Unbeaten at the start of the season Norfolk Division One leaders, Sprowston Ladies travelled to 4th placed Stalham Town Ladies on Sunday both sides promoted last season to the top tier in Norfolk starting the season well. On a windy afternoon it was Sprowston who got off to the better start, Chelsea Pettifer on hand to nod the ball into the back of the net from a flick on from a corner in the 7th minute. The visitors dominated the attack pushing their opponents back for much of the 1st half Stalham defended well but were unable to get much going up the other end. Moving into the closing minutes of the 1st half Sprowston found two quick goals to put them in control of the game, Rebecca Russell sending the ball home from outside the box then straight from the restart Victoria Leyer raced through clear on goal to beat the keeper and make it 3-0.
2 goals in the game for Sprowston Ladies, Rebecca Russell
Stalham threatened a comeback early in the 2nd half midfielder Vicky Lubbock scoring from inside the box. Sprowston soon restored their 3 goal cushion Pettifer getting away on the left wing sending a low shot from distance across the keeper to score. The final score 5-1 to Sprowston as the ball was played across the area to Russell in space to smash the ball home. 4 wins and a draw from their opening 5 games Sprowston remain top a point above 2nd placed Thorpe United Ladies.
Thorpe United Ladies were at home to North Walsham Angels Ladies 2nd v 3rd with Thorpe looking to continue their 100% winning start to the season. Despite a goal from Emma Faux North Walsham were trailing 2-1 at half-time Thorpe United going on to score another goal in the 2nd period to win 3-1 making it 4 wins from 4. A brace from Charlotte Groves along with a goal for Shanice Sutton for Thorpe United.
Bungay Town Ladies climb the table going 3rd in Division One as they won comfortably at home on Sunday against Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves. Selina Rowland opening the scoring for Bungay in the 12th minute. 5 minutes later the hosts went 2-0 up Emily Leach getting the goal. The half time score 3-0 to Bungay with new signing Kathryn Stanley getting the goal in the 43rd minute. More goals came 2nd half the game moving into the final 20 minutes both Rowland and Leach going on to get another goal each with Samantha Walker making it 6-0 with a minute left of normal time.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Level on points at the top of Division Two with FC Sprowston Ladies, Beccles Town Ladies took full advantage of their rivals not being in action this Sunday to move 3 points clear at the top of the table. A tough test at home to 3rd placed Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies a single goal scored in the 1st half from Jordan Duke was the difference between the sides a Beccles Town new to the league this season claimed their 5th win from 6 played.
A local derby in Dereham this Sunday with Toftwood United Ladies hosting 4th placed Tavern Ladies, the bottom side with several new players needing time to get used to each other were up against a few old faces one of those Katie Hart-Copsey netting a hat-trick in the game. A brace too for Sophie Fuller as Tavern ran out 6-0 winners continuing their own unbeaten start to the season and move up a place into 3rd in the process.
Freethorpe Ladies were away on Sunday to new side Costessey Sports Ladies both still looking for their 1st win of the season. Freethorpe held a narrow 1-0 lead at half-time. A close game both sides scoring in the 2nd period a narrow 2-1 win seeing Freethorpe celebrate their 1st league win of the season Eden Simmonds and Andrea Colbrook their goalscorers moves Freethorpe up into 5th in the Division Two table.
First match report for a fortnight, rearing to go again after illness forced a couple of weekends rest. The action comes from Norfolk this Sunday in Division One with 4th placed Stalham Town Ladies hosting top of the table Sprowston Ladies.
The Norfolk Women’s football league reverting back to 2 divisions this season having previously been 3. With several new sides joining the league this season the revamp sees most of the sides playing in Division Two last season promoted to Division One, Stalham Town Ladies and Sprowston amongst them.
Both have started the season very well. Stalham Town Ladies recovering from a heavy defeat on the opening day of the season have gone unbeaten in the league since winning 2 and drawing their other game to move into 4th position in the table on 7 points, very tight at the top with 3 points separating the top 4. 2nd and 3rd placed North Walsham Angels Ladies and Thorpe United Ladies the defending champions also meeting today.
Sprowston Ladies top of the table on 10 points undefeated from their opening 4 league games 3 wins and a draw. Sprowston have two sides in the Norfolk leagues this season. FC Sprowston Ladies are currently top of Division Two, but are not a reserve side, both sides standing on their own right. League Plate finalists last season went on to win the People’s FA Cup. A very strong youth set-up at the club too most of this Sprowston Ladies side from their U16s last season.
The two sides met in the Ladies League Cup 3 weeks ago Stalham Town at home then too knocking Sprowston out with a 2-1 win.
The venue for today’s game Rivers Park home for both Stalham Town FC’s mens and women’s sides. A large pitch elevated from the surrounding car parking area. The weather getting alot cooler as the clocks go back, cloud in the sky a threat of rain, a strong and chilly breeze blowing across the pitch which might influence play as the two sides emerged from the changing rooms for kick-off.
Stalham Town Ladies starting XI – Katie Clarke, Lauren Bunstead, Charlotte Crane, Megan Meale, Sophie-Jayne O’Connor, Kerry Wright (C), Sophie Burr-Walpole, Vicki Lubbock, Amber Mayhew, Millie Cursons & Sophie Lubbock. Subs – Chloe Yarham, Megan Bonham & Abbie Charlton.
