Tag Archives: Norfolk Women’s Division One

The Round-Up – Norfolk 09/04/17

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 9th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Plenty of games left to play in the Norfolk Women’s County Leagues as the season moves into the final couple of months, on the hottest day of the year so far it was to the River Lane Playing Fields that the Supporting Women’s Football Blog headed to watch a top of the table encounter between King’s Lynn Town Ladies and leaders Thorpe United Ladies in Division One just a point between the sides in what is proving to be an intriguing contest at the top of the table the 1st game in a double header with King’s Lynn heading to Thorpe United next Sunday the home side started the brighter striker Josie Turner put through on goal in the 8th minute a coming together with Thorpe United defender Lauren Kett of the edge of the box before slotting the ball home to make it 1-0 the goal standing. Thorpe United responded straight away breaking to get back on level terms the ball played on for captain Rebekah Lake lobbing the keeper from the edge of the box to make it 1-1 no sooner had they equalised Thorpe United went on to take the lead hitting King’s Lynn on the counter attack the ball played into space on the left side both Lake and Shanice Sutton after the ball, Sutton there 1st left of goal into the box playing the ball pass the diving keeper goes after it to send the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1.

2-1 down at half-time King’s Lynn started the 2nd half the better creating chances a throw won on the right the ball controlled is send long in towards the far post captain Shelley Woods arriving to head the ball home from close range. Just as in the 1st half however Thorpe United quickly score again not once but twice to make it 4-2! Midfielder Laura Hedtke gets forwards plays the ball into Lake moving right continues her run into the box receiving the ball loops her shot up over the keeper to score. Lake is through herself on goal moments later into the box her shot fired in the goalkeeper gets her glove on the ball but can’t keep it out. Woods gets it back to 4-3 for King’s Lynn firing home from a free-kick in the latter stages of the match, Thorpe United hold out for the win to open up a 4 point lead at the top of the table both sides however still have 7 games to play. The full match report can be found on the website or by clicking on the link below.

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

Brandon Town Ladies have found a bit of form going into the latter end of the season undefeated in 4 with 3 straight league wins travelled to 3rd placed North Walsham Angels Ladies this Sunday with just 10 players however, there hosts were depleted too especially in defence but with a strong youth set-up had younger players ready to step up to 1st team duty. Two goals for Hope Middleton for North Walsham, it was Brandon who came out on top with Brooke Wickens netting a brace along with goals for Ruby Robertson and Tiffany Forshaw seeing the 3 points secured with a 4-2 win moves Brandon Town in 5th to with 2 points of North Walsham who drop to 4th level on points with 3rd placed Bungay Town Ladies.

A 2nd win of the season at home for Fakenham Town Ladies as the bottom two sides met at Clipbush Park on Sunday. Leading 1-0 at half-time went on to beat bottom side Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies 2-1 with goals from Sian Sands and Rochelle Woods. Sophie Martin with the Kirkley & Pakefield goal as they continue their search for their 1st point of the season.

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

In Norfolk Women’s Division Two, Stalham Town Ladies moved 3 points clear in 2nd spot winning away from home on Sunday against bottom side Bohemians Ladies. Leading 3-0 t half-time Stalham Town looked comfortable for the result however Bohemians cam back scoring twice in the 2nd half, Jenny Markwell and Lorraine Newbury with the goals before Stalham Town wrapped up the points winning 4-2.

A comfortable win away from home for 4th placed Sprowston Ladies with games in hand on all the sides above them albeit a forlorn cause to catch Gorleston FC Ladies already crowned Champions. Sprowston led 5-1 at the break before going on to win 8-1. Rebecca Russell scoring a hat-trick with a brace each for Rosie Wickenden and Joanna Davey along with and own goal. Rebecca Smith with the Briston Wanderers goal in the 1st half.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(roll on roll off substitutes)

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

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

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

King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Becky Russell

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

Tegan Wheeler looking to get forwards for King’s Lynn Town Ladies

GOAL! Capitalising on their start, King’s Lynn preventing Thorpe from getting the ball beyond the midfield the ball closed down quickly and the inch rule ball through the middle has Turner running in behind on the shoulder of centre back Lauren Kett both racing towards the area, their is contact Kett ends up on the ground Thorpe want the foul, Turner keeps going into the box slides the ball past the static Anderson into the bottom corner to hand the home side the lead in the 8th minute 1-0.

GOAL! No sooner have King’s Lynn taken the lead however Thorpe come right back at them with an almost immediate response winning the ball on the right side played into the feet of Vivian Moyo she slides the ball in towards the top corner of the area, Thorpe captain Rebekah Lake playing off the shoulder of the last defender makes the run in behind looking to get onto the end of the ball, King’s Lynn goalkeeper, Christina Vivas comes rushing out to close her down, Lake reaching the ball 1st sends the lob over the keeper and into the back of the net beyond 1-1.

GOAL! A complete turn around 4 minutes after conceding Thorpe not only equalise but go on to take the lead! King’s Lynn are looking to push on up their right the ball is closed down with space in behind both Lake and Sutton make runs to the left as the ball is played forwards, Sutton gets there 1st taking the ball on into the box Vivas comes Sutton looks to send the ball low past her right into the near post, the goalkeeper diving to her right gets a glove on the ball pushing it away from goal but it is still alive Sutton goes after it the angle going away from her defenders rushing back sends the shot in on target, King’s Lynn defender, Millie Wilson almost gets there to clear the ball off the line but her effort is in vain 1-2.

Thorpe United Ladies, Shanice Sutton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A busy 1st half King’s Lynn starting on the front foot taking the early lead only for Thorpe to come straight back at them equalise then take the lead with 4 minutes. Has been a competitive contest, physical from both sides a bit of banter two which isn’t fazing either side both can give as good as they get. End to end no one getting any time on the ball Vivas with a couple of saves to keep the deficit down the a single goal for King’s Lynn all to play for 2nd half.

