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Match Report – Costessey Sports Ladies v Fakenham Town Ladies

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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

Match Report – Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women v Thetford Town Ladies

Wednesday 18th May

Norfolk Women’s League One

 The 2021/22 season is reaching it’s climax, just a handful of fixtures left to complete just 3 more left for Women’s Football East to cover, beginning this evening with my final league fixture of the season, from Norfolk Women’s Division One with Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Ladies fresh from winning the League Plate on Sunday playing they’re penultimate game of the season at home to Thetford Town Ladies playing their last competitive fixture of the campaign.

A cup final win for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women on Sunday against Caister FC Ladies in the NWGFL Plate their first trophy under there new name after moving from Sprowston to become Dussindale & Hellesdon a couple of seasons ago, are currently 3rd in the Division One table 4 points behind 2nd placed and League Cup winners, Fakenham Town Ladies with 2 games to play. Fakenham played out their fixture can only watch now Dussindale & Hellesdon with a superior goal difference needed 4 points from their remaining two fixtures to ensure them of a runners-up finish, lose and it’s all over Fakenham can’t be caught. A hat-trick for Shanice Sutton in Sunday’s Plate Final seeing her become leading goal scorer for Dussindale & Hellesdon with 38 goals one ahead of Victoria Leyer.

 Thetford Town Ladies travel over to The Nest this evening knowing they are going to finish 4th in the Division One table. They’re highest ever finish to a season as the club looks to become an established force in the league with the ambition to push on further next season. Have achieved this having had terrible luck with injuries, there squad struggling for numbers at times particularly to their defenders. Have bolstered the squad with some useful signings to help their challenge for a top 4 finish such as Hannah Claughton from Norwich and Becky Russell dual signed from Wroxham. Becky White, Thetford’s leading goal scorer with 17 for the season so far.

  The Nest the venue for this evenings game the state of the art facility on the outskirts of Norwich home to not only Norwich City Women but also Dussindale & Hellesdon, who normally use the grass pitch leading into the complex but with that undergoing maintenance the main 3G pitch is hosting their Division One clash with Thetford a game under the lights the cafe open serving a range of cakes and snacks, along with hot food and drinks. Like most 3G facilities the 3G pitch well used a large number of youth goalkeepers being put through their paces whilst two sides warm up behind. Another warm and sunny day leading into a pleasant evening beginning to cool but no sign of any rain.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Amee Kennett, Siesha Humphries, Calista Tink (C), Maddy Goodenough, Abi Nobbs, Lucy Wetherall, Georgina Belton, Abby Hutchin, Chelsea Brister & Shanice Sutton. Subs – Ruby Wilson, Kari Kowalczyk, Charlie Head & Tallulah Bell.

Thetford Town Ladies

 Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Lydia Ward, Zoe Klimcke, Ellie-Mae Davies, Erin Lloyd, Rachel Lynch, Dayna Howard (C), Becky Russell, Hannah Claughton, Abbie Corbyn, Charlotte Howard & Becky White. Sub – Courtney Musgrove.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Dussindale & Hellesdon with just the one change to the squad that started Sunday’s Plate final, Tallulah Bell named on the bench. Thetford travelling with just the one substitute available with a number of players carrying knocks. Dayna Howard named as captain in the place of the absent Melissa Boulton. It’s the visitors to kick-off the first half, Thetford wearing blue shirts with a white band across the front and sleeves, navy coloured shorts and socks. Dussindale & Hellesdon in their claret strip. The ball played out to the left Hannah Claughton getting forwards, Dussindale & Hellesdon close straight away the ball out for a throw in.

  The ball contested on the far side of the pitch both sides battling for possession out for a series of throws, Thetford play it forwards a strike from distance running wide of the near post. Howard with Becky Russell in the middle for Thetford the ball won play spread out to Abbie Corbyn wide right bringing it down turns infield looking to drive towards the area, is brought down, Thetford awarded the free-kick. Becky White over the set-piece the striker sends an angled ball up towards goal, Tyla Cole calling for it in the Dussindale & Hellesdon call making a straight forward catch unchallenged.

Becky White with the goal attempt for Thetford (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

   Cole with another solid claim for Dussindale & Hellesdon setting up a swift counter attack the ball fed on up the right for Abby Hutchin to bomb on into the corner winning her side a throw deep in the corner. Ellie-May Davies defending for Thetford on the left seeing the visitors regain possession. A crossfield pass finding Corbyn on the right she once again takes the ball inside looking to drive for the box, Siesha Humphries challenging at the back to win the ball for Dussindale & Hellesdon. 

  Dussindale & Hellesdon captain, Calista Tink carrying the ball out from the back sends the ball on into the right channel with midfielder Georgina Belton pushing on, with the ball at her feet powers forwards, Erin Lloyd tackling her for Thetford halting her progress. Humphries getting up on the left to support Chelsea Brister on the wing the pair looking to get the ball into the Thetford area held up by Zoe Klimcke, as Corbyn tracking back lunges in with the tackle to put the ball away for a throw in. Put into Abbi Nobbs outside the box central passes the ball out to the right side, the cross sent in near side attacker, Shanice Sutton heading the ball over the bar.

Thetford Town Ladies, Hannah Claughton (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

   Both Belton and Lucy Wetherall looking to get on from midfield for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Won at the back Tink plays the ball up through the middle for Nobbs central has Hutchin to her right squaring the ball to her, shifts forwards, up against Davies, the Thetford full back with a strong tackle to thwart her. Brister taking the ball on left side for Dussindale & Hellesdon with an early diagonal pass into Sutton inside the D, Rachel Lynch closing her down winning the ball back for Thetford. Hutchin looking to get forwards on the right as she did in the Plate final, Davies playing the ball out for a throw. 

Thetford Town defender, Zoe Klimcke (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

 Thetford’s Howard with the pass for White pulling left, has Russell making a run inside to get beyond her, the pass cut out by the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence. Regained in the middle Thetford send the ball on through the middle White’s touch deflecting the ball out to Corbyn to the right, gets on with the ball heading for the area, Maddy Goodenough blocking her shot from outside the box, the counter attack on the ball lifted forwards for Sutton who beats the offside trap in behind through the centre, Thetford goalkeeper, Lydia Ward rushing out to the top of her area to close the angle saves well, blocking the shot deflecting it behind, running wide out for a corner. 

