitutions paying off straight away with the hosts pulling it back to 2-1 just before half-time. Came out strong at the start of the 2nd half pushing players on equalising early through Billie Myall. Chances created Shelley Woods going on to score what would be the winning goal. Long Stratton with the bare 11 worked hard through out opportunities to get forwards themselves limited as they battled to keep Aylsham out the other end.

 Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several contenders once again a spirited display from both sides with depleted numbers. A few performances to mention. Caitlin Skipper for Long Stratton lively making many forceful runs on the ball a ready outlet up top throughout scoring and winning the penalty, always a threat. The defence putting in a shift, Emily Coe had her hands full but coped brilliantly winning her one on one tackles and round on the cover to intercept the ball. Esme Goodall winning the ball well inside her box. As a group worked tirelessly. For Aylsham Cayla Brown did a superb job in front of the defence reading the game and cutting out numerous balls setting her side going forwards. The introduction of the Lubbock twins giving Aylsham more thrust going forwards linked up play well. Shelley Woods with some strong runs from the middle to get into the box scoring the winning goal. Ellie Snowling like Coe was kept busy by Skipper but got more than her fair share of tackles in. The award goes to Billie Myall moved the ball well up top for Aylsham throughout taking it into the channels and looking for opening for herself and her teammates getting on the scoresheet too.

  Good to catch up with both sides especially Long Stratton has been a challenge, a good contest from Norfolk Women’s Division One. My thanks to both teams for their help with the team details today much appreciated as always. 

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

Match Report – Costessey Sports Ladies v Fakenham Town Ladies

Sunday 15th December

Norfolk Women’s Division One

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Harrod Sports Arena

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

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

Costessey Sports Ladies

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

Fakenham Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thea Hackney all smiles as she fires Costessey into the lead

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

Fakenham’s Marcie McCullagh

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

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

Layla Watts with Fakenham’s Maddie Green

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

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

Katie Green firing in a spectacular equaliser for Fakenham

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

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

Fakenham captain, Gina Pooley

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

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

Sydney Smith fires Fakenham into the lead

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fakenham goalkeeper, Tilly Betts

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

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

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

Chelsea Brister equalising in the 2nd half for Costessey

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

Costessey goalkeeper, Kelly Fox

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

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

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

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

Costessey defender, Sophie Crowle

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

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

Abbigail Tate

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

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

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

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

Costessey’s, Abbi Nobbs with defender, Alyssia Baldock

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

Beth Seymour

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

Full time Costessey Sports Ladies 2-3 Fakenham Town Ladies

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

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

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

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

by Darren Gilham

 

Match Report – Hickling FC Ladies v Bure Valley Women

Sunday 29th September

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Heading east across Norfolk today to a new location, catching up with a familiar side but under a new banner. Hickling FC Ladies formerly Stalham Town Ladies taking on Bure Valley Women with both sides newly promoted to Norfolk Women’s Division One.

Norfolk expanding to 3 divisions this season with an influx of new sides. Still very early days in Norfolk Women’s Division One with no one having played more than 2 matches. Defending champions, Bungay Town Ladies are the early pacesetters, an intriguing line up across the league it will be interesting to see who their main challengers are likely to be, with both of today’s sides looking to make their mark in the division. Both Bure Valley Women and Stalham Town as they were last season emerging as the two strongest sides in Division Two with Bure Valley overhauling Stalham in the run in to clinch the title in their debut season since reforming their women’s side.

A new era for Stalham as they begin life under a new banner, moving a short distance to become Hickling FC Ladies. The women’s squad having felt under appreciated at Stalham with issues such as being unable to use the main pitch and with manager Adam Mayhew long involved with the running of Hickling FC the move made sense. In recent season’s under their old guise have flip flopped between the leagues, often too strong for the 2nd Division, finding it tougher going in Division One. Have a experienced group capable of scoring plenty of goals and will aiming for a comfortable finish on their return to Division One. Emma Gillespie racing away as top scorer for the club last season netting 33 goals in her 22 matches. Abigail Gower and Charlotte Fisher joint 2nd with 14 goals apiece with Amber Mayhew often amongst the goals for the club on target for 12. A few new faces joining the squad 3 involved today, Donna Pearson amongst them. Lalaine Davey and Megan Fuery with Caister FC Ladies last season. One game played so far losing a high scoring contest 6-3 at home to Long Stratton Women. Bounced back to following weekend winning 2-0 away to Fakenham in the County Cup

One game played too for Bure Valley Women as they begin life in Norfolk Women’s Division Two having taken Division Two by storm last season as they reformed their women’s side. Rattling in the goals in the process. their captain, Emma McMillen prolific as she fired home 43 goals from 26 appearances. Maisie Redgrave and Willow Nye adding to a potent attack scoring 25 and 21 goals respectfully. The club has a strong youth section bringing players through this seeing a 2nd adult side created with their Development side entering the new Division Three. Have added new faces to their squad too as they look to compete at a higher level adding to their goal threat, Lauren Goulder comes to Bure Valley following spells at Bungay and Caister. Also joining from Caister, Mariana Teixeira. Winger, Rhiannon Dack making to move to Bure Valley having previously been at Aylsham. Rattled in 5 goals on the opening day of the season securing a 5-2 away win against, Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves following that up with a 4-1 win in the County Cup over Costessey Sports Ladies.

Hickling Barn the venue for today’s match home to Hickling FC. The site a community and events centre, offering a range of activities, along with a playground and playing field. Hickling in the heart of The Broads a lovely part of the county. The grass pitch looking in great condition the grass thick and lush. Cooler towards the end of September but a dry day on the cards, still when I arrived at the ground but a strong breeze was to blow in making thing’s feel alot more chilly.

Hickling FC Ladies starting XI – Carla Coleman, Claire Wilkins, Rebecca Nunn, Katie Clarke, Amber Mayhew (C), Donna Pearson, Chloe Yarham, Lalaine Davey, Charlotte Fisher, Kerri Eke & Emma Gillespie. Subs – Becky Houghton, Megan Fuery & Laureena Reid.

Hickling FC Ladies

Bure Valley Women starting XI – Danielle Barnes, Madeline Frost, Lily Norman, Jasmin Snelling, Hannah Artis, Megan Swain, Eva Heald, Emma McMillan (C), Emily Addison, Maisie Redgrave & Lauren Goulder. Subs – Willow Nye, Mariana Teixeira & Romilly McLaggan.

Bure Valley Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Emma McMillan and Amber Mayhew with today’s match official, Lewis Church.

  It’s the visitors Bure Valley to kick-off the first half wearing white shirts with green vertical striping on the front, green shorts and white socks. Hickling lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and red socks. The ball played back to Megan Swain in the middle puts it out to the left side, Hickling rushing in to close the ball down the pass swept cross field out to the right with Maisie Redgrave looking to get forwards, Rebecca Nunn clearing for Hickling. 

 Bure Valley quick to regain the ball inside the Hickling half fed on for Redgrave in the right channel 20 yards out lays it across the top of the penalty area to the left with Lauren Goulder stealing in to strike the ball her shot rattling the crossbar! Donna Pearson winning the ball for Hickling played forwards up to Emma Gillespie making a run into the right channel, Jasmin Snelling stretching out a leg making a crucial interception at the back for the visitors. 

Hickling’s Donna Pearson

 The wind has really picked up blowing in across the pitch off the open field beside the temperature notably cooler (I took the decision today that the sun cream would no longer needed and put a coat in the car instead). Bure Valley lively in the opening exchanges, Hickling looking a little unsettled. The visitors looking to pop the ball around get up the pitch with pace, Goulder peeling out to the left to receive the ball taking on the shot from the angle lifting her effort over the bar.

  Redgrave latching onto a goal kick played straight to her central drags the ball away to the right before squaring a cross back across the top of the Hickling area, McMillan running onto the ball doesn’t get the contact she was looking for, screwing her attempt wide away from goal. Hickling captain, Amber Mayhew putting in the sliding challenge to win the ball from McMillan top of the D the loose ball running back to Eva Heald 25 yards out the midfielder sends her strike over the crossbar. 

 Claire Wilkins getting the ball on for Charlotte Fisher to attack on the left flank, Hannah Artis out to close her down the ball put out for a throw. Hickling pushing players up, looking to get Gillespie involved central, turns but Snelling is close on her to make the challenge. Pearson and Mayhew pushing up Hickling getting into the final 3rd out to Lalaine Davey wide her ball inside to Kerri Eke on the right, cut out by Madeline Frost. Bure Valley counter looking to catch Hickling high up the pitch the ball over the top into the left channel, goalkeeper, Carla Coleman quickly out of her area to kick the threat away.

Bure Valley’s Madeline Frost

  Hickling strong through the middle the ball rolled into Gillespie inside the D, strong on the ball looks to turn into the box, Artis lunges in to try and win the ball, brings Gillespie down, the referee pointing to the spot Penalty! Mayhew placing the ball on the spot ready to take the penalty, struck with pace to left side not enough width on it as Bure Valley goalkeeper, Danielle Barnes dives down to make the save, doesn’t have the ball in her gloves however as it pops up to her left sides,  Mayhew and Eke rushing in on the follow up the keeper making a superb double save as she throws herself onto her opposite side the grab hold of the ball at point blank range. 

A superb double save from Danielle Barnes from the penalty

  Hickling with a good spell getting players on well threating to overwhelm Bure Valley as Eke finds Gillespie central, on the turn 25 yards out takes on the shot, a tame effort rolling harmlessly through to Barnes. Davey inside to Pearson sends the ball on for Gillespie in the right channel turns and drives on, gets caught in two minds take on the shot herself or roll it into the box with Eke providing the run in behind, goes for the latter just too much on the pass Eke can’t keep it in, goal kick.

Hicklin’s Emma Gillespie

  McMillan picking out the run of Emily Addison on Bure Valley’s left the cross put inside for Goulder looking to run onto the ball, doesn’t get any power behind it, Coleman down at her near post to claim. 

 GOAL! Hickling regain possession at the back and launch an attack the ball fired up to Gillespie, helped on for Eke breaking away on the right taking the ball on in behind into the area takes on the shot looking to put it into the far corner, past Barnes as she dives down, scrambles to her feet with the ball running on Gillespie chasing in after it smashing the shot in off the post giving the keeper no chance as she puts her side into the lead 1-0.

Emma Gillespie firing in the opening goal for Hickling

 12 minutes on the clock Hickling with the lead looking strong getting bodies on to support the attack, Fisher on the left looking to bring the ball down turn infield, can’t find Gillespie in the middle as Snelling stabs a foot out to take the ball away from her. Fisher on the attack wide left again taking the ball inside her marker to get into the box on the angle fires her shot in across goal wide of the far post. 

Bure Valley attacker, Lauren Goulder

 

  After a slow start Hickling are looking strong now, the Bure Valley defence under a little pressure. Pearson tackling to win the ball in the middle played on for Eke who in turn rolls it forwards into Gillespie right of the D, takes on the shot from 20 yards out her strike racing wide of the far post. Davey on the right on for Eke, taking the ball on, Frost closing her down to win the ball back for Bure Valley. Nunn with a vital interception at the back for Hickling to deny Redgrave the opportunity to run in behind as McMillan looks to thread a pass into her path.

Hickling’s Rebecca Nunn

  Fisher winning her side a corner kick out on the left, Mayhew to take the corner swung in across the six yard box the wind behind it goes through everyone and out of play past the far post. Hickling pressing the ball well, Heald getting hold of the ball for Bure Valley aiming to drive forwards, McMillen taking over looks to play Goulder into the box, Katie Clarke cutting the ball out for Hickling at the back. 

Eva Heald with Amber Mayhew

  Heald closing the ball down in the middle looking to get Bure Valley back on the front foot into the left channel forwards for Goulder pulling away that side lays the pass back in central with McMillan steaming in to strike the ball from 20 yards out, takes a deflection off a defender taking the sting out of the shot as it runs safely through to the keeper. 

 GOAL! Bure Valley battling their way back into the game winning the ball central lifted up top into Goulder left out the box heads the ball down for Redgrave to the left of the D, she in turn laying it off for McMillan as she bursts onto the ball taking on the strike drills her effort across goal into the bottom corner 1-1. 

Emma McMillan equalising for Bure Valley

 Hickling pegged back attack up the right the ball fired on up the line with Gillespie surging in behind right of goal, Barnes comes rushing out to close her down the attacker firing her shot past the onrushing keeper, however sees her strike race wide of the far post too. Goulder is caught narrowly offside as she looks to pull of the Hickling defence as Swain lobs the ball forwards.

Lily Norman

 The visitors moving the ball forwards Heald bringing it to the right has Redgrave ahead of her plays the ball on, Redgrave with Nunn on her shoulder with a clever backheel to set up Heald to deliver a cross into the top of the area, Goulder looking to attack under challenge from a defender  sends her headed effort over the bar. Redgrave onto the ball central winning it well puts it into the box left side for Goulder to attack, Clarke diving in with a well timed tackle slowing Goulder down, pushed wide still with the ball lifts it into the middle for Redgrave arriving on the penalty spot meets the ball a rising effort, straight at the keeper, Coleman with a sharp catch above her head to pluck the ball down to safety.

Maisie Redgrave

  Bure Valley winning a corner on the right, swung in dropping at the far post comes at Artis quickly as she snatches her shot away inside the six yard box, her attempt blocked the rebound back with her rushes her 2nd attempt struck wide past the right post. Davey finding Fisher on the left for Hickling clips it inside for Gillespie bursting into the left channel, Snelling across to put in the tackle see the ball out for a throw. Davey up on the left for the hosts playing the ball out to Gillespie moving wide , her cross angled in striking the outside if the post.

  Eke fouling Swain in the middle Bure Valley with the free-kick, Snelling lifting the ball on over the top with Goulder pulling clear to latch onto the ball 25 yards out, her shot straight at the keeper. Bure Valley making a change bringing off Norman on comes Willow Nye at right back. Both sides with strong spells, Bure Valley competing for the ball in the middle Heald on for Redgrave right channel, drives on looking to get into the box, Nunn staying on her well putting in a good tackle to deny her an opportunity to strike the ball.

Bure Valley’s Willow Nye

  Eke with the ball for Hickling right side lays t on for Gillespie up the line outside the box takes on the strike firing the ball wide at the near post. Barnes’ goal kick flies up into the air dropping straight to Fisher 30 yards out left meets it on the volley a good touch to loop the ball straight to Gillespie inside the D putting the Bure Valley defence under pressure as she holds up the ball, Eke looking to get up with her in support as they push into the box, Eke sent tumbling, again the referee point to the spot Penalty! A 2nd opportunity for Hickling from the spot, Yarham to take their 2nd penalty goes for power straight down the middle rising, Barnes throwing her gloves up to save putting the ball onto her crossbar and seeing it spin away to her right for a corner on the left. Barnes coming to her defences rescue for the 2nd time in the 1st half, The corner swung into the six yard box from the left, the keeper with the call taking the ball down into her body. 

Danielle Barnes saving Hickling’s 2nd penalty claiming the ball from the resulting corner

 Coleman saving up the other end as Heald plays the pass on through the middle with McMillan surging on striking the ball on the run her effort arrowing in low straight at the opposition keeper. Goulder taking the ball on from Addison left side firing it into Redgrave top of the area left of goal, drags the ball inside to evade her marker and takes on the shot lifting the ball over the bar. Yarham with the ball central for Hickling sends it on up to Gillespie in attack, Snelling getting across her to regain possession for Bure Valley. Into the closing stages of the first half Ekes attacking on the right for Hickling lifting a cross into the middle, cut out by Artis with Fisher poised to attack beyond her.

Danielle Barnes saving not one but TWO penalties for Bure Valley in the first half, (her teammates owe her a drink).

