A limited fixture list in Norfolk this weekend with 7 matches scheduled to be played. 3 of those postponed due to yet more rain falling, and two of the 4 that were played switched to new locations to get them played. Semi-finals weekend for the Norfolk Women’s League Cup one of those falling too, Long Stratton’s pitch waterlogged their game with Sprowston called off the pair will try again this coming weekend.
In the other semi-final Tavern Ladies reaching the League Cup final last season knocking out Thorpe United Ladies in the last 4 of the competition were once again drawn to face Thorpe in this season’s competition. Thorpe having a strong season yet to lose a game in the NWGFL this season 12 wins from 12 in the league and into the last 4 of the League Cup. Tavern themselves enjoying a good season too following promotion from Division Two last season, losing just 2 matches so far. One of those against Thorpe 3 weeks ago, two storm hit weekends since meeting again in the cup this weekend Tavern’s usual pitch waterlogged an early decision made to switched the game to Bradenham Football Club. Both sides scoring goals, a potent attack, it was from the midfield the winning goals came this Sunday, Laura Hedtke and Alice Ladbrooke striking in a goal apiece to send Thorpe into this season’s League Cup final the winning margin 2-0.
Norfolk Women’s Division One
Two league games played in Norfolk Women’s Division One this Sunday, 7th placed Sprowston Athletic Ladies scheduled to be at home to play bottom side Freethorpe Ladies, their pitch waterlogged the game was revered with Sprowston Athletic at home. Rachel Bussey on target to score a hat-trick for Sprowston Athletic moves onto 8 goals for the season. Jade Dodds celebrating her first goals of the season firing home a brace their was also a goal each for Laura Jenkins, Lois Irving and a first goal of the season too for captain Keri Boorman. Sprowston Athletic with a comfortable 8-0 win the 3 points taking them up 2 places in the Division One table to 5th.
Thetford Town Ladies ground also passing an inspection on Sunday their match against Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves on. Thetford finding their feet in Division One in recent matches up above Wymondham into 8th in the table. Windy conditions the pair were drawing 0-0 at half-time. Thetford taking the lead in the 2nd half with Abbey Comstock putting the hosts 1-0 up. Wymondham coming back to level the scores going on to win the game by 2 goals to 1 to move back above Thetford in the table. Rebecca Carver with her 6th goal of the season and Alexandra Denes the goalscorers.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
One game played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two this Sunday, Horsford Women away to 2nd bottom Red Rose Ladies. Horsford with a bit of form going into the match just the one defeat in their last 5 league games that against leaders Stalham 3 wins in that run. The visitors 1-0 up at half-time adding a further 2 goals in the 2nd half to add another 3 points to their tally for the season lifting them up into 5th spot in the Division Two table. Natalie Roope scoring a brace taking her onto 7 goals for the season with Deanne Bestford scoring her first goal for the club.
Four games at the weekend played in Norfolk Women’s Division One, Thorpe United Ladies runaway leaders in the table this season winning 11 from 11 played to date were at home to 4th placed Tavern Ladies on Sunday looking to make it 12 from 12 and beat one of the sides who could damage their title defence. Tavern enjoying a good season so far following promotion from Division Two losing just one league game so far this season knocked Thorpe out of the League Cup last season. Thorpe though in great form and scoring plenty of goals lead in attack by captain Rebekah Lake. Won the game 4-0 to stay 9 points clear at the top with games beginning to run out.
Sprowston Ladies winning away from home at the weekend to stay 2nd ahead of Bungay Town Ladies the pair level on points 27 each. Sprowston travelling to Clipbush Park to play Fakenham Town Ladies who were fielding the bare 11. Sprowston getting themselves into a 2-0 half-time lead matched that scoreline 2nd half to win 4-0 with goals from top scorer Victoria Leyer her 30th of the season a goal in her first start for Georgina Belton with Camilla Morgan also credited with a goal.
Bungay Town Ladies matching Sprowston’s points tally of 27 in 3rd spot in Division One have two games in hand. Were at home taking on Sprowston Athletic Ladies at the weekend. Both sides scoring twice in the first half going into the half-time interval all square. Sprowston Athletic working hard through the game coming away empty handed with Bungay finding a 3rd goal in the 2nd half to win the game 3-2. Leanne Smith on target with her 12th goal of the season for Bungay with Shannon Dade and Lauren Purling also on the scoresheet. Laura Jenkins and Sophie Rose with her first goal for the club scoring for Sprowston Athletic.
A third straight win in league and cup lifting Long Stratton Women back up to fifth in the Division One table. Were away to bottom side Freethorpe Ladies on Sunday. Captain Samantha Walker scoring a double hat-trick last weekend in the League Cup repeating the feat again this weekend netting 6 goals against Freethorpe sending her past 21 goals for the season. Beth Stratton also scoring a goal as Long Stratton ran out 7-1 winners. Laura-Jayne Stacey getting the Freethorpe goal.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Two matches played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two this Sunday. Thorpe United Ladies Reserves were in action at home to Mulbarton Belles. Shanice Sutton making her return to football after a long injury layoff for Thorpe on target to score twice for the Reserves with Emily Warnes also finding the back of the net for a goal to see the game won 3-1. The 3 points lifting Thorpe back up into 2nd spot in the Division Two table. Megan Sampson scoring the goal for Mulbarton.