Thetford goalkeeper, Lydia Ward (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  The corner from the right played into the top of the area, Charlotte Howard clearing for Thetford. Quickly regained, Dussindale & Hellesdon are pulled up for a hand ball. Is a decent sized pitch a lot of ground to cover Thetford’s defence keeping a good shape, Lynch marshalling her defenders. Lloyd clearing the ball out of the ground as Brister looks to attack on the left. Brister getting hold of the ball taking it on moving inside closing in on the box, strikes her shot over the crossbar. A change for Thetford at the back with Lloyd coming off, Courtney Musgrove coming on.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Georgina Belton

   Midway through the 1st half Belton onto Hutchin right into the Thetford half threads the pass on to find Sutton right of the D, squares it across to Brister inside the D, her 1st time strike curled wide of the right post. A few free-kicks creeping into the game, Nobbs going right with Humphries pulled back, no advantage play brought back for the free-kick. Wide left Brister over it angles a cross in to the far post, goes long out for a goal kick. Belton pulling away to the right, strength on the ball winning a throw. Up the line for Hutchin to the by-line her cross in turned behind for a corner. Goodenough looking to attack the ball near side can’t turn onto her shot as Thetford scramble it clear. 

Abbie Corbyn with Lucy Wetherall (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

 Lynch getting a cross to support her full back cutting out Wetherall’s pass intended for Brister on the left. Lynch’s clearance put long for Corbyn to go after on the right, Cole coming can claim top of her area. A free-kick for Thetford inside the Dussindale & Hellesdon half Lynch over it goes for goal her long range effort wide of Cole’s goal. Dussindale & Hellesdon with more of the possession looking to get forwards. the Thetford defence, Lynch in particular reading the passes intercepting the ball. Sutton narrowly offside to the right of goal.

 GOAL! The opening goal coming in the final 10 minutes of the 1st half. Dussindale & Hellesdon with a quick counter attack the ball fed through to Hutchin right side travelling for the box, Davies stretching tackling her from behind upending Hutchin inside the box Penalty! Sutton placing the ball on the spot hits it well to the keepers right, Ward going the right way can’t get near it 1-0.

Shanice Sutton scoring from the penalty spot for Dussindale & Hellesdon

  The break through at last Thetford haven’t get forwards much, Corbyn the most likely on the right is given the ball by Russell drives on but is soon outnumbered run off the ball by Dussindale & Hellesdon at the back. Dayna Howard winning the ball in the middle for Thetford on for Corbyn right comes inside looking to pick out Charlotte Howard central, cleared for a throw right side. Charlotte Howard then brought down outside the box to the right corner of the area. White on the ball looks to curl a shot in towards goal, on target, Cole though with a firm call right behind it to claim.

  White coming left for Thetford taking the ball on from Claughton playing it forwards for Russell getting in on the left angles a cross in near side Corbyn arriving, Goodenough close on her blocking to turn the ball away for a corner. Late in the 1st half players up the inswinging cross lifted in near post players attacking it goes through everyone bouncing a cross goal, Corbyn free back post not really expecting it unable to get anything on it as it runs out of play.

Half-time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 1-0 Thetford Town Ladies

  A double change for Dussindale & Hellesdon at the start of the 2nd half with Tallulah Bell and Charlie Head coming on up top for Wetherall and Brister. The move seeing Sutton pull out out out to the right, Hutchin deeper into midfield left side. The hosts getting the 2nd half underway looking to get Belton on the ball push on from midfield, Dayna Howard getting back on her to tackle regain the ball for Thetford. Davies on the left for Thetford looking to get on with the ball support Claughton on the wing winning a throw in. Lynch with a strong throw on her the ball long up to the area Tink getting her head under the ball to clear for a throw. 

  Russell linking up with Lynch outside the Dussindale & Hellesdon area pushing inside is closed down by the defence. Lynch with another throw down the left White taking it on as Thetford look to attack racing on sending a vicious cross into the six yard box, Cole down to lay claim to the ball with Corbyn drifting in far side. Claughton fouled on the left side as she looks to get the ball down for Thetford. Lynch on the set-piece lining up a shot, catches it wrong dragging the ball wide.

Ellie-Mae Davies with Shanice Sutton

  Thetford with a brighter start to the 2nd half, are caught out as Nobbs plays the ball through to Bell the half-time substitute racing forwards left channel feeding the ball on into fellow substitute Head inside the box, she shot fired in Ward with an instinctive save throwing out a leg to cut out the ball deflect it away to right. A strong 50/50 challenge outside the area between Belton and Klimcke leaves the defender on the ground hurt looking in trouble. A lengthy pause following as she is treated and assessed. Lloyd back on. 

15 minutes played in the 2nd half, Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a corner on the right side. A great delivery in high to the near post Tink rising for it sending her effort narrowly over the bar despite a clash of heads with Lynch getting up with her. A blow to the back of the skull. Tink needs a moment to recover.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  Thetford look to get forwards on the left White across with Claughton, Kennett defending for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Hutchin coming left getting on playing a crossfield pass into Belton central outside the D, opening up her body as the ball runs across her turns it goalwards, Ward with the save beating the ball down to her left before claiming it. 

 GOAL! 20 minutes into the 2nd half Dussindale & Hellesdon attacking down the right Sutton on the ball taking it in behind fires a cross into the middle of the six yard box, both Head and Bell closing it down in front of Ward, Bell with the telling touch to smash the ball past the keeper into the back of the net to double the lead 2-0.

Tallulah Bell doubles Dussindale & Hellesdon’s lead (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  Dussindale & Hellesdon break on the right as a Thetford set-piece into their area is cleared Sutton bringing the ball away pace winning a corner kick. Fired into the middle of the box the ball cleared back to the corner taker, Nobbs outside whips another ball into area across the six yard box coming to Head at the far post her headed attempt not far over the bar. 

  Is a little feisty out there, a few comings together between Davies and Sutton a foul on Sutton returns the favour with a push. The referee quick to intervene cool it down issuing Sutton with a yellow card. A free-kick on the left for Thetford, lifted on into the box White stealing through her header off cue. The lights taking full effect now not the highest any high ball struck is getting lost in the darkness, calls from both sides to try and keep in on the ground. Dussindale & Hellesdon pressing through the middle Belton making her presence felt. Head is put in the clear breaking for the box central a one on one with the keeper, a push of blood as she looks to place it wide of Ward sends her effort wide of her right post. 

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  Klimcke returning to the game for Thetford for Corbyn with 15 minutes of regular time left to play. Humphries finding a burst on pace to get back on White to tackle outside the area for Dussindale & Hellesdon as the Thetford attacker is played through by Russell. A free-kick given away by Dussindale & Hellesdon outside their area right of goal. The curled effort in, Cole has been strong with her calling all game and is once again firmly behind the ball.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  Charlotte Howard tackling Humphries conceding a corner kick as the defender looks to get on with Hutchin in attack. The ball played in low near side finds it’s way through to Bell central, back to goal attempts the backheel rolls wide of the far post. Bell is taken out on the right just inside the box as she looks to travel with the ball, Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a 2nd penalty in the 77th minute. Sutton over it again this time looking to place it in the opposite corner gets too much on it playing it wide.