Half-time Hickling FC Ladies 1-1 Bure Valley Women

  All square at the break, has been a high tempo contest, Bure Valley starting the strongest, Goulder rattling the bar in their first attack. Hickling took a while to settle into the game but once they got player forwards they looked a threat, putting the Bure Valley defence under pressure, Barnes with a superb double save denying the hosts the lead form the penalty spot. Emma Gillespie on hand to score the opening soon after. Hickling looking the side on top for a spell, Bure Valley responded well, getting themselves back on level terms through captain, Emma McMillan. Both keepers making saves, Barnes once again the heroine saving another penalty. Both sides with good spells in the first half well poised for the 2nd period.

 Bure Valley with another change at the break, Norman back on at right back, Nye coming over to the left of defence with Frost the player substituted. Hickling unchanged getting the 2nd half underway the ball played into Mayhew in the middle looks to send it long to Fisher on the move on the left, Snelling heading the ball clear for Bure Valley. 

  Nye getting hold of the ball for Bure Valley looking to drive forwards, Mayhew comes sliding in with a strong but fair tackle taking the ball but also catching Nye’s ankle sending her sprawling and in some discomfort. Clearly in pain treatment needed a pause in play, needs to come off, some readjustments needed for the visitors with Romilly McLaggan coming on to take up an attacking role on the right, this sees Redgrave drop back to right back with Norman coming across to cover the left. 

 Play resuming with a free-kick to Bure Valley despite both sides, agreeing it was a fair tackle. Goulder with the ball lifts it through to the Hickling keeper and play resumes. Addison taking the ball on up the left as she links up with Goulder play the one two Addison putting her cross back into the top of the area McMillan meeting it with the outside of her boot turned goal wards but straight at the keeper.  

 Fisher dragging the ball down to get on the move on Hickling’s left flank whipping a cross into the area, too close to Barnes with Gillespie coming in central. Wilkins in well to close the ball down on the right for Hickling turn play around squares it into the middle for Gillespie 25 yards out looks to push forwards, Snelling closing her down lunging in to win the ball. The hosts making their first change bringing on Laureena Reid to replace Clarke in the back line.

Hickling’s Lalaine Davey

  The game opens up suddenly as Mayhew puts a halt to a Bure Valley attack played on for Eke she attempts a defence splitting pass with both Fisher and Gillespie poised to break clear, Snelling with a crucial interception for Bure Valley at the back. Redgrave bringing the ball on from the back on the right for Bure Valley passes it on for McLaggan who puts it inside for Heald, tries to thread it into the box for McMillen stealing in behind right of goal, Coleman though out quickly to lay claim to the ball first.

Hickling goalkeeper, Carla Coleman

  Hickling awarded a free-kick 20 yards out in a central position, the shot fired in towards goal skipping up off the grass, Barnes getting down well to put her body behind the ball. Bure Valley get the ball up to Addison on the left wing powering forwards fires a cross into the box coming to McMillan at the far post 10 yards out attempts to cushion it down into the path of Goulder central, Pearson in to close her down with a great piece of defending the ball cleared outside the box straight to Swain 25 yards out her shot driven back in is held by Coleman the keeper right behind the strike.

  Goulder has been on the end of some close offside decisions as the striker looks to pull off the defence, Heald launching the ball forwards, Goulder is unfortunate this time onside as she breaks the flag nevertheless is raised against her. Bure Valley having the better share of the ball 2nd half Hickling deeper working hard at the back to limit space in behind. Addison left crossing into the area coming out McMillan right side her shot charged down by Nunn, rebounding back to Heald to run onto a shot from range can only pick out the keeper. 

Emily Addison looking to cross for Bure Valley

 Bure Valley getting on well with the ball, Heald with some good runs on the ball played on for Goulder left channel turns laying it on for Addison coming into the box from the left, looks to move inside room to squeeze a shot away, Reid lunging in to put in the block for Hickling. 

Hickling’s Laureena Reid

  Artis bringing the ball out from the back for Bure Valley over half way fired forwards into McMillan up top pulling right of the D to get into the box lines up the strike, Pearson charging it down for Hickling. Gillespie over to the right to offer Wilkins a pass as she battles to win the ball on the wing played forwards for Gillespie held up puts it back up the line for Wilkins to cross into the top of the Bure Valley area, Mayhew looking to run onto the ball, Artis stepping in to tackle for the visitors. 

  Norman coming off for Bure Valley with Frost returning to the pitch. Bure Valley with a corner on the right played in near side McMillan coming towards the ball back heeling it into the mix, Goulder latching onto it 10 yards out central her shot blocked on the line by the defender covering the post. Swain coming off for Bure Valley with Mariana Teixeira onto the pitch. The wind has died down considerably in the 2nd half. Bure Valley pressing looking for a goal making another change Swain’s rest short lived as she comes on to replace Addison with Teixeira going to the left. 

Kerri Eke on the ball for Hickling

  Heald brought down by Eke winning Bure Valley a free-kick 20 yards out from goal to the right of the D. A change for the hosts before it’s taken with Becky Houghton coming on in place of Wilkins. McMillan over the set-piece struck well, dipping late but not not enough to find the top corner as it sails over the bar. Yarham off for Hickling on comes Megan Fuery with less than 12 minutes to play. 

 GOAL! Swain clears the ball for Bure Valley launched forwards up towards Goulder, this time as she turns onto the ball the flag stays down as the striker takes the ball on driving towards goal, into the box picks her spot slotting it wide of the keeper to find the bottom corner on the right to fire Bure Valley into the lead 1-2. 

Lauren Goulder fires Bure Valley into the lead late in the 2nd half.

  A blow for Hickling late in the game having put so much into defending their box in the 2nd half, get the ball forwards into Eke attempts to put it through for Fisher pushing on into the left channel, Artis cutting the ball out for Bure Valley. Heald on the drive with the ball for Bure Valley through the middle played forwards for McMillan in attack right of goal her shot taking a deflection off a defender behind for a corner kick. 

Eva Heald

  Curled in central Snelling rising to attack it on the shoulder of a defender the ball knocked down out of the box into the path of Swain 20 yards out top of the D pulls her shot wide of the far post. The visitors breaking up a Hickling attack get the ball on up the left for Teixeira lays it on for Goulder up the wing her cross cut out by Houghton, turned behind for a corner kick. Played low into the near side with McMillan coming to the ball, Reid defending for Hickling. 

 The hosts forced back finding it tough to get player up to support the attack, Fisher providing a good outlet for the ball on the left finding her options limited as she looks for a runner into the box. The clock ticking down Bure Valley lively, Heald getting about in the middle of the park breaking up play sending it forwards the attackers pressing Hickling’s defence on the ball. 

Charlotte Fisher getting forwards for Hickling

 GOAL! Into the closing seconds Bure Valley capitalise on an error as the back as a misplaced pass comes straight to McMillan 25 yards out right of the D pushes forwards to the to of the area has McLaggan free to her right inside the area to receive the ball, McMillen setting her up, everyone connected with bure Valley encouraging McLaggan to shoot, she duly does a fierce strike rising as it comes in at the keeper quickly Coleman throws a glove up gets something on the ball but not enough as it flies past her into the back of the net 1-3.

Romilly McLaggan with a goal at the death for Bure Valley

 Bure Valley opening up a 2 goal cushion at the death with no time for Hickling to respond get the ball up the other end but safely defended the ball cleared as the final whistle blow and Bure Valley continue their winning start to the season. 

Full time Hickling FC Ladies 1-3 Bure Valley Women

  Bure Valley with the loins share of the attack in the 2nd half coming on with the ball. Hickling putting alot of effort into defending their box, not getting the players on in the 2nd half as they had in the first when at one point they had looked like they were going to overwhelm the Bure Valley defence and with two penalties saved in that period could well have been leading at the break still it was all square and for a long period in the 2nd half looked as if that was how it was going to stay. Lauren Goulder unlucky with some offside decisions patient as she got her chance to run in behind and pick her spot to give Bure Valley the lead late on, Romilly McLaggan teed up by Emma McMillan at the death to make it 3. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Boy it’s a tough one this week several contenders for sure hard to pin down one performance. A few to mention, firstly for Hickling, Charlotte Fisher provided a great outlet on the left side for much of the match linking up well with Emma Gillespie who herself got about the pitch well, strong on the ball trying to get into the box herself or set up others. Donna Pearson making some crucial tackles in both the middle and defence. For Bure Valley, Emma McMillan got about the pitch coming for the ball or pressing to join the attack getting her side back on level terms. Eva Heald getting after the ball well in the middle of the park pushing forwards setting up her attackers on numerous occasions. Maisie Redgrave lively up top with some great control and movement and didn’t put a foot wrong as she dropped back into defence in the 2nd half. Lauren Goulder led the line well, pulling off the defence to receive the ball, patient with some decisions going against her held her nerve to get the opportunity to run in behind attack the goal and took her chance well to put Bure Valley into the lead. Might well have been a different story entirely had it not been for their goalkeeper coming to the rescue saving not one but two penalties when Hickling were on top in the first half today’s award going to Danielle Barnes.

 A lively and competitive contest, if this is anything to go by Division One in Norfolk is going to be an intrigued watch this season. Both promoted sides will play their part I’m sure. Plenty of positives for Hickling to build on as they begin their new era. Bure Valley couldn’t be happier with their start. Thanks to both clubs for their assistance today good to catch up with both. 

 by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Sprowston FC Women v Bungay Town Ladies

Wednesday 22nd May

Norfolk Women’s Division One 

After a run of 9 cup finals, a brief pause this Wednesday evening for a spot of league action in my penultimate game of the season, a trip into Norwich, to watch a potential title winning clash between the top two in Norfolk Women’s Division One, Sprowston FC Women 2nd a point behind the visitors, leaders Bungay Town Ladies. 

 Bungay Town Ladies climbing to the top of the table having finally caught up with their games in hand a point clear knowing a point or better this evening will see them crowned champions. Sprowston’s last game of the season have to win to keep their own title hopes alive and then hope Caister FC Ladies can do them a favour by beating Bungay in their final game on Sunday. Bungay keen for that scenario not to arise, both sides bringing in the big guns for the game with their dual signings available with their parent clubs season’s having concluded. Whatever the outcome of this evenings match the pair have guaranteed a top two finish. A great season for both.

 Sprowston amongst the chasing pack all season picking up some great results developing a squad of young players, Sprowston FC with a strong youth policy. Lost just one of their opening 12 league matches pushing the leaders all they way and when Caister FC Ladies were deducted 12 point for playing a banned player the Division One picture changed with themselves and Bungay emerging as the title contenders. Reaching the last 4 of the League Cup too will b aiming to end the campaign on a high. Mollie O’Callaghan the top scorer for Sprowston scoring 17 goals in 17 appearances. With Rosie Milligan on 13 goals Bailey Duffield with 12 and Holly Whayman and Lois Wright both on 9.

  Bungay Town Ladies emerging as the Division One leaders late in the season having been playing catch up with their fixtures all campaign. Never an easy task to have the games in hand and fulfil the potential they offer by getting the points on the board but have achieved it to put themselves within touching distance of winning another Division One title, albeit quite a while back. Have long been established in the league have build up a strong squad full of experience and a spattering of exciting young talent. A double within their grasp too, missing out in the final of this seasons League Cup. Mia Rose the clubs top scorer with 14 goals. Lauren Goulder has since moved on with 12. Brooke Osborne signed at the start of the season with 8 to her name.

  Blue Boar Lane the venue for this evenings league clash the Sprowston Sports and Social Club, home of Sprowston FC men and women. The social club leading to the main grass pitch. Surrounded by trees in a residential area. Viewing behind railings all round. The pitch certainly a contrast to the pitch at evening but unfair to compare it to Portman Road. Is uneven in  place the grass a little long, but with all the rain we’ve had in the past 24 hours hardly surprising good growing weather. A little slope to it too from one goal mouth to another a decent crowd too with a few keen observers to see how things will pan out. After that heavy rain yesterday that saw the Suffolk Women’s County Cup final suspended for 1hr 20 minutes it didn’t hit Norwich too bad and the threat to the game being on passed. A few spots of rain in the air clouds around but as the teams kicked off the sun broke through the cloud low setting behind the trees behind one goal.

Sprowston FC Women starting XI – Jade Knight, Courtney Leggett, Bailey Curtis, Holly Whayman, Brianna Rudd (C), Olivia Leggett, Chloe Shipman, Mollie O’Callaghan, Anais Winney, Phoebe Green and Bailey Duffield. Subs – Rosie Milligan, Lois Wright, Lola Hallam & Aimee Dickson.

Sprowston FC Women

 Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Grace Storey, Marcie Prettyman, Chloe Ellis, Ruby Roos, Charnelle Riggall (C), Selina Rowland, Brooke Osborne, Lily Alexander, Lauren Bullard & Mia Rose. Subs – Naomi Cooper, Kate Pasque, Lauren Purling, Abigail Bell & Zoe Cossey.

Bungay Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Charnelle Riggall and Briana Rudd with this evening’s referee, Norwich’s, Alice Parker.

Sprowston having midfielder Chloe Shipman available with Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women historic title winning season in EWFL Division One North finished. Played a big part for the club collecting both the Players players and Managers player of the year awards. So too Anais Winney, she and twin sister Lily-Ann joining now relegated FAWNL side Cambridge City Women both having played for the first team. Bungay have midfielder Ciera Flatt out injured but have some of their dual signings available too to this evenings crucial game, Lauren Bullard recently signed on in the starting line up along side fellow Wroxham player, Lily Alexander who netted a goal in Wroxham league cup final defeat at the weekend. Naomi Cooper on the bench. Norwich’s, Alice Parker, refereeing this evenings game.

Sprowston opting to switch ends at the coin toss with the sun appearing low behind one goal. Bungay to kick -off the game wearing light blue shirts with black shorts and socks. Sprowston wearing orange shirts and socks with black shorts. The ball played into midfield comes out to the left captain, Charnelle Riggall looking to get forwards on the flank lays the pass inside into Mia Rose up top, Bailey Curtis closing in holding the attackers up inside the D, Rose getting room to turn putting the ball into the far post collected by goalkeeper, Jade Knight.

Bungay looking to make a positive start, Selina Rowland winning the ball in the middle, putting the pass out to Riggall wide left, 30 yards out unleashes a shot the ball brushing the side netting as it runs wide of the near post. Rose winning a throw for Bungay up on the left, Grace Storey putting it into Rose’s feet, wide spins inside to cross, the ball headed clear by Sprowston captain, Briana Rudd.

Bungay’s, Selina Rowland

Riggall pushing on well up the left for Bungay as side win another throw in the corner played into Riggall, sends a crossed arrowing into the far post, players closing in, Marcie Prettyman up with Brooke Osborne, the header turned wide. The game being played at a frantic pace the ball won back and put forwards quickly. Bungay pushing players on, Sprowston clearing into Mollie O’Callaghan in the middle puts a diagonal ball into the right channel for striker, Bailey Duffield to attack Bungay goalkeeper, Chloe Pearce out of her area quickly to put her foot through the ball to clear.

Osborne laying the ball into Rose’s feet as the attacker pulls out to the right 20 yards out spins in behind to flash a cross in along the face of the Sprowston goal, Bullard can’t quite reach it to turn home. Chloe Shipman carrying the ball out to the right lifts it on for Duffield to attack on the flank, Grace Storey back on her as the pair reach the by-line the defender seeing Duffield place her attempted cross behind for a goal kick.

Chloe Shipman

A frantic opening 5 minutes if anything both sides need to settle. Chloe Ellis playing the ball out from the back up to Osborne inside for Bullard, challenged by Sprowston’s Holly Whayman, cleared to the left, Sprowston’s Anais Winney sending the ball into the box for Duffield to attack, Bungay defender Ruby Roos getting across her to shield the ball back to her keep, Pearce picking it up Sprowston claiming Roos touched the ball implying a back pass but nothing doing.

Rowland giving the ball to Riggall getting on up the left flank looks to play Bullard in behind the flag though going up, halting her run. Winney taking the ball on right for Sprowston winning a throw as Ellis comes across to tackle. Off the throw Phoebe Green sees the ball into her feet right corner of the area and turning to shot sends the ball wide past the far post. O’Callaghan with time on the ball 40 yards out lines up a strike a good effort racing wide of the right post.