King’s Lynn to get the 2nd half underway, Wilson also off at left back, Burkauskaite coming over to that side with Amy Gillon on at right back. A few testing balls put long at the start defences clearing the ball. King’s Lynn win a free-kick inside the centre circle, Hodgson on the ball sends t long up into the area Anderson not distracted by the on coming runners gathers the ball cleanly. Hopkisson makes a move to the right outside the box as Wheeler wins the ball slides her in, Anderson comes rushing out towards the attacker makes the block with her legs as she pulls the trigger the ball deflecting away for a throw.

GOAL! The throw in level with the top of the box is taken quickly played into Wheeler the cross comes in going long towards the far post players over for the throw, Shelley Woods arrives unmarked to header the ball in from close range to put King’s Lynn back on level terms 2-2.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies captain, Shelley Woods

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Lisa Wilson

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

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

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

SWF Blog – Player of the Match

Today’s SWF Blog – Player of the Match goes to Thorpe United Ladies captain, Rebekah Lake, two well taken goals plus and assist, caused problems for the King’s Lynn defence all game some clever runs always looking for space and making herself available to receive the ball.

My thanks to both teams for their help with the team details today will see both at the respective finals come the end of the month best of luck to both.

The Round-Up – Norfolk 02/04/17

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 2nd April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Bungay Town Ladies made the journey west across the county to play league leaders King’s Lynn Town Ladies this Sunday the sides were level drawing 1-1 at half-time. 4th placed Bungay Town Ladies unbeaten in 2017 were looking to move to within a point of King’s Lynn Town then went on to take a 3-1 lead in the 2nd half before King’s Lynn Town came back to score twice themselves the sides having to settle for a point a piece final score 3-3. A brace for Lacey Andrews along with a goal for Jessica May Keeling for Bungay Town. Josie Turner, Shelley Woods and Millie Hopkisson netting the goals for King’s Lynn Town.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies draw allowed Thorpe United Ladies to return to the top of the table by a point as they won big at home against Fakenham Town Ladies this Sunday, hat-tricks for both Rebekah Lake and Shanice Sutton. Leading 4-0 at half-time reached double figures in the 2nd half winning 11-0 their other goalscorers, Laura Hedtke, Sophie Jermy, Vivian Mayo, Kirstie Andrews and Nicole Read.

Brandon Town Ladies have found themselves a little bit of form unbeaten now in 4 league games including a 3rd successive league win this Sunday have scored 13 goals in their last 2 matches a 5-1 midweek away win against Aylsham FC Ladies followed by a comfortable 8-0 result away to bottom side Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies at the weekend.

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

4 league titles were decided across the county leagues in the East this weekend the 1st of those in Norfolk in Women’s Division Two, Gorleston FC Ladies have been unstoppable this season as 11th straight league win giving them the points they needed to ensure they could no longer be caught winning at home against 3rd placed Long Stratton to secure a 2nd successive promotion. Samantha Hunn scoring a hat-trick in the match. Leanne Smith getting a brace with a goal each for, Beth Turner, Hannah Croft and Kayleigh Byrne. Congratulations to Gorleston FC Ladies.

Also in Division Two Briston Wanderers Ladies were hosting Bohemians Ladies the hosts with just the 10 players available doing the damage in the 1st half going into a 3-0 lead with goals from Tara Curtis her 1st for the club, Emma Talmadge and a strike from halfway from Stacey High. Bohemians pulled a goal back in the 2nd half Nicola Sheldrake the scorer, Briston winning 3-1.

Norfolk Ladies League Plate

Briston Wanderers Ladies should have been playing in the semi-finals of the Norfolk Ladies Plate competition this Sunday but struggling for numbers fell foul of the rule that required players to have played 5 league games, before a cup semi-final having only played 8 games Briston hadn’t the number and were forced to concede the win awarded to King’s Lynn Town Ladies who are into their 1st ever cup final.

In the other Ladies Plate semi-final, Division Three side Tavern Ladies were hosting Sprowston Ladies from Division Two. The visitors booking their place in the final after leading 2-0 at half-time doubling the advantage 2nd half with goals from Rebecca Kirby, Victoria Leyer, Rebecca Russell and Nicole Smith.

The Round-Up – Norfolk 19/03/17

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 19th March

Norfolk Women’s County Cup

This Sunday saw the semi-finals of this season’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup being played. Acle United Ladies winners of the competition 2 seasons ago were at home taking on Wymondham Town Ladies who had never reached the County Cup Final before. 2 of 3 sides who play their football outside the County leagues a division between them Acle United looking to mount a title push in the ERWFL Premier Division, Wymondham newly promoted to ERWFL Division One sitting in 3rd spot.

Wymondham started the brighter getting forwards creating chances, Acle getting into their stride a competitive battle the two sides evenly matched it was Acle United who broke the deadlock scoring with 4 minutes of the 1st half remaining the ball played into Megan Todd at the top of the area a good 1st touch to turn and send the ball inside the post to see Acle lead 1-0 at half-time.

The wind had been steadily increasing during the 1st half Wymondham started the 2nd half strongly pushing Acle back as they searched for an equaliser. Laura Nicholls having only just been introduced to to the action by Wymondham making it 1-1 in the 70th minute getting onto the end of a ball from Chelsea Clarke another 2nd half substitute to score. Into the last 15 minutes and Wymondham go on to take the lead Nicholls provider this time laying the ball off to the on rushing Amber Cantwell (pictured) who strikes a screamer into the back of the goal from 35 yards. Leading 2-1 Wymondham go on to score 2 quick-fire goals in the 90th minute both from free-kicks but contrast totally. The 1st awarded in a dangerous position outside the area as Cantwell is brought down, she takes it looping the ball up over the Acle wall the ball dropping under the bar to make it 3-1. Soon after Wymondham have another free-kick this one on halfway Bethany Fretwell decides she going to have a shot at goal the wind blowing that direction the ball sails over the keeper into the back of the net to make it 4-1. Alot of stoppage time played Acle pull a goal back Kate Pasque heading the ball home from a Jody Wells corner. Winning 4-2 Wymondham celebrate as they reach their 1st ever County Cup Final.

The match was covered by the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and you can find the whole report further down the page or by clicking on the link below.