  Tink with another strong tackle on Claughton as she attacks coming on from the left. On the opposite side Nobbs plays in Bell on the left running with the ball shifts inside heading for the area lining up a strike Lynch closing her down with the blocking tackle. Brister and Wetherall returning to the field for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Kennett and Sutton off. Nobbs on for Hutchin left puts it into Bells path, Klimcke cutting the ball out for Thetford. Klimcke coming off then with Corbyn retuning to the game.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  Davies doing well in defence for Thetford has taken a far share of knocks for her efforts too, does well as Bell looks to link up with Brister wide. Wetherall cutting in from the left outside the D sees her shot strike the crossbar. Bell stabbing out a foot intercepting Lynch’s clearance 20 yards out sees the ball run safely through to Ward in the Thetford goal. Bell with another near miss moments later as Dussindale & Hellesdon attacking left side fire a ball in across the face of goal, Bell diving in sending it over. Goodenough coming off for Dussindale & Hellesdon at the back, Ruby Wilson coming on. 

 The game moving into stoppage time, several minutes likely to be played. Tink with the ball on from the back lifted on to Bell right side of attack her cross cut out by Dayna Howard for a corner kick. Thetford tiring late on Dussindale & Hellesdon nipping in to regain the ball. Russell looking to get on through the middle tackled by Hutchin. Bell turning a shot in straight to the keeper as Brister fires a cross in from the left, Ward taking it low. Players up and around the Thetford area Dussindale & Hellesdon squeezing the ball in the final 3rd late on. 

 GOAL! 5 minutes of stoppage time played and breaking up a Thetford attack, Dussindale & Hellesdon are quick to counter the ball fed on through the midfield finding Brister racing into the area left of goal on the angle strikes her shot across the area low into the bottom corner 3-0.

 GOAL! A further blow to Thetford deep in stoppage time as they concede a 4th goal, Hutchin on the ball central for Dussindale & Hellesdon putting the forwards pass into Head breaking on into the area holding off the challenge with the keeper advancing to close her down, she places her shot wide of Ward to send the ball on into the back of the net 4-0.

Charlie Head with Dussindale & Hellesdon’s 4th goal (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

It gets worse for Thetford on the closing seconds as Head is pulled down inside the box as the ball is lifted over the top the hosts with a 3rd penalty on the night. Sutton off the field it’s Wetherall with the kick, placing the ball low to the right, Ward getting down to block it with her leg, saved out to the right, Bell racing in on the follow up smashed her shot over the bar.

Full time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 4-0 Thetford Town Ladies

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

A 4-0 win in the finish for Dussindale & Hellesdon moving them to within a point of 2nd placed Fakenham with one game to play at home to bottom side North Walsham Angels Ladies on Sunday. Runners up spot within their grasp. Shanice Sutton’s first half penalty the difference between the sides at the break. Thetford whilst creating little going forwards working hard to keep their opponents out in defence. A 2nd goal coming in the 65th minute. Thetford continued to work hard a rough end to the game to concede to late goals in stoppage time. Dussindale & Hellesdon though creating enough chances with two penalties also missed. Thetford nevertheless can be proud of what has been achieve this season.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, a few contenders as is often the case. Some performances of note to mention first. For Thetford, Rebecca White put in a shift up top covering alot of ground looking for openings. In defence Ellie-Mae Davies will have a nice collection of bruises for her efforts as she put in a number of tackles, battling for the ball. Rachel Lynch powerful in the back line reading the ball and getting across to support her full backs. For Dussindale & Hellesdon, Shanice Sutton was once again lively in attack making some excellent runs. Abbi Nobbs with a solid midfield display, Georgina Belton with some powerful runs getting forwards to receive the ball. The award this evening though goes to Dussindale & Hellesdon’s captain, Calista Tink. Fantastic at the back winning the ball, getting into some good positions with some great play out from the back.

  Last league game of the season completed, a good evening under the lights at The Nest is a great facility pleasing to see players form other woman’s sides within the division thier to watch the action too. My thanks to both sides for the team details always appreciated and to Scott Grearhardy again with the photo’s used in the report. 2 more games left a trip down to Essex this Sunday for the League Cup Final between Lawford Ladies and Chelmsford City Women then to Carrow Road in midweek for the Norfolk County Cup Final between Mulbarton and Wymondham.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Bungay Town Ladies

Thursday 28th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

A spot of midweek football action on Women’s Football East this Thursday evening with a short trip to Thetford to watch a game from Norfolk Women’s Division One with Thetford Town Ladies hosting Bungay Town Ladies.

Both sides amongst a cluster of sides in the middle to the Division One table vying for a 4 finish in the league, with the season drawing to a close, plenty of points still to play for both Thetford Town Ladies and Bungay Town Ladies with 4 games left to play going into this evenings match.

  Thetford Town Ladies currently in 5th spot in Division One, looking to establish themselves in the league and push on to compete at the top on a regular basis. Have had a strong campaign to date maintaining a top half position throughout. Mulbarton Belles Ladies running away with the Division one title while Fakenham Town Ladies and Dussindale & Hellesdon Women look to be on course for 2nd and 3rd, 4th place remains very much in the balance and with games in hand on the sides around them Thetford are well placed to make one final push. Have been hampered with injuries and absences particularly to their defence. Have added to their squad with the dual signing of Becky Russell from Wroxham and Hannah Claughton from Norwich. Rebecca White is their top scorer with 15 goals so far with Melissa Boulton on 9.

  Changes at Bungay Town Ladies over the close season, a new manager coming in, Mark Forgarty players joining the squad with some departures. A strong start to the season with 6 wins in their opening 8 league games with just one defeat that against Mulbarton. In stark contrast the last 8 matches have seen just the one victory and 6 defeats that has seen them fall away from the tussle at the top of the table dropping to 7th in the table. During that time Mark Forgarty has stepped aside as first team manager with Jode Wells taking on the role. A solid platform to build on with a strong squad to take the club on a late flourish could yet see Bungay push back up the table. Have been scoring plenty of goals with Lucy Eagle coming in from Woodbridge Town Ladies netting 23 goals so far from 15 games with Gemma Foster closing in on 20 goals too for the season and Selina Rowland netting 14. 