Rowland bringing the ball under control in the middle, laying it out to Riggall getting forwards on the left pushed into Bullard 20 yards out left of the D, has Osborne making a run across her going ide plays the ball into her, Osborne’s angled cross, claimed by Sprowston goalkeeper, Knight. A free-kick won on half-way to Sprowston, Olivia Leggett to play the ball up into the area, Roos heading it clear for Bungay.

Bungay captain, Charnelle Riggall looking to get in behind Chloe Shipman

Rowland up ended in the middle, gets back to her feet quickly to take it spotting Riggall in space on the left, going forwards Sprowston out to close her down put the ball out for a throw. Alexander receiving the throw do onto her feet, spins in behind to cross the ball blocked by Whayman. Leggett heading the ball away from danger as Riggall whips a cross in towards the top of the area. Bungay pressing getting forwards well. Prettyman on the move right into Osborne racing on her cross/shot taken by Knight down low at her near post.

Knight has a good kick on her the ball launched up to the right has Duffield turning to attack up the line, is brought down as she reaches the corner of the area, winning her side a free-kick. O’Callaghan over it players up goes for the shot fires the ball over the crossbar. Duffield closing Roos down as the defender looks to see the ball out of play on the left forces the corner. Curled in to the far post knocked down drops to Green out beyond the post, sees her shot charged down.

Sprowston’s Bailey Duffield

Bungay look to break from the corner get away on the right, Sprowston snapping back to turn play around, Shipman on for Green her cross over everyone from the left, Duffield right looking to keep the pressure on, winning another corner. A dangerous delivery curled in under the bar by O’Callaghan, Pearce getting a fist on the ball to punch it away.

Bungay goalkeeper, Chloe Pearce

Duffield attacking the ball on the right as Knight boots it upfield, Riggall tracking back to help Storey at the back getting a challenge in on Duffield to see Storey clear. Both sides calling for a little calm passes rushed at times. Alexander bringing the ball on for Bungay played into Riggall wide left, spins in behind looknig to get down the line, Curtis back at her to challenge, clears the ball. Sprowston making a change, Duffield coming off in attack, Rosie Milligan coming on.

The ball put inside from the left into Rose inside the D, the Bungay attacker holding the ball up, looking to spin off Whayman marking her to get a shot away, Whayman ready lunging in with her leg to block the ball runs wide to the right of the D, Rowland running on looking to shoot first time blasts her 20 yard attempt wide. Osborne taking the ball on down the right seeing her low cross turned behind by Leggett.

The corner lifted in at the near post Roos up to head the ball twisting her body to angle the ball in down towards goal, blocked on the line, dropping down to the floor and hastily scrambled away, Bungay appealing that the ball had crossed the line but don’t get the decision. VAR not used if it wasn’t over there was only a fraction in it.

Bungay’s Ruby Roos

Good contest. lively, Bungay getting on quickly looking to force the tempo, too quickly at times players not ready for passes, Leggett winning it at the back up to Winney left has Green pulling wide picks her out, the attacker on the angle sending a shot wide across the six yard box.

GOAL! The deadlock broken Bungay bringing the ball on right side played into Rose form a goal kick, 20 yards out right corner of the box back to goal takes it to her left to spin away down the line lifting a cross into the box, over Bullard, dropping on the penalty spot, Alexander charging in unmarked hitting it on the volley driving the ball past the keeper into the back of the net 0-1.

Lily Alexander celebrates as she fires Bungay into the lead

Bungay taking the lead with just under half an hour played. Winney gets the ball up to Green pressing on the left sends a cross into the area, Milligan making a central run, Roos intercepting to head the ball clear. O’Callaghan looking to line up another rocket from 30 yards out, Rowland throwing her self in to block the ball at close range. Rose moving across the Sprowston back line to receive the ball, Rowland taking the ball out to the left rolling her in down the line, Rose and Whayman tangling on the edge of the area, the Bungay attacker winning a free-kick, Whayman shown a yellow card.

Mollie O’Callaghan

 

 Osborne over the set-piece on the left just outside the box, flighted in towards the far post Roos jumping to nod the ball down into the six yard box, the shot is taken, the ball gratefully grabbed up by Knight put straight into the keeper. O’Callaghan with Shipman bring the ball on through the middle for Sprowston, Shipman sending it up the right wing with Milligan racing in behind the full back firing a cross into the area, won by Riggall over on the other side of the pitch now. A few uneven bounces on the pitch wrong footing plays, there are definitely a few nerves out there the senior plays trying to get everyone to relax.

  Riggall over on the right attacking the ball on for Osborne releases Bullard down to the by-line cuts her cross back up into the box, Leggett snatching it back for Sprowston to clear. Roos comes over to support Riggall as she holds up Green’s progress on the left wing, sends the ball upfield, Rose looking to get it under control, has the ball taken off her feet by Rudd. Bungay pressing on the right, Riggall up with Osborne and Bullard the cross put into the area, Curtis going to clear it, Rose charging the ball down behind for a goal kick. 

  Rowland playing the ball into Rose over on the left 20 yards out controls the ball and shifts it inside to open up the angle to shoot, the ball fired straight at the keeper, back on her line. O’Callaghan angling a 30 yard pass into the right side of the Bungay six yard box, Green attacking it sends the ball over. Sprowston winning a free-kick wide on the left in the closing moments of the first half, O’Callaghan over the ball sends the ball into the area over everyone and out at the far post.

Half-time Sprowston FC Women 0-1 Bungay Town Ladies

  Bungay with the narrow advantage at the break, the teams staying out on the field with a short interval before the 2nd half. The game has been played at a frantic pace, Bungay keen to get the job done this evening. Neither side has settled, a nervous edge to proceedings. A few rash challenges but played in good spirits for the majority. Bungay creating chances getting players on well down the flanks. Sprowston limited in their attacks but proving a real danger on the counter and keeping Bungay on their toes a single goal in it all to play for 2nd half.

  Both sides making changes, Zoe Cossey and Abigail Bell on for Bungay in place of Osborne and Storey off. Duffield back on for Sprowston along with Lola Hallam, Green and Winney off. Sprowston getting the 2nd half underway, Bungay immediately in to close the ball down, get the ball up the right crossed into the box, drops for Rose stabs the ball over the goal. Bell closing the ball down in the final 3rd for Bungay out to the right, Courtney Leggett defending sending it out for a throw. 

 Sprowston up on the right getting a throw, played into Duffield top of the area lays it down the line for Hallam to lift a cross into the area, Pearce claiming the ball at the near post. Shipman tackling Rowland in the middle to bring the ball away right, for Hallam, Riggall challenging for Bungay to stop the attack. Courtney Leggett getting on with the ball left for Sprowston fires it forwards up into the box with Duffield the target, Roos goes with her foot instead of her head to clear the ball, slices the ball in behind gets away with it as it runs straight into the keepers gloves.

Sprowston’s Lola Hallam

  Bungay queuing up inside the box as Rose on the right looks to wriggle her was past three defenders, the cross coming in, Whayman winning it for Sprowston to clear. Rowland booked as she is late with her tackle, then clears the ball inside the box from the resulting free-kick. The game remains lively Cossey carrying the ball up through the middle for Bungay sending it on for Rose up the right flank, Courtney Leggett getting a foot on the ball, brings it on setting off a Sprowston counter attack, rolls into Milligan, pulls the trigger from 30 yards out her shot only succeeds in finding the keeper.

  Cossey getting up to the top of the D, laying the ball off to the left for the onrushing, Alexander to take on Curtis making the blocking tackle for Sprowston. Milligan with another attempt from distance 25 yards out on the right places the ball over the crossbar. Shipman wins Pearce’s goal-kick for Sprowston seeing the ball down lays it forwards looking to play Hallam through on goal right side, the pass a little too strong gives Pearce the opportunity to get the ball safely back into her gloves.

  Bungay defending their six yard box heading the ball clear as Sprowston pushing on the right win a corner. Bungay come on through the middle Rowland on for Cossey left of the D, 25 out looks to thread the ball into the path of Bullard ahead of her, not quite as Whayman clears, the ball going straight to Prettyman 25 yards out right of the D, shoots the ball racing wide of the far post. 

Marcie Prettyman tackling Rosie Milligan

 Curtis putting the tackle in on Rose as the Bungay attacker drives forwards with the ball at her feet in the left channel. Alexander on the move right plays the ball on for Rose bursting to the by-lie stabs her cross up into the near post, Curtis with a timely tackle on Bullard as she looks to attack it. Bungay upping the ante pushing on Roos lifting a pass into Bullard moving right back to Prettyman, inside for Rowland looks to turn, Milligan nips in to win the ball for Sprowston, they look to counter Milligan finding Shipman looks to release Hallam on the right, Riggall defending for Bungay. 

  Changes from both sides, Shipman coming off for Sprowston, Green coming back on. Bungay bringing off Rose, sending on Lauren Purling. Leggett needing to defend for Sprowston does well as Alexander picking up the ball 25 yards out drives on towards the box, left side of the D. Bungay giving the ball away in the middle, O’Callaghan snapping onto the ball letting fly from 30 yards out, the shot grabbed down by Pearce. 25 minutes left to play the score remains 1-0 to Bungay, the ball not sticking on the middle, but Sprowston can’t get it into their attackers. 

Bungay’s Zoe Cossey

 Cossey with a chance to double the lead as she breaks into the area central, riding a challenge stays on her feet moving to the left, taking the shot, not enough on it to evade the keeper, Knight down to make the save. Bungay pressing, Alexander on the drive with the ball at her feet central feeding the pass out to Purling on the right 20 yards out ends the ball arrowing into the box central, for Bell looking to attack it on the half volley, places the shot straight at the keeper. Cossey coming inside from the left to try her luck on the angle too can only pick out Knight in the Sprowston goal. 

Bungay’s Abigail Bell

Bungay looking to turn the screw, O’Callaghan nipping back in on Purling as the Bungay winger looks to get away on the right, out for a throw, Prettyman putting the ball up the line for Purling to attack driving to the by-line, Rudd going with her holding her up well eventually conceding the throw in the corner. Prettyman putting it long into Alexander inside the box, Olivia Leggett challenging to clear the threat. 

 Rowland bringing the ball down puts it into the path of Bells 25 yards out right of the D, unleashing a shot whips past the near post. Bungay with a free-kick on halfway lifted into the right side of the six yard box headed down into the mix, scrambled away to safety.

GOAL! Bungay having created a series of good chances make one count as the ball from the left is clipped into the top of the area, Purling seeing it down beyond the defence knocks it right heading for the six yard box and from the angle strikes the ball in across goal over the line at the far post 0-2.

Lauren Purling about to send Bungay into a 2 goal lead.

 Bungay getting a precious 2nd goal make a change bringing off Rowland with Naomi Cooper coming on. Bungay full of running in the latter stages of the game, one hand on the league title Alexander laying the ball on for Bullard, Curtis closing the attacker down top of the area. Bullard on the ball right side up to Purling inside the box, Rudd stepping in to win the ball back runs back out to Bullard places her shot into the side netting.

Lauren Bullard

  A triple switch for Sprowston as they bring O’Callaghan, Duffield and Whayman off, on come, Lois Wright, Aimee Dickson and Winney. The light starting to fade Bungay with a throw on the right make a change Prettyman having pulled up with cramp replaced by Storey. Cooper looking to play the ball into Bullard moving right, the pass cut out by Curtis. 

 Cossey looking to play a one two with Purling as she makes a central run towards the box, can’t quite get control of the return pass. Sprowston look to bring the ball away launch a counter long for Winney, Ellis defending for Bungay. The game stretched as Sprowston look to throw players forwards. Cossey hooking the ball forwards for Bullard on the right, Curtis going with her lunging in to play the ball out for a throw. The cross from the throw long to the back stick, Cooper rising to get her head on the ball nods it down into the keeper.

  Milligan strikes the shot from distance the ball swerving in towards goals caught by Pearce. The game moving into the final minute, Bungay working hard to limit Sprowston in possession a free-kick won lifted up to Purling on the right takes into the corner before winning a corner. Curled into the area and headed clear, the final whistle blows and Bungay have done it, are CHAMPIONS winning the Division One title.

Fulltime Sprowston FC Women 0-2 Bungay Town Ladies

  Lauren Purling has been with Bungay for a long time, her father Graham managing the side for a long period too, great to see her score the goal in the 2nd half to help secure the league title. Please for the club, great to see them win the league, know they have done it before but not in the WF East era. Have always been very supportive of my efforts to help promote the game. Leading 1-0 at half-time found an extra gear in the 2nd half to push on create good chances eventually making one count. Sprowston beaten by the better side on the night, have nevertheless secured runners-up spot. haven’t seen them this season until now, but have heard them talked about in high regards and have done fabulous to be in the title race right up until their final game of the season.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the penultimate Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the season. Have to say this is a difficult one but the notes paint a picture of who done what help alot on occasion. A few performances of note, for Sprowston, Bailey Curtis made a number of crucial tackles at the back. Olivia Leggett in front of the defence getting across the pitch to win the ball. Chloe Shipman in the middle with some useful passes. For Bungay, Lily Alexander with some fantastic runs on hand to volley home the opening goal. Mia Rose got about the top of the area to receive the ball with some great link up play. Selina Rowland strong on the ball in the middle got Bungay moving forwards. Zoe Cossey and Abigail Bell coming on 2nd half pushed on to keep Bungay up the pitch to create attacking opportunities. The award though goes to their captain, Charnelle Riggall worked hard to win the ball down the left in the first half getting it on down the line linking up with her attackers then in defence 2nd half limited Sprowston’s attacks down the right well.

 Congratulations to Bungay Town Ladies on winning Norfolk Women’s Division One.

Bungay Town Ladies, 2023/24 Norfolk Women’s Division One Champions (photo credit Darrell Allen)

 An exciting game to end the Division One title race, and already you know it’s going to be just as good next season. My thanks to both teams for the team details. Great to see so many taking an interested in the outcome across the footballing community in Norfolk. One more game to go then the season’s done.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – KLSC FC Women v Aylsham FC Women

Sunday 18th February

KLSC FC Women v Aylsham FC Women

 For the 2nd weekend running heavy overnight rain across the region has played havoc with the women’s football fixtures with a large number of league and cup games falling foul to waterlogged pitches. Once again my first choice game called off , but as ever there are plenty of alternatives to choose from and an opportunity to see someone else in action so this Sunday it’s a short trip to King’s Lynn to watch KLSC FC Women play Aylsham FC Women in Norfolk Women’s Division One.

  Norfolk seeing a host of new sides joining the women’s league this season as the game continues to grow at a pace. With 8 new sides in a 14 strong Division Two and another new side Costessey Sports Ladies joining Division One 5 sides were pushed up from Division Two into Division One this campaign. The increase in teams hasn’t seen the comparable increase in new players and this has left squad stretched at times with dual signings often competing with unavailability and injuries, a stop start season for some clubs. Division One seeing a strong contest for the title emerging nevertheless.

  Aylsham FC Women and KLSC FC Women finishing 1st and 2nd respectfully in Division Two last season to win promotion to Division One, joined by Mulbarton Women Development, North Walsham Angels Ladies and Thorpe St Andrew Women. 

  KLSC (King’s Lynn Soccer Club) FC Women finishing runners-up in Division Two last season 2 points behind champions Aylsham FC Women, the pair emerging on top of what was a competitive title race. Have made a solid debut in Division One sitting comfortably in mid-table winning 4 and drawing one of their 9 matches so far taking 7 points from their opening 4 league games. Josie Turner has always had a great scoring record where ever she’s played and has continued that trend with KLSC finding the back of the net for 38 goals last terms is once again leading the scoring charts for KLSC his time around with 10 goals from 6 appearances. 