Acle United Ladies 2-4 Wymondham Town Ladies

Wymondham Town Ladies opponents in this season’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final will be the current holders, Thorpe United Ladies, were at home playing fellow Norfolk Women’s Division One side Aylsham FC Ladies who they beat in the final of the County Cup last season to lift the trophy. A comfortable result in the end Thorpe United reaching the final with a 5-0 victory. The County Cup Final is scheduled to be played Friday 28th April with a 7:30pm at the FDC in Bowthorpe.

Norfolk Women’s Division One

With Thorpe United Ladies involved in the County Cup semi-final it gave King’s Lynn Town Ladies the opportunity to return to the top of Division One as they hosted the leagues bottom side Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies at home this Sunday. Any thoughts they might be all out of goals after winning 31-0 last Sunday in the Ladies League Plate quarter finals were soon dispelled as they took a 4-0 lead into the changing room at half-time and went on to score the same 2nd half to win 8-0. Captain Shelley Woods adding 2 more goals to her season’s tally. Josie Turner also hit a brace with Becky Russell, Natalie Bunton and Millie Wilson all getting a goal each and own goal also scored. The win putting King’s Lynn Town back on top of the table.

North Walsham Angels Ladies also move up a place in the Norfolk Women’s Division One table going above Bungay Town Ladies into 3rd position winning away from home on Sunday were away to Fakenham Town Ladies 2nd bottom in the table. If one Middleton sister doesn’t score the other will or more often than not this season they will both be on the scoresheet, Both Luci and Hope scoring 2 goals each as North Walsham Angels Ladies ran out 4-0 winners.

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

10 win fro 10 now for Norfolk Women’s Division Two leaders, Gorleston FC Ladies. Away from home at the weekend playing 3rd placed side Sprowston Ladies. Bethany Turner, Hannah Croft Molly Sims and Kayleigh Byrne all scoring in the game as Gorleston got the 3 points to keep their 100% league record in tact with a 4-1 win. Victoria Leyer getting the goal for Sprowston.

The defeat sees Sprowston drop to 4th place in Division Two as they are over taken by Stalham Town Ladies. Were at home playing Briston Wanderers Ladies who travelled with only the 10 players available despite that the took the lead in the game twice before eventually losing 3-2, Stacey High and Vicki Lubbock with the goals for Briston. Millie Cursons scored twice for Stalham Town with Stephanie Brighty also getting her name on the scoresheet to take Stalham Town into 3rd.

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

One match played in Norfolk Women’s Division Three on Sunday with Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves 4th in the table hosting 5th placed Freethorpe Ladies. A 6-1 win seeing Wymondham Town move above Tavern Ladies into 3rd place. Are 3 points behind leaders East Coast Ladies with 2 games in hand have to play Tavern Ladies twice before the end of the season who also have games in hand on the leaders, East Coast Ladies wouldn’t mind if they drew both.

The Round-Up – Norfolk 12/03/17

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 12th March

Norfolk Ladies League Cup

Semi-finals day this Sunday in this season’s Norfolk Ladies League Cup competition. Four sides hoping to reach the final on come the end of April, sadly for one side they were forced to concede their match falling foul to a league rule that meant a side could only field players that had played in 5 league matches prior to the semi-final, Brandon Town Ladies didn’t have enough available to meet that criteria conceding the tie in mid-week which saw opponents Bungay Town Ladies awarded the win and passage to the League Cup Final. In good form would have rather played the game but a in a Final and will fancy their chances of lifting the trophy.

Their opponents in the League Cup Final will be Thorpe United Ladies leading Norfolk Women’s Division One were at home taking on runaway Division Town leaders, Gorleston FC Ladies. A close contest this one a singe goal settling the game Thorpe’s captain, Rebekah Lake scoring in the 1st half to see her side into the Final and a potential treble with a semi-final in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup to come this Sunday.

Norfolk Ladies League Plate

The NWGFL launched the League Plate competition last season, now it was at the quarter final stage this time around. 4 games that saw plenty of goals scored and if you’re a Cromer Town ladies supporter you may want to look away now.

As far apart in league placing as you could get in Norfolk, Kings Lynn Town Ladies having been knocked out of the League Cup early were drawn at home against Cromer Town Ladies in the quarter finals of the League Plate. Going for the title in Division One their opponents were bottom of Division Three without a point. A mismatch to be sure and it proved so with King’s Lynn Town racking up 31 goals in the game to reach the semi-finals, captain Shelley Woods top scoring with 12 goals! The other goal scorers were Josie Turner (6) Becky Russell (4), Christina Vivas (3) Natalie Bunton (2) Elle Bocking (2) Louise Coggles and Lisa Wilson.

Some controversy after the game with the game drawing attention from the likes of Jacqui Oatley, some saying it was unfair to score so many against a side. Those who know the league know how much of a gap there was between the sides, King’s Lynn score goals against the best opposition are ambitious favourites to reach their 1st final. I’ll just say this plenty of cup ties this season have been awarded to a side with the opposition unable to play. Cromer Town Ladies travelled to King’s Lynn and played the game so fair play to them no doubt a defeat like that will hurt but I applaud the effort and know from doing Women’s Football East that one day the results will come.

Sprowston Ladies from Division Two are also into the League Plate last 4 after they beat Division One side Fakenham Town Ladies at home on Sunday led 1-0 at the break, enough to edge them to victory with both sides finding the back of the net for a goal each in the 2nd half, Abby Hutchin and Calista Tink scoring the goals for Sprowston.

Elsewhere it was an all Division Two League Plate quarter final tie between Briston Wanderers Ladies at home taking on Bohemians Ladies. Briston Wanderers (in another guise) reached the Plate Final last season and are into the semi-finals again after they edged Bohemians with a 3-2 win leading 2-1 before going on to win it 3-2 in the 2nd half. Vicki Lubbock, Stacey High and Ellen Hutton with the goals for Briston Wanderers. Nicole Sheldrake with a goal in each half for Bohemians.

In the last League Plate quarter final it was an all Division Three, Dereham derby too as in form Toftwood United Ladies hosted Tavern Ladies. A close game the side drawing 1-1 at half time Katie Hart scoring the goal for Toftwood, Rianna Scott putting the ball into the back of the net for Tavern Ladies they went on to score the winning goal beating Toftwood 2-1 to reach the last 4.