  The sides have met twice this season already with Bungay defeating Thetford 2-1 in the league cup. Saw their 1st league meeting abandoned late on due to an injury to Thetford’s Courtney Musgrove. Hence the 2 sides have to play each other twice in their run ins. Starting this evening at Thetford Town FC. The large grass pitch sloping slightly, a game under the floodlights. The clubhouse open to serve hot and cold drinks beside the main seated stand. A rather chilly evening compared to recent April days cloud cover keeping the sun from warming the air during the day, nevertheless another dry day.

Thetford Town Ladies

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Lydia Ward, Courtney Musgrove, Ellie-Mae Davies, Rachel Lynch, Zoe Klimcke, Dayna Howard, Becky Russell, Hannah Claughton, Melissa Boulton (C), Rebecca White & Hannah Rogers. Subs – Abbie Corbyn, Emily Escreet, Sophie Burr-Walpole, Erin Lloyd, & Jessica Knight

Bungay Town Ladies

 Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Sofia Serghiou, Erin Galer, Molly Webb, Porsha Renwick, Lyndsey Adams, Charnelle Riggall (C), Ceira Flatt, Lyla Studd, Gemma Foster & Lucy Eagle.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Bungay at a disadvantage before the start of the game travelling to Thetford with just 10 players available due to a combination of injury, illness and work commitments, with Thetford able to name 5 on their bench. It’s the visitors to kick-off the game wearing light blue shirts, black sorts and black shorts. Thetford opposite wearing claret shirts with navy shorts and socks. The ball is quickly closed down in the middle of the park, before Thetford clip a long ball out to the left, Hannah Claughton getting forwards on the left flank, full back Erin Galer in to defend the ball going for a throw in the corner. The ball worked back into the middle Becky Russell lifting it out to the opposite flank with captain, Melissa Boulton  on the move one touch taking the ball forwards her angled ball into the box caught at her near post by goalkeeper Sofia Serghiou.

Thetford pressing the ball well on half way, Dayna Howard with Russell the ball put on through the middle for attacker, Hannah Rogers racing on towards the top of the area unleashes a shot from inside the D, her low effort running safely through to the keeper. Bungay looking to keep compact feed the ball out to the wide areas when won back, captain, Charnelle Riggall out to striker, Lucy Eagle drifting right, surges forwards with the ball at her feet, pushing on into the box right of goal, Rachel Lynch getting across her path to put in the block as she goes to shoot. The ball coming on t Ceira Flatt left of the D 20 yards out her 1st time shot lifted over the bar.

A physical battle as Bungay look to disrupt Thetford’s momentum going forwards, the ball fed on for Boulton running forwards on the right, again goes early with the ball crossed into the box, too close to the keeper caught by Serghiou. Played into the middle, Thetford close down to quickly regain possession threaded on for Rebecca White running forwards in the right channel, her shot charged down by Lyndsey Adams. Gemma Foster taking the ball on well down the left wing for Bungay a powerful run getting to the by-line comes inside before lifting a cross in towards goal, keeper Lydia Ward claiming with Eagle looking to attack the ball.

The ball pinging around in the middle as both sides close down, a favourable rebound seeing in run forwards for Rogers to attack moving right, Adams slowing her down, the ball put out to Boulton on the right, her cross claimed high by Serghiou. Eagle looking strong on the ball, ready to take on the Thetford defence whenever her teammates can pick her out. Russel with a great pass out to the right for Boulton going forwards, checks inside to get into the area, her strike cut out by Adams, before the cleared ball in sent over from distance.

Howard with a shot from distance for Thetford some 35 yards out as Thetford reclaim possession from a Bungay goal kick. Howard then on the left steals in on the ball to run in behind down the flank, Galer getting back on her to tackle see the ball out for a throw. A dangerous ball sent into the area off the throw, Serghiou up to punch the ball away from her goal as White closes in top of the six yard box.

Bungay with a counter attack on the left side Foster with the run taking the ball on pace moving inside as she closes in on the top of the area, plays it into Flatt left of goal her 1st time effort rebounding across to Eagle right side, shoots, Ward down to her right with a sharp save to turn the ball behind for a corner. Bungay are working hard at the back to contain Thetford as they press forwards, two banks of four dropping back, counter attacking proving tough as they look to get the ball into Eagle moving right and Foster on the left, Lyla Studd seeing a diagonal ball intended for Foster, cut out by Musgrove. 

 Boulton is a constant threat out wide on the right for Thetford played in by Russell a strong run seeing her turn into the box, jinking left then right before firing a shot wide across the face of goal. Eagle when she gets the ball into her in looking to drive forwards moving down the pitch right side fires a vicious ball in across the face of the Thetford goal, controlled by Studd beyond the far post is sent back in central, the ball cleared by Zoe Klimcke. 

GOAL! Midway through the 1st half and the dead lock is broken, Thetford getting bodies forwards the ball into Rogers out to the left, has Claughton making an overlapping run the short pass into her path Claughton taking it on down the wing delivering a pacy ball into the area, Serghiou with a instinctive save with her foot to turn it away out of her area, comes straight to Russell central top of the D, shapes to move right before checking back on her left foot to send the ball arrowing low into the back of the net 1-0.

Becky Russell opens the scoring for Thetford Town Ladies

   Eagle the outlet for Bungay from the restart taking the ball on right side, looking to get in behind, Davies stays with her well putting a foot in to take the ball away from the attacker. Thetford make their 1st change of the evening, bringing on Abbie Corbyn for Rogers in attack. Bungay win a corner out on the left, fires in near side Boulton defending heading behind for a 2nd corner. This delivery attacked at the near post, Flatt hurt going down as the ball is cleared to safety. After treatment okay to continue. 

  Russell getting forwards central looking to link up with White in attack, Renwick challenging for Bungay to halt their advance. Lynch looks to have picked up a knock for Thetford and needs to come off, Emily Escreet coming onto the field. White is looing to bring a great diagonal ball from Russell under control outside the area, can’t before Renwick closes in to tackle. Boulton coming on right with the ball for Thetford turning inside, her cross cut out by Galer. Foster running on with the ball left side for Bungay feeding the pass inside to Eagle left of the D 20 yards out, Thetford closing her down en masse, Claughton regaining possession for the hosts. 

Bungay Town Ladies captain, Charnelle Riggall (photo credit Richard Brown)

  Breaking, Thetford have White away with the ball to the left her cross whipped into the box looking for Corbyn inside D, cut out by Adams. Thetford’s forward players looking to get wide an every opportunity stretch Bungay, Corbyn into the left corner shakes off her marker to get inside the box, Renwick recovering to get back at her win the ball with a well timed tackle. The ball with Riggall in the middle for Bungay she spreads play out to Foster on the move down the left wing a powerful run, Musgrove going with her sliding into to tackle as they close in on the by-line, the ball out of play Bungay appeal for handball the decision going their way as they are awarded a free-kick right on the edge of the area. lifted into the mix inside the six yard box drops down turned goalwards, Ward on the line with a reactive save with her leg before the ball is cleared to safety.