  Aylsham FC Women going undefeated in their debut season to win the Division Two title lasts season, winning all but 2 of their 20 league matches, clinching the title two point ahead of KLSC FC Women. Bringing together a squad of experienced players led by captain Jordan Arnoup who was in hot form in front of goal herself last season breaking the back of the net for 39 goals to become top scorer in the league. Aylsham promoted to Division One finding life a lot tougher, struggling for numbers at times due to work commitments, injuries lost their opening 3 league matches, however 7 points from their next 3 fixtures pulled them free of the bottom, in 9 will be aiming to push on into mid-table, new sighing Australian, Billie Myall top scorer for Aylsham with 7 goals to her name so far in her debut campaign. Arnoup one goal behind on the score sheet for 6 so far.

  With the heavy rain predicted once again for the weekend, KLSC FC Women planned ahead and booked their local 3G pitch ready for use should their grass pitch on King’s Way Playing Fields be deemed unplayable which was highly likely. A wise decision the game switched to the Alive Lynn Sport 3G pitch, the heavy rain blowing through west to east likely to clear before kick-off leaving a slightly overcast but bright afternoon. The well used sports facility caged on 3 sides with viewing for spectators on one side of the pitch beside the sports hall. 

KLSC FC Women

KLSC FC Women starting XI – Gemma Thomas, Elizabeth Puckova, Leeanne Smith, Viktorija Burkauskaite (C), Taeya Mayes, Caitlin Jacob, Chloe Edwards, Trinity Tokaji, Josie Turner, Nikola Maslak and Ellie Panks. Subs – Lydia Hunter, Ellena Bennington & Rachel Skinner.

Aylsham FC Women

Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Hannah Lock, Ella Swift, Abbie Butcher, Jordan Arnoup (C), Sophie-Jayne O’Connor, Georgie Bobbin. Cayla Brown, Flo Simpkin, Rhiannon Dack, Molly Webb & Gabrielle Cobb. Subs – Sausha Levy-Twomey, Ellie Cleaver, Lily Carus & Ellie Snowling.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Viktorija Burkauskaite and Jordan Arnoup with referee Shane Watts

  It’s the visitors Aylsham to kick off the first half, with a few players out through injury and unavailability the call offs elsewhere meant they could bolster their squad with a few of their dual signings. KLSC FC Women short on numbers too with player manager Ellie Bennington naming herself amongst the substitutes. Aylsham wearing orange coloured shirts with blue vertical strips on the front with blue shorts and orange socks. KLSC lined up opposite wearing red and black vertical striped shirts with black short and red and black hooped socks. The ball rolled back to Georgie Bobbin in midfield helped back to her defence, KLSC rush on to press the ball high…

 GOAL! Sophie-Jayne O’Connor getting the ball out to right back Ella Swift she in turn plays a fantastic long pass up to Gabrielle Cobb in attack knocks the ball down into the path of Rhiannon Dack bursting on down the right surging towards the area turning the KLSC defence she slides the ball in central in front of goal, Molly Webb coming in off the left waiting to pounce the KLSC defender stretching in front of her attempting to reach the ball can only deflect it towards her own goal, the ball agonisingly creeping in inside the right post the give the visitors the lead inside the opening 30 seconds 0-1.

Rhiannon Dack’s burst forwards and cross leading to the own goal to put Aylsham into the lead

   An early set back for KLSC the hosts battling to win the ball in the middle comes to Josie Turner on the right played forwards up the channel for Nikola Maslak to chase, Aylsham goalkeeper Hannah Lock out to the edge of her area quickly to the ball first touching it back into her box to lay claim to the ball. A lively start from Aylsham keen to get the ball moving forwards, Bobbin getting her tackles in to win the ball, Cobb up top looking to spin off the defence with Dack and Webb breaking forwards on the flanks.

 

  Bobbin getting hold of the ball laying it forwards into Cobb up top combines with Webb top of the D before the ball is laid back into Flo Simpkin 25 yards out to strike her effort fired straight at and saved by KLSC goalkeeper, Gemma Thomas. KLSC’s, Taeya Mayes has one of the most powerful kicks in the league and manages to clear the ball onto the roof of the sports hall beside the pitch.

Aylsham midfielder, Georgie Bobbin

  Aylsham pushing forwards well Dack taking the ball on going right inside to Cobb central rolling it back for the on rushing Cayla Brown to line up a shot from 25 yards out her attempt racing wide of the right post. KLSC not set as Aylsham press the advantage looking to capitalise on their positive start. Bobbin getting stuck in in the middle, Simpkin getting forwards well to support the attackers. 

  Cobb laying the ball on for Dack pushing on down the right flank sends a looping cross into the box, near post Cobb looking to leap in on the keeper as Thomas goes to catch the ball, spilt is loose inside the six yard box, Webb taking a swing at it sending her attempt high over the crossbar. 

  Chloe Edwards getting the ball out to Turner on the right for KLSC knocks it on for Maslak to chase, getting the ball into her feet turns infield travelling across the top of the area looking for an opening doesn’t find it as she is closed down by Swift the ball cleared. O’Connor winning the ball at the back passing to Swift on the right played forwards for Dack running down the line, Elizabeth Puckova recovering her ground well to slide in take the ball off Dack behind conceding a corner. Looped high into the six yard box his headed clear.

Ella Swift

  KLSC captain Viktorija Burkauskaite intercepting the ball at the back as Bobbin attempts to find Cobb up top with the threaded pass. Edwards down after receiving a heavy knock in a challenge on halfway. Down and in some discomfort can’t continue KLSC forced into a change as Edwards is helped to the side-lines, Rachel Skinner coming on. The resulting free-kick just over half way Mayes over the ball strikes it towards goal, no a bad effort however Lock can see the ball safely past her left post. 

KLSC’s Nikola Maslak with Aylsham’s Abbie Butcher

  Turner linking up well with Maslak on the right as KLSC look to get some momentum going forwards winning a throw high the ball comes to Maslak inside the box right of goal attempts to bring the ball down and turn, is soon closed down by the Aylsham defence the ball hooked clear. Skinner getting about the pitch in an attempt to win the ball get KLSC on the move finds left back Leeanne Smith advancing up the pitch sends it forwards looking to put Maslak in behind, Abbie Butcher across her path to cut the ball out for Aylsham. 

  Maslak pushing up high or KLSC looking to turn onto the ball of her own headed flick on, runs into traffic as Arnoup and Butcher converge to close the ball down for Aylsham. Simpkin getting the ball into her feet dribbling forwards for Aylsham coming left held up by Mayes, has Webb ahead of her lays the ball into her feet, Webb’s looping cross going long cleared by Puckova at the far post. 

KLSC’s Elizabeth Puckova

  Thomas out sharply to the top of her area to slide in and smother the ball at the feet of Cobb as the Aylsham attacker threatens to run in behind the defence chasing a long defensive clearance. Simpkin attacking with Webb on the left her cross deflected into the keepers gloves. Simpkin involved in the action winning the ball back n the left for Aylsham has Cobb in an advanced position ahead of her corner of the area whips her cross along the top of the area with Dack the target on the far side, closed down by Caitlin Jacob and Puckova tries to play it back for Brown to attack 20 yards out, Trinity Tokaji getting back at her to tackle break up the move for KLSC. 

Aylsham’s Flo Simpkin

  KLSC getting a little frustrated passes not finding their mark up top, a little feisty too with a few robust challenges on display. Cobb going over on her shoulder getting a free-kick on halfway to the left. Arnoup over the set-piece fired into the area, taken well by Thomas with Cobb looking to attack it. 

Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup

The ball clipped across the pitch to Dack outside the area right corner bringing it down to shoot fires her effort wide past the far post. The visitors making a change bringing of Bobbin with Sausha Levy-Twomey dual signed with Thetford Town Ladies coming on going into the back line with Arnoup pushed into midfield. 

  Half an hour played Skinner coming on has given KLSC some extra traction going forwards the ball falling in her 25 yards out, strikes a shot wide of the left post. Turner pushing up now linking with Maslak firing the ball into the channel, Levy-Twomey using her experience to get across the attacker shield the ball out for a goal kick. O’Connor sticking out a boot to intercept well as Maslak driving inside from the right looks to feed the ball in behind with Skinner pulling off the defence.

KLSC’s Rachel Skinner

  The changes seeing the game opening up with KLSC gaining some momentum getting into the final third better, remains feisty with Arnoup and Jacob getting stuck in Aylsham making a double switch bring Butcher and Webb off, Ellie Cleaver and Ellie Snowling coming on. Maslak on for Turner ahead of her on the right lays the ball in central for Skinner, O’Connor cutting the pass out clearing for Aylsham.

  The ball not sticking up top as KLSC press winning it back into Turner who knocks it on for Ellie Panks pulling into the left channel, O’Connor coming across to defend before she can play the cross. KLSC Pushing on well winning a throw high on the right players up the ball knocked on across the six yard box cleared at the far post…

  GOAL! The ball quickly won back on the left Puckova putting in back inside Panks and Skinner outside the area left channel drawing defenders to them as the pass inside cuts the defence open to send Turner racing clear on goal right side hasn’t had much opportunity to get into the box so far and makes it count as she rifles the ball across the keeper into the bottom corner to equalise. 1-1.

Josie Turner equalising for KLSC

  KLSC getting themselves back on level terms capitalising on Aylsham dropping off late in the first half. From the restart Aylsham build on the right forwards for Dack who opens up her body to lay the ball on for Cobb and Simpkin racing forwards to attack the box, Mayes in between them going to ground sliding in to take the ball away from danger.

KLSC’s Taeya Mayes

  Arnoup upset as she is fouled by Mayes on halfway winning the free-kick fires the ball forwards deflected into the area right of goal, Cobb pounces after it her 1st touch a little too strong however giving Thomas the extra yard she needs to get out and lay claim to the ball.

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

  All square at the break with a goal scored by KLSC at either end of the first half, Aylsham cutting KLSC open with their first attack, Rhiannon Dack’s cross turned into the back of their own net inside 30 seconds. Aylsham making the better start winning the ball well in the middle and getting players on to support the attack creating some chances without over testing the keeper. KLSC were unsettled took a while to get going, the changes helping Rachel Skinner coming on adding drive to the attack, Aylsham not benefitting from their changes as they fell back inviting KLSC forwards Josie Turner finding the pocket of space she needed to run into inside the area to score. Game on as the sides stay out on the field for the half-time interval a quick turn around the game restarting.

  No changes for KLSC as they get the 2nd half underway. Aylsham taking off Simpkin with Lily Carus coming into the middle joined by O’Connor with Arnoup along side Levy-Twomey at the back. The ball played back into the defence Aylsham looking to press, the keeper coming out to claim the ball, just, for KLSC. 

  Both sides into each other at the start the ball closed down quickly the diagonal pass finding Snowling out on the left for Aylsham takes it on tracking inside, Burkauskaite coming to close her down standing her ground winning the ball outside the box. Turner dropping her shoulder moving inside from the left looks to pick out Panks up top, after the ball as it runs into the area is closed down well by Arnoup. 

 Mayes with a strong tackle on Dack out wide to win the ball back on the left for KLSC sends it on for Turner, taking the ball inside from the left, looks to take on Levy-Twomey, the defender reading her run, getting her foot in to win the ball back. The ball deflected over for a corner of Mayes as Snowling attacks down the left for Aylsham, the corner from the left swung in turned over for a goal kick.

  Maslak turns well on the ball off a throw on the left turning inside has Panks with her central the pair looking to play a one two to get through on goal, Arnoup getting in the way to block the ball cleared out to the left comes back in claimed by Lock at her near post. Aylsham break getting up the other end quickly the ball with O’Connor in midfield sends it on for Cobb up top left of the D sends it across to the right for Dack stealing into the box, Thomas though comes rushing out to meet her sliding in to claim the ball at her feet.

Aylsham’s Sophie-Jane O’Connor

  A much more even 2nd half the ball not staying with either side for long KLSC come on through the middle with purpose the ball driven on for Turner outside the box to turn and shoot, her effort driven on low, Lock with a superb save getting down to her right to get a glove on the ball deflect it behind for the corner kick. 

Aylsham goalkeeper, Hannah Lock.

  Swung in from the left angled into the keeper, Lock punches the ball clear out of the box. Burkauskaite coming across to challenge well as O’Connor looks to play Snowling in on the left wing. KLSC Making a substitution bringing on Lydia Hunter to replace Smith just over an hour played. Straight into the action as wins the tackle on Snowling as O’Connor again looks to link up with her on the left. Aylsham gaining some momentum through the middle O’Connor linking up with Carus the ball sent out to the right Dack winning her side a throw in.

KLSC captain, Viktorija Burkauskaite

  GOAL! The throw in leads to Aylsham winning a corner on the right Arnoup across to take in sends a pacy cross the six yard box out towards the far post, Dack stooping into the header to drive the ball past the keeper into the back of the lead to fire Aylsham back into the lead 1-2.

Rhiannon Dack heads Aylsham into the lead

  KLSC falling behind in the 65th minute looking for a quick reply, looking to get forwards however the passes are a little rushed the Aylsham defence set winning the ball back. Skinner and Turner looking to combine on the left exchanging passes Turner looking to get into the box stopped by Levy-Twomey. 

 Cobb continues to work hard to press the KLSC defence looking to move around the ball falling to her 5 yards out looks to turn and attack, Burkauskaite lunging in with the challenge to deny her the opportunity. Aylsham bringing off Brown sending Bobbin back on. Thomas getting out to close Cobb down as she looks to lob the ball over her inside the D as the ball comes into the area from the right the ball falling wide.

  Carus taking the ball on for Aylsham linking up with Snowling on the left, Burkauskaite coming out to tackle get the ball up the field for KLSC. KLSC winning a free-kick inside the Aylsham half on the left, Mayes sending it long into the area, Levy-Twomey’s sliced clearance turned behind for a corner kick. Arnoup at the near post defending the corner as it is swung into the six yard box.

 Moving into the final 15 minutes Aylsham working hard to maintain their lead, Arnoup intercepting the ball as Mayes attempts to find Panks inside the box with a diagonal pass from the left. O’Connor coming off for the visitors with Simpkin returning to the action. KLSC with a throw in the right dropping inside for Tokaji outside the area sees her shot charged down, the ball cleared. Aylsham making another change with Webb returning to the pitch for Snowling on the left.

Trinity Tokaji

  Aylsham attack Carus up to Cobb left outside the area flicks it down into the path of Dack 25 yards out left of the D, her shot deflected behind for a corner kick. Arnoup’s corner flashed across the face of goal through everyone at the far post cleared to the left but comes straight back played in central Arnoup looking to return to her defensive position seeing the ball into her feet 25 yards out and firing  shot straight into the keepers gloves.

  The clock ticking down KLSC press forwards with a flowing move Skinner out to Mayes forwards into Turner left inside for Panks who runs into traffic as she looks to plough her way in on goal. Aylsham get the ball up the other end KLSC defending then Thomas plays her kick against Cobb inside the area right of goal plays it across for Carus to attack, Burkauskaite timing her tackle to get the ball way from danger.

Ellie Panks

Aylsham finding energy late in the game looking to hold onto their lead press well Bobbin on for Carus up with Webb on the left, Thomas rushing out to make the blocking save the ball deflected back to Cobb 20 yards out looking to send the ball home into the empty net the ball doesn’t drop quick enough as she sends her attempt looping up to smash down off the crossbar, KLSC regrouping at the back to launch it clear. Butcher coming back on for Swift to see out the match.

  Skinner playing the ball on for Maslak on the right for KLSC comes inside, tackled by 20 by Butcher the ball deflected back for the keeper to gather. Aylsham doing well in the latter stages to see out the game. Thomas rushing out to the top of her area to save at the feet of Cobb as she receives the ball off Simpkin as she steals possession back top of the D.

  Stoppage time being played as Aylsham win the set-piece Arnoup launching the ball forwards into the opposition box, Dack drifting in behind can’t direct her header on target as it drops to the right of goal, Thomas racing out to shield the ball out for a goal kick.

