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.
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.
This Sunday sees the start of the county league season right across the East, beginning with a game from Norfolk in Division Two between two new sides entering the league this season Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies at home to Beccles Town Ladies.
Reverting back to two leagues this season with 19 sides competing altogether with 10 in Division One with most of last season’s Division Two sides moving up. 9 sides contesting this season’s Division Two including 5 new sides, FC Sprowston Ladies, Costessey Sports Ladies and Gorleston Rangers Ladies the other new faces along with today’s opponents.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies based in Coltishall making the step up from youth football this season a big challenge for a young squad of mainly 16 year olds taking the step up into women’s football. Norfolk itself has a strong youth set-up with many women’s sides having youth teams Bure Valley starting in the girls leagues have progressed as a team to this level finishing 2nd in their respective league last season.
Beccles Town Ladies are a newly formed team this season securing an FA grant to help set-up the side joining Beccles Town FC, have also established a youth set-up too for player pathway in the future. Again another very young squad although they do have more experience at playing in the women’s league with several players amongst their squad having been with East Coast Ladies last year in their single season as a club playing in Division Three.
The playing fields on Rectory Road in Coltishall the venue for today’s game. A small building housing the changing rooms beside the carpark leading onto the playing fields themselves. A large main grass pitch with two smaller training pitches marked out beyond. A good covering of grass a little bobbly width to exploit. A cooler September day overcast with a stiff breeze blowing across the pitch.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies starting XI – Willow Locke, Abi Clark, Carrie Last, Anya Sadler, Summer Waugh, Jade Starling, Hayley Demmen, Maisie Redhead, Becky Wood, Juliette Kelly & Charlie Cooper.
Beccles Town Ladies starting XI – Caitlin Harvey, Jordan Duke, Molly Greig, Megan Vincent (C), Millie Fisher, Chelsea Shorten, Chelsea Caplin, Vicky Ottey, Imogen Glaysher, Grace Storey & Lucy Robbens. Subs – Madi Cook & Emily Coe.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
Late unavailability leaves Bure Valley with just the bare eleven for today’s game. Have a wide range of squad numbers picked by the players 1st time I’ve seen a 67 or a 71 worn on the back of a shirt at a game. It’s the home side to take the kick-off wearing navy blue shirts with a red and white band around the sleeves, navy shorts and red socks with Beccles lined up opposite wearing white coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball is played long up the left wing for Juliette Kelly to chase the wind blowing in that direction it picks up pace the winger unable to keep the ball in play. Beccles build through the middle, Chelsea Shorten’s ball forwards cut out by Bure Valley’s Hayley Demmen. Regaining possession Beccles move the ball left Grace Storey makes a run into space down the left the pass finds her taking the ball on into the area squares the ball into towards the near post, Bure Valley goal keeper Willow Locke scooping the ball up into her gloves with Beccles, Jordan Duke bearing down on her.
A good start from Beccles getting forwards on the right Chelsea Caplin with support from Molly Greig the ball worked across the top of the box into Duke swivels into the shot, Bure Valley’s Summer Waugh blocking at close range the ball rebounds out to Beccles, Vicky Ottey she fires over from 25 yards out. Maisie Redhead gets the better of a 50/50 challenge inside the Beccles half for Bure Valley on the right has Charlie Cooper ready to receive the ball ahead of her, sees it into her feet as Becky Wood surges past her on the overlap the winger getting in behind as the ball is sent down the line just a little too much on the pass Wood can’t get her foot around the ball on the byline to swing a cross in runs out of play.
Duke very nearly releases Greig through on the Bure Valley goal as she does well to flick on a long ball fired into her 25 yards from goal. Bure Valley’s Anya Sadler stands up to Grieg as she looks to power her way through the central defender tackling to regain possession of the ball. Jade Starling with the ball for Bure Valley bringing it forwards through the middle pushes it on for Cooper ahead of her outside the area runs at goal stabs the ball forwards towards goal no pace on the attempt Beccles goalkeeper, Caitlin Harvey drops forwards to claim the ball.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies, Jade Starling
Bure Valley win the 1st corner of the game an inswinging delivery is headed clear of the box by Robbens, Beccles launch a swift counter attack Duke picking up the ball inside her own half drives forwards making a central run has Caplin free to her right tries to pick her out, Bure Valley’s Carrie Last recovering the ground well to intercept the ball at left back. Imogen Glaysher halts a Bure Valley attack on the left the ball moved forwards quickly Storey getting a throw in deep on the left played inside to Robbens turns and shoots placing the ball wide of the near post.
GOAL! Breaking up an attack at one end Bure Valley go straight up the other end to score the opening goal of the game closing in on the quarter hour mark, Sadler playing it forwards. Cooper has it left side is allowed to gain alot of ground without being challenged moving inside as she close in on the box lets fly sending the ball wide across the keeper and into the bottom far corner to score 1-0.
Beccles attack from the restart Storey with the ball left side puts the ball into Robbens inside the D her shot is deflected by Sadler behind for the corner kick. Defending the corner Bure Valley are pushed back Beccles with the ball around the final third but finding no final ball. Robbens fed the ball inside the box left of goal seeing er shot/cross running wide across the six yard box. A break on for Bure Valley, Kelly with plenty of pace in her legs with the ball left Cooper up with her the ball fed into her as Kelly looks to go on, the Beccles defence stopping the pass the ball running wide of Kelly for a corner kick. A good delivery into the six yard box a Bure Valley head on the ball knocking it down but straight into the gloves of Harvey.