  Both sides continue to find joy out wide, Foster with another strong run carrying the ball on left side for Bungay, drives inside from the by-line firing a stinging shot in at an acute angle, the ball rising, Ward with a superb save to turn the ball up over her crossbar. The resulting corner delivered from the left into Ward quickly knocking it up high into the air as able to claim it on the bounce unopposed. Moving into stoppage time at the end of the 1st half on come Thetford Howard into Boulton on the right taking the ball on her cross lifted into the box, White attacking it her header over the bar. Boulton again on the right flank cuts inside into the box sees her driven shot blocked by Galer.

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

  A strike from Becky Russell midway through the 1st half the difference between the sides going into the half-time interval. Thetford with the player advantage seeing more of the ball creating several opportunities going forwards. Pressing Bungay back, the visitors working hard to keep thing’s compact with two banks of four have nevertheless created some chances of their own forcing a couple of saves from Ward. Foster  out left and Eagle looking to drive forwards on the right, question now is can they keep it up for another 45 minutes or will Thetford’s superior numbers and with it fresh legs begin to tell.

  Lynch back on at the start of the 2nd half for Thetford lining up with Russell now at centre back. The hosts to get the 2nd half underway. Competitive in the middle the ball closed down not going anywhere fast, Bungay getting a free-kick a chance to put the ball up into the Thetford area, won by Lynch the hosts looking to counter quickly the ball on for Boulton racing on right side, can’t keep it in play. Lynch at the back for Thetford winning the ball then playing a fantastic pass over the top for White to run onto behind the defence, shooting from outside the D, her strike narrowly wide of the right post. 

  GOAL! An early goal for Thetford at the start of the 2nd half doubling their lead. Coming on through the middle, Corbyn thread the ball on along the ground for White in attack, moving towards the area halts her run to shake of her marker, 20 yard out strikes a looping shot goalwards, Serghiou getting a faint touch with her fingertips but not enough to keep it out 2-0.

Thetford Town Ladies, Rebecca White (photo credit Richard Brown)

  Adams in well to tackle Boulton as she and Escreet combine out on the right. White is taken off by Thetford shortly after scoring with Rogers returning to the attack. Corbyn pressing the Bungay defence top of their area nipping in to steal the ball, leaning back as she shoots her strike running wide of the left post. Thetford looking strong now piling players on forcing Bungay back little opportunity to get the ball out of their half, Boulton on the right using the width well getting a shot in on the angle, drops wide of the near post. Thetford’s captain continues to run at Bungay on the right getting to the by-line her cross fired in along the face of goal is turned over beyond the far post.

  GOAL! The hosts strong start to the 2nd half sees them extend their lead, with around an hour played, pressing as a team Musgrove right sends the ball on for Boulton out wide she bursts on moving inside shifts right to the by-line before sending the ball in across the face of goal for Rogers unmarked to score with a simple tap in 3-0.

Thetford Town Ladies Hannah Rogers (photo credit Richard Brown)

 Finding their attackers is proving difficult now for Bungay their defence under pressure the midfield pinned back, Eagle is isolated but continuing to carry a threat and willing to drive at the defence when given the opportunity. Coming through the middle, looks to get around Russell but her challenge sees the ball won back, Escreet sending it through to Boulton right side, Foster back to help Webb defending for Bungay. Boulton picking up the ball 20 yards out right of the D, plays it inside for Corbyn in the box, looking to bring it down on her chest get a shot away, Riggall lunging in with a tackle deflects the ball back to her keeper to clear.

(photo credit Richard Brown)

  Eagle is down for Bungay in attack after a coming together with Lynch appears to be her back, comes to the side of the pitch after a spell of treatment doesn’t look comfortable, waved back on as Bungay win a free-kick on the left. Put into the box won comfortably by Lynch. Eagle has gone down again is struggling, needs to come off for a spell of extended treatment, Bungay down to 9.

GOAL! The advantage with Thetford getting players on at will the hosts go onto extend their lead. Boulton again involved in the build up winning the ball in the middle running on towards the top of the area a strong run, Serghiou comes racing out to charge down/save her shot as she puts her foot through the ball, her momentum leaving her out of position as the rebound comes straight to Claughton up with Boulton inside the box to her left, controls the ball well before smashing she shot home 4-0.

  20 minutes left on the clock, Thetford in full control of the game leading by 4 goals against the 9 of Bungay, the visitors putting their all into the game but tiring rapidly continue to fight. Thetford with another change bring Sophie Burr-Walpole on for Klimcke. Russell moving back into the middle. Press forwards Russell to Escreet her through by for Boulton cut out by Adams. More changes for the hosts with a double change with Musgrove and Escreet coming off for Erin Lloyd and Jessica Knight.

Bungay Town Ladies Lyla Studd (photo credit Richard Brown)

  Russell playing the ball forwards into White inside the D back to goal holds it up well with Boulton on close support sends the ball into her, Boulton shoot’s the ball straight at Serghiou. Corbyn coming right feeding the ball on for Boulton, takes it on into the box, Webb back to defend getting the tackle in the ball loose to the top right of the box, Corbyn latching onto it turns, gets her shot all wrong as the ball screws well wide of the far post. 

  A rare chance for Bungay to get a player forwards sees Foster racing forwards on the right, shooting on the angle from distance her effort bouncing wide across the Thetford six yard box. The hosts with a throw high on the right put into Corbyn, bringing the ball under control right of goal, shifts then shoots the ball rising for the top corner, Serghiou with a brilliant save diving to her left to push the ball wide for the corner.

Bungay Town Ladies goalkeeper, Sofia Serghiou (phot credit Richard Brown)

 Corbyn breaking away with the ball for Thetford moving into the left channel, shoots across the advancing goalkeeper, the ball looks like it’s heading for the back of the net, but agonisingly bounces wide of the far post. Russell coming off for Thetford with Howard returning to the action. Eagle too returning for Bungay for the final 10 minutes. Straight away Eagle has a shot as soon as the ball is put into her right side some 40 plus yards out Ward safely claiming. 

  Breaking en masse through the middle the ball is lifted on through the middle, the flag going up as Corbyn left runs onto the ball, play halted, White through the middle reacting angrily as she is adjudged to have been offside complaining she wasn’t going for the ball. Those complaints becoming to vocal for the referee’s liking as she is yellow carded for descent and sent to the sin bin. 10 versus 10 now as Bungay get the ball on up top for Eagle who shoots over from 25 yards out, Flatt’s turn to say something out of turn to the referee and having already sent one to the sin bin for descent Flatt quickly follows as Bungay are again reduced to 9. 