Horsford Women climb up to fifth in the Division One table with victory away to 4th placed Waveney Ladies on Sunday. A 0-0 draw with the same opponents in the reverse fixture last weekend. Waveney scoring twice this weekend, Horsford though emerging 3-2 winners thanks to a goal from Amanda Vincent and a brace for Natalie Roope moving her onto 5 for the season. Horsford with 3 wins and a draw now from their last 5 league games.
Beginning this weeks Norfolk Round-Up with the one remaining tie to be played in the quarter finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup, and it was a huge test for Norfolk Women’s Division One side as they faced FAWNL South East Division One side Norwich City Women. 3 leagues between the sides Norwich keen to make progress in this season’s County Cup after falling in the early rounds since rejoining the competition a couple of season’s ago. A home tie against Wroxham Women awaiting the winner. Norwich holding a 3-0 lead at half-time, prevented Sprowston Athletic from scoring whilst adding a further 3 goals to progress into the last 4 with a 6-0 victory. The goals spread amongst the side with 3 players netting their first goals for the side, Lauren Cullum, Hannah Claughton and Jodie Drake. Eliza McDonald and Reeanna Cook also getting on the scoresheet along with Aimee Durrant scoring her 8th goal of the season.
Aimee Durrant on the scoresheet at the weekend against Sprowston Athletic with her 8th goal of the season for Norwich (photo credit Brian Coombes)
Norwich with now play Wroxham Women in the last four the game to be played on Sunday 16th February. Back to back winners Wymondham Town Ladies are away to Norfolk Division One side Sprowston Ladies.
Norfolk Women’s League Cup
Plenty of cup action too elsewhere in the county with the Norfolk Women’s League Cup reaching the quarter finals stage. A strong line-up in the last 8 of the competition too with the top 4 in Division One all still involved. All showing great form in the first half of the season with plenty of goals in heir squads. Current League Cup holders Sprowston Ladies were at home to at Bungay Town Ladies winners of the League Cup the previous season, 2nd and 3rd in the league. Victoria Leyer has been prolific in front of goal for Sprowston once again this season and was on target for two goals in the fist half for the hosts on Sunday to move her onto 29 goals from just 10 appearances, a goal to for captain Abby Hutchin seeing Sprowston leading Bungay 3-1 at half-time. Selina Rowland netting the goal for Bungay pressed for more goals in the 2nd period Sprowston though standing firm in defence going on to win and book their place in the last 4 of the competition.
Sprowston Ladies opponents in the League Cup final last season were Tavern Ladies then of Division Two. Now riding high in Division One were away to familiar opponents Fakenham Town Ladies had knocked them out of the County Cup earlier in the season. Tavern scoring plenty of goals a potent attack force with players joining from midfield, Fakenham battling hard in defence goalkeeper Chloe Easter pulling off a number of saves, Katie Hart-Copsey scoring in the first half to put Tavern into the lead her 13th goal of the season proving to be decisive enough to send Tavern into the League Cup semi-finals for the 2nd successive season.
Elsewhere both Division One leaders Thorpe United Ladies and their Reserves side playing in Division Two were both in quarter final action in the league cup. High scoring games Thorpe United Ladies Reserves were hosting Division One side Long Stratton Women. Samantha Walker captaining the side doing well in front of goal this season on fire at the weekend to score a double hat-trick for Long Stratton helping the club to reach their first semi-final in 9 years. A brace from Emily Watts making her return to the side and one for Ellie Sostman seeing Long Stratton to a 9-2 victory. Rachael Wall on target for both goals for Thorpe United Reserves.
Runaway leaders at the top of Division One with a 100% record from 11 played were away to Division Two newcomers Waveney Ladies in the quarter finals of the League Cup. Thorpe’s captain Rebekah Lake scoring a very large chunk of their goals this season bagging herself another 4 at the weekend against Waveney’s youngsters to take her to 35 for the season from 12 played. Thorpe running out double figure winners progressing to the last 4 of the competition with a 10-0 win, six other players celebrating a goal, Joanne Hooper, Ellie Hunter, Millie Cursons, Aneliese Smith, Alice Ladbrooke and Sophie Jermy.
Norfolk Women’s Division One
One match played in Norfolk Women’s Division One on Sunday with Wymondham Town Ladies hosting Thetford Town Ladies. The visitors finding a bit of form in the league in recent weeks taking 4 points from their last two match Thetford pulling further away from the bottom two going above Wymondham into 8th place in the table as they made it 7 points from 3 matches winning at the weekend 2-1. Natalie Woods scoring for Wymondham but a 6th goal of the season from Melissa Boulton and a first of the campaign for Abbey Comstock securing the win for Thetford who may yet push for a mid-table finish following promotion from Division Two last season.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Two games played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two on Sunday, Hockering Ladies getting back to winning ways in the league at the weekend following back to back defeat plus a heavy loss in the League Cup to Tavern Ladies. Were hosting struggling Red Rose Ladies the 2nd bottom side short on numbers a situation Hockering were familiar with in the past. Took advantage to rack up a double figure scoreline winning by 11 goals to nil Hockering back up to 5th in the table.
Very tight though in the middle of the Division Two table with Hockering ahead on goal difference over North Walsham Ladies now 6th ahead of Mulbarton Wanderers who they beat at home on Sunday. Mulbarton another side short on numbers, North Walsham themselves with the bare 11, goals from Kiera Brown and Rhiannon Holt helping the hosts to a 3-0 victory.