Sprowston Ladies starting XI – Megan Lightfoot, Jenny Tranholm, Rea Drake, Calista Tink, Beth Cornwall, Nicole Smith, Rebecca Russell, Abby Hutchin (C), Chelsea Pettifer, Thea Hackney & Victoria Leyer. Subs – Georgia Cushion, Paige Barnard & Jade Mundford.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
It’s Stalham to kick-off the 1st half wearing an all red kit with Sprowston lined up opposite wearing orange shirts with black across right shoulder and sleeve, black shorts with black and orange hooped socks. Pressing the ball right from the start Sprowston make ground up the left wing Victoria Leyer looking to link up with Rebecca Russell going forwards, Stalham’s Charlotte Crane defending that side does well to prevent the cross puts the ball out for a throw. Winning the ball from the throw Stalham counter attack the ball long for Millie Cursons to chase down on the right taking the ball into the corner wins a throw in this brings the 1st corner of the game Megan Meale coming forwards to take fired in near post Sprowston defend headed back out to Meale her 2nd ball in deflected behind for the goal kick.
Charlotte Crane bringing the ball forwards for Stalham Town Ladies
Sprowston attack on the right captain Abby Hutchin bringing the ball on knocks it inside for Thea Hackney positioned at the top of the box she looks to return the ball to Hutchin as she drives into the area her touch taking her away from goal holds the ball up looking up sends the past back towards the advancing Nicole Smith the midfielder takes on the 1st tie strike from 25 yards out sends her effort wide of the near post. Lauren Bunstead with a fantastic tackle at left back for Stalham denies Hutchin from getting a cross into the area following another strong run on the ball up the right flank for Sprowston.
GOAL! Sprowston win their 1st corner of the game and from take an early lead in the match on the right a great delivery whipped in with pace into the near post a great flick on sees the ball sent in across goal and Chelsea Pettifer is there to get her forehead on the ball and nod the ball down over the line to make it 0-1.
Chelsea Pettifer scorer of the opening goal for Sprowston Ladies
Stalham look to get on the offensive straight from the restart Vicki Lubbock putting the ball out wide right for Cursons holds off her marker getting down the line before firing in a cross high towards the near post, is headed clear by Sprowston centreback Beth Cornwall, Stalham pressure the ball Amber Mayhew back to Cursons the corner is won, delivered to the top of the area Sprowston get it clear a counter attack is on Hutchin bringing the ball on up the left, Stalham captain Kerry Wright with a vital sliding challenge to win the ball.
Hackney sees the ball into her feet 30 yards out for Sprowston the striker looks to turn and drive towards the area from a central position strong on the ball, Sophie-Jayne O’Connor goes with her putting the the challenge inside the box, the ball deflected inside Hackney looks to get after it shoot, O’Connor’s centreback partner Meale gets there first to clear the ball. Sprowston are enjoying more of the ball inside the Stalham half but for all their pressing are finding it difficult to get around the back 4. Hackney looks to take on both Stalham centrebacks once again the door is closed in front of her as both slide in to tackle.
Thea Hackney attacking for Sprowston Ladies
Pushed back by their opponents Stalham have started the match slowly unable to get their attackers into the game. From a defensive clearance Sophie Lubbock picks up the ball on halfway looks to get clear and run at the Sprowston box is closed down and tackled by Calista Tink. Vicki Lubbock tries her luck from a long way out her attempt not troubling goalkeeper Megan Lightfoot. Leyer pressing the back high up the pitch, Meale’s back pass to goalkeeper Katie Clarke a little short has Hutchin interested she gives chase, Clarke slides in bravely at the top of her area they collide the ball back deflected away for the corner.
Sophie Lubbock looking to attack for Stalham Town Ladies
Both sides make a change Chloe Yarham coming on for Stalham replacing Wright. Paige Barnard joining the action for Sprowston. Getting plenty of bodies forwards Sprowston have the ball on the left played inside to Hackney top of the area holds the ball up well looks to turn and strike, Amber Mayhew getting back for Stalham is their to close her down put in the tackle gets the ball clear. Russell into Leyer central the striker 25 yards out jinks left then right before striking the shot takes a deflection off Meale taking it wide for the corner kick.
Clarke recovers well from an initial poor kick out of her area not getting the height or distance on the ball it’s Hackney who wins the header 25 yards out knocking the ball back in towards the area Leyer is after it, Clarke to getting to the edge of her area to intercept the bouncing ball gets a strong fist on it to send it up field. Sprowston continue to have the momentum the ball with Pettifer left side put infield Smith on for Hutchin right side she takes on the shot from 20 yards out puts the ball into the side netting. Another switch for Sprowston Georgia Cushion coming on for Hackney.
Sprowston’s Rebecca Russell tackled by Stalham’s Vicki Lubbock
Hestitation between the Stalham centrebacks inside the box almost gifts Sprowston a 2nd goal as both leave it Hutchin steals in between them right of goal 10 yards out more brave goalkeeping from Clarke diving in at the attackers feet the shot blocked however the deflection sees the ball spin on towards goal, a Stalham defender gets back to hook the ball clear of the goal. Up the other end Cursons and Sophie Lubbock aren’t seeing much of the ball can make little impact in attack, the latter tries the flick on for Cursons 25 yards out, Cornwall reading it gets to the ball first to clear.