  Bungay are willing to have a go late on the game stretched a little a shot from the angle on the right wide across the Thetford goal. 

GOAL! Late in the game in the 88th minute Thetford counter and Boulton gets the goal she deserves, the ball lifted up to her on the right by Lynch she drives on down the right channel bursting for the box, Serghiou coming out to close the angle, Boulton opens up her body to slot the ball wide of the keeper to send the ball into the goal beyond 5-0. 

Thetford Town Ladies captain, Melissa Boulton (photo credit Richard Brown)

  Little action to see out the game Thetford with possession in the closing moments with no further attacks, can celebrate their final home game of the season as the game ends with 3 more points courtesy of a 5 nil win that lifts them up into 4th in the Division One table.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 5-0 Bungay Town Ladies

  A strong performance form Thetford against 10 player Bungay keeping the pressure on throughout a 1 goal lead at the break they came out strong in the 2nd half using the width well. Adding an early 2nd goal before going on to score 3 more. Pressing well their numerical advantage eventually telling as opportunities were created a regular intervals. A great effort from Bungay nevertheless, travelling to Thetford with just 10 available on a Thursday night, was always going to be a tough ask, battled hard throughout creating some great chances themselves too in the first half. The pair meeting again at Bungay on the 8th May, both still aim the mix for a top 4 finish.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A clear winner but several performances to mention first. Hard to single out a Bungay players as all 10 put in a huge effort in their efforts to keep Thetford out. Lucy Eagle up top a constant threat when the ball was played up to her. For Thetford, Becky Russell was composed in the middle, with some great passes out to the flanks. Hannah Rogers with some great attacking runs. The award though goes to their captain, Melissa Boulton had a great game, out on the right using the width well stretching the game always an outlet moving forwards with the ball, setting up chances for others to score, topped the performance off with a goal herself.

  An enjoyable trip to Thetford, one of the shortest I have, always enjoy a game under the lights. A good crowd in attendance. My thanks to Darrell Allen for his assistance this evening, is working hard to  not only promote Thetford Town Ladies but the woman’s game as a whole. The Jode Wells for the Bungay team details and Richard Brown for the use of his pictures in the report much appreciated. Now for the madness that is May, going to be a busy month, but I’m excited by the games ahead.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Beccles Town Ladies v Sprowston FC Women

Sunday 17th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

 Keeping it local this Easter Sunday having clocked up the miles during the week with a cup final double. Back to league action today with a game from Division One and an opportunity to catch up with a couple of sides as Beccles Town Ladies host Sprowston FC Women in their final home game of the season.

  Has been quite a while since I’ve seen Beccles Town Ladies in action, so much so I drove straight past their ground and ended up on the common beyond. Got there in the end however, Beccles put back into Norfolk Women’s Division One after the league original plan for 3 divisions fell by the way side and two larger divisions, One and Two were created. Beccles Town Ladies suffering more than most from resembling a decent squad then seeing players move on just a quickly, injuries too affecting development. One of their new players, Mae Hughes badly injured in a serious car accident on her way to a Beccles game earlier in the season, spending a number of weeks in hospital. Home now and recovering, at the game to day to watch her teammates in action.

  Despite the set backs manager Alan Runnacles is optimistic for the following season, bringing players in, with experience too to bolster a young squad. Benefitting from players unsettled at local rivals Bungay Town Ladies. Made a terrible start to the season with 5 straight defeats and some eye watering score lines too.  As the season has progressed however have picked up some decent results and a positive end to the season results wise could yet see then push up the table a place or two. Lola Barber-King, Beccles captain and top scorer with 24 goals.

  Sprowston FC Women have established themselves in Norfolk’s top flight, a club that benefits from a very strong youth setup, bringing players through. Currently in mid-table in Division One having struggled to pick up points consistently in the first half  of the season a very strong March which saw them win 4 straight league games has pulled them clear of the bottom sides and with 3 to play a top half finish is possible. Kate Morris and Bryony Brierley, Sprowston’s top scorers with 13 and 12 goals respectfully.

  Beccles Town FC nestled amongst a multi-sports facility. The football ground featuring a large grass pitch, wide with a little bit of a slope. A covered stand along one side of the ground with a tea hut beside. The weather beautiful considering it’s a bank holiday weekend. Bright and warm in the sunshine on Easter Sunday a breeze strong at times blowing from one end of the pitch to the other.

Beccles Town Ladies

Beccles Town Ladies starting XI – Megan Gowing, Georgia Tiffen, Leanne Muffett, Charlotte Power, Poppy Wilson, Abigail Bell, Lucy Robbens, Elisha Bower, Lauren Purling, Lily Bulloch & Lola Barber-King (C). Subs – Kelly Collins, Vicky Bloomfield & Bethan Owen.

Sprowston FC Women

 Sprowston FC Women starting XI – Jess Luff, Rosie Graham, Courtney Leggett, Maria Braithwaite, Bailey Curtis, Lois Irving (C), Holly Whayman, Oshea Winter, Kiera Braithwaite, Kate Morris & Katie Fray. Subs – Chloe Shipman.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Sprowston without goalkeeper, Jade Knights after being sent off in their cup tie with Dussindale & Hellesdon Women, Jess Luff in goal for today’s match. Just one substitute named on the bench. Beccles with 3 to call upon from the bench to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing white shirts with black shorts and socks. Sprowston opposite wearing  blue coloured shirts with navy sleeves, navy shorts and blue socks. The ball put out to the right, Sprowston winning the throw in.

The ball brought down and fed into attacker Katie Fray, Charlotte Power getting back at her in defence for Beccles to win the ball back. The visitors pressing the ball out for a goal kick, Fray winning it for Sprowston breaking forwards, Power in ahead of her again to nod the ball back into goalkeeper, Megan Gowing’s gloves. Beccles come through the middle Lucy Robbens on for Lily Bulloch 35 yards out central, has captain Lola Barber-King to her right plays the ball into her path Barber-King taking it on the by-line before firing a cross along the face of the Sprowston goal, no one running in to turn it home.

Beccles captain, Lola Barber-King

Barber-King looking to move to the right as Beccles attack, Bailey Curtis defending for Sprowston. The ball passed up to Barber-King 25 yards out back to goal, control well spinning away to her left turning for the Sprowston box a burst of pace to get her inside right of goal, lifts her shot up over the crossbar. Kate Morris pulling to the left in attack taking the ball inside sending a diagonal ball up into the Beccles area looking for Fray, Power winning the header for the hosts. Despite it being a large pitch you can almost drop a hat on the players at times as players get drawn towards the ball.