Full time KLSC FC Women 1-2 Aylsham FC Women

  The final whistle blows and Aylsham celebrate a much needed win the 3 points pulling them further clear of the bottom two and in a position to challenge the teams above for a mid-table position to consolidate their place in Division One. Made hard work of the in in the finish after making a positive start to the game on the front foot for much of the first half after taking the lead, the substitutions seemed to hamper them in the first half as they sat back allowed KLSC to gain the momentum get themselves right back into contention puling the scores level. A much more even 2nd half with KLSC creating a few good opportunities in front of goal. Didn’t have the subs to rotate as did Aylsham and that helped the visitors as they retook the lead and ad something to hold onto seeing out the game well creating an opportunity or two to extend their advantage.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As is often the case a hard decision with a few contenders in the mix. In this case really hard to single it down to one with 4 players all having a good shout, in the end it comes down to goals and that probably gives it away. A few performances to mention of course. For KLSC firstly. Their captain Viktorija Burkauskaite with a number of vital tackles at the back. Josie Turner getting into some great positions taking her goal well. Nikola Maslak lively on the flank taking the ball inside taking the game forwards. Rachel Skinner getting about the pitch looking to get KLSC going making an impact off the bench. For Aylsham the defence as a whole read the game well and all made some vital tackles further forwards Georgie Bobbin with some strong tackling in midfield handed the momentum to Aylsham early on and set the tone for the first half hour. Flo Simpkin got forwards well to support the attack with some great attacking runs. Gabrielle Cobb worked tirelessly up top to create opportunities for herself and her teammates and was unfortunate not to score. Edging it though today’s award goes to Rhiannon Dack her surging run and resulting cross into the box putting Aylsham into the lead, was a constant outlet out on the right linking up with Cobb and headed home the winning goal.

  Great to catch up with both sides today, another weather hit weekend but I stayed dry. An entertaining contest my thanks to both sides for their assistance today.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thorpe St Andrew Women v Aylsham FC Women

Thursday 18th May

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

Staying in Norfolk for some more midweek league action this Thursday evening with a trip along the A47 to watch a game from Norfolk Women’s Division Two with Thorpe St Andrew Women hosting leader leaders Aylsham FC Women, a win for the visitors will see them crowned Champion in their debut season.

  Aylsham FC Women emerging out on top of what has been a competitive tussle at the top end of a 12 strong league. With it looking an open fight between 6 sides entering the new year, one side lost as Gorleston FC Ladies were to fold, North Walsham Angels Ladies mounting a late charge to get amongst the mix, along side KLSC FC Women, Mulbarton Belles Ladies new Development side and Thorpe St Andrew Women.

  Haven’t seen Thorpe St Andrew Women for a good while, in fact back then they were still Thorpe United Ladies, one of the leading sides in the Norfolk Women’s Football league for many years. Playing at the Thorpe Recreation Ground on Laundry Lane. A falling out with the previous management regime saw the entire first team go with manager Martin Frances to form Mulbarton Belles Ladies. That left the Development team to become the senior team. A tough campaign last time out with Tony Allen taking on the coaching of the team placed in strong Division One, would have preferred to have been in Division Two.

 An inexperienced squad were to struggle with some big losses along side North Walsham Angels Ladies who were in a similar position the latter losing several experienced players as a result, Thorpe St Andrew dug deep however and sticking together worked hard week in week out to improve the signs there as the season drew to a close for a brighter future. Now back in Division Two despite losing their opening two fixtures were to go on a run of 8 matches unbeaten winning 6 to put themselves in amongst the mix at the top end of the table, becoming a side used to winning games instead of one accustomed to defeat, have dropped away at the end but will almost certain cement a top 5 finish. Abi Simmons top scorer netting 28 goals so far this season with both Bex Sutton and Poppy Le Beau reaching double figures. Thorpe a club that has always had a strong youth set-up with teams from U10s up adult.

  A phenomenal debut season for Aylsham FC Women, ex-Norwich City Women coach Steve Kenny bringing women’s football back to Aylsham, building a strong squad with some ex-Norwich City Reserves players including Jordan Arnoup, along with some ex-Stalham players, Charlotte Crane and Sophie-Jayne O’Connor. Looked a strong squad on paper and has proved to be the case starting with a romping 17-0 home win have continued to pile on the goals scoring a staggering 113 in the 19 games played to date averaging 5.6 goals a game while conceding just 8 at the other end.

  Behind in there fixtures laid in wait for the sides battling above winning 7 in a row while conceding just the 1 goal were to have a mini wobble towards the end of February beginning of March with 1-0 defeat to Mulbarton and an in form North Walsham Angels Ladies side before returning to winning ways and banging in the goal once more. Captain, Jordan Arnoup playing most of the time at centre back the league’s top scorer finding the back of the net with 38 goals from 21 appearances. Hannah Claughton too amongst the goals scoring 21 from her 21 games with Sophie Lubbock dual signed with Fakenham Town Ladies weighing in with 16 goals from just 5 appearances. 10 wins in a row propelling Aylsham to the top of the table promotion to Division one already secured a win in their final game of the season with see them become Champions although a draw would undoubtedly do it with their superior goal difference over KLSC FC Women who still have two to play.

The Thorpe Recreation Ground the home of all the Thorpe St Andrew sides. Boasting a number of full sized grass pitches sloping up from the clubhouse, with the bar and kitchen hatch open serving hot and cold drinks. Thorpe using one of the upper pitches this evening a start contrast to last evenings game in Suffolk this pitch huge in comparison one extreme to the other long and wide, sloping from one side to the other. A full 90 minute game planned a brighter day with little cloud starting to cool down noticeably as the sun drops.

Thorpe St Andrew Women

Thorpe St Andrew Women starting XI – Natalie Cloney, Libby Eglington, Sienna Moore, Emma Clarke, Sarah Rooke, Chloe Musson (C), Jen Brown, Bex Sutton, Natasha Frankland, Tabbi Mileham & Poppy Le Beau. Subs – Hannah Artis, Georgie Rumney, Abi Simmons, Olivia Pollard & Emily Warnes.

Aylsham FC Women

 Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Yaz Wolford, Ellie Cleaver, Abbie Butcher, Jordan Arnoup (C), Charlotte Crane, Georgie Bobbin, Flo Simpkin, Sophie-Jane O’Connor, Hannah Claughton, Rhiannon Dack & Carly Allum. Subs – Hannah Lock, Cayla Brown, Sophie Lubbock & Vicki Lubbock.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  A midweek fixture Aylsham having a few of their dual signed players available, with Yaz Wolford in goal also with King’s Lynn Town Ladies in the ERWFL Premier Division. Along with the Lubbock twins, Sophie and Vicki available with Fakenham Town Ladies excellent debut season in ERWFL Division One North now finished on the bench. It’s the visitors to get the game underway wearing orange coloured shirts and socks with blue shorts. Thorpe lined up opposite wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. Played back into Charlotte Crane at the back lifted out to the right Ellie Cleaver on for Rhiannon Dack, closed down by Thorpe’s Tabbi Mileham, Dack snapping back at Mileham as she looks to travel on the flank.

  Georgie Bobbin in with a strong challenge to win the ball in the middle for Aylsham lifted up to Carly Allum in attack central, hooks the ball out to Dack racing on right side pulling wider as she moves into the area gets a shot away Thorpe goalkeeper, Hannah Cloney claiming it at her near post. Plenty of space on the pitch to exploit, Bex Sutton turning on the ball central for Thorpe lifting it forwards for Poppy Le Beau in attack making a run towards the box, Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup chasing lunging in to tackle taking the ball away from Le Beau out of play for a corner on the left. 

Georgie Bobbin tacking to win the ball for Aylsham off Thorpe’s Emma Clarke

  An inswinging back curled in central dropping amongst a cluster of players, knocked out towards the penalty spot straight to Le Beau, fires a shot back in low, blocked on the line by Walford deflected out to the left cleared for a Thorpe throw. Thorpe looking to press at the start Mileham sending a cross from the throw into the area, Walford getting hold of it with Natasha Frankland closing in. 

 

 Bobbin robust in the middle for Aylsham, fouling Sarah Rooke in the middle, a free kick to Thorpe top of the circle players forwards the ball dropped over Le Beau going out attack it, Aylsham scrambling it clear to the left for the throw. Is a tendency for players to cluster at this level get drawn to the ball, however not this evening players a spread, Thorpe’s home afterall and Hannah Claughton and Dack are staying out on flanks left and right for Aylsham offering good passing options, Flo Simpkin picking out Claughton on the left as Bobbin closes the ball down in the middle, racing on to the by-line Sienna Moore holding her up well getting in the challenge to prevent the cross.

  Sutton knocking Bobbin off the ball conceding a free-kick outside the box to the left 25 yards out. Arnoup, coming forwards to take the set-piece, smashes her shot into the wall, rebounding inside central Arnoup moving to strike it 1st time gets too much on it sending the ball high over the bar. Aylsham getting oy on the wings the ball forwards form Abbie Butcher for Claughton on the left pace to take the ball on turning inside the shoot on the angle her driven effort striking the base of the near post.

Thorpe’s Bex Sutton

 Thorpe get the ball into Jen Brown on the right playing it inside for Sutton, lifted up to Le beau in attack, Crane in to close her down for Aylsham at the back. Sophie-Jayne O’Connor coming on with the ball central for Aylsham looks to send Carly Allum away as she moves into the left channel, the offside flag halting her attack. Thorpe too using the flanks well Sutton out to Mileham left shifts the ball between her feet looking to kick on, Cleaver getting her foot in to regain possession for Aylsham. Thorpe making a change, Brown coming off on comes Georgie Rumney goes into the back line.

Aylsham’s Ellie Cleaver with Thorpe’s Tabbi Mileham

 Simpkin with O’Connor in the middle for Aylsham the diagonal ball putting Dack away on the right reaching to top of the area pulls the trigger her shot pulled wide of the near post. 15 minutes played Mileham attacking on Thorpe’s left stabbed forwards into Le Beau outside the area left closely marked by Crane can’t turn inside lays it back to Mileham to strike from distance the shot wide of the near post. Olivia Pollard also on for Thorpe. 

  Pressure on the ball high on the left from Thorpe, Frankland with Mileham the latter stealing onto the ball to take it on into the area across the top of the six yard box Arnoup rushing in to close the ball down sending it clear with a blocking tackle. Certainly competitive both sides closing the ball down Thorpe encouraged getting some joy in the final third, Aylsham turning play around Arnoup forwards to O’Connor picking out Allum in the left channel, Thorpe captain Chloe Musson into close her down win the ball. 

Sophie-Jayne O’Connor bringing the ball on for Aylsham

  Aylsham winning a corner on the right an inswinging delivery high across goal, Allum rising can’t quite get her head on the ball. Dack finding space out on the right for Aylsham put on by Cleaver taking the ball on down the line fizzes a cross in close to the near post snatched up by Cloney in the Thorpe goal. Emma Clarke advancing through the middle for Thorpe sending the pass on for Le Beau in attack, Arnoup getting hold of the ball hooking it clear. 

Libby Eglington defending for Thorpe on Dack as she takes the ball on right the fullback forcing her wide before challenging. Thorpe winning a free-kick central out to Mileham left chests the ball into the path of Rooke running on into the left channel the ball crossed into the box Le Beau laying it back for Clarke who shoots wide. 

Thorpe’s Natasha Frankland with Aylsham’s Flo Simpkin

GOAL! Aylsham break down the left wing Claughton taking the ball on bursting inside smashing the ball in towards the near post, deflected through bodies across goal runs out to Dack racing in far post to smash the ball high into the back of the net 0-1. 

Rhiannon Dack opening the scoring for Aylsham with Thorpe captain Chloe Musson

The break through for Aylsham coming in the 20th minute. A blow for Thorpe, Sutton trying her luck from range her effort not trouble Walford. Musson on for Le Beau in the middle lift the ball out to Mileham up on the left taking the ball inside, Cleaver charging her shot down outside the area. The Thorpe bench unhappy with some of the decisions being given some robust challenges out there. Make a change bringing on Emily Warnes. Rumney doing well at the back defending on Allum as she tries to get into the box from the left the ball put out for a corner

 GOAL! Simpkins corner in low to the near post covered by a defender the ball out to the left Claughton looking to get hold of the ball a push on her spotted by the referee points to the spot Penalty! Arnoup, Aylsham’s penalty taker runs up strikes the ball low and fast into the bottom right corner to score her 39th goal of the season 0-2. Wheels away in celebration doing a Chloe Kelly whipping her shirt off and sports bra beneath running across to celebrate with manager Steve Kenny.

Jordan Arnoup scoring from the penalty spot for Aylsham

Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup

  Rules are rules receives a yellow card as she retrieves her shirt. Aylsham 2 goals to the good look to press the advantage Simpkin stealing through into the right channel laying the ball on for Dack out wide driving to the by-line the cross/shot racing across the face of the goal. Thorpe making a change in attack bringing off Le Beau sending on top scorer, Abi Simmons. Thorpe disappointed having made a good start to the game now 2 goals behind. Musson intercepting as Allum looks to put Claughton away on the left. 

 Aylsham making a double switch sending on Sophie and Vicki Lubbock replacing Bobbin and Simpkin. Aylsham getting on top pressing the ball high on the right before Sophie Lubbock sends a shot wide. O’Connor feeding the ball on for Sophie Lubbock driving into the right channel, Moore on her shoulder pushing her wide getting a foot on the ball to send it out for a corner. Taken short gives Sutton time to race out of the area and charge the ball down deflected out for a 2nd corner. The delivery flashed in across goal gathered by O’Connor far side her low ball back in grabbed by the keeper.

  Simmons played in through the middle as Thorpe catch Aylsham with a high line the ball running on Walford already at the top of the area stays big patient waiting to claim it even as Simmons charges on the ball skipping up off the keeper, Walford keeping her eye on the ball to take it down into her gloves. Sutton lifting the ball out to the left possession regained for Aylsham by Abbie Butcher on the left inside for Arnoup to play into the middle. 

 GOAL! Aylsham moving the ball around played left into Allum she lays it on for Sophie Lubbock to attack the box left of the area on the run sees the keeper off her line and lobs her from 30 yards out to send the ball over her to run on into the back of the net 0-3.

Sophie Lubbock with Aylsham’s 3rd with Thorpe defender Sarah Rooke

 The visitors with a comfortable lead now, Thorpe needing to settle down, Mileham back helping in defence battling with Vicki Lubbock for possession of the ball. Thorpe winning a free-kick inside the Aylsham half Sutton playing it into Mileham taking the ball on into the left corner before lifting a cross into the area, Sutton central heading the ball up towards goal Walford back on her line under it to claim safely.

Vicki Lubbock

  Another change for Aylsham with O’Connor coming off replaced by Cayla Brown as the first half moves into stoppage time. Rooke defending in the box as Vicki Lubbock looks to turn to attack the ball cleared for a throw. 

Half-time Thorpe St Andrew Women 0-3 Aylsham FC Women

After a fairly even opening 20 minutes Aylsham broke to open the scoring and added a 2nd and 3rd goal at regular intervals to secure a strong lead going into the 2nd half. Using the width well, Claughton and Dack staying out wide driving forwards. Thorpe frustrated making a positive start creating a few opportunities pressing Aylsham’s defence frustrated with a few decisions the 2nd goal unsettling them Aylsham taking advantage finishing the half strong. Almost there defending a 3 goal lead, manager Steve Kenny not wanting an complacency to set in as the sides return to the pitch after a quick turn around.

No changes for Aylsham as the sun begins to set the air getting decidedly chilly the big coat still needed. Thorpe bringing on Hannah Artis to get the 2nd half underway the ball back to Musson out to Eglington on the left, Claughton getting in to close the ball down rolled inside for Vicki Lubbock, Rumney in to tackle for Thorpe the ball cleared to the right. 