GOAL! Into the last 3 minutes of the 1st half and Sprowston double their lead. Attacking down the right plenty getting forwards again Stalham defending their box the cross is cut back inside towards Russell inside the D, uncharacteristically as has been the norm for 41 minutes Stalham don’t advance to close her down as Russell shifts the ball to her right to open up the angle and sends her shot curling wide of the diving Clarke into the back of the net 0-2.
GOAL! Straight from the restart Stalham lose possession of the ball it is sent forwards Leyer racing clear behind the home defence reaches the ball before Clarke racing out of her area can reach in the striker knocking the ball past the keeper and on into the empty net to make it 0-3 a hammer blow for Stalham just before the half-time whistle.
Sprowston Ladies, Victoria Leyer
Half-time Stalham Town Ladies 0-3 Sprowston Ladies
An excellent end to a dominant 1st half from Sprowston Ladies scoring inside the opening 7 minutes then 2 goals late in the half putting them in control. Have been able to push bodies forwards keeping Stalham pinned back inside their own half. The back four has worked hard for Stalham preventing crosses and players have gone with runners for the whole just unable to get the ball up to their own attackers to put their mark on the game. Two late goals a hammer blow especially the 3rd alot of work to do if they want to get back into the match 2nd half.
The wind has picked up noticeably and gotten a lot colder too, The sun lower in the sky too will be Stalham’s problem 2nd half. Sprowston to get the 2nd half underway. Hutchin is off at the start of the 2nd half for the visitors Barnard now operating on the right in an advanced position with Jade Mundford at right back. Wright is back on in the centre for Stalham replacing Yarham. A quiet start to the 2nd half Burr-Walpole has taken a knock to the back and needs to come off, Yarham returned to the action.
Stalham Town Ladies, Kerry Wright tackled by Sprowston’s Rebecca Russell
Pettifer is upended looking to bring the ball through the middle a free kick at the top of the centre circle for Sprowston the centreback go forwards the ball delivered into Tink to the left of the D looks to turn is closely marked by O’Connor the ball won. Barnard is sent away on the right Bunstead going to ground tackles well preventing the cross. Pettifer bringing the ball on down the left this time puts an inviting cross into the six yard box, Leyer throws her head at the ball gets a touch Clarke at close range makes a great save to keep the ball out adjusting well as she’d started to move to her right a corner is awarded from the left the ball is cleared up field, Sophie Lubbock with Cursons get the ball up towards right corner of the box Lubbock with a hopefully cross no one fro Stalham in their to challenge for the ball.
GOAL! Mayhew has made some good forward runs early in the 2nd half for Stalham looking to win the ball higher up the pitch pressing on the left side over halfway wins the ball and brings it on taking it toward the byline holds it up well allowing teammates time to get forwards one of those being Vicki Lubbock getting into the area left of the six yard box, the angle is against her a Mayhew squeezes the pass into her feet the midfielder turns well and sweeps the ball up into the air across the face of goal to drop over the line at the far post 1-3.
Vicki Lubbock pulls it back to 3-1 for Stalham Town Ladies
The goal giving Stalham a little bit of confidence they get the possession of the ball from the restart Wright onto Bunstead picking out Mayhew finding space left side again driving on she fires her cross into the side netting. Sophie Lubbock has the ball takes on the shot from 25 yards out her low drive straight at Lightfoot the keeper gathering cleanly. With Mayhew and Vicki Lubbock getting forwards more Stalham look more of a threat.
GOAL! Just as the home side are starting to get some momentum in attack however Sprowston get up the other end and restore their 3 goal lead and great strike from Pettifer on the left as she picks up the ball and taking it on lets fly from 25 out her bouncing shot angling wide across the goalkeeper into the far corner for her 2nd of the game to make it 1-4.
Both Hackney and Hutchin return to the pitch for Sprowston. The visitors spring a counter attack from a Stalham corner the ball played long on the right for Hutchin to chase squares her cross along the top of the area Hackney positioned left of the D turns into the shot sees the strike angle away from the far post Clarke coming to gather. Megan Bonham comes for for Stalham. More changes for the home side with Wright and Meale coming off, Burr-Walpole back on along with striker Abbie Charlton.
A scooped shot from Hackney outside the area as the ball is worked into her from a throw on the left side, Clarke is right behind it the ball dropping safely into her gloves. Bunstead has had a sold game for Stalham at left back shoulder to shoulder with Hutchin as the winger looks to find a way in behind the cross is again denied.
GOAL! Sprowston further extend their lead this time Hutchin with the ball played into her on the right knocks it on for Leyer running in behind she plays the cross into the Stalham area is knocked outside into the path of Russell left of the D, 20 yards out she sends a thunderbolt racing into the back of the net to make it 1-5.
2 goals in the game for Sprowston Ladies, Rebecca Russell
A fantastic save from Clarke keeps Stalham from going further behind the defence pushed up Leyer nips in to steal the ball runs on into the box, Clarke stays big inside her six yard box as the striker closes her down Leyer looks to slot the ball wide of the keeper instead plays it straight at Clarke who makes a great stop with her feet the ball deflected out to the left the goalkeeper rushes after it colliding with Pettifer, is down needs treatment but after a pause in play is okay to continue.