GOAL! 7 minutes after falling behind Beccles get themselves back on level terms, Storey is proving a handful on the left a willing runner picking up the ball from Duke after Sadler stops an attack through the middle. Storey tries to pick out Robbens inside the area left corner is challenged the ball running on takes a deflection off a defender turning in inside towards goal Robbens reacts quickest after it the angle tight inside the six yard box fires the ball across goal and into the back of the net to make it 1-1.
Demmen with the challenge on halfway plays the ball on for Abi Clark she threads a pass into Wood sprinting in behind on the right for Bure Valley she crosses early into Cooper central top of the box the striker dragging her shot wide of the far post.
GOAL! Bure Valley take the lead for the 2nd time in the match launching a rapid counter move Beccles over committing in attack as Kelly races forwards with the ball wide left has crossing options racing forwards Cooper closest with Redhead right behind her picks out Cooper and on the turn outside the area she fires her low shot into the bottom corner 2-1 as the 1st half passes the midway mark.
2 goals for Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies, Charlie Cooper
Has been a competitive game so far but clean and played in good spirit. Good running on the ball from Duke on the left evading a tackle comes in field looking to send the ball on across the area, Waugh has read the threat and moving towards her is well placed to cut the ball out. Bure Valley have been playing deeper than Beccles now starting to push up field more as a unit. Last bringing the ball on through the middle releases Wood on the right with a well times pass her cross whipped in along the top of the area is headed away by Ottey, is picked up by Kelly on the left a ball fired into the box is launched out falling centrally a shot looped back in towards goal claimed high in the air by Harvey.
Duke travelling with the all surges into the Bure Valley box moving left of goal the angle closing as she shoots from six yards out straight at Locke covering her near post gloves the ball down and collects cleanly. The wind starting to pick up as the 1st half draws to a close Duke has her legs taken from her just outside the D, with no advantage on offer referee Paul Gibson brings it back for a free-kick to Beccles. Robbens over it can’t keep her shot down the ball flying over. Robbens then wins the ball off the resulting goal kick 20 yards out rolls in on for Greig just inside the box putting her foot through the ball on the turn pulls the strike wide of the post.
GOAL! Into the final few minutes of the 1st half and Beccles get the scores back level. Robbens on the ball is awarded a free-kick wide left 5 yards inside the Bure Valley half push players on into the area with captain Megan Vincent to take the set-piece is a great delivery a high ball falling behind the defence at the far post Robbens gambling has snuck in behind and meeting the dropping ball sends it home to make it 2-2.
Beccles Town Ladies, Lucy Robbens with her 2nd of the game makes it 2-2
Beccles win another free-kick in a similar position in their next attack Vincent again over the ball doesn’t carry so far this time Starling amongst those gathered along the top of the box to defend gets up to head the ball clear. One last attack in the half for Beccles Duke linking up with Caplin as she bombs forwards the pair try the one two, Caplin’s ball into the area too close to Locke the goalkeeper gathering the ball.
Beccles Town Ladies, Megan Vincent
Half-time Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies 2-2 Beccles Town Ladies
An entertaining 1st half of football between two young and energetic sides a good tempo and clean game. Beccles have had more of the attacking and chances however Bure Valley took the lead twice in the half only for Beccles to come back into it. Plenty of energy burnt Beccles can bring on subs 2nd half Bure Valley can’t will it prove telling roll on roll off substitutes are great for rotating players if a challenge to keep track off for someone writing notes. Is alot cooler at the start of the 2nd half the wind having more bite to it now and too the visitors advantage 2nd half.
It’s Beccles to kick-off the 2nd half have made 2 changes Madi Cook and Emily Coe on for Glaysher and Ottey. Coe at right back Cook in midfield with Shorten dropping into the back-line alongside Vincent. Their 1st attack brings them a corner on the left an inswinging ball whipped in is headed away by Sadler for a throw in. Wood with the ball wide right for Bure Valley comes inside looking for force her way into the box comes together with Vincent the defender winning the ball.
GOAL! Beccles take the lead for the 1st time in the game early in the 2nd half Greig intercepting the ball outside the box a shot is fire back on blocked deflected across goal Caplin is there as the ball comes into her 10 yards out a little composure needed and delivered as she gets her boot under the ball lifting her shot up over the keeper and into the goal beyond 2-3
Jordan Duke scores to put Beccles Town Ladies into the lead
Caplin combines with Robbens outside the box as Beccles quickly regain the ball after play resumes outside the area a one two Caplin dinks the ball over the Bure Valley defence looking to pick out Duke stealing in behind, Locke reacts too moving forwards stooping forwards is able to gather the ball before the striker can get there.
Up the other end Harvey reacts just as quickly as Cooper is fed the ball by Last making another good run through the middle outside the area Cooper turns not expecting the goalkeeper to be on top of her standing big against her Harvey prevents the striker getting a shot away. Beccles are looking the stronger have more energy about their play. Wood is feeling unwell has to come off for Bure Valley seeing the home side having to continue with 10. Bure Valley find room on the left Kelly taking the ball on plays the pass inside to Cooper then goes on Cooper sending the ball on into her path inside the area left of goal Harvey comes near post to close the angle Kelly blasts her shot straight at the keeper who makes the save.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies, Juliette Kelly
Caplin has a punt from 30 yards out left of the area the ball head height gloves to the deck and gathered by Locke. Caplin comes off then to be replaced by Ottey. Defending deep Bure Valley are battling hard at the back Demmen sliding in top of the area to deny Greig a shot as she goes to pull the trigger.
GOAL! Beccles win a penalty. Play stretched Bure Valley a caught at the back as the ball is launched forwards Duke after it as it runs into space right heading towards the box Last has the pace to get back on her they come together inside the area Duke upended, the referee pointing to the spot, a delay in taking as Duke is still down in a lot of pain, needs time to recover is carried off Caplin