The draw for the Norfolk Ladies League Plate semi-finals was live on Twitter this Tuesday and after a slight hiccup they look like this;-

Tavern Ladies v Sprowston Ladies

Briston Wanderers Ladies v King’s Lynn Town Ladies

ties to be played Sunday 2nd April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Two league games played in Norfolk Women’s Division One and having conceded their League Cup semi-final Brandon Town Ladies were at home taking on 4th placed North Walsham Angels Ladies this Sunday instead. Brandon Town were leading at half-time with Tiffany Forshaw putting them into the lead. North Walsham came back 2nd half to take home a share of the points with Luci Middleton netting her 25th goal of the season.

Aylsham FC Ladies were at home on Sunday hosting bottom side Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies. The home side taking full advantage of a depleted Kirkley Pakefield side to lead 5-0 at half-time before going on to win the game 9-1 to move above Brandon Town into 5th position. A hat-trick each for Abbie Charlton and Leanne Ferdani with a goal each for Emma Gillespie, Nadia Child and Lauren Oliver. Felicity Levett with the consolation goal for Kirkley & Pakefield.

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

East Coast Ladies return back to the top of Norfolk Women’s Division Three after beating Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves at the weekend. With only the bare 11 available East Coast picked up a great result leading 1-0 at half-time doubling the score in the 2nd half to claim the 3 points with Jordan Duke and Lucy Robbens netting the goals. On 25 points have 2 games left both against Cromer Town Ladies. Both 3rd placed Tavern Ladies and 4th placed Wymondham Town have 3 games in hand on East Coast with the gap 4 points and 6 respectfully but they 3rd and 4th placed sides have to play each other twice in their run ins going to be an interesting end to the season.

The Round-Up – Norfolk 05/03/17

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 5th March

Norfolk Women’s Division One

A mixture of postponements and suffering their 1st defeat of the season away to in form Bungay Town Ladies in February had seen Thorpe United Ladies slip to 2nd in the Norfolk Women’s Division One table. A midweek 6-0 win for Bungay Town Ladies against bottom side Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies had seen them slip a further place to 3rd going into Sunday’s game. Their match away to Fakenham Town Ladies reversed with Thorpe United hosting on a 3G to beat the beat the weather. Sophie Jermy and Lauren Kent both scoring a brace for Thorpe United in the game with captain Rebekah Lake also scoring in the match along with Charlotte Groves and Laura Hedtke to see Thorpe United return back to the top of the league with a 7-0 win.

7-0 was also the winning scoreline for 4th placed side North Walsham Angels Ladies as the newly promoted side aim to secure a top half 1st in their 1st season in the top flight in Norfolk. Were at home on Sunday taking on Aylsham FC Ladies in 6th. Hope Middleton got herself a hat-trick in the game with sister Luci netting a brace. Robyn Johnston also getting her name on the scoresheet with an own goal making up the score to see the 3 points collected.

Norfolk Division Two

7 was a popular number in Norfolk at the weekend with Stalham Town Ladies hitting 7 goals into the back of the net at home to Bohemians Ladies in the only match played in Division Two on Sunday. Leading 2-0 at half-time Stalham Town went on to win 7-1 in the 2nd half, a brace each for Charlotte Crane and Millie Cursons with Stephanie Brightly, Emily Kent and Marie Meale all grabbing themselves a goal.

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

Well a few weeks back I mentioned it was all getting very interesting in Norfolk Women’s Division Three as Toftwood United Ladies won at home against the then league leaders Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves to close up gap between the top 4 to 2 points since then Toftwood United Ladies have continued their excellent form climbing into 2nd in the table and now lead the way! Were at home on Sunday taking on East Coast Ladies who were in possession of top spot going into the match the sides playing out a 7 (yes there it is again) thriller.

East Coast Ladies the visiting side took the lead on 15 minutes Rosie Cook with the goal. Toftwood equalising midway through the 1st half went into the dressing room at half-time 2-1 down after conceding an own goal 4 minutes before time. Toftwood United came out the 2nd half the stronger scoring twice in the opening 10 minutes to turn it around to lead 3-2 extending the lead with 20 minutes left, Katie Hart scoring a hat-trick with Thea Wilson also on target. East Coast pulled a goal back with 5 minutes left with Cook scoring her 2nd of the game to set up a nervous finish but Toftwood now unbeaten in 5 league games win 4-3 to go 2 points clear at the top of the table. One league game left to play with their rivals all having games in hand may well get caught but it’s a good place to be right now. You can read East Coast Ladies match report from the game by clicking on the link below.

Toftwood United Ladies 4-3 East Coast Ladies

Dereham based side Tavern Ladies also move up a place in the Division Three table from 4th to 3rd winning away to Freethorpe Ladies at the weekend a dominant 1st half display seeing them lead 3-0 at the break adding 2 more goals in the 2nd half, Roxy Coomber, Sophie Fuller and Jordan Head amongst the goals. Didn’t have it all their own way however as Freethorpe rallied to pull it back to 3-5 before the final whistle was blown.

The Round-Up – Norfolk 26/02/17

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 26th February

Norfolk Women’s Division One

New leaders in the Norfolk Women’s Division as King’s Lynn Town Ladies overhaul Thorpe United Ladies who have held on to top spot all season to date. Thorpe United weren’t playing at the weekend 2 points behind a win for King’s Lynn Town would see them go top were away playing Brandon Town Ladies, captain Shelley Woods continues her fine goal scoring form this season adding another 4 goals to her tally with Josie Turner also scoring a brace in the game, Becky Russell also getting on the scoresheet with a goal as King’s Lynn Town won 7-0 boosting their goal difference and going a point clear at the top of the table.

Also continuing their excellent for in 2017 are Bungay Town Ladies as they move above North Walsham Angels Ladies into 3rd place in the table with a big win at home to Fakenham Town Ladies who had just the 10 players available an injury reducing them to 9 during the match were up against an in form side winning all of their games so far this year. Bungay Town led 3-0 at half-time going on to double that tally in the 2nd half, both Lacey Andrews and Lauren Purling netting a brace each with Teodora Ilie and Hannah Jones also getting a goal each in the win.

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

One game in Norfolk Women’s Division Two on Sunday with Briston Wanderers Ladies hosting 2nd placed Long Stratton Ladies. The side bottom of the league scored through Corrine Bishop, Megan Skinner and Sophie Tipper to lead Long Stratton 3-1 at half-time. The visitors came back into the match 2nd half scoring twice to level thing’s up at 3-3 the sides taking a share of the points, enough to lift Briston Wanderers of the foot of the table level on points with Bohemians Ladies. Charlie Head and 2 goals for Sophie Rose for Long Stratton Ladies.

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

Mentioned last week how tight thing’s were getting at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division Three and it was all change at the top again this weekend with East Coast Ladies moving above Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves to lead the way after winning at home against 3rd placed Tavern Ladies ending their unbeaten league record in the process. Tavern had beaten East Coast in their previous 2 meetings this season. Jordan Duke put East Coast into the lead with a quarter of an hour played. Tavern came back late on in the 1st half with 2 goals in the final 5 minutes to lead 2-1 at the break. East Coast got themselves back on level terms 15 minutes into the 2nd half Vicky Ottey scoring the goal and with 10 minutes left on the clock Lucy Robbens grabbed the winning goal to see East Coast win 3-2 and climb to the top of the table.

Toftwood United Ladies beat the previous league leaders Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves last Sunday to move to within a point of the leading trio this Sunday Toftwood United won big away from home against bottom side Cromer Town Ladies to climb up from 4th into 2nd place in the Division Three table. A little confusion with the final scoreline however as Toftwood initially listed it a 9-0 but elsewhere it is recorded as 7-0. Have the goalscorers listed as Katie Hart who netted 4 goals in the game, with Thea Wilson getting a hat-trick to aswell as a goal for Olivia North which makes it 8, either way the 3 points were won.

The Round-Up – Norfolk 19/02/17

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 19th February

Norfolk Women’s Division One

The title race in Norfolk Women’s Division One is heating up as one side in a hot streak of form in 2017 brought to an end the league leaders 100% winning record on Sunday. Bungay Town Ladies are unbeaten themselves in 2017 winning all of their games so far to see them move up to 3rd spot in the table after winning 3-0 away to Brandon Town Ladies last Sunday. The weather too was alot warmer this Sunday as they hosted leaders Thorpe United Ladies who had won all of their previous 9 league matches, played just the one league and cup match in 2017 so far frustrated by a lack of games. Bungay Town held a 2-1 lead at half-time captain, Rebekah Lake scoring for Thorpe United. Bungay Town going on to add two further goals 2nd half with Laura Holden scoring a brace along with goals for Lauren Purling and Nicki Hazell to take the 3 points with a 4-1 to see Thorpe United lose for the 1st time this season.

Despite the win Bungay Town Ladies drop a place in the table to 4th as North Walsham Angels Ladies got the 3 points away to bottom side Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies with enough goals scored to edge past Bungay Town on goal difference. Two goals each for Luci and Hope Middleton for North Walsham, Rosie Filby also finding the back of the net as well as goalkeeper Cyan Rose scoring from a well taken penalty to win the game 6-0. Both North Walsham and Bungay Town are on 21 points, 6 back from leaders Thorpe United both having played one game more.

The side capitalising most from Bungay Town Ladies victory over the Division One leaders is 2nd placed Kings Lynn Town Ladies, in a strong vein of form themselves their only defeat back on the opening day of the season against Thorpe United are now just 2 points behind with both having played 10 games after winning at home to Aylsham FC Ladies on Sunday. Natalie Bunton opening the scoring for Kings Lynn. Josie Turner made it 2-0 with captain Shelley Woods on target to give the home side a 3-0 lead. Emma Gillespie pulled a goal back for Aylsham FC Ladies before half-time. Woods added a 2nd goal to her tally in the 2nd half with Lithuanian International Oksana Imanalijeva scoring from the penalty spot after she was brought down inside the box to seal a 5-1 win.

A full list of fixtures in Division One this weekend with all 8 sides in action in the last game to bring you Brandon Town Ladies recovered from last weekends defeat with a 3-0 win away to Fakenham Town Ladies. Tiffany Forshaw, Shannon Odebrecht and Chloe Slater scoring the goals at Clipbush Park.

Norfolk Ladies League Cup

Was an all Norfolk Women’s Division Two clash in the last outstanding quarter final of this season, Ladies League Cup competition. League leaders Gorleston FC Ladies hosting Stalham Town Ladies who had knocked them out of the County Cup earlier in the season. Gorleston booked their spot in the semi-finals of the competition this time around winning 2-0 courtesy of goals from Kayleigh Byrne and Beth Turner. Gorleston will now be away to Thorpe United Ladies in the semi-finals with Brandon Town Ladies hosting Bungay Town Ladies in the other semi both scheduled to be played Sunday 12th March.

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

All very tight at the top in Norfolk Women’s Division Three with the top 4 sides separated by just a point now after 4th placed Toftwood United Ladies got the 3 points at home against the league leaders, Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves on Sunday. Goals from Jolene Ayrton and Thea Wilson seeing Toftwood edge the win 2-1 with Sally Hammerton scoring the goal for Wymondham Town who remain on 19 points the same as 2nd placed East Coast Ladies, Toftwood United joining Dereham rivals Tavern Ladies in 3rd on 18 points have played more games than those above them, but with all 3 capable of taking points off each other it’s going to be an interesting end to the season.

The Round-Up – Norfolk 12/02/17

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 12th February

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Pretty much right across the East this weekend the county league program was hit hard by postponements with just a handful of games surviving after a wet and cold spell that saw a dusting of snow in most area’s come Sunday morning. In Norfolk this we no exception with just 4 games being played. In Division One the only fixture to survive was across the border in Suffolk with Brandon Town Ladies pitch bearing up extremely well considering the weather. Brandon were hosting Bungay Town Ladies who started the day 4th on the table on an excellent run of form on 2017 winning all of their games played to date a win today would see them up to 3rd in the table.

Bungay got off to a great start taking the lead inside the opening 6 minutes Laura Holden put through on goal the goalkeepers attempted clearance falling to her, her initial shot from the edge is stopped however Holden reacts quickly getting to ball 1st to send it into the back of the net at the 2nd attempt to make it 1-0. A fast paced game both sides looking to use the width of the pitch Bungay have further chances to add to their lead, Brandon goalkeeper, Shannon Odebrecht with a superb diving save to deny Ella Hindley. 1-0 the lead at the break the play resumed at the same frantic pace of the 1st half as Bungay went on to extend their lead scoring twice more in the 2nd half Holden turning provider for both goals playing the ball on for striker Stef Cool (pictured) to score a brace and see Bungay move into 3rd spot with a 3-0 win. The game was the featured match on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Sunday and you can read the report on this website or by clicking on the link below.

Brandon Town Ladies 0-3 Bungay Town Ladies

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

Norfolk Women’s Division Two runaway leaders, Gorleston FC Ladies have had to wait a long time to continue their 100% winning record to the season having not been in league action since mid-December last year this was their 1st match of 2017 were on the road playing Briston Wanderers Ladies who they beat 5-3 in the same fixture back in September, the sides in the Division facing each other 3 times this season. A brace for Samantha Hunn along with a goal each for Molly Sims and Sophie Gillett saw Gorleston win the match 4-1 to extended their 100% record to 9 matches.

The game between Stalham Town Ladies and 2nd placed Long Stratton Ladies was switched to The Flegg FDC all weather pitch with the inclement weather around. A single goal enough to win all 3 points for Stalham Town Ladies.

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

One game in Norfolk Women’s Division Three beat the weather on Sunday with Freethorpe Ladies making the journey to the coast to play 3rd placed side East Coast Ladies. Jordan Duke scoring in the 15th minute to give East Coast a 1-0 lead at the break. Lucy Robbens making it 2-0 from the penalty spot. Freethorpe pulling it back to 2-1 with around 15 minutes left to play, East Coast Ladies made sure of the 3 points with 5 minutes left to play Duke with her 2nd goal of the game the win taking East Coast Ladies above Tavern Ladies into 2nd place in the table.

Match Report – Brandon Town Ladies v Bungay Town Ladies

Sunday’s football action on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog came from the Norfolk Women’s Division One with in form Bungay Town Ladies in 4th place in the league winning all of their matches in 2017 to date travelling to play Brandon Town Ladies on a bitterly cold day in on of the few games to beat the weather in the league.

Match Report – Brandon Town Ladies v Bungay Town Ladies

After a trip to The Hive yesterday to see the opening match in the FAWSL 2’s new one off Spring Series competition between London Bees and Brighton & Hove Albion WFC, stayed local for this Sunday’s women’s football action travelling over the border into Suffolk to watch the Norfolk Women’s Division One match between Brandon Town Ladies & Bungay Town Ladies.

With snow all around the country the ground already very wet it looked like ti was going to be another weekend full of postponements, even the FAWSL’s new Spring Series didn’t survive unscathed. Didn’t have a Plan A this weekend not committing to game too early having seen 3 called off already this year. Had a short list and Brandon Town Ladies v Bungay Town Ladies was on it 20 minutes away the snow that was on my lawn was thawing rapidly even if it was still bitterly cold, extra layers on hit the road.

Norfolk Women’s Division One is a very competitive league although this season so far it is being dominated by Thorpe United Ladies who have won all 9 of their league games so far and excellent run of form has seen Kings Lynn Town Ladies overhaul newly promoted North Walsham Angels Ladies who lay 3rd going into this weekends match due to play each other this Sunday at North Walsham the game was postponed, giving an opportunity to 4th placed Bungay Town Ladies to move above them.

Brandon Town Ladies go into today’s game in 6th place in the table well clear of the bottom 2 sides, have had a frustrating season so far in the league with 3 wins 1 draw and 4 losses postponements and having players unavailable for some games hasn’t helped them build any momentum. Have had a good run in the League Cup competition and will play today’s opponents, Bungay Town Ladies away in the semi-finals of the competition. Today is their 3rd meeting in the league with Brandon winning 4-3 at the start of the season at home, then losing away 4-0 back on the 15th January.

Bungay Town Ladies got off to a bad start in the league this season losing their opening 3 games. Recovered towards the end of 2016 winning twice in the league. Have had an excellent run in 2017 getting regular matches in winning 3 in a row in the league given a home win in the League Cup quarter finals. Spoke to manager Graham Purling during the summer at a pr-season friendly and he was optimistic about the squad the club had assembled this season.

Brandon Town Ladies play their home matches at the Brandon Leisure Centre, a multi-sports facility offering several full-sized football pitches. Despite the amount of rain and dusting of snow to hit the country over the past few days the pitch had held up well, looked muddy but had featured a game earlier in the day and despite being cut up it was surprisingly dry underfoot no standing water. A large pitch, it was a bitterly cold afternoon, gloomy with dark clouds all around.

Brandon Town Ladies starting XI – Shannon Odebrecht, Melanie Talbot, Cassandra Carvalheira, Shanice Burch, Laura Grove, Chloe Slater, Carolyn Sarafian, Ruby Robertson, Frankie Torrance (C), Brooke Wickens & Elicia Cooper.
subs – Hazel Shepherd, Lauren Riding & Emma Johnson.

Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Ruth Smart, Hannah Jones, Kelly Collins (C) Jessica Keeling, Charlotte Power, Inna Marx, Ella Hindley, Nicki Hazel, Lauren Purling, Laura Holden & Stephanie Cool.
subs – Rebecca Rylott.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Both sides had a newly registered signing in their squad for today’s game, Elicia Cooper starting in attack for Brandon Town Ladies. Rebecca Rylott, Bungay Town Ladies only available substitute. Bungay to kick-off the 1st half wearing sky blue shirts, black shorts and socks, with Brandon lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. The ball gets played long out to the right for Lauren Purling to chase early on winning a throw the ball is lifted up the line for striker Stef Cool getting into the box her ball forwards his cut out by Brandon’s Cassandra Carvalheira behind for a corner kick. Headed out of the area by Brandon they look to counter attack on the right players from both sides racing back towards the Bungay goal as the ball is played into the feet of Brooke Wickens coming in off the wing to get into he area is challenged by Bungay’s Charlotte Power winning the ball back for the visitors.

Bringing the ball forwards Bungay centre back Charlotte Power evades a Brandon tackle

The action is end to end in the early minutes both sides contesting the ball hard in midfield Wickens plays a great crossfield pass from right to left picking out captain Frankie Torrance on the wing drives forwards looking to get into the box, no way past Bungay right back, Hannah Jones who stands her ground times her tackle well. Both sides looking to exploit the wide players, Inna Marx sends the ball out to Nicki Hazel on the left pushing on crosses as reaches the top of the area the ball angling towards the near post caught by Brandon Town Ladies goalkeeper, Shannon Odebrecht.

GOAL! The opening goal of the match comes after just 6 minutes of play, Brandon pressing forwards in attack lose possession the ball is played direct through the middle both Cool and Laura Holden are in through on goal as Odebrecht comes racing out to the edge of the area with Cool closest the keepers clearance doesn’t go far striking Holden inside the D, gets a shot away, Odebrecht doing well to get a glove on the ball palms it into the ground isn’t under control Holden gets to it 1st to send the ball centrally into the back of the net 0-1 to Bungay.

Laura Holden scores the opening goal for Bungay Town Ladies

Brandon attack from the restart getting a throw deep on the left played into Carvalheira her cross from 35 yards out is a good one coming in high Ruby Robertson gets up to head the ball can’t direct her effort on target as it bounces wide across the six yard box. Wickens in possession on the right plays the ball in field to Carolyn Sarafain the midfielder in front of the centre circle decides to have a pop at goal on target is straight at Bungay goalkeeper Ruth Smart who takes it cleanly into her body. Making progress with the ball on the right Brandon have a throw players drift across as the throw is taken is Elicia Cooper squares the ball in towards Torrance outside the area in front of the D, back to goal hits the half volley on the turn her strike bouncing wide past the far post.

Another good crossfield ball from Wickens on the right picks out Torrance on the left cuts inside rolling the ball in field to Sarafain outside the area shifts the ball before hooking a shot in towards goal, again her effort drops into the keepers gloves back on her line. Robertson gets back on Cool as she breaks for the Brandon area, tackling concedes the corner kick played in from the right by Hazel his headed clear of the area by Laura Grove coming back out to Hazel sweeps a cross into the box Jones gets her head to the ball 10 yards out sends her effort over the crossbar.

Brandon Town Ladies, Carolyn Sarafain

Picking the ball up from a throw on the right 30 yards out Ella Hindley turns inside carrying the ball towards the Brandon box, scoops the ball up off the turf sending a shoot in towards goal, isn’t too far over as it dips late over the bar. Hindley with a run through the centre of midfield lays the ball on for Purling on the move up the right wing, Shanice Burch comes across to tackle her gets a knock as she puts the ball out for the throw deep in the corner up okay after treatment. A few crunching challenges about the pitch Marx and Sarafain clatter into each other from to try and win a 50/50 ball (poor thing). Pressure on the ball from both sides, Bungay are a little more successful with the final ball isn’t coming off for Brandon. The visitors winning another corner on the right the ball is lifted into the centre of the goal Odebrecht calls and take well before being bundled over by the onrushing Bungay attacker to get a free-kick.

Bungay Town Ladies, Lauren Purling

A corner from Bungay on the left sees Brandon goalkeeper Odebrecht pull off a superb save the best I suspect I’ll see this year! Initially doesn’t do so went coming into the crowd at the near post to punch the ball away, instead knocks it down into the ground, players scramble for the ball is squeezed out to Hindley inside opposite the far post, I’m standing on half way behind goal as she shifts the ball with her 1st touch has an open goal to aim at hits the ball goalwards should be a certain goal, however out of no where Odebrecht appears throwing herself full stretch low across her goal-line to glove the ball away for the corner an excellent piece of goalkeeper, had it been Karen Bardsley the Vine loops would be in there thousands as it is you will just have to take my word for it!

A powerful run on the ball from Brandon’s Wickens through the middle moves to the right looking to make the angle for a shot, Bungay captain Kelly Collins gets back at her to slide in to tackle and win the ball back. The counter attacking football keeps coming Brandon’s Chloe Slater on the move up the pitch plays it on for Carvalheira ahead of her on the left has Sarafain keeping pace with her lays the ball off into the middle, into the midfielders stride she 30 yards out she goes for the 1st time shot her strike whistling over the bar.

Brandon Town Ladies, Brooke Wickens

Brandon make a change up top bringing off Cooper and sending on Hazel Shepherd as Bungay win a corner with Purling played in down the right the ball is played into the six yard box deep knocked out towards the edge of the area Jess Keeling up from the back gathers for the visitors stabs a shot in towards goal his held on the line by Odebrecht. Hazel with a good run up the right side for Bungay lays the ball into Hindley on the move towards the Brandon area gets a shot away as she is closed down by Burch bounces wide of goal.

Brandon have upped the tempo as the 1st half moves into the last 5 minutes but have yet to test Smart in the Bungay goal. A throw on the right side is played into Brandon’s Shepherd 25 yards out from goal driving forward looks to play in Torrance making a run from the left into the area, Jones throws out a long leg to intercept the ball. One last attack in the 1st half for Bungay Purling on the left forwards for Cool to chase hits the shot from outside the area runs all the way along the ground to be scooped up safely by Odebrecht inside her six yard box.

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

An high paced and exciting 1st half of football, Bungay Town Ladies with the narrow advantage have created the better chances in front of goal. Is bitterly cold however and I can’ blame them for wanting to keep the ball moving. A shortened half-time interval as both sides stay by the side of the pitch. The visitors getting into some good attacking positions Purling and Hazel a threat out wide, Holden just 16 with some dynamic runs through the middle supporting Cool in attack. Brandon with some good build up play their final ball just not finding it’s mark. 45 minutes left to play.