Quarter final weekend for the Norfolk Women’s County Cup 3 of the 4 games played this Sunday with Sprowston Athletic Ladies game with Norwich City Women postponed. Current holders and back to back winners of the County Cup, Wymondham Town Ladies were at home taking on Division One leaders Thorpe United Ladies who themselves have enjoyed success in the County Cup in the recent past. Wymondham starting well Thorpe defending missed opportunities too Wymondham opening the scoring with the half hour fast approaching striker Hannah Waters sending the ball into the back of the net after her initial shot was saved. That lead to a flurry of goals for the hosts the lead doubled quickly with Jennifer Codman setting up Laura Nicholls to make it 2-0 just 3 minutes later, a 3rd goal scored just 2 minutes after that Nicholls on the scoresheet again heading home a Mollie O’Callaghan cross.
Wymondham leading 3-0 at half-time took full control of the tie early in the 2nd starting well scoring 2 quick goals after the restart to go 5-0 up. Waters with her 2nd of the match in the 48th minute latching onto a loose back pass. Combination play between Waters and Nicholls then leading to Freya Symonds sending the ball past the keeper to make it 5-0 in the 49th minute. Symonds scoring her 2nd of the game just 5 minutes later scoring at the far post from a Chelsea Clarke cross. Thorpe scoring a late consolation goal with 10 minutes left to play captain Rebekah Lake onto a ball over the top.
A 7 goal thriller between Tavern Ladies and Wroxham Women as they met in the quarter finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup on Sunday. Tavern hosting doing well this season in the league following promotion to Division One scoring goals a tough test on Sunday against ERWFL Premier Division side Wroxham. The visitors starting well early chances the pressure bringing the opening goal inside 6 minutes Naomi Cooper with a good run on the ball cutting inside to send a shot under the keeper. Tavern with less of the ball still a threat in attack keeping Wroxham alert at the other end chances missed by both Tavern coming back to level before half an hour was in the clock. Wroxham responding well straight back into the lead Cooper and captain Anna Larkins combining the cross turned in at the far post by Kayleigh Holloway. Cyan Fullbrook with a fantastic diving one handed save to keep Tavern from equalising again the hosts drawing level on the stroke of half-time. 2-2 at the break with Wroxham’s Kirstie Kindred striking the top of the woodwork in stoppage time.
Match action from Tavern Ladies v Wroxham Women (photo credit Wroxham Women)
Into the 2nd half Tavern starting well both sides forcing the keepers into saves the lower league side taking the lead in the 50th minute going 3-2 up. Wroxham on the attack coming back to level themselves in the 70th minute Larkins and Cooper again combining on the flank the cross headed clear of the box falling straight to Chloe Shields to strike on the volley to make it 3-3. Wroxham finishing strong chances to retake the lead a corner in the 80th minute leading to a penalty being given for handball Lauren Bullard stepping up to score and make it 4-3. Wroxham into the draw for the semi-finals.
To be made live on BBC Radio Norfolk on Friday evening also in the hat are Sprowston Ladies the Division One side winning at home to Division Two opposition Hockering Ladies. A 2nd heavy defeat for the visitors in cup competitions in successive weeks Tavern knocking them out of the League Cup, Sprowston racking up the goals this Sunday to win the game 15-0.
Norfolk Women’s Division One
Two matches beating the weather in Norfolk Women’s Division One featuring the sides bottom two. Positive results for both on Sunday. Bottom side Freethorpe Ladies were at home taking on Thetford Town Ladies. Has been tough for both sides following promotion to Division One this season and both knew it would be. Thetford’s recent form picking up earning some useful points a win against Taverham last weekend taking them out of the bottom two. Freethorpe working hard every game bottom haven’t got a point on the board after 10 played. That changed at the weekend as Freethorpe were celebrating earning their first point of the season. Olivia Sutton with her first goal of the season giving Freethorpe a first half lead. Thetford coming back to level the scores in the 2nd half to see it end 1-1. Rebecca White with the goal.
A tough season too for Taverham United Ladies following promotion as Division Two champions in their debut season dropping into the bottom two after being beaten 2-1 by Thetford last weekend. Were at home this Sunday taking on 5th placed Fakenham Town Ladies. Injury and illness affecting the visitors Taverham doing well to get their 3rd league win of the season go back above Thetford. Rebecca Sutton on target with her 8th goal of the season with Hannah Artis firing home her first of the campaign to see the match won 2-0.
Hannah Artis scoring her first goal of the season for Taverham United Ladies at the weekend.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Two games played in Norfolk Women’s Division One this weekend. Waveney Ladies moving up to 3rd in the league after grabbing a last minute winners last weekend in a dramatic game away to North Walsham Angles Ladies. Were on the road again this weekend taking on Horsford Women a less dramatic game with neither side able to breach their opponents defend they had to settle for a point each in a 0-0 draw.
That results sees Thorpe United Ladies Reserves climb above Waveney back into 3rd spot in Division Two on goal difference as they won at home to struggling Red Rose Ladies on Sunday. Red Rose short of a full side Thorpe were welcoming back Shanice Sutton returning to the pitch after a long lay off due to a nasty knee injury suffered at the back end of the season before last. Carried on were she left off scoring plenty of goals that season hit the ground running by scoring 4 on her first start back. A first of the season too for Kirstie Andrews. Mia Calver also on the scoresheet with a goal with Chloe Musson-Pipe netting a brace in an 8-0 victory.
Thorpe United Ladies winning form in the league shows no sign of fading made out 10 wins from 10 at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division One starting 2020 where they left off the old year. A 3-1 away win against nearest rivals Sprowston Ladies opening up a 9 point lead at the top of the table. Were away this Sunday too making another short trip to Sprowston this time taking on Sprowston Athletic Ladies. Thorpe’s captain Rebekah Lake a constant threat to opposition defences scoring plenty of goals this season eased past 30 on Sunday netting another brace to put her on 31 from 11 played. A new name on the scoresheet this weekend too as Thorpe ran out 3-0 winners, Melissa Belsey scoring her first goal for Thorpe against her former club.
Sprowston Ladies themselves bounced back from defeat to Thorpe last weekend moving back up to 2nd in the Division One table over Bungay Town Ladies on goal difference collecting the 3 points away to Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves. The sides drawing 0-0 at the break a brace for Camilla Morgan her first goals for Sprowston in her 5th appearance and a 7th of the season for Ellie Hall securing the win by 3 goals to 1 in the 2nd period. Rebecca Carver scoring the goal for Wymondham.
Long Stratton Women where at home to Fakenham Town Ladies at the weekend. A close game between the newly promoted sides the game settled by a single goal at the finish. Samantha Walker wearing the captains armband for Long Stratton hitting her 9th goal of the season to win her side the 3 points. Long Stratton in 6th closing the gap to 5th placed Fakenham to a point.
Another clash between two of the promoted sides saw Thetford Town Ladies at home taking on Taverham United Ladies, both sides struggling for points in Division One. Thetford 2nd bottom going into the game finding a bit of form towards the end of 2019 to collect their first points with a win and a draw. Taverham one place above them with 2 wins from the 10 matches played so far. A close game between the pair a single goal in it in the finish, Maya Lawlor scoring for Taverham the visitors though were to leave empty handed as Thetford clinched their 2nd win of the season 2-1 to climb above Taverham into 9th position. Melissa Boulton and Dayna Howard with her first Thetford goal winning the points.
Norfolk Women’s League Cup
One outstanding tie left to be played in the 2nd Round of the Norfolk Women’s League Cup, a tough test for Division Two side as they hosted Division One high flyers Tavern Ladies. The game played at Easton College on 3G. Tavern are scoring plenty of goals this season and soon got the ball rolling strong to lead 6-0 at half-time, matching that scoreline 2nd half to win the tie 12-0 to reach the quarter finals. Will fancy their chances of making a 2nd successive League Cup final appearance having down so as a Division Two side last season. Katie Hart-Copsey closing the gap to joint top scorers Atlanta Griffith and Lucy Kean on target to score 5 goals in the game taking her to 11 for the season. A brace for Griffith puts her on 13 along with Kean getting a goal. A goal each too for Sophie Fuller & Meganne Smith with Kelly Gray and Natalie Wright both scoring their first goals for Tavern.
The quarter finals of the League Cup to be played Sun 26th January the draw as follows:-
Sprowston Ladies v Bungay Town Ladies
Waveney Ladies v Thorpe United Ladies
Thorpe United Ladies Reserves v Long Stratton Women
Fakenham Town Ladies v Tavern Ladies
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Three games played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two this weekend. Stalham Town Ladies maintaining their 7 point lead at the top of the table winning their 8th game of the season at home to Horsford Women on Sunday. A goal in each half for top scorer Amber Mayhew securing the 3 points. Mayhew moving onto 16 goals for the season.
Beccles Town Ladies in hot pursuit and they were relentless in front of goal on Sunday as they rattled 15 goals past bottom side Bulldogs Ladies matching Stalham’s eye watering scoreline registered back at the start of December. The bare 11 available for Bulldogs always going to be a hard ask against Beccles young guns confidence high within the squad. Francesca Catchpole out for a lengthy spell suffering a nasty injury making up for lost time firing 5 more goals into the back of the net taking her tally to 9 goals from 3 appearances. Lola Barbour-King currently Beccles top scoring a hat-trick moves to 14 from 7 games. Chloe Pearce usually keeping goal netting a brace to add to the goal she has already got this season. A brace too for Francesca Heaney her first goals of the season. There was a goal each too for captain Megan Vincent, Elisha Bower and Bethan Owen.
Waveney Ladies are up to 3rd spot in the Division Two table scoring a dramatic late winner to take home all three points away to North Walsham Angels Ladies. Rhiannon Holt scoring her 8th & 9th goals of the season to fire North Walsham into a 2-0 lead. Waveney fought back well Maddie Cook heading home her first goal of the season to pull it back to 2-1 on the hour. 2-1 in remained to the hosts heading into the final 3 minutes of the game a free-kick awarded to Waveney Cook sending it in to equalise late on more drama a nervous end to the game 10 seconds left on the clock Chloe Dobson popping up with the winner for Waveney.
Five games to begin the New Year in Norfolk on Sunday. A fantastic start to the season for Thorpe United Ladies at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division One as they defend the league title won last season a perfect 1st half of the campaign ending 2019 with a 100% record 9 wins from 9 to top the table one of three sides making a perfect start to the season. Thorpe United maintaining that record started 2020 as they left off the old year winning away from home again a potential challenger Sprowston Ladies who themselves had lost just twice in the opening half of the season. One of those losses against Thorpe the defending champions have Rebekah Lake leading their attack and their captain has been in fine form in front of goal this season, scoring another hat-trick at the weekend to close in on 30 goals for the season seeing Thorpe seal a 3-1 victory. Calista Tink scoring the goal for Sprowston Ladies.
Keeping the pressure on Thorpe in 2nd are Bungay Town Ladies themselves losing just the one game this season that away to Thorpe. In good form scoring plenty of goals Bungay are 6 points behind Thorpe with a game in hand. Were away to bottom side Freethorpe Ladies at the beginning of 2020. A tough first half to the season for Freethorpe without a point on the board always going to be a tough as after being put up to the top division in Norfolk after the leagues were adjusted to accommodate a host of new sides. Nevertheless remain in good spirits and work hard for each other week in week out. Bungay making it 8 wins from 9 played with the goals spread amongst their squad 7-2 the final score. Leanne Smith netting a brace to take her to 11 for the season. Selina Rowland with a goal stays top scorer with 12 their were goals too for Lauren Purling, Porsha Renwick, Shannon Dade and Nicola Hazell. Claire Garner and Amy Morris with her first of the season on the scoresheet for Freethorpe.
Another two of the promoted sides meeting at the start of the year as Division Tow champions Taverham United Ladies hosted Tavern Ladies, the Dereham based side with an excellent start to life playing in Division One right at the top with a long standing 100% winning run. Just the one defeat leaving them in fourth spot 9 points behind leaders Thorpe with 2 games in hand. Tavern scoring plenty of goals too, Taverham struggling for results after blazing the way in Division Two in their debut season in women’s football, just the 2 wins this season. Atlanta Griffith and Lucy Kean amongst the goals for Tavern this season have 23 between them now with both scoring a brace at the weekend to see their match won 4-1. Taverham with just the bare 11 available scoring through Rebecca Sutton.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Two games to start the year in Norfolk Women’s Division Two. Newly reformed Stalham Town Ladies with a strong start well clear at the top of the table winning 7 of their opening 9 matches. 9 points clear of 2nd placed Thorpe United Ladies new Reserves side. Stalham Town not in action this weekend a host of sides below all with games in hand on the leaders, Beccles Town Ladies aiming to bounce straight back up to Division One have played just 5 matches so far this season 10 points adrift of Stalham with 4 games in hand were away to Thorpe United this Sunday. Beccles with just the one defeat so far getting 2020 off to the perfect start have Francesca Catchpole back in their squad after a long lay off through injury. Scoring a hat-trick at the weekend has 4 goals now from just two appearances. Top scorer Lola Barber-King also on the scoresheet with her 11th of the season as Beccles ran out 4-0 winners to move above Thorpe into 2nd spot.
In the other game played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two at the weekend new side Waveney Ladies were away to bottom side Bulldogs Ladies who ended 2019 on a high with their first win of the season. Just the bare 11 available for Bulldogs in their first game in 2020, Waveney Ladies proved too strong as they opened the scoring in the 10th minute a strong first half seeing them leading 4-0. Two more goals coming in the final 10 minutes to see the game won 6-0 their 4th win in 6 played lifting Waveney up into 4th spot in the Division Two table well placed to mount a promotion push.
A busy Sunday of fixtures to end the year in the Norfolk Women’s County League’s, just the one fixture called off, Tavern Ladies home match against Sprowston Athletic Ladies in Division One. 4 matches were played in Division One however at the weekend and a big win for Thorpe United Ladies sees them stay six points clear at the top of the table with their 100% winning start now extended to 9 matches. Were taking on Long Stratton Women at home, scoring plenty of goals none more so than captain Rebekah Lake smashing home a double hat-trick to take her onto 26 goals for the season, a strong 2nd half in particular seeing Thorpe finish 10-2 winners, also on the scoresheet, midfielders Laura Hedtke and Alice Ladbrooke with their 6th and 5th goals respectfully, Millie Cursons and Aneliese Smith with her first goal of the season. Ellie Sostman with her first of the season and captain Samantha Walker scoring for Long Stratton who finish 2019 on 10 points 8th in Division One following promotion last season.
A double hat-trick for Thorpe United Ladies captain Rebekah Lake at the weekend
Thorpe with the only unbeaten record in Division One now after Sprowston Ladies ended Tavern Ladies 100% winning start last time out to move into 2nd spot in the league. Travelled down to Thetford on Sunday to play another promoted side Thetford Town Ladies. The hosts finding some form playing at a higher level in recent weeks. Sprowston though like Thorpe have a goalscorer piling them in this season, Victoria Leyer going toe to toe with Rebekah Lake scoring 4 at the weekend to give her 27 goals so far this campaign. Abby Hutchin also scoring a goal at the weekend to see Sprowston wrap up a 5-0 win.