Sprowston get the ball forwards right side a viscous cross is whipped into the area, Clarke comes to punch is impeded by her own player misses it, drops for Pettifer far post to strike on the volley catches it wrong the ball screws wide away from goal. Into the latter stages of the game Sprowston in control of the ball the cross from the left into Hackney headed on for Hutchin to her right diverts the ball goalwards Clarke down smartly at her near post touches the ball wide for the corner.
Into stoppage time Sprowston with one last attack Hutchin on the right lays the ball on for Smith going past her her cross low into the box finds Hackney a turn and shot drags the ball wide of the near post.
Full time Stalham Town Ladies 1-5 Sprowston Ladies
A 5-1 win for Sprowston Ladies keeping up their unbeaten start to the season and seeing them stay top of Division One a point clear of Thorpe United Ladies who beat North Walsham Angels Ladies 3-1. A great performance from the visitors getting an early goal and dominating the ball for much of the game scoring 5 goals. A below par performance from Stalham defended well on the whole but pushed back by their opponents couldn’t get the ball into their attackers conceding 2 goals in quick succession at the end of the 1st half doing the damage going in at 1 nil or even 2 nil at the break might have made all the difference getting a goal back early 2nd half Sprowston were quick to respond. Nevertheless Stalham have enjoyed a good start to the season themselves and will loo to bounce back.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Another tough one today to pick the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, a good all round team performance from Sprowston this afternoon, difficult conditions to play in scoring some quality goals and creating plenty of chances. Picking one out however I have gone for midfielder Rebecca Russell in the heart of the action not often giving the ball away and setting up attacks ahead of her two well taken goals to her name too.
Good to get back into it after a two week layoff even if it was freezing, better get used to that I suppose. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team line ups today and Stalham for the cup of tea.
A handful of league fixtures across Norfolk this Sunday with just the one game taking place on Norfolk Women’s Division One a 3rd straight league win for Thorpe United Ladies taking them up into 2nd place in the table a point behind leaders Sprowston Ladies. Away to bottom side Long Stratton Ladies, a hat-trick from Shanice Sutton helping Thorpe to the 3 points with a 5-1 win. Katie Knights scoring for Long Stratton.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
FC Sprowston Ladies made it 4 wins from 4 at the start of the season to keep the lead in Norfolk Women’s Division Two on Sunday at home to Costessey Sports Ladies a close run result however as the home side edged the win by 3 goals to 2. Keri Boorman, Joanna Davey and Rebecca Kirby the goalscorers.
Beccles Town Ladies keep up the pressure on the league leaders as they two won for the 4th time this season away from home against fellow new comers to Division Two, Gorleston Rangers Ladies a 7 goal thriller between the sides two a much improved performance for Gorleston Rangers who had suffered heavy defeats in their previous two league games. A 1-0 lead for Beccles Town at half-time Gorleston Rangers scoring 3 goals in the 2nd half, Chloe Bailey, Lauren Dennis and Amy Durdin putting the home side 3-2 up with 10 minutes left Beccles Town scoring twice to win the game 4-3 a brace for Jordan Duke along with goals for Lucy Robbens and Grace Storey keeping up their great start to the season.
Also maintaining their unbeaten start to the season are Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies climbing up from 4th to 3rd in the Division Two table in the process with a big win at home against Toftwood United Ladies. Leading 4-0 at half-time Kirkley & Pakefield went on to score 6 more 2nd half to win the game 10-0 the goals shared amongst the sides, goalkeeper Shauna Brunton-O’Neill scoring two of those goals. A brace to for Zalonia Warford, the other goalscorers, Sue Lyn King, Sophie Martin, Peta Belson, Monika Ashcroft and Paige Baker. A 2nd successive 10-0 loss for Toftwood to start the season however an improved performance as they a bedding in several new faces having almost folded before the start of the season.
2 league games played in Norfolk Women’s Division One this Sunday and plenty of goals on both. It was a top of the table clash at Blue Boar Lane with Sprowston Ladies joint leaders hosting North Walsham Angels Ladies. Both on 7 points along with Stalham Town Ladies in 3rd spot. 2 wins and a draw each it was advantage Sprowston 1st half leading 2-0 going on to score twice more 2nd half North Walsham too responding with 2 goals 2nd half from Hannah Sturman and Hope Middleton not enough as they lose for the 1st time this season Sprowston move 3 points clear at the top of the table thanks to a goal from Thea Hackney and a hat-trick for Victoria Leyer (pictured).
In the other game played at Emerald Park in Division One this Sunday Gorleston FC Ladies looked to be heading for their 1st win in the league as they led Bungay Town Ladies 3-1 at the break thanks to goals from Millie Brooks, Leanne Muffett and Bethany Turner. Bungay Town came back in the 2nd half to win the game 4-3 however. Emily Leach adding to Becky Hills 1st half goal. Hills added her 2nd of the game to level it up at 3-3 with Selina Rowland going on to score what would be the winning goal moving Bungay onto 6 points in 6th place behind 4th & 5th placed Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves & Thorpe United all 3 with games in hand on the sides above.
Norfolk Women’s County Cup
County Cup fixtures played right across the region this weekend with plenty of 1st & 2nd Round ties taking place. Just the one in Norfolk however but it was a huge game as the draw had paired last season’s finalists together in the 1st Round of this season’s competition. Wymondham Town Ladies at home to Thorpe United Ladies who emerged victorious to claim the trophy for the 2nd successive year. Wymondham Town Ladies reaching their 1st ever County Cup final last season by their own admission didn’t turn up on the night for whatever reason had the feeling this time around they wanted to make amends and looking good in both the league and the FA Women’s Cup took that form into this Sunday’s cup game. Division One Champions, Thorpe United never easy to beat however, goals from Mollie O’Callaghan along with a brace for striker Laura Wiseman seeing Wymondham progress to the 2nd Round.
The draw for the 2nd Round of the Women’s County Cup made by Norfolk FA on Monday see’s 7 ties to be played on Sunday 19th November.
Stalham Town Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies
Bure Valley Wildcats v Freethorpe Ladies
North Walsham Angels Ladies v Tavern Ladies
Sprowston Ladies v Gorleston Rangers Ladies
Toftwood United Ladies v Aylsham Ladies
King’s Lynn Town Ladies v Norwich City Ladies
Gorleston FC Ladies v Acle United Ladies
Fakenham Town Ladies receive a bye to the quarter finals
The top two in Norfolk Women’s Division One, North Walsham Angels Ladies and Sprowston Ladies weren’t in action this weekend giving those chasing below a chance to close the gap at the top of the table and after the weekends results just a point separates the top 5.
Stalham Town Ladies in 3rd place going into the weekend were 3 points behind the leading pair. At home to bottom side Long Stratton Ladies they won comfortably to move level on points with the leaders. Millie Cursons amongst the goals scoring a hat-trick for Stalham their were goals to for Katie Clarke and Sophie Burr-Walpole along with a brace for new signing Sophie Lubbock scoring on her debut.
Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves are up to 4th in the Norfolk Women’s Division One table after winning at home against Bungay Town Ladies who themselves could have gone 4th with a win in their 2nd league game of the season. A 3-1 lead for Wymondham at half-time, went on to score twice more in the 2nd half to take the 3 points with a 5-1 win. Laura Nicholls scoring a hat-trick. Laura Hammerton and Gemma Hamilton-Rout with Wymondham’s other goals. Nicola Hazell scoring the 1st half goal for Bungay.
A late start to the season for Thorpe United Ladies winning 7-0 away to Fakenham Town Ladies last weekend were on the road again this Sunday to the coast to play Gorleston FC Ladies who had drawn their opening 3 league matches. A close first half Samantha Hunn and Bethany Turner on target for Gorleston the home side trailed 3-2 at the break. Thorpe United going on to claim the points adding a further 2 goals 2nd half to win 5-2. Rebekah Lake scoring twice. The other goals scored by Charlotte Groves, Sharnie Boast and Alice Ford to put Thorpe onto 6 points in 5th position.
Fakenham Town Ladies secured their 1st win of the season to take them up into 7th away to Aylsham Ladies who were only just beginning their season. Alot of departures over the summer a young side, Fakenham found their scoring boots a 4-0 lead at half-time doubled in the 2nd half. Sam King scoring 5 of the goals for Fakenham. Rochelle Woods hitting a brace along with a goal for Sian Sands helping to reduce their negative goals difference aswell as taking home the 3 points.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
FC Sprowston Ladies are the new leaders in Norfolk Women’s Division Tow after the weekends results winning away to newcomers Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies. 4 goals for Tammy Graves along with a goal each for Nicole Read and Lois Irving seeing them to a 6-1 victory their 3rd straight win to start the season.
Keeping pace with FC Sprowston on 9 points at the top of the table albeit having played a game more are Beccles Town Ladies the league newcomers maintaining their great start to the season with a 3-1 home win against Freethorpe Ladies at the weekend. Lucy Robbens, Grace Storey and Millie Fisher the goalscorers. Amy Morris on target with the goal for Freethorpe.
Tavern Ladies were leading the table going into the weekend 2 wins from 2. Hosting Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies this Sunday also unbeaten with a win and a draw from their previous 2 league games. The sides drawing 1-1 with a goal each in the 2nd half to share the points. Both remain unbeaten Tavern losing their 100% winning start dropping to 3rd their goal scored by Rianna Stott. Kirkley & Pakefield in 4th place on 5 points Paige Baker their goalscorer.
North Walsham Angels Ladies remain top of Norfolk Women’s Division One following last weekends 12-0 home win over Long Stratton Ladies were pushed all the way to claim a 2nd successive win by Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves this time around. North Walsham leading 3-2 at the break going on to win 5-4! Luci Middleton scoring a double hat-trick last weekend followed that up with another 3 goal haul this Sunday, Emma Faux and Hope Middleton getting North Walsham’s other goals.
Joining North Walsham on 7 points at the top of the Division One table are Sprowston Ladies. Away to Long Stratton Ladies this Sunday, a brace for Rebecca Russell along with a goal for Thea Hackney helping the visitors to their 2nd win of the season the final score 4-0.
Gorleston FC Ladies remain undefeated after 3 games. Were at home to Stalham Town Ladies on Sunday at Emerald Park having drawn their opening two league matches last season’s Division Two Champions drew for the 3 successive time to take a point from the game the score 2-2, Kelly Allen and Samantha Hunn scoring the goals for Gorleston.
At last last season’s Division One Champion’s, Thorpe United Ladies were beginning the defence of their title, have seen several departures from the club over the summer. Were away to Fakenham Town Ladies without a point from their opening 2 league games. A narrow lead for Thorpe at half-time 1 goal to the good different story 2nd half as they went on to start with a convincing win Shanice Sutton scoring 4 goals, Charlotte Groves with a hat-trick seeing Thorpe win 7-0. Early days in the league not many games played Bungay Town Ladies match at home to Aylsham postponed have played just the one league game, Aylsham yet to get started.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies, Charlie Cooper
A few new sides joining Norfolk Division Two this season, young sides too and the step up has been tough for Gorleston Rangers Ladies facing tough and experienced opponents in their opening 2 games losing away to relegated Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies in their opening match were at home to one of the strongest teams in the league this Sunday, Tavern Ladies. Starting with a 7-0 win Tavern followed that up with big win at Gorleston. Katie Hart-Copsey netting a double hat-trick for Tavern. Sophie Fuller scoring a hat-trick too. Their were braces for Lucy Kean and Jordie Head with Lucy Lincoln also getting a goal in a 14-0 that takes Tavern top of the table.
Matching Tavern with 2 wins from 2 at the top of the table are FC Sprowston Ladies. At home on Sunday to the then league leaders Beccles Town Ladies who had won their opening 2 games. FC Sprowston holding a 3-0 advantage at half-time doubled that goals tally 2nd half to win 6-0. Jade Dodds scoring a hat-trick, the other goals coming from Katie Fray, Nicole Read and Joanna Davey.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies lost their opening game of the season at home to Beccles Town Ladies 7-2. Were away for their 2nd league game against fellow newcomers Costessey Sports Ladies. The sides went in goalless at the break, Bure Valley finding the back of the net 2nd half, Charlie Cooper scoring 4 goals with Abigail Clark also on target in a 5-1 win to get their 1st win in women’s football.
The 2nd weekend of football in Norfolk saw a whopping 67 goals scored in 7 league games across the 2 Divisions! 29 of those scored in the 3 games that took place in Norfolk Women’s Division One. The biggest scorers of the day on Sunday were North Walsham Angels Ladies, at home taking on Long Stratton Ladies. Luci Middleton the clubs top scorer leaping ahead early on scoring a double hat-trick in the match accounting for half of North Walsham’s final score as they put their opponents to the sword, Rachel Bussey and Lauren Yarham both netting a brace their was also a goal each for Sian Wager and Robyn Johnston the final score 12-0 a result that puts North Walsham straight to the top of the table on 4 points having drawn 3-3 with Gorleston FC Ladies on the opening day.
Joining them at the top of the table on 4 points are Sprowston Ladies as they too were held to a 3-3 drawn at home to Gorleston on Sunday. Paige Barnard, Victoria Leyer and Rebecca Russell all scoring for Sprowston. Gorleston earning a 2nd successive point with Samantha Hunn netting twice along with a goal for Molly Sims.
An 11 goal thriller between Stalham Town Ladies and Fakenham Town Ladies. Stalham in the end edging the result to take all 3 points, Sam King scoring a hat-trick for Fakenham amongst their goal scorers hitting 5 lost out the experience of Stalham’s Abbie Charlton and Joanne Hooper helping them to win the game the former on target for a hat-trick, Hooper scoring a brace the final score 6-5 Katie Clarke the other goal scorer.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
A total of 38 goals scored in Norfolk Women’s Division Two across 4 games. Beccles Town Ladies new to the league won 7-2 against fellow newcomers Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies on the opening weekend to top the league. Were at home this Sunday again taking on another new side Costessey Sports Ladies playing there 1st game. Plenty of goals scored 1st half Costessey Sports with 3 were trailing 5-3 at halftime Beccles going on to take control of the 2nd half pretty much as they did last weekend rattling in another 6 goals to win 11-3 keep them top of the table. Jordan Duke scoring 5 of their goals. Grace Storey and Chelsea Caplin both scoring a brace. Lucy Robbens also finding the back of the net.
Two sides likely to be involved in the title challenge at the top of the table began their season’s this Sunday, Tavern Ladies and FC Sprowston Ladies. Tavern were at home taking on Freethorpe Ladies. Tavern leading 3-0 at the break went on to add 4 more 2nd half to start with a comfortable win. Jordie Head, Lucy Kean and Lucy Lincoln with 3 of their goals.
FC Sprowston Ladies were away to the other Dereham based side in Division Two, Toftwood United Ladies, who came very close to folding during the summer, alot of effort put in to see them find enough players to begin the season no chance to get any pre-season games in and it was a big defeat to start the season as FC Sprowston settled and established hit them for 10. Laura Jenkins with a brace, Keri Boorman, Katie Fray, Rebecca Kirby and Nicole Read also amongst the goals.
That still leaves 7 goals unaccounted for and they were scored in the final match to bring you with Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies hosting new side Gorleston Rangers Ladies. A tough season last time out Kirkley & Pakefield struggling for numbers were relegated from Division One. Started this season on a positive note a point in their opening game against Freethorpe. Were celebrating their 1st win of the season at the end of 90 minutes this Sunday beating Gorleston Rangers 6-1 to go 2nd. Sophie Martin getting 4 goals for Kirkley & Pakefield, Paige baker and Donna Parsons also getting on the scoresheet.