Barber-King is looking to turn and take on the defence whenever she can, getting half a yard on the back line as Abigail Bell wins the ball in midfield breaks into the left channel, Curtis is quick herself getting back on her to tackle get the ball back to goalkeeper, Jess Luff. Sprowston mount an attack, Keira Braithwaite central into Fray left of goal 25 yards out controls comes inside looking to make room for a strike, puts her foot through the ball, dipping as it heads for the inside of the left post, Gowing with a fantastic save diving down to her right to push the ball behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! The corner form the left is played into the near post, chested down by the Sprowston attack she moved after the ball, the defender going with her gives her a push, the referee pointing to the spot. Penalty! Keira Braithwaite placing the ball on the spot strikes it hard rising to the left of goal, Gowing going the right way can’t get near it as Braithwaite peels away to celebrate the ball striking the back of the net. 0-1 The visitors taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes.

Keira Braithwaite opens the scoring for Sprowston from the penalty spot.

  Sprowston straight on the attack form the restart go down the right winning a throw in, the ball lifted into the area, Power defending sends it behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! A minute after opening the scoring from the penalty spot, Sprowston double their advantage from another set-piece. The ball put into the box from the right, Gowing comes for it gets caught under the ball at the near post, Holly Whayman running in behind for Sprowston stooping to nod the ball over the line 0-2.

Holly Whayman heads in Sprowston’s 2nd.

  Beccles hit with two quickfire goals, Elisha Bower with a strong run on the left carrying the ball on squares a cross into the six yard box, Luff catching it into her midriff with Barber-King closing in. Another opportunity for Beccles moments later played into the top of the box for Barber-King, a low strike fired in towards goal, Luff with a sharp save with her feet, her defence getting the ball back to her. 

The ball lifted on through the middle as Sprowston get forwards bouncing, Fray on Power’s shoulder as they pair battle for possession, fray getting an attempt on goal away her effort lifted wide 20 yards out. Sprowston hustling the ball 25 yards out gain possession Fray on the right with and angled drive in Gowing claiming at her near post. Sprowston with a throw high on the left played inside for Morris lines up a shot inside the D, her strike charged down by Poppy Wilson. Barber-King picking the ball up on halfway driving forwards, looking to get away from the defence, Curtis’ pace to the rescue as she gets the sliding tackle in to put the ball back to her keeper to claim.

GOAL! 20 minutes played and Sprowston hammer home there advantage by racing to a 3 goal lead attacking on the right Oshea Winter playing the ball on players drawn across to deal with the growing threat the cross coming into the box, Wilson has to clear as she comes near post. Morris left unmarked at the far post as the ball put back out to the right isn’t cleared and comes back in finding Morris who can simply pick her spot. 0-3.

Kate Morris with Sprowston’s 3rd goal

GOAL! As with the opening goals, Sprowston again find a quickfire double to race into a 4 goal lead. Whayman on the ball in midfield, bringing it on no one closing her down, sets her sights from all of 30 yards out right side, gets plenty of pace and dip behind her shot, fired across the keeper, Gowing dives down gets her fingertips to it but not enough to keep it out 0-4.

Holly Whayman firing Sprowston into a 4 goal lead

  Beccles well and truly on the back foot as the referee calls for a drinks break, a much needed chance to regroup midway through the 1st half. Sprowston make a change Chloe Shipman on for Courtney Leggett. The hosts attack from the restart Robbens up to Bulloch, Barber-King in close support as she heads the ball down to the right Barber-King taking it on into the box right of goal to the by-line a shot/cross stopped by Luff at her near post the ball cleared falls to Bowers top of the D, she strikes the ball, runs wide of the far post. 

Lauren Purling battling for the ball with Holly Whayman

  Sprowston with a corner on the right the ball in defended by Robbens put back out to the corner taker, played into Fray top of the area 20 yards out her shot fired back in with venom striking one of her own teammates. The long ball forwards through the middle causing Beccles a few issues as they don’t deal with the bouncing ball, Fray stealing in ahead of Power lobs the ball over from 20 yards out. Beccles making a change Muffett coming off at right back replaced by Vicky Bloomfield. 

  A free-kick for Sprowston on halfway, captain Lois Irving over the ball, puts it up into the area, Gowing with a good claim taking it at her near post. Bloomfield with a crucial intercept as Keira Braithwaite central looks to thread a pass on for Morris pulling left. Morris and Fray’s movement up top pulling the Beccles defence out of shape causing problems.

Vicky Bloomfield clearing the ball for Beccles

GOAL! Purling gets hold of the ball for Beccles on the right travelling forwards moves infield laying it on for Robbens as she continues her run towards the area, Robbens threading a good pass into the box, left of goal both Purling and Bulloch after it, Purling giving way for Bulloch to stab past the keeper and pull a goal back 1-4.

Beccles, Lily Bulloch

Beccles break well from a Sprowston corner, Bell on for Barber-King races forwards travelling with the ball, once again Curtis has the burst of speed to catch her and sliding in to tackle does enough to send the ball behind for a corner. The corner put in near side headed clear back out to the left for a throw by Curtis.

GOAL! Attacking from the throw in top of the area, Purling on the ball takes it across the passing to Bell right of the D, her first touch seeing her shift the ball inside to evade her marker then shoots sending a rising effort in under the bar, Luff leaping to try and stop it 2-4.

Abigail Bell on the scoresheet for Beccles

  Beccles getting a further goal back to half the deficit, much needed after conceding 4 in the opening 20 minutes. Luff down from the save having fallen on her back has cracked her head on the ground. Needs treatment before continuing. 5 minutes left to play in the first half. Kelly Collins on for Beccles replacing Tiffen in defence. Called into action as Fray battles to get in behind seeing a shot blocked the rebound from distance fired over. 

Sprowston captain, Lois Irving

Barber-King looks to take the ball right, lacks support as she holds the ball up, Rosie Graham closing in to tackle win the ball back for Sprowston. Maria Braithwaite winning the header in the centre of defence as Bell plays it up for Barber-King. The clock ticking down in the first half Morris looks to get away on the left, Bloomfield with a well timed tackle seeing the ball out for a throw.

Half-time Beccles Town Ladies 2-4 Sprowston FC Women

 Both sides staying out of the field at half-time. Sprowston with a great start racing into a 4-0 lead. Beccles with a few errors giving themselves a mountain to climb, nevertheless have created chances themselves and pulling 2 goals back towards the end of the 1st half has chanced the complexion of the match totally and given them a way back into a game that might otherwise have been out of sight. Still will need to improve at the back if Sprowston aren’t to find more goals.