27 goals so far this season for Sprowston’s Victoria Leyer
Keeping pace with Sprowston in 2nd are Bungay Town Ladies matching their tally of 21 points 3rd on goal difference have lost just the once this season that to Thorpe, were at home this Sunday taking on another of the promoted sides Fakenham Town Ladies who they beat heavily 10-0 on the opening day of the season back in September. Fakenham finding their feet in the league since then fighting their way up to 5th spot in the league. An improvement upon the first game of the season despite their keeper travelling and being unable to play due to an issue with her glasses. Fakenham nevertheless battling managing to restric Bungay to 3 goals this time around. Lauren Purling scoring a brace her first goals of the season for Bungay and Selina Rowland with her 11th of the season securing the 3 points.
A tough start to the season for Freethorpe Ladies promoted up to Division One never going to be easy no points on the board after 8 played spirits have kept high, their final match of 2019 at home to Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves whom they played on the opening day of the season Wymondham winning 2-0 then. Claire Garner captaining Freethorpe scoring a brace her first goals of the season. Samantha Shaw also saving from the penalty spot, were edged out by the odd goal to lose 3-2. A brace for captain Rebecca Carver and a goal for Alexandra Denes seeing Wymondham end a poor run their last win coming back in October climb up to 7th in the Division One table.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Stalham Town Ladies running away with the lead in Norfolk Women’s Division Two end 2019 9 points clear of the rest of the pack. Losing just the one so far from 9 played 7 wins and a draw their latest 3 points coming at home to Hockering Ladies on Sunday. Sarah-Jayne O’Connor scoring a hat-trick at the weekend to double her tally for the season for Stalham with top scorer Amber Mayhew striking home a brace to give her 14 for the season. Stalham winning the game 5-1.
A positive result for Mulbarton away to North Walsham Angels Ladies on Sunday could have seen them end the year in 2nd spot in Division Two. Mixed fortunes so far though for a club born in the summer and rapidly growing. North Walsham reentering a side into women’s football in Norfolk this season, young finding their feet 2 wins so far this season, picked up their 3rd to end the year on a high as they narrowly beat Mulbarton 2-1 to climb up onto 9 points joining a cluster of sides well placed to kick on in the New Year. Keira Brown and Rhiannon Holt with her 7th goal of the season helping North Walsham to the win. Amy Coaker scoring her 5th goal of the season for Mulbarton.
Also joining the cluster of sides in the middle of the table on 9 points are Horsford Women made it back to back wins in fact after victory over North Walsham last weekend, 2-1 then a much bigger scoreline this time around at home to Red Rose Ladies. Leading 2-1 at half-time Horsford went on to dominate the 2nd half to win the match 9-1. Natalie Roope top scoring in the game netting a hat-trick. A brace each for Ella Wright and Sophie Nabarro, the latter’s first goals for Horsford. A first goal too for Nicola Fordham and one from Amanda Vincent.
Everyone of the mark at last in Division Two as Bulldogs Ladies celebrate their first win of the season and a convincing one too away to newcomers Waveney Ladies on Sunday. Has been a tough season and a half for the club so far with some heavy defeats along the way. A different story this weekend. Leading Waveney 2-0 at half-time went on to score a further 3 goals without reply 2nd half to win 5-0. Hannah Etcitty making just her third appearance for Bulldogs scoring a hat-trick her first goals for the club. Rachel Hardy with a brace too has 7 so far this season.
Thorpe United Ladies remain 6 points clear at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division One after they continued their 100% winning start to the season with an 8th straight win at home to bottom side Freethorpe Ladies on Sunday the fixture reversed due to the weather affecting Freethorpe’s pitch. Thorpe scoring plenty of goals this season in particular captain Rebekah Lake moving onto 21 for the season netting a brace at the weekend. Braces too for Laura Hedtke and Bryony Knights her first goals for the club. Natasha Levesley, Joanne Hooper and Alice Ladbrooke all getting on the scoresheet too with a goal each in a 9-0 win.
Thorpe now the only unbeaten side in the league as another 100% record fell at the weekend as Tavern Ladies promoted to Division One lost for the first time this season away to Sprowston Ladies who as a result of the win join them on 18 points and go 2nd in the table. A good first half for Sprowston taking a 3-0 lead into the changing room at half-time added a 4th in the 2nd period whilst keeping a free scoring Tavern out at the other end to keep a clean sheet and win 4-0. Victoria Leyer racing way ahead in the goal scoring charts moving to 23 for the season scoring a hat-trick. Chelsea Brister also celebrating a goal for Sprowston.
After an indifferent start to the season back in Division One following promotion Fakenham Town Ladies finding some form are now up to 5th in the league as they take their unbeaten run in all competitions to 5. A bare 11 drawing 0-0 away to Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves last weekend Fakenham were back at Clipbush Park this weekend hosting the reverse fixture. Despite going 1-0 down Fakenham came back 2nd half to win the game 4-2. Holly Davies with a 25 yard screamer opening her account for the season. An own goal. Sophie Lubbock scoring her 8th of the season and Karina Townsend with her first of the season seeing the 3 points won for Fakenham.
Fakenham Town Ladies, Holly Davies
Sprowston Athletic Ladies also winning at the weekend their 3rd victory of the season now into double figures in mid-table were at home playing Taverham United Ladies. Kate Morris with a brace moves onto 5 for the season. 5 goals for the season too now for Rachel Bussey also getting a goal with Katie Fray scoring her first of the campaign in a 4-1 win. Abbie Walker scoring the Taverham goal.
Norfolk Ladies League Cup
A local derby as Beccles Town Ladies hosted Bungay Town Ladies in the 2nd Round of this seasons League Cup. An end to end game Beccles taking the lead Lucy Robbens with the through ball to set-up Lola Barber-King to make it 1-0. Bungay coming back to equalise close to the end of the first half to see the sides drawing at the break Grace Storey with the goal. Bungay awarded a penalty Selina Rowland putting the visitors into the lead in the 2nd period. The game remaining end to end Beccles bringing on a couple of subs Francesca Catchpole finding the back of the net for her 4th goal in 2 matches to send the game into extra-time. Both sides creating chances Bungay getting their noses in front going 3-2 ahead with Porsha Renwick scoring what would prove to be the winning goal and send Bungay into the quarter finals.
Bungay Town Ladies, Porsha Renwick
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Stalham Town Ladies continue to set the pace in Norfolk Women’s Division Two winning again on Sunday to remain 6 points clear at the top of the table. Following on from a 15-0 home win over bottom side Bulldogs Ladies last side were again at home this Sunday entertaining Mulbarton Belles. Stalham’s strong form in front of goal continued top scorer Amber Mayhew netting a brace to take her onto 12 for the season. A brace to for Lalaine Davey her first goals of the season. Emma Gillespie and Sophie-Jayne O’Connor also getting a goal apiece in a 6-2 win. Mulbarton’s goals scored by Evie Hards in her first appearance for the club.
Thorpe United Ladies Reserves move back into 2nd spot in the Norfolk Women’s Division Two table with a narrow 2-1 win away to bottom side Bulldogs Ladies on Sunday, travelling with the bare 11 Thorpe led 0-1 at half-time, Rachel Hardy scoring her 5th goal of the season for Bulldogs. Thorpe with a 2nd goal winning the 3 points thier goals scored by Sophie Jermy and Annika Skoog.
Horsford Women won their 2nd match of the season at home to North Walsham Angels Ladies to join them on 6 points on Sunday in Division Two, a fantastic strike from Ella Wright along with an own goal seeing Horsford to a 2-1 victory.
A handful of fixtures played across Norfolk this weekend with just the four in total across 3 competitions. Two games played in Norfolk Women’s Division One. Thetford Town Ladies promoted to the league this season making a tough start showing signs of improvement in their last few matches earning their first league point 3 weeks ago, took fellow promoted side Long Stratton Women all the way to penalties in the League Cup last weekend before eventually being knocked out. Long Stratton once again their opponents in the league themselves making a solid start in Division One solid in mid-table. Long Stratton with the bare 11, Charlie Head with her 5th goal of the season and Summer Whiting getting her first for the club. It was Thetford though who were celebrating at the final whistle clinching their 1st league win of the season winning 4-2 with both Melissa Boulton and Laura Martins scoring a brace.
In the other game played in Division One the points were shared between Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves and Fakenham Town Ladies both sides only able to field the bare 11. The pair contesting a goalless draw. The point seeing Fakenham’s recent run continue now unbeaten in 4 matches takes them up into the top half of the Division One table for the first time since regaining promotion to the league.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
One match played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two this weekend top versus bottom with leaders Stalham Town Ladies hosting Bulldogs Ladies. The bare 11 for the visiting side. Stalham strong from the off scoring plenty of goals to win heavily and move 4 points clear at the top, 7-0 up at half-time added a further 8 in the 2nd period to win 15-0. Top scorer Amber Mayhew moving into double figures on target for a brace. Not the top scorers at the weekend Andrea McCombe opening her account with 4 goals. A hat-trick too for Emma Gillespie. Darcey Burdett another scoring her first goals netting a brace along with first goals of the season for Sian Clarke and Carla Beane. A couple of own goals too.
Norfolk Ladies League Cup
One game two played in the 2nd Round of the Ladies League Cup in Norfolk at the weekend, Thorpe United Ladies top of Division One making a 100% winning start away to fellow league side Taverham United Ladies. Captain Rebekah Lake in form in front of goal once again this season for Thorpe smashed home 7 goals at the weekend to move onto 19 goals for the season. Joanne Hooper netting a brace with the final score reaching double figures 10-0 to put Thorpe through the the quarter finals. Sophie Jermy with the other goal.
7 goals at the weekend for Thorpe United’s Rebekah Lake
Straight into the counties on this weeks Round-Ups just a handful of matches happening in the higher leagues with a good proportion of those clubs taking part in their various county cup competitions this weekend.
Beginning the action in Norfolk the Women’s County Cup reaching the 2nd Round stage 8 ties drawn with a place in the quarter finals up for grabs. It was to one of those ties Women’s Football East headed this Sunday a trip to The Walks Stadium, home of King’s Lynn Town FC, King’s Lynn Town Ladies getting the opportunity to showcase their game their on what was the 1st #WomensFootballWeekend across the country. Reaching the County Cup final itself last season for the 1st time in their history King’s Lynn had been handed a tough opponent for the 2nd Round the ERWFL Division One side taking on Premier Division side Wroxham Women (formerly Acle United Women). Both sides aiming to reach this seasons final one would exit in the 2nd Round.