Sarah Rooke

  Dack taking the ball on up the right wing sending in a low cross to the near post, Cloney covering the angle snatching the ball up into her gloves. Brown with a strong challenge on Sutton in the middle. Thorpe winning a throw deep on the right Rooke up with Simmons the ball played into the top of the area Simmons into challenge for the ball, Thorpe appealing for a foul incensed when the decision goes the other way. 

 Get the decision as Aylsham mount an attack through the middle Sophie Lubbock taking the ball on sending it on for her sister Vicki top of the area the ball striking her arm as she looks to see it down. Warnes getting hold of the ball on the right for Thorpe looking to get forwards keeping Butcher busy at left back for Aylsham the defender closing Warnes down winning the ball as she looks to skip inside.

Aylsham’s Abbie Butcher

  Sophie Lubbock moving inside with the ball off a throw up on Aylsham’s left feeds it on into for Vicki Lubbock inside the D, Artis tackling well putting the ball back to her keeper to clear. Cloney then racing out of her area to clear as Dack sends Vicki Lubbock through on the right channel. Allum with the ball central for the visitors putting the ball on for Vicki Lubbock again making a right channel run 20 yards out puts a lobbed effort narrowly wide of the far post. 

Libby Eglington with Hannah Claughton

 Rumney getting her boot up well to intercept and a diagonal ball if lifted forwards from the right. Aylsham pressing at the start of the 2nd half Claughton shifting the ball between her feet getting on the move up the left squaring a cross into the area, Rooke cutting it out for Thorpe behind for the corner. Defending one corner Thorpe get themselves a corner of there own won on the left played in near side knocked on across goal, Warnes not quite able to get there as she charges in at the far post. 

  Thorpe winning the ball on the left Frankland inside for Simmons puts Warnes in central running on is tackled by Claughton, the visitors on the counter up towards Vicki Lubbock, Moore getting back at her to defend for Thorpe. The game opening up Sutton with time on the ball through the middle picking out Warnes on the right with a long range pass, taking it to the by-line tracked by Butcher can’t keep the cross in play.

Hannah Claughton

  Claughton pressing on the left putting the cross into the box for Vicki Lubbock, Rooke close in to knick the ball off her feet. The ball cleared into the middle Brown winning it back for Aylsham out to Claughton left up the line flashing a cross in close to goal, Cloney claiming the ball. Musson out to Sutton up on the right with Warnes wide they exchange passes before Sutton corner of the area sends it into the box with Mileham breaking in central to attack it her stooping header knocked down into the six yard box, straight at Arnoup falling back Aylsham captain blocking with her legs scrambling the ball away to safety.

  End to end as both sides look for a goal Claughton free to attack up the left sending a cross into the box defended dropping to the right of goal, Dack rushing onto it fizzing a shot on the angle over. Dack being brought off then with Simpkin coming back on with an hour played. Both sides putting in some strong tackles Warnes diving in on Butcher. Arnoup fouling Sutton, risky when already on a yellow. Aylsham changing their goalkeeper, Walford coming off, Hannah Lock coming on. 

 A delay as Sutton receives treatment is okay to play on. Le Beau coming back on for Thorpe. The hosts remain unhappy with the referee feeling they are not getting the decisions, press high on Aylsham’s box, Warnes right in central, Simmons looking to turn tackled by Brown. Aylsham come right Cleaver getting forwards to support Simpkin, Musson coming in to close her down cutting out the pass. Le Beau pulling left for Thorpe on down the line her cross into the box cut out by Arnoup. 

  Brown into defend on Warnes as she gets hold of the ball central looks to move right. A lively contest Thorpe pressing on looking for a goal to get themselves back into the game. Claughton brought down by Moore on the left as she gets on the move with the ball on the left. The set-piece sent up into the box defended by Moore for Thorpe out to the left cleared by Frankland. Aylsham getting the ball back on the right moving forwards the cross lifted into the area Allum with the deft header knocking it on to Vicki Lubbock left of goal, Moore defending well against the attacker getting hold of the ball to clear.

Thorpe’s Georgie Rumney

  Bobbin and O’Connor back on for Aylsham with Cleaver and Allum coming off the switch seeing Arnoup move up top to join the attack with a little under 20 minutes to play. Claughton surging on with the ball left side inside for Sophie Lubbock attempting to pick out Arnoup inside the D, closed down by Rooke. Butcher with a timely tackle to stop Warnes getting away on the right. O’Connor in the back line now cutting out Frankland’s cross from the left played into Le Beau.

  A close call as Arnoup as flagged offside with Simpkin playing the ball on. Claughton coming off for Aylsham with Dack returning to the action. Bobbin with a rash challenge barging into Frankland, lucky to get away with no card. Simmons linking up with Warnes on the right the cross cleared by Bobbin. Into the final 10 minutes the game a little ragged as Butcher breaks on up the left feeding the ball on for Dack her cross into the area cut out by Eglington for Thorpe.

Cayla Brown

 Bobbin with a fantastic ball forwards releasing both the Lubbock twins to attack, Sophie central taking it on into the box unselfish looking to lay it out wide to Arnoup up on the right screws her shot wide. Aylsham winning a corner on the left load the six yard box the ball swung in close to goal rebounding off players drops to Vicki Lubbock her shot blocked. Bobbin with another robust tackle on Warnes this time gets a yellow emotions running a little high. Artis coming off for Thorpe with Mileham back on.

 Bobbin with another strong tackle bringing down Warnes again, Frankland to play in towards the area Butcher defending seeing the ball out for a late Thorpe corner. Aylsham bringing off Bobbin before she is sent off, emotions high Aylsham on the cusp of winning the title need to remain calm. The corner in close to the near post Butcher turning it behind for a 2nd corner as the game moves into stoppage time. Thorpe continue to push forwards Aylsham keeping it tight ready to counter Vicki Lubbock into the left channel sending a cross through the six yard box, Arnoup throwing herself at the ball right of goal can’t get a touch. The final whistle blows and Aylsham have done it they are CHAMPIONS.

Full time Thorpe St Andrew Women 0-3 Aylsham FC Women

  Emotions running high towards the end as Aylsham closed in on the end to a magnificent debut season in Norfolk Women’s Division Two winning their final game of the season to claim the title. Scoring 116 goals along the way while conceding just 8. Getting on top in the first half after a competitive opening 20 minutes scoring at regular intervals after that to control the game at half time. Thorpe continued to ask questions 2nd half pushing on but couldn’t find that final ball, Aylsham having a little extra quality, determined in defence getting forwards well especially on the flanks.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto another Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several stand out performances and as tempted as I am not to single out an individual player, I am not going to break my own rules. For Thorpe, Tabbi Mileham did well out on the left getting hold of the ball and looking to get it inside for Le Beau in attack. Georgie Rumsey making some vital tackles at the back as did Sarah Rooke. Bex Sutton in the middle with a good range of passing looking to get the forward players through on goal. Aylsham with a strong team performance from back to front. Captain Jordan Arnoup winning the ball at the back well. Carly Allum making some great runs into the channels getting back to win her fair share of the ball, Cayla Brown coming on showing a determination to win the ball. The Lubbock twins, Sophie and Vicki linking up well together through the middle. Out on the flanks Aylsham carried to biggest threat, Rhiannon Dack getting forwards well on the right, scoring the opening goal, the award goes to her opposite number Hannah Claughton some fantastic runs on the ball on the left driving forwards causing Thorpe problems throughout.

Aylsham enjoying the celebrations at the end with flares and champagne most off it spilt mind with a good share being worn by the squad almost got caught in the charge to escape a soaking at the end but great to see a team celebrating. Congratulations to Aylsham FC Women of becoming Champions of Norfolk Women’s Division Two.

Captain Jordan Arnoup taking a moment to let it all sink in has had a tremendous season

Three midweek games done one more to go, off to Carrow Road this Friday for the Norfolk Women’s County Cup final. My thanks to both clubs for this assistance with the team details and great to catch up with Thorpe at last and have a chat with a few footballing friends.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Mulbarton Belles Ladies v Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women

Sunday 30th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

A pause in the cup action this weekend gives me the opportunity to take in some league action at what is a critical point in the season for several sides involved in title contests across the East. No less so than in Norfolk Women’s Division One with the top two meeting in the league for the 1st time this season in a match that could go along way to deciding who becomes Champions, with Mulbarton Belles Ladies the defending Champions looking to close the gap on leaders Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women.

  That gap currently sits at 8 points, Mulbarton Belles Ladies crucially having 3 games in hand, but with their next two games home and away to Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women know that they have to go for maximum points. Dussindale & Hellesdon with those two games left against Mulbarton are 4 points away from securing their maiden league title.

  A 1-1 draw at home to 3rd placed Thetford Town Ladies, ending Mulbarton’s 100% league record, 12 wins and a draw from 13 played have been playing catch up with the league leaders all season involved in the Women’s FA Cup earlier in the season and with two highly successful cup campaigns seeing them reach both the finals of the League Plate, where they will play their newly formed Development side and have once again won through to the final of the County Cup for a 3rd successive season, taking on Norwich City Women at Carrow Road on Friday 19th May. 

  Captain Rebekah Lake one of the best strikers on the county top scorer for Mulbarton weighing in with 17 goals so far this season forming a good partnership in attack Francesca Catchpole who was recruited following the folding of Wymondham Town Ladies, scoring 15 goals from her 9 appearances has recently signed with Wroxham in the ERWFL Premier Division. A busy run in for the club that has become an integral part of the Mulbarton footballing family since moving there 3 season’s ago the core of the 1st team sticking together with manager Martin Francis after the turmoil at their former club. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women too have gone from strength to strength following their merger with Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC 3 season’s ago, formerly Sprowston Ladies a young tightly knit squad have developed into one of the leading sides in the county with ambitions to test themselves higher. Have been out in front in Norfolk Women’s Division One since the beginning of the season, losing just one of their 16 league matches played to date. Have also enjoyed successful runs in both the League and County Cups reaching the final of this season’s League Cup while also making it to the last 4 of the County Cup.

Victoria Leyer so often the top scorer for the club in their Sprowston days has continued that form in Dussindale & Hellesdon colours netting 17 goals to date this season. Forming a deadly partnership in attack with Shanice Sutton who has recovered from a very nasty knee injury while at Thorpe United to pile on the goals currently on 31 pushing to finish top scorer in Norfolk currently two behind Long Stratton’s, Luci Middleton. 2 tough games against their main title rivals to end their league campaign.

Mulberry Park the venue for today’s match. The sun shining bright on the last day in April, a pleasant day with a few clouds dotted around but no chance of rain. The pitch looking good the grass lush. The clubhouse and bar open along with the pitch side tea hut serving hot and cold drinks.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies

 Mulbarton Belles Ladies starting XI – Jo Hooper, Olivia Smith, Melissa Belsey, Lucy Lincoln, Megan Belsey, Laura Hedtke, Alice Smith, Ellie Hunter, Sophie Jermy, Molly Ryan & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Olivia Mungham-Gray, Alice Ladbrooke & Aneliese Smith.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women

 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Siesha Humphries, Rachel Bussey, Calista Tink (C), Ruby Wilson, Abbi Nobbs, Georgina Belton, Abby Hutchin, Chelsea Brister, Shanice Sutton & Victoria Leyer. Subs – Amee Kennett, Hannah Coombe, Chloe Shipman, Kari Kowalczyk & Phoebe Green.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s Dussindale & Hellesdon in their away colours an all light blue coloured kit to get the game underway kicking off the first half with Mulbarton lined up opposite wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball played back into the middle out to Rachel Bussey at right back sent forwards for Georgina Belton to attack, Olivia Smith heading the ball out for a throw for Mulbarton. The hosts get the ball inside from the throw looking for captain Rebekah lake making a central run the ball cut out well by Ruby Wilson at centre back for Dussindale & Hellesdon lifted forwards into Shanice Sutton in attack, attempts to volley it into the box for Victoria Leyer pulling of the shoulder of the defence, the ball won and cleared by Lucy Lincoln for Mulbarton.

Mulbarton’s Ellie Hunter

  Mulbarton pressing the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence, Sophie Jermy left channel charging down captain Calista Tink’s clearance outside the box the ball rebounding of her in behind, Jermy racing after it crossing from the by-line into lake central, quickly closed down can’t turn to shoot instead laying the ball back to midfielder Laura Hedtke outside the area left side, strike’s the  ball hard, Tink taking the hit as she puts her body in to block, goalkeeper Tyla Cole diving beyond the ball cleared up into Sutton in attack rushing after the ball, Mulbarton goalkeeper, Jo Hooper running out of her area to clear just about getting their first, Sutton colliding with the keeper, down for a moment but recovering is back up on her feet.

  A lively start from both sides, Mulbarton winning the ball in the middle played out to Molly Ryan on the right, Lake up with her exchanging passes the ball rolled in field with Alice Smith in the clear opts to strike it from 35 yards out the ball racing wide of Cole’s left post. Oliva Smith bombing on from left back for Mulbarton taking the ball on well, Sutton in turn tracking back well to slide in to tackle play the ball out for a throw. 

Mulbarton midfielder Alice Smith

 Alice Smith getting about the ground in the middle of the park winning the ball for Mulbarton getting it forwards into Lake making a run into the right channel, stopped by Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Siesha Humphries. Leyer fed the ball from Chelsea Brister on the left turns inside taking on the shot from a long way out pulling the ball wide of the near post. Dussindale & Hellesdon a little edgy Mulbarton able to dictate play through the middle with Alice Smith linking up well with Ellie Hunter the ball forwards for Jermy drives on central, Humphries coming to close her down winning the ball.

Dussindale & Hellesdon midfielder, Abbi Nobbs

  Abbi Nobbs playing the ball on for Georgina Belton through the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon lifted up towards the top of the area Lincoln heading clear for Mulbarton the break on as the ball is lifted on for Lake pulling right, no one can get up with her as her looping cross lands harmlessly inside the box. Jermy sent racing in behind the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence, Cole rushing out of her box getting their first her clearance though landing at Lake’s feet, 30 plus yards out, the goalkeeper out of position, Lake isn’t given a clear sight on goal as she his hastily closed down, Tink clearing the ball.

Dussindale & Hellesdon captain. Calista Tink

 Dussindale & Hellesdon have let themselves become a little unsettled by the opposition rushing the final ball seeing it lost and coming straight back, Olivia Smith up on the left a throw won high. Lincoln with a long one in her arsenal launched into the box Tink with a firm headed clearance. Hunter opens her body up to lay the ball into the path of Olivia Smith as she races on left side driving at the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence evades two challenges to get into the box to the by-line left turns inside and strikes a rising shot in on the angle may very well have been creeping inside the post but for an excellent save from Cole throwing her right arm up to turn the ball behind for the corner kick. 

Olivia Smith (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

 Jermy to send the corner into the box from the left, Alice Smith running in towards the near post heading the ball behind taking a nick off a defender a 2nd corner awarded. Same result Smith allowed a free run to the near post twisting her body to head the ball up over the crossbar. 

Alice Smith heading the ball over from the corner for Mulbarton.

 A few decisions going against them adding to Dussindale & Hellesdon’s frustrations a hand ball seeing a free-kick given away top of the circle. Laura Hedtke to play the ball long into the box, Cole with a strong call laying claim to the ball on the bounce. Olivia Smith getting in to win the ball back on the left sends the diagonal ball up into Lake in attack through the middle, Jermy up with her look to play the one two take the ball in behind a vital interception from Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Wilson. 

  Humphries on for Brister left, Dussindale & Hellesdon coming forwards, the ball inside to Leyer outside the area left of the D, looking to shift the ball between her feet and pulls the trigger, Megan Belsey with the well timed tackle for Mulbarton. Mulbarton’s attacker coming back for the ball turning a driving at the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence, Jermy through the middle finds Ryan out wide right forwards for Lake, the visitors defence holds it line well catching her offside. 

Mulbarton centre back Megan Belsey

  Belton powering forwards on the right for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Bussey getting up in support, Oliva Smith pushing Belton wide Bussey getting hold of the ball to send a cross into the box Sutton right of goal looking to turn it goalwards can only pick out the keeper. Jermy taking the ball on for Mulbarton left winning the corner. Dropped into the middle of the box Abby Hutchin with the header clear for Dussindale & Hellesdon. 

  Alice Smith holding up the ball well for Mulbarton 35 yards out letting others get ahead of her wriggling free to send the diagonal ball into Hedtke out wide right her cross/shot on the angle over the crossbar. Sutton looking to get on with the ball wide right for Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a corner kick, players up from the back the high ball into the box headed clear back out to the right the cross fired in along the top of the area met by Wilson her shot blocked by Olivia Smith. Half an hour played an intriguing contest Mulbarton looking lively getting in to win the ball, Dussindale & Hellesdon continue to appear rattled at times, frustrated with themselves knowing they need to settle.

  Cole out of her box early as Alice Smith getting free in the middle plays the ball on for Lake through the middle. Lincoln up on the left to take the through, aiming for Jermy outside the area left of goal, Tink in to head the ball away falls to Hunter 25 yards out looking to clip a looping shot in towards goal, collected by Cole safely. 

  Lake seeing the ball into her feet left side off a throw outside the box takes it on across the D, Wilson staying on her well for Dussindale & Hellesdon allowing no sniff of an opening Lake instead pushing it out to Ryan right side her strike 20 odd yards out driven wide of the near post. Leyer getting on the ball out left for Dussindale & Hellesdon pressing forwards under pressure from Ryan as she comes back at her, 20 yards out unleashes a shot struck wide of the near post. Wilson with another fine interception central as Oliva Smith tries to pick out the strikers with a diagonal ball upfield. 

Victoria Leyer with Megan Belsey

  Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a free-kick out wide left in a deep position the ball floated into the area met well by Tink rising to head goalwards her effort blocked the loose ball deflecting out to Hutchin right of the D, struck on the volley, Hooper down sharply on her line to save. Alice Smith into Hedtke lifted forwards for Jermy and Lake running on through the middle, Wilson in again to cut out the ball.

  The ball over the top by Mulbarton finding Lake bursting into the box right of goal, Cole rushing out to close her down doing enough as Lake forces her shot wide on the near post. Belton strong coming away with the ball right for Dussindale & Hellesdon on for Sutton in attack spins well off her marker to take the ball in behind wide sends a high ball into the box, Hooper needs to keep her eye on it back on her line but takes the catch cleanly.

Dussindale & Hellesdon attacker, Shanice Sutton

  Into the closing minutes of the 1st half, Nobbs on through the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon picking out Brister running on down the left, Megan Belsey getting her foot in to tackle for Mulbarton. Jermy taking the ball on onto the area left for Mulbarton to the by-line her cross into the six yard box cut out by Nobbs, pushing up Mulbarton keep possession the cross from deep on the left finding Ryan on the right her shot bouncing wide. One last chance in the half for Dussindale & Hellesdon breaking down the left the ball on for Brister struck on the angle into the side netting.  

Half-time Mulbarton Belles Ladies 0-0 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women

  Goalless at the break, both sides staying out on the field during the half-time interval. Mulbarton creating some good chances as yet to beat the goalkeeper have been sharp to the ball winning the midfield contest and getting the ball on into the attacker who in turn are driving at the visitors defence. Dussindale & Hellesdon struggling to settle have let themselves to get frustrated working hard to win the ball getting it forwards the final pass hasn’t been there a couple of half chances the deadlock yet to be broken will be looking to cause Mulbarton a few more problems 2nd half. 

 No changes at the break, Mulbarton to get the 2nd half underway the ball played back into defence, Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to close it down is played out for a throw on the right. Dussindale & Hellesdon win the ball back on the left Humphries up or Brister the diagonal ball aimed for Sutton tracking into area right side, cut out by Olivia Smith for Mulbarton. 

Mulbarton’s Sophie Jermy with Abbi Nobbs

The visitors looking to get on the front foot at the start of the 2nd half, give away a free-kick out wide left on the half way line. The set-piece launched up into the box won by Wilson for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Alice Smith sending the pass on for Hunter moving right for Mulbarton plays it on for Lake puling away wide her cross into the box cut out by Tink turned behind for the corner kick. 

  Lake breaking on with the ball at her feet right for Mulbarton his tackled by Hutchin as she comes across to defend, the ball played into the middle Dussindale & Hellesdon spring the counter attack lifted on for Sutton high on the right her looping ball into the area dropping for Leyer running in central holding off marker gets her foot on the ball but not enough pace on it as Hooper snatches it up off the deck. 

 GOAL! The deadlock broken in the 53rd minute Mulbarton regaining possession playing the ball on down the left for Ryan to take on driving forwards, the keeper coming out to close the angle, Ryan from 20 yards out lifts the ball over her and into the back of the net to score 1-0.

Molly Ryan surrounded by her teammates after firing Mulbarton into the lead (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  A blow for Dussindale & Hellesdon they look for a quick reply breaking up the right with Sutton winning a corner kick. Players pressed forwards the ball curled in near side Tink with the stooping header 12 yards out driving the ball wide of the near post. Humphries strong on the left to win the ball and take it in behind, Melissa Belsey recovering to challenge concede the corner kick. An inswinging ball in high to the near post headed up and across goal by Tink, Leyer jumping to meet it knocked up in towards goal, Hooper back on her line getting her gloves up above her head claiming the ball.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon continue to be frustrated with some decisions made, Humphries bombing on forcing Lake to track back after her getting her cross in from the by-line on the left, claimed low by Hooper at her near post. Alice Smith winning the ball for Mulbarton in the middle, drawing the odd free-kick too. The ball played up to Leyer in attack, holding the ball up well, Lincoln close on her plays it back for Brister, Megan Belsey in to challenge eventually giving away the free-kick.

GOAL! Just past the hour Brister over the set-piece 30 plus yards out to the left of goal, goes for goal getting a good connection on the ball to send a wonderful shot in over the keeper into the net beyond to score the equaliser 1-1.

Chelsea Brister scoring from a wonderful free-kick to equalise for Dussindale & Hellesdon (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Chelsea Brister equalising for Dussindale & Hellesdon

  A good response from Dussindale & Hellesdon to falling a goal behind getting back on level terms quickly. Both sides competing for the ball Mulbarton getting a free-kick on halfway to the left played into the top of the area cleared by Belton for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Hutchin seeing more of the ball 2nd half for Dussindale & Hellesdon coming left sending the ball on for Brister in attacker, Melissa Belsey tackling to win the ball back for Mulbarton. 

 Dussindale & Hellesdon making the first change of the game bringing off the goal scorer, Brister replaced by Kari Kowalczyk on the left. Humphries slides in to take the ball away from lake inside the box right side as she runs onto Hunter’s diagonal ball. Mulbarton pressing the ball in the middle Hedtke’s high ball forwards into the area taken confidently by Cole. The game opening up a little players finding gaps to run into.

GOAL! Mulbarton take the ball on down the left side rolled on for Ryan whips a pacy cross low into the area from deep for Lake central back to goal sees it across her feet spinning away from her marker to turn into the shot fire it low back across the keeper to restore Mulbarton’s lead 2-1.

Rebekah Lake sending the ball home to restore Mulbarton’s lead

  Melissa Belsey down after a challenge top of her area needs to come off both sides making a change with a little over 15 minutes left to play. Olivia Mungham-Gray going into the back line for Mulbarton, Chloe Shipman coming on in midfield replacing Nobbs for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Fluids taken on board by both sides too. Dussindale & Hellesdon advance on the left Humphries up to support Kowalczyk winning a throw high, Kowalczyk sending the ball into Leyer top of the area, Lincoln defending for Mulbarton, the visitors press the ball the shot from distance finding it’s way through to Hooper.

  Mungham-Gray and Kowalczyk rush in to contest the ball a hefty 50/50 challenge, as Dussindale & Hellesdon prepare another change Bussey coming off, with Amee Kennett sent on. 

GOAL! Mulbarton attacking left the ball played from deep long into the box for Lake charging into the area right of goal Cole looking to get out to the ball first smashing her attempted clearance into the Mulbarton captain, the ball loose Lake taking a moment to locate it closed down, lays it back towards the top of the area for Jermy who is brought down the referee pointing to the spot. Penalty! Jermy herself to take runs in with a right foot strike wrong footing the keeper to play it low to her left and score 3-1.

Sophie Jermy with the penalty to put Mulbarton 3-1 ahead

  Only adding to Dussindale & Hellesdon’s frustration not happy with the penalty decision in the first place. 3-1 down with 12 minutes left on the clock both sides making a change Phoebe green on for he visitors for Sutton. Lake coming off for Mulbarton replaced by Aneliese Smith. Megan Belsey coming across to challenge Humphries as she breaks on into the box from the left the defender putting her foot in to stab the ball behind for the corner kick.

Siesha Humphries with Mulbarton captain Rebekah Lake

  Dussindale &Hellesdon strong on the left Humphries driving forwards linking with Kowalczyk who gets up the line to win her side a corner. A great delivery into the box, Alice Smith doing a good job marking Tink outside the six yard box allowing Lincoln to clear beyond. Dussindale & Hellesdon pushing up taking a few risks a diagonal ball put into the top of the area from the right, Belsey and Mungham-Gray get in each others way going to clear the ball left of the D, Green close in can’t capitalise before the ball is scrambled clear. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Phoebe Green

  Alice Ladbrooke coming on for Mulbarton late on replaced Hedtke in midfield. The counter launched by the hosts the ball lifted on for Ryan bursting on left side towards the box, Cole rushing out to the edge of her area sliding in to make the blocking save. Green onto the ball central for Dussindale & Hellesdon tries to pick out Leyer pulling off the defence, a vital interception from Lincoln at the back for Mulbarton. 

Lucy Lincoln

  Dussindale & Hellesdon piling on the press late in the game as they look for a goal to set up a nervy finish Shipman coming left on for Kowalczyk pushed into Leyer top left corner of the box, Lincoln marking her closely the pair head to the left corner before Lincoln gets her challenge in the ball cleared only as far as Kowalczyk wide 20 out to lift a cross into the box, Green attacking it near side knocking the ball on across the six yard box, Belton attacking the near post, Olivia Smith getting the ball clear.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  The game heading into stoppage time Mulbarton release Aneliese Smith on the right in attack, Humphries back at her sliding in with a committed tackle the ball out of play in the corner. Mulbarton looking to keep it there see out the game, the job done as the final whistle blows and Mulbarton claim a vital 3 points in their quest to close the gap on the leaders, now just 5 points.

Full time Mulbarton Belles Ladies 3-1 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women

  Mulbarton with the early break through in the 2nd half to open the scoring through Molly Ryan as Dussindale & Hellesdon looked to get after them after the restart. A good response however from the visitors pushing on winning a free-kick, a wonderful strike from Chelsea Brister to equalise. The game opening up however Mulbarton got clear on the left to open up the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence with Lake turning well inside the box to restore the lead. The visitors frustrated further as a penalty call went against them, Sophie Jermy stepping up to score and extend Mulbarton’s lead. Dussindale & Hellesdon pushed on late in the game looking to score but it wasn’t to be as Mulbarton held out for the win. Another tough match against Long Stratton coming up in midweek for Mulbarton before they go to The Nest to play Dussindale & Hellesdon in what is now a must win game for the hosts.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As more often than not a tough call to make with two committed sides going toe to toe. Several performances of note to mention. Ruby Wilson making several vital interceptions and winning tackles at the back for Dussindale & Hellesdon. So too captain Calista Tink winning her fair share of headers in both boxes. Siesha Humphries at left back with some good challenges and got forwards very well 2nd half. Abby Hutchin too taking the ball on well in the 2nd period. For Mulbarton Alice Smith has a strong game in midfield getting after the ball going along way to unsettle Dussindale & Hellesdon in the 1st half. Linked up well with Ellie Hunter who make some positive runs forwards. Sophie Jermy with several driving runs at the opposition defence. The back four were also strong. Full backs Melissa Belsey and Olivia Smith winning the ball, Lucy Lincoln tackling and clearing the ball. The award goes to Megan Belsey was a good contest between her and Leyer in attack putting in some well timed tackles to deny a goal scoring opportunity.

  Still all to play for in Norfolk Women’s Division One and it well be intriguing to see who comes out on top. Whatever the outcome a strong season from both. Good to catch up with both and thanks for the help with the teams details. Also to Scott Grearhardy for the additional pictures used in today’s report.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Mulbarton Belles Ladies

Wednesday 1st March

Norfolk Women’s Division One

 Midweek football action from Norfolk Women’s Division One, a short trip for myself down to Mundford Road to watch a clash between 3rd vs 4th, Thetford Town Ladies taking on Mulbarton Belles Ladies.

  Division One being lead by Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Ladies out in front from the start one of the favourites for the title along side defending champions, Mulbarton Belles Ladies who have games in hand. With a strong battle for a top 4 finish below with Thetford Town Ladies very much in the mix.

Thetford Town Ladies under the stewardship of manger Dave Skipp have grown to become an established and competitive side at the top end of Norfolk Women’s Division One over recent season’s enjoying great support from Thetford Town FC. Skipp now standing down from the role moving on along with former assistant Stuart Terry. Luke Pickford is now in charge of the side, inheriting a strong talented group with Amber Browne becoming assistant coach.

 Looking to progress to the next level have made 2 strong additions to their attack in Laura Martins and Kamile Omelevlclute who have scored 22 goals between them so far this season including the goals that saw Thetford make it to their 1st ever final in the League Cup on Sunday. Trailing 1-0 to UEA FC Women 3 goals in an 8 minute burst saw Thetford turn it around with Martins heading home and Omelevlclute netting a brace. Currently 3rd in the Division One it’s now about nurturing a belief within the squad that they can regularly compete at the top end of the table. One major injury blow have lost experienced centre back Rachel Lynch to an ACL injury .

Mulbarton Belles Ladies were born out of turmoil, basically Thorpe United’s 1st team after their split from the club, going with manager Martin Francis to Mulbarton Wanderers, who have embraced having a women’s side. A already strong and united squad becoming Division One champions last season have grown in terms of playing talent to form a new Development team going strong in their debut season in Division Two. Plus a side in the ever popular Norfolk Women’s 7s league leading Division One along with making it to the final of the League Cup.

Rebekah Lake is one of the best strikers in the county a nightmare for defenders and prolific in front of goal captaining the side has 11 goals listed so far this season. Has a new strike partner with Mulbarton another side to recruit following the withdrawal of Wymondham Town Ladies from the FAWNL. Francesca Catchpole with the potential to become one of the leading strikers in the county herself putting away 12 goals in 6 appearances since joining the club. With plenty of games left to add to their tally’s 2 thirds of the season gone, Mulbarton have played just a third of their games 6 so far with a 100% record and with games in hand they can catch Dussindale & Hellesdon who they have to play twice yet. So from a game a month due to cups competitions and call offs it’s now full on action from now till the end of the season while reaching the semi-final of both the League Plate and County Cup (where they beat Thetford 4-0 in the quarter finals) a large squad is going to come in handy.

Mundford Road the venue for this evenings game, the grass pitch a good size offering plenty of width. The clubhouse open serving hot and cold drinks beside the main seated stand with the changing rooms beneath. Entering March the weather still unseasonably pleasant dry with no rain around, still if a slight chill in the air. Bit of a last minute call for this evenings game with the car needing so TLC at the garage to get me back on the road, it’s done a few miles covering women’s football.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Millie Askins, Sausha Levy-Twomey, Erin Lloyd, Mia Bambury, Georgia Parker, Dayna Howard, Courtney Musgrove, Melissa Boulton (C) Laura Martins, Chelsea Paige & Rebecca White. Subs – Shannon Richardson, Hannah Rogers, Abbie Corbyn & Kerby Colgan.

 Mulbarton Belles Ladies starting XI – Cara Anderson, Megan Belsey, Lucy Lincoln, Olivia Smith, Melissa Belsey, Laura Hedtke, Alice Smith, Ellie Hunter, Sophie Jermy, Francesca Catchpole & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Aneliese Smith, Emma Farmer, Alice Ladbrooke, Charlotte Groves & Molly Ryan.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Thetford without Kamile Omelevlclute who picked up a knock at the weekend, naming 4 on the bench. This the first of a run of 6 away matches for Mulbarton have a squad of 16 for this evenings match with plenty of experience on the bench. Thetford to get the first half underway wearing an all claret kit with sky blue across the shoulders of the shirts. Mulbarton opposite lined up wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to Dayna Howard in midfield lifted out to the right for Laura martins to attack, Olivia Smith dealing with the threat for Mulbarton the ball out for a throw.

Mulbarton quickly on the front foot surging forwards on the left Francesca Catchpole putting the ball on for Sophie Jermy with support from captain Rebekah Lake the shot fired in on the angle to the near post palmed away by Thetford goalkeeper, Millie Askins. Pushing Thetford back into their own half the hosts attempting to get the ball forwards to captain Melissa Boulton on the left, Melissa Belsey clearing for Mulbarton the ball lifted forwards into the right channel taken on by Ellie Hunter checking back inside to strike the ball from outside the box, Askins with a firm call to claim covering her near post.

A pause in player with Thetford having a player down, attacker, Rebecca White struggling with an injury can’t play on Thetford forced into an early change with Shannon Richardson coming on. Askins quickly out to the edge of the box to get hold of the ball before Lake can run onto a forward pass from Hunter into the right channel. Mulbarton with a throw high on the left the cross whipped into the area headed clear by Erin Lloyd.

GOAL! Mulbarton making a strong start to the game competing for the ball high up the pitch Jermy attempting to slip the through ball in central for Lake at the top of the area, Askins out to get to it first sending the ball clear, as the defence look to clear there lines Melissa Belsey with it for Mulbarton on for Jermy has Lake pulling off the centre back into the D rolls it forwards Lake running onto the ball closing in on goal to the right shoots sending it low across the keeper into the bottom corner 0-1.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Thetford pressed back in defence struggling to get the ball forwards, Martins with a great pass out from the centre to Boulton left side as the host look for a rapid counter, lifts the diagonal pass on attempting to ick out Chelsea Page running through the middle, too much on it goalkeeper Cara Anderson can clear for Mulbarton. Thetford with a couple of positive attacks getting the ball on quickly with Martins on the right stretching Mulbarton her pass inside finding Boulton central coming into the box, Anderson rushing out to close her done, Boulton snatching her effort sending it wide of the right post.

GOAL! No sooner have Thetford shown a couple of bright openings they are hit at the back conceding a 2nd goal, Mulbarton winning the ball on halfway fed out to the left, Catchpole delivering a threatening cross into the six yard box, Lake closing in on the keeper getting her foot up to knock the bouncing ball wide of Askins to score 0-2.

The visitors 2 goals to the good inside the opening 12 minutes. Mulbarton soon regain possession from the restart Jermy onto Catchpole left played through for Lake, Sausha Levy-Twomey defending for Thetford getting a foot up to take the ball away from the attacker conceding a corner kick. The corner delivered in towards the near post, Howard with a firm header clearing for Thetford. The hosts on the back foot pressed on the ball can’t get out of their half Mulbarton up closing the ball down forcing errors.

Levy-Twomey in again on Lake to cut out the pass as Lucy Lincoln sends the ball forwards through the middle from halfway. Another injury concern for Thetford with their keeper down inside the box. Another lengthy pause while Askins is assessed up gingerly is okay to continue for now.

GOAL! Lake getting in the clear inside the box to complete a quick fire 1st half hat-trick, getting onto the end of a fantastic diagonal ball from Melissa Besley bursting clear of the defence moving left of goal sending her shot back across the keeper to score her 3rd 0-3.

Three goals for Mulbarton captain, Rebekah Lake (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

20 minutes played Mulbarton with a strong grip on the game, Howard back to help the defence heading the ball away from inside the box. Mulbarton’s defence untroubled pushed up to the halfway line condensing play Alice Smith out to Olivia Smith forwards for Lake coming across the the left corner of the area her crossed lifted into the six yard box, headed clear by Howard a corner conceded on the right. Melissa Besley with a dangerous ball flashed in across the face of the Thetford goal, midfielder Laura Hedtke free at the far post can’t quite get to it.

Mulbarton relentless coming at Thetford, Jermy into Catchpole left her ball low into the box cut out by Parker. Does go far before Mulbarton have possession back out left the cross fed into the top of the area, Levy-Twoney clearing for Thetford. No pressure on the Mulbarton defence, Alice Smith picking out Catchpole on the left outside the box lines up a strike the ball put over the crossbar. Hunter on for Lake running on right corner getting a throw. Courtney Musgrove with a great tackle on Lake in the box as she plays a one two with Catchpole coming on through the left channel the ball cleared out for a corner.

  No let up from Mulbarton pressing up against Thetford compacting their midfield and defence any clearances being tidied up b the defence. Melissa Belsey finding her range with her passes lifting the ball on for Lake to attack right inside the box, Parker across to nip in an clear for a throw ahead of her for Thetford. Parker again in to clear for Thetford at the right post as Hedtke hooks a looping ball in towards goal from inside the D. 

Mulbarton’s Melissa Belsey

 Little for Thetford to ease the pressure Musgrove clearing at the back the hosts make good progress down the right Page running with the ball, pace playing it inside for Martins making a central run 20 yards out her first time strike a warning for Mulbarton as it whips narrowly over the crossbar. 

  A corner for Mulbarton on the right a congested six yard box as the ball comes flying in at the near post, players collide the ball attacked as Askins goes to claim it, the keeper going down, play stopped for the injured players to be treated. A long delay not looking good for Thetford’s goalkeeper unfortunately can’t continue, defender Erin Lloyd to don the gloves with Abbie Corbyn coming on.

Mulbarton preparing a triple change bring off Melissa Belsey, Hunter and Jermy with Emma Farmer, Molly Ryan and Charlotte Groves coming on. Groves a very talented midfielder often starring for the old Thorpe United side now re-joining her ex-teammates at Mulbarton scoring 9 goals in 9 games for the Development side in her return to the game. Lloyd soon involved in the action taking the ball down cleanly from a 25 yard strike. 

  Richardson and Page combine on the right attacking for Thetford, Alice Smith getting across to break up play for Mulbarton. Farmer at right back for Mulbarton on the move with the ball passing inside to Alice Smith, gives her the return pass sending it on to try and find Lake up top, Parker intercepting for Thetford. Mulbarton have another corner on the right in at the near post defended headed back out towards the taker, the 2nd attempt flashed across the face of goal, a Thetford head clearing it at the far post.

Mulbarton’s Francesca Catchpole with Thetford’s Sausha Levy-Twomey

  Farmer linking up with Ryan in attack for Mulbarton, Musgrove with the tackle for Thetford, lifted forwards Corbyn looking to get on his quickly closed down Mulbarton pour forward win a corner on their right. Howard winning the ball at the near post for Thetford. Catchpole getting back at Martins on the flank to win the ball back for the visitors turning to attack left 30 out sends a diagonal pass in across goal, Ryan breaking into the six yard box the ball bouncing up before her, Lloyd making herself big attempting to block the shot lifted over the bar. Ryan nipping in to win the ball off the Thetford defence moves right whipping a cross into the near post, Lake running in can’t quite get on the end of it.

GOAL! Lake with the ball central with Ryan exchange passes before playing it forwards to Catchpole breaking on into the box left corner, hits it hard smashing a low drive across the keeper and into the bottom corner to further extend Mulbarton’s lead. 0-4.

  Thetford feeding on scraps can’t get out from the back, Howard looking to liven thing’s up get into Mulbarton’s midfielders, has been pressed back into helping the defence now looks to get the ball into Page in attack, Farmer cutting the ball out looks to try and find Lake cutting inside from the right the ball hurriedly cleared for a corner. Flung into the six yard box, Parker winning the header to clear for Thetford. 

  Boulton looking to get clear for Thetford on the right taking the ball on checks back inside feeding a ball into Richardson 25 yards out her shot is charged down. 

 GOAL! Right on the stroke of half-time Thetford have a set-piece on the right the ball from Boulton played into Corbyn top of the D, Lincoln lunging in to clear for Mulbarton the counter attack on moving the ball forwards played on for Catchpole racing away left side on the angle strikes it in low towards the near post the ball hitting the woodwork and spinning on in across the goal 0-5.

Mulbarton’s Alice Smith (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 0-5 Mulbarton Belles Ladies

  A strong and relentless display from Mulbarton to lead 5-0 at the break. Lake getting a hat-trick inside the opening 20 minutes, have had Thetford pressed back inside their box unable to break out. Mulbarton’s defence high under no pressure able to mop up any clearances keep the pressure on. Thetford back to earth with a bump after their cup heroics on Sunday losing striker White and goalkeeper Askins to injury too, much to discuss at the half-time interval with both teams staying out on the pitch.

 Alice Ladbrooke on for Hedtke for Mulbarton at the start of the 2nd half the visitors to get the game restarted. Played back to Farmer in defence, Thetford look to get after the ball Page pressing but the ball comes back off her behind for a goal kick. Mulbarton coming on right side Lake deeper with Ryan ahead of her, Boulton tracking back for Thetford to win the ball back. 

Thetford’s Courtney Musgrove (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  Parker hooking the ball clear for Thetford top of their area as Ryan lifts the ball in from the right. Certainly a more open start to the 2nd half, Mulbarton not pressed up on Thetford’s defence can afford to sit back with a 5 goal lead, the visitors with a corner on the right taken short up the line the cross from deep cleared by Thetford’s Bambury at the near post. Alice Smith with Groves the ball threaded on for Lake, Musgrove getting a leg out to intercept. 

Thetford captain, Melissa Boulton

  Thetford have Martins on the ball right side up the pitch her cross played into the six yard box, Lincoln nodding it down and away for Mulbarton, Page nipping in to press the ball knocked wide of the right post. Mulbarton break forwards the ball coming to Lake from the left into the box onto her right foot driven in low, Lloyd with a tremendous save with her lefts the ball rebounding out to Martins and Catchpole wrestle for possession the Mulbarton striker getting the batter of her opponent to turn and strike the ball from 25 yards out a curling effort goes over.

  Play congested through the middle Mulbarton coming on Ladbrooke almost stealing through on the keeper, Musgrove into block top to the box. Lloyd called into action again as Lake cuts into the box from the right side getting onto the end of an Alice Smith pass to angle a shot in with pace to the near post a comfortable height, Lloyd palming it down.

  Ladbrooke breaking the ball on from midfield for Mulbarton moving left on for Catchpole to take on down into the corner her inviting cross over everyone attacking through the middle. Corbyn opening up her body to try and thread a pass through for Boulton bursting on right side, Farmer defends for Mulbarton. Lloyd saving well at her near post as a rising shot from Groves comes at her quickly gloved away to her left. 

  GOAL! With the game more open 2nd half Thetford have been able to get on with the ball, Martins looking to take it on drive for the area is bundled over winning free-kick to the right of the D. Over the set-piece herself shows great technic to clip the ball up over the wall and comes looping down to smash off the crossbar and bounce down and out of the goal and despite Mulbarton’s protests the goal is awarded Thetford with a goal back midway through the 2nd half 1-5.

Laura Martins with a superb free-kick for Thetford (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

 

 

  Mulbarton ringing the changes with another triple change with Alice Smith, Lake and Megan Belsey coming off Jermy, Hunter and Melissa Belsey on, still potent threat going forwards Groves out to Lake on the right, Parker closing in to defend for Thetford. Both Parker and Musgrove with tackles to halt Mulbarton attacks as they push on right side with Catchpole over on that side now. Thetford make a change, Page coming off in attack, Hannah Rogers coming on. 

  Lloyd continues to thwart Mulbarton in the Thetford goal showing good positioning as Catchpole gets on the charge right side before checking inside to send a strike in on the angle, the stand in keeper, right behind it beating it down to claim. Mulbarton with fresh legs on the pitch pressing on right side Jermy whipping a cross into the box near side Bambury stretching has to get it with Catchpole ready to pounce on her shoulder, the ball turned behind for a corner.

  GOAL! The ball send in towards the near side is met by Ladbrooke 10 yards out a powerfully struck header as she twists into the ball to rifle it home to score her 1st goal of the season (for the 1st team. Has 2 for the Development side and the mere 20 for the 7s) Mulbarton leading 1-6 with 12 minutes left to play.

Alice Ladbrooke with the bullet header to score for Mulbarton (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  Corbyn with a good tackle on Hunter top of the D as the Mulbarton winger looks to get into a striking position moving left to right. Martins heading the ball clear from the top of her area as Mulbarton push on up the right. Jermy with the ball twisting infield plays in Hunter who sets up Groves to hit, shoots wide, Lloyd with a faint touch corner given. 

  GOAL! Mulbarton have the near post over loaded as the ball is played short up the line the cross lifted into the mix knocked on across the six yard box falling to Catchpole completely unmarked getting the ball under control and picking her spot low past the keeper to score her hat-trick 1-7.

Francesca Catchpole completing her hat-trick for Mulbarton

  Two goals late in the game see Mulbarton finishing strong making a double switch more legs rested with Lincoln and Catchpole coming off, Hedtke and Olivia Smith back on. Corbyn bringing the ball on plays the pass out to Boulton right side, Farmer tackling for Mulbarton. Howard up to press taking the ball on played across the top of the are, cut out by Melissa Belsey. 

  Martins up with Howard on Thetford’s right the ball played up to Richardson in attack wins a corner. Whipped in near side Martins with the diving header at the near post put across goal but Mulbarton clear their lines look to counter Hunter left tackled by Levy-Twomey. Martins down picking up a knock as she is accidentally caught by Groves follow through as she goes to clear the ball. The clock rapidly ticking down the resulting drop ball kicked upfield the final whistle blows. The result seeing Mulbarton climb above Thetford into 3rd close the gap to leaders Dussindale & Hellesdon to 6 points with 3 games in hand.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 1-7 Mulbarton Belles Ladies

  Thought before the season started it was a straight battle for the title between Mulbarton and Dussindale & Hellesdon and having seen both now that is most definitely the case. Two big games against one another to come but neither can afford any slip ups in between. Mulbarton too hot to handle on the night making a fast start Lake running at the defence played in for 3 goals. The visitor strong keeping Thetford in the back foot throughout the 1st 45 going on to add 2 more goals to lead 5-0. Thetford struggled to get going losing players to injury not helping battled hard. The game opening up more in the 2nd half and Thetford built a few opportunities going on to get a goal before Mulbarton rang the changes to score 2 more late goals to seal a convincing win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Sunday’s easy, this one not so much. Thetford despite being on the back foot fought well under pressure at the back no doubt, Sausha Levy-Twomey, Georgia Parker and Courtney Musgrove all making vital tackles in interceptions. Dayna Howard too needing to put a shift in to help her defenders. Erin Lloyd as stand in goalkeeper, with some decent saves to keep the score down. For Mulbarton it was a solid team performance right across the park. The midfield supporting the attackers well pressing high. Melissa Belsey at the back with several useful balls forwards setting up a goal. Two hat-trick scorers it comes down to them, Francesca Catchpole strong in attack with some composed finishes. It was the 3 goal blast at the start of the game that set Mulbarton on the road to victory saw them take control of the game, therefore the award goes to Rebekah Lake her running off the defence opening gaps and providing a ready outlet for those in possession to pick out a pass.

  Has been a while but good to see both sides in action under the lights. A busy week hence the later write up but we go there in the end. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details know most of the players but always like to check those numbers. Thanks to to Scott Grearhardy whose pictures I have used in this report taken at the recent county cup tie between the two sides. Sending my best wishes to Thetford’s injured players for a speedy recovery.

by Darren Gilham