The county season began in Norfolk this Sunday with the women’s league reverting back to 2 Division’s after a couple of seasons of having 3. 19 sides overall contesting this season with 10 in Division One a move that see’s most of the sides formerly in Division Two last season join the Division One sides along with Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves who won Division Three last season. Those in Division Three last season are all in Division Two this time around with 5 new sides entering the league most stepping up into adult football from U16s last season. 9 sides contesting Division Two.
Norfolk Women’s Division One
Eight of the 10 sides in Division One kicking off their campaign this Sunday. League Champions, Thorpe United Ladies and Aylsham Ladies the pair not in action. An excellent season last time around for Bungay Town Ladies finishing runners-up as well as lifting the Ladies League Cup. Were at home in their opening fixture taking on Stalham Town Ladies
Lauren Purling
stepping up a Division. Bungay had already begun their season beating ERWFL Premier Division side, Colchester Town Ladies in the FA Women’s come. A brace from Nicola Hazell, along with a goal each for new signings, Becky Hills and Selina Rowland along with a goal from both Laura Holden and Lauren Purling seeing Bungay comfortably to a 6-0 to begin their league fixtures. The game along marked the end of their spell at the club for two of Bungay Town Ladies player moving on, Ella Hindley and Lauren Purling, manager Graham’s daughter who is set to join the army after 10 years playing for the club. Best of luck to both in the future.
Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves make the leap from Division Three Champions last season their 1st as a side with the ambitious club moving up to Regional football. Far from a leap too far however the Reserve side will be a competitive force in Norfolk’s top Division as it contains a good portion of the title winning side of 2015/16 plenty of experience at this level and some familiar names were on the scoresheet on the opening day as they hosted Long Stratton Ladies at home on Sunday. Sally Hammerton finding the back of the net to score 4 half of Wymondham’s tally with Hannah Johnson scoring a brace with a goal a piece for Louise and Gemma Hamilton-Rout an 8-0 victory that puts Wymondham top of the table.
Two more sides that are likely to be competitive and aiming high in Division One are, Gorleston Ladies off the back of two successive league titles and North Walsham Ladies who had a strong start in Division One last season following promotion eventually falling away at the end to finish in 5th position. The pair meeting on the 1st day at Emerald Park in Gorleston the result a high scoring draw North Walsham scoring 3 times with Emma Faux, Robyn Johnston and Luci Middleton getting off the mark. Gorleston scoring 3 too the game drawn the clubs top goalscorer, Beth Turner beginning the season with a hat-trick.
Sprowston Ladies step up from Division Two last season the League Plate finalists one of two Sprowston sides joining the leagues this season with FC Sprowston Ladies in Division Two. Were away to Fakenham Town Ladies on the opening day. Sprowston leading 2-1 at half-time going on to find a 3rd goal 2nd half to secure an opening day win. Paige Barnard, Rebecca Russell and Calista Tink scoring their goals.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Of the 9 sides contesting Division Two this season 5 are new, FC Sprowston, Gorleston Rangers Ladies, Costessey Sports Ladies, Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies and Beccles Town Ladies. They join Freethorpe Ladies, Tavern Ladies and Toftwood Ladies along with Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies relegated from Division One last season. It was Norfolk Division Two where this weekends match report for Women’s Football East came from and can be found further down the page after this weeks Round-Up’s. A look at two of the new sides both very young, Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies stepping up from youth football mostly 16 year olds hosting newly formed Beccles Town Ladies not much older on average themselves.
The bare 11 for Bure Valley, Beccles with a couple of substitutes to rotate. A competitive and good spirited 1st half Beccles had the early chances more of the attack however they found themselves going 1-0 down with Charlie Cooper putting the ball into the bottom corner of the net for Bure Valley. Beccles didn’t take long to find a reply Lucy Robbens sending the ball in across goal from inside the box to make it 1-1. Again Bure Valley got in front Cooper with her 2nd following a run with the ball unchallenged shooting from the top of the area made it 2-1. Robbens followed cooper in netting her brace in the game winning a free-kick wide left captain Megan Vincent delivering a high ball in towards the far post Robbens peeling in behind turning the ball into the back of the net. 2-2 at half-time.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies (navy) v Beccles Town Ladies
A different story 2nd half Beccles taking the lead for the 1st time in the game early on Chelsea Caplin receiving the ball off a deflection inside the area firing a shot up over the keeper into the top of the net. Bure Valley were down to 10 players due to illness. The game getting stretched Beccles counter attack won a penalty Jordan Duke brought down inside the box. Robbens stepping up to score her hat-trick a 5th goal soon followed Grace Storey turning a Robbens free-kick in at the far post. Duke sent a shot past the advancing keeper to make it 6-2 before Caplin with her 2nd of the game fired in a great strike from outside the box. 7-2 the final score Beccles Town wining their 1st ever competitive game.
One other fixture played on the opening weekend in Division Two, with Freethorpe Ladies with a new coach and new signings hosting Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies. It was one of their new signings who gave Freethorpe a 1-0 half-time lead. Kiera Squires joining from Aylsahm Ladies out all last season after breaking her ankle sending the ball into the back of the net. Kirkley & Pakefield got themselves back on level terms to see them take a share of the points on the opening day welcome after a difficult time last season. Paige Baker with the goal.
Everything was settled in the Norfolk leagues this Sunday, In Division One, Thorpe United Ladies got the point they needed to win the league. Away to Brandon Town Ladies on Sunday who had eaten them 1-0 earlier in the season, Thorpe United got the 3 points this time around winning by a single goal themselves Vivian Moyo the scorer to see them celebrate becoming Champions.
Congratulations to Thorpe United Ladies no winning Norfolk Women’s Division One.
2nd place was also decided and it was a fantastic result away from home for Bungay Town Ladies in great form since the start of the year a hat-trick from Laura Holden seeing them beat King’s Lynn Town Ladies 3-2 their goals scored by Millie Hopkisson and Jade Kelly. A great season all round for Bungay Town Ladies who also won the League Cup. King’s Lynn finishing 3rd were challenging for the title all season.
Aylsham FC Ladies also got the win at the weekend as they hosted North Walsham Angels Ladies who need a point from their remaining 4 games to secure a 4th place finish. The visitors scored twice with Hope Middleton and Abigail Storey on target, it wasn’t enough to take anything from the game however as a hat-trick from Becky Hills saw Aylsham win the match 3-2.
The bottom two met with Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies hosting Fakenham Town Ladies. Kirkley & Pakefield ended a difficult season on a high with a 2-0 win to pull them level on points with Fakenham who still have a game left to play.
Norfolk Women’s Division Three
One game left to be played in Norfolk Women’s Division Three and as I wrote last week a win for Tavern Ladies at home to Freethorpe Ladies would see them finish top of the table in their 1st season. A brace from Lucy Kean along with a goal for Emily Bell saw them win the game 3-0, however congratulations were premature as it turned out they had in fact finished 2nd in the table pipped by Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves after they were warded 3 more points dating back to a game in March against East Coast Ladies who had fielded an ineligible player. East Coast Ladies deducted a total of 15 points over all.
Congratulations to Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves on winning the league and Tavern finishing 2nd both promoted.
Two games played in Norfolk Women’s Division One this Sunday and leaders Thorpe United Ladies now have to league title almost within their grasp with 2 games left to play are now 10 points clear of 3rd placed King’s Lynn Town Ladies who have 4 left to play one more win for Thorpe United Ladies with see them clinch the title.
Thorpe United Ladies were away this Sunday taking on 2nd bottom side Fakenham Town Ladies, a hat-trick from captain Rebekah Lake along with a brace for Shanice Sutton helping them to a 7-1 win, Bethan Sommerfield and Vivian Moyo with the other goals. Sam King with the goal for Fakenham Town Ladies.
3 successive defeats in April in Division One had seen North Walsham Angels Ladies drop out of the top half of the table for the 1st time this season. In 5th began May with a home game against bottom side Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies. Having conceded 13 goals in those 3 games in April, hit back with a huge winning scoreline with striker Luci Middleton netting a double hat-trick in the game, Alicia Lacey got a brace and there were goals to for, Lauren Yarham, Megan Champion, Abbie Storey, Sian Wager, Vicky Hudson & Robyn Johnston in a 14-0 win, the 3 points moving them to within a point of 4th placed Brandon Town Ladies with 2 games in hand.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Gorleston FC Ladies had long ago wrapped up the Norfolk Women’s Division Two title winning 12 straight games as their rivals took points off each other below. Have now lost 2 successive matches defeat to Sprowston Ladies seeing the Norwich based side secure 2nd place in the league table. Gorleston were away to Stalham Town Ladies this Sunday. Despite a brace fro top scorer Bethany Turner along with another from Samantha Hunn, Gorleston went down to a 5-3 defeat. Stalham Town Ladies end up on 23 points for the season in 3rd spot a healthy advantage on goal difference to Long Stratton Ladies in 4th who have one game left to play.
That game at home to Gorleston FC Ladies in a fortnight, a point or better would see Long Stratton Ladies pip Stalham Town Ladies to 3rd spot. This Sunday they were away to bottom side Bohemians Ladies. Leading 3-0 at half-time Long Stratton went on to win the game 4-1 their goals scored by Sophie Christensen, Leonie Daulby, Jennifer Head & Summer Moore. Helen Quinn with Bohemians Ladies goal.
Norfolk Women’s Division Three
Wymondham Town Ladies played out their fixtures this Sunday finishing top of the table beating their closest rivals to the title Tavern Ladies beating the Dereham side to see them lose their unbeaten tag. Wymondham Town with a 2-1 lead at half-time went on to make it 3-1 2nd half. Tavern were to pull another goal back late on however they they gave away a penalty too and Wymondham Town dispatched it to win the game 4-2 there goals scored by Emily Fusco, Hannah Johnson, Amber Cantwell and Natalie Woods. Jordan Head and Rianna Scott scoring for Tavern Ladies. Despite the defeat Tavern remain favourites for the Division Three title awarded home and away wins against bottom side Cromer Town Ladies are now within a point of Wymondham Town Host Freethorpe Ladies in their final game of the season this Sunday a win would see them become champions.