A change for Bungay at the start of the 2nd half with Rylott coming on in place of Hazel going into a wide right position. Brandon get the 2nd half underway, Bungay get possession and attack down the right keeping the ball in the final 3rd before the ball is played inside to Cool outside the box slicing across the ball be strike races wide across the area out for the goal-kick. Sarafain gets forwards for Brandon the ball put into her feet by Wickens goes to strike the ball from outside the box a knick off a Bungay defender diverts the shot straight into Smart’s gloves. Both sides continue to press the ball keeping up the pace of the 1st half. Shepherd is played on down the right wing by Carvalheira her cross in to the area intercepted by Collins.

Lauren Purling & Carolyn Sarafain

Holden picking the ball up from deep goes on a run through the middle heading for the Brandon box is tracked all the way by Slater who slides in to take the ball play it back to her keeper. Torrance and Wickens link up on the left side the through ball from Torrance just a little too heavy for Wickens running into the box Smart coming off her line can get there 1st. Up the other end Odebrecht is quickly out of her area to kick the ball as Rylott plays Cool in behind the defence.

Brandon Town Ladies, Chloe Slater

Bungay break from a Brandon corner the ball played out to Purling on the left side Talbot gets across diving in to put the ball out for the throw. Purling takes a knock in the challenge but is up on her feet from the throw the ball is worked down the line by the visitors finally being played into Purling just inside the box on the left turning she is caught as a Brandon defender lunges in to try and win the ball, the referee stops play Purling clearly coming off the worse, after treatment can’t continue and is substituted Hazel returning to the pitch. Brandon also make a switch Cooper returning to the pitch in place of Shepherd.

Holden nips in to win the ball from the Brandon back line has Cool and Rylott either side of her as she heads towards the box tries to pick out Rylott to her right the pass a little too heavy Rylott keeps it in play before winning a throw level with the box, the ball is played down to Marx’s feet puts the pass inside for Holden who seeing the ball into her body turns and hits the ball on the volley her shot angling in at head height towards the ear post, Odebrecht has it covered takes the ball cleanly.

Brandon have a free-kick wide right outside the box after Hazel handles the ball, Slater over the set-piece sends the ball high into the area Hindley heads the ball clear for Bungay they counter attack the pass out towards Hazel on the left side travelling with the ball turns infield heading for the area pulling the trigger 25 yards out the shot straight at Odebrecht the keeper claiming the ball on her goal-line.

GOAL! 20 minutes into the 2nd half and Bungay double their lead pressuring the ball as Brandon try to play it out from the back Holden wins the tackle takes the ball on into the area before prodding it forwards for Cool right side of goal close range rolls the ball past the keeper and into the back of the net 0-2.

Shepherd returns to the action for Brandon winning a corner on the right side bring players forwards, Hindley defends for Bungay winning the near post header giving away 2 more corners before the visitors break from the 3rd the ball played long out to Cool on the left on halfway gives it to Holden who surges forwards moving left has Hazel with her their runs taking them across each other Holden leaves it for Hazel who strikes the shot from outside the box the ball flying narrowly over the crossbar.

Laura Holden looking to get past Chloe Slater

The sun finally makes an appearance late in the day breaking through the clouds, Bungay attack the ball played into Cool’s feet outside the area to the right has Hindley making a run towards the area lays the ball into her path Hindley striking the shot 1st time gets plenty of power behind the shot is straight at Odebrecht again and the keeper makes the save. Brandon bring the ball forwards through the middle Shepherds strike is deflected out for a throw level with the top of the area played into Sarafain’s feet the midfielder turns and looks to curl a shot in towards goal from inside the D, dips late but not enough to take it below the crossbar. Bungay get the ball up the other end Hindley steals the ball inside the box as it comes in from a throw-in works room for a shot left side the ball is held by Odebrecht as Cool looks to pounce on any follow-up.

Bungay Town Ladies, Ella Hindley

2 goals for Bungay Town Ladies
Stef Cool

GOAL! Bungay don’t let Brandon out of their final 3rd from the previous attack closing players down outside the box, it’s Holden who regains possession moving towards the top of the area left of the D rolls the ball into the area for Cool who on the opposite side to wear she scored her 1st goal does exactly the same placing the ball across the keeper from inside the six yard box to score her 2nd a see Bungay take a 0-3 lead with around 15 minutes left on the clock.

Marx gets hold of the ball for Bungay some 30 yards out from goal time to line up a shot, places her strike wide across the Brandon goal. Bungay are finishing the game strong Purling her knee bandaged up returns to the field in place of Rylott. Brandon keep going forwards when they have the ball getting to the top of the Bungay area the final ball just won’t fall to an attacker, Jones blocking a strike from outside the box by Shepherd. Torrance rifles a shot in from the wide left position, Smart coming across to cover her near post can see the ball wide into the side netting.

Wickens marked by 3 players wide right wins Brandon a throw the ball played into her wide of the box helps it inside to Slater looking to play it across the face of goal, the ball is too close to Smart, spilt however the corner is given away. The delivery from the corner drops into the crowded six yard box Smart can’t get hold of the ball dropping down a shot comes in too many bodies in front of goal the ball blocked spins out to the right the shot angled in towards goal Smart gets down sharply on her goal line to make the save.

A chance for Cool to claim her hat-trick late in the match as Holden picks up the ball and carries it forwards has Hazel with her, Holden rolls the ball to her, Hazel lays it on for Cool to her right squeezes the ball past the defence to get into the box, can only pick out the goalkeeper as she gets a shot away.

Full time – Brandon Town Ladies 0-3 Bungay Town Ladies

A 3-0 win for Bungay Town Ladies sees them keep their winning run in 2017 going and the 3 points moves them level on points and above North Walsham Angels Ladies into 3rd place in the Norfolk Women’s Division One table. Kept up a high tempo throughout the 90 minutes closing the ball down getting forwards always looking a threat creating the better chances in front of goal. A good contest that highlights just how competitive the league is.

SWF Blog – Player of the Match

With a 1st half goal and 2 assists in the 2nd half the SWF Blog – Player of the Match today is Laura Holden, the 16 year old playing just her 2nd game for Bungay not letting Brandon settle on the ball, getting the tackles in to win the ball and carry it forwards.

My thanks to both clubs for their assistance today.