King’s Lynn like playing at The Walks, Wroxham settling the quicker both side playing the ball quickly half chances for both, King’s Lynn’s Tiffany Forshaw rattling the woodwork with a powerful strike out wide. Evenly matched King’s Lynn gaining confidence the deadlock broken late in the 1st period, Wroxham pressing the attack winning a corner the ball fired into the crowd gathered near post the ball knocked on into the middle straight to midfielder Ciera Flatt unmarked in the middle controlled the ball before rifling it into the back of the net. King’s Lynn getting joy out wide Forshaw a threat on the left seeing a ball form the back sent her way taking it on struck from wide again this time the ball flying over the keeper and in to see the sides level at the break.
King’s Lynn making a strong start to the 2nd period pushing the attack chances made the better side Wroxham digging in ready to attack. A fantastic strike from captain Becky Russell putting the hosts into the lead with 15 minutes left to play, Forshaw top of the area laying the ball back for Russell 40 yards out to strike, a fantastic hit racing past goalkeeper Amy Bell to make it 2-1. Wroxham responding well King’s Lynn fighting to keep their lead intact the clock running down Grace Birchall picking it up on the right turning inside firing a ball into the top of the area 20 yards out missed by Naomi Cooper running on to Flatt to lift a high shot in towards goal, keeper Bryony Robinson saving parrying the ball up before her, loose their to be attacked Kirstie Kindred quickest to it the Wroxham striker forcing it past her and over the line to equalise and send the tie into extra-time.
The extra-period of play seeing a fantastic shift put in by both sides a hugely entertaining contest the whole game report can be found below this post. No further goals coming the exhausted sides going into a penalty shootout. A penalty put over the bar by both sides seeing it all square at 3-3 with one left each, King’s Lynn up again agony a 2nd miss the ball over meaning Lauren Bullard had the opportunity to win the tie for Wroxham a confident strike low into the bottom corner seeing the shootout won 4-3. Wroxham into the quarter finals.
Elsewhere in the 2nd Round of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup their were some huge one sides scorelines. The biggest win of the day coming for Norwich City Women. A 2nd Round exit in the previous two seasons in the County Cup were keen to progress this time and were handed a true mismatch in this season’s draw currently the highest ranked Norfolk side playing in the FAWNL were away to the lowest currently Bulldogs Ladies bottom of Division Two five leagues apart Bulldogs deserve much applause for taking on Norwich, who themselves were humble in victory the final score 21-0 to put them into the quarter finals.
A big win too for the back to back County Cup winners Wymondham Town Ladies the ERWFL Premier Division side keen to make it into a 3rd successive final were at home in the 2nd Round taking on Norfolk Women’s Division One side Long Stratton Women. Striker Hannah Waters firing Wymondham into a 10th minute lead, was 2-0 3 minutes later with Mollie O’Callaghan on target. Laura Nicholls making it 3-0 in the 23rd minute, Jennifer Codman heading in soon after for her first Wymondham goal. Waters with her 2nd seeing Wymondham comfortable leading 5-0 with half an hour gone. Goals from Mia Etheridge and Chelsea Clarke seeing Wymondham 7-0 up at half-time. The goals continued to come at regular intervals in the 2nd period. Nicholls with her 2nd of the game straight after the restart would go on to add a further 3 goals, a hat-trick in just 5 minutes. Rebecca Russell and Freya Symonds with a brace on the scoresheet. Etheridge with a 2nd goal. O’Callaghan netting a further 5 goals to claim a double hat-trick the final score 20-0.
Gorleston Ladies newly promoted to the ERWFL Division One were hosting in form Tavern Ladies the newly promoted side with a 100% wining start to the league scoring plenty of goals, Gorleston finding themselves undone in the 1st half as Tavern raced into the strong lead. Gorleston with a mountain to climb 2nd half battled back to score twice with Mary Croft and Abigail Bell scoring a goal each but Tavern progressed into the quarter finals with a comfortable scoreline winning the tie 7-2 to knock out higher league opposition. Atlanta Griffith and Lucy Kean both scoring a hat-trick with Sophie Fuller also getting a goal.
Two 2nd Round ties falling foul to the weather at the weekend waterlogged pitches seeing the matches between Hockering Ladies and Taverham United Ladies and Thetford Town Ladies v Thorpe United Ladies called off. Thetford and Thorpe will try again tomorrow evening a 7;30pm kick-off at Thetford Town FC. Hockering an Taverham trying again this coming Sunday.
Also through to the quarter finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup are Division One side Sprowston Ladies were at home to Division Two side North Walsham Angels Ladies in the 2nd Round. Progressing with a comfortable 5-0 victory.
Sprowston Athletic Ladies from Division One were also at home to Division Two opposition in the 2nd Round of the County Cup taking on Mulbarton Belles. In an evenly fought contest Sprowston Athletic coming back from behind twice with their 2nd equaliser an absolute screamer from Lois Irving to win the game 3-2 in the 87th minute to send them through the the quarter finals.
The draw for the quarter finals made live on Twitter by Norfolk FA on Monday evening the ties to be played in the New Year Sunday 19th January:-
Tavern Ladies v Wroxham Women
Hockering Ladies or Taverham United Ladies v Sprowston Ladies
Norwich City Women v Sprowston Athletic Ladies
Wymondham Town Ladies v Thetford Town Ladies or Thorpe United Ladies
Norfolk Women’s Division One
There was one league game played in the county at the weekend with Fakenham Town Ladies hosting bottom side Freethorpe Ladies in Division One a brace for Sophie Lubbock securing the win for Fakenham their 3rd of the season enough to lift them above Sprowston Athletic into 6th spot.