  The breeze looks to have become stronger at the start of the 2nd half, favouring Beccles now. Sprowston with a change Leggett back on in defence as Shipman moves out to the right of attack. Keira Braithwaite the player off. Bethan Owen on for Beccles in place of Bulloch. The visitors to get the 2nd half underway. Shipman with the ball moving forwards tackled by Collins. Beccles winning a free-kick inside the Sprowston half played up into the box, headed clear by Maria Braithwaite. 

Lola Barber-King on the attack for Beccles

   A scrappy start to the 2nd half as play is compacted over on one side of the pitch . Owen on the ball central attacking out to the right crossed back into her inside the box brings down on her chest the ball won cleared by the defence back to the right, fired straight back in across the six yard box dropping to Barber-King she controls opens up her body and lifts a shot wide across the face of goal. Luff is down inside her goal clearly struggling with her head injury needs to come off. With no replacement an outfield player needed to don the gloves, Shipman is the volunteer putting on a bid and going in between the sticks with Keira Braithwaite back on in the middle. 

Beccles, Bethan Owen with Sprowston’s Courtney Leggett

  Fray causing a nuisance in attack 20 yards out heading the ball on breaking into the area left of goal, Power tackling, is hurt and Fray goes down over the top of her the ball running behind for a corner. Played in near side from the left, is cleared back to the taker, lifted back in high near side, is allowed to bounce a moment of panic inside the six yard box before being scrambled behind. Another corner left played into Leggett outside the box left side is quickly closed down by Wilson. 

   Bower with the ball comes through the middle a strong run moves right, Graham closing in lunging in to tackle the ball pushed on for the keeper to clear, Simpson rushing on clearing with her feet as barber-King slides in on her. Owen moving left winning Beccles a throw in high up the pitch the ball crossed into the area Braithwaite central jumping to get her head on it, falls straight to Purling behind at the far post her glancing header turned goalwards safely in the keepers gloves.

Beccles, Lauren Purling

  Beccles coming on better attacking 2nd half, but risk getting hit on the counter. Bell looking to put the ball on for Barber-King, Curtis defending. A free-kick for the visitors on half way sees Fray breaking in behind the Beccles defence left into the box, sends her low strike wide beyond the far post. Beccles defence getting out of shape as Sprowston push on in attack, Collins tackling Morris as she comes inside from the right.

Sprowston’s Kate Morris with Beccles, Kelly Collins

  Graham with a superb diagonal ball up to Fray top of the D, Wilson sliding in to tackle for Beccles. Leggett defending up the other end for Sprowston as Bell sends the ball up to Owen 20 yards out right channel. Owen’s last action as she comes off with Bulloch back on. 20 minutes of the 2nd half played. Morris pushing on with the ball through the middle, Fray ahead of her providing the run, Morris with the forward pass, well read by Collins who is well positioned to cut out and clear. Graham on for Whayman out to Morris on the right her cross into the area cleared by Power.

  An outfield player in goal for Sprowston, Beccles have yet to test Shipman, the game stretched there is more time on the ball than some are allowing themselves. Fray with a scuffed shot 20 yards out running safely through to the keeper. Shipman taking a clean catch at her near post as Beccles lift a high ball in from the right. The ball sent up top bouncing Bulloch looking to get on the end of it for Beccles lobs it wide from 25 yards out. Power in to charge down Fray’s shot as she brings the ball down 20 yards out. Purling driving on for Beccles right side comes inside running into traffic, as both Whayman and Leggett close her down. 

 GOAL! Sprowston press forwards the Beccles defence once again out of shape as Irving lifts the pass up towards the top of the D, is scrambled clear out to the right, Morris latching onto it running on before squaring a cross into the six yard box putting it on a plate for Fray for a simple tap in into the back of the net 2-5.

Katie Fray scoring Sprowston’s fifth goal

 Sprowston restoring their 4 goal cushion with 15 minutes left to play. Get the ball back straight away from the restart fed into Fray right inside the box, Collins with a well timed tackle to deny her a shot. 

GOAL! As in the first half one goal brings two for Sprowston as they cause chaos at the back for Beccles again the host defence falling back but not in a line the diagonal ball finding Morris clear on the right inside the box where she lifts her shot over the keeper to score 2-6.

Kate Morris making it 6-2 for Sprowston

  Sprowston’s defence doing a good job of protecting there keeper not falling too deep, the ball put on by Bell in the middle finding Bower up top she headers it down into Barber-King right of the D, her first time shot sent up over the bar. Bulloch collecting the ball on the wing for Beccles turning inside heading for the box, is tackled by Maria Braithwaite. Shipman is untroubled in goal for Sprowston a rush of blood though as she comes racing out of her box to clear when she had time to see it roll into her gloves as Beccles threaten to break, the kick works though.

Sprowston’s Keira Braithwaite

Purling right driving on with the ball, shifting inside to cross the ball cut out by Leggett. Fray battling through the middle taking the ball on for Sprowston has Morris moving inside the box ahead of her right side, getting the pass into the the angle against her Morris’ shot is held by Gowing. Barber-King taking the ball on down the right flank checking back up the line to the top of the area flashes a ball into Bower 20 out left of the D, her touch bringing her inside for the shot, is leaning back as she sends her effort over the bar. 

  The game moving into stoppage time Sprowston on the attack fed into Fray right channel outside the box angles a shot in across goal low, Gowing down well to push the ball away to her right. 

Full time Beccles Town Ladies 2-6 Sprowston FC Women

  Full time and Sprowston come away with a 6-2 that lifts them into 6th place in the Division One table. A strong start racing into a 4 goal lead seeing them take control of the game, with Fray and Morris up top causing problems for the Beccles defence throughout. The hosts with a mountain to climb errors seeing them concede early on a 4-0 looked in real trouble but had created chances and two well worked goals saw them pull it back to 4-2 at the break. An enforced keeper change for Sprowston but Beccles never really tested her as the visitors continued to look dangerous in the final 3rd going on to add another quickfire double to make it a comfortable result.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few performances to mention first. Starting with Beccles Lola Barber-King created a number of chances up top an on another day may very well have scored a hat-trick. Charlotte Power at the back making a number of critical tackles and blocks. For Sprowston it’s hard to pick a single player out as their were good performances all over the pitch, Holly Whayman composed in midfield moving the ball well scoring twice. “Well done Bailey” was a common cry throughout the match the defender making so great tackles. Up top Kate Morris was strong peeling off the defence to make herself available narrowly edged out by her strike partner, Katie Fray who was a handful for the Beccles defence all game, battling for the ball and creating numerous opportunities.

An enjoyable East Sunday at Beccles, great to catch up with both sides and others in the footballing community. My thanks to both sides for providing me with the team details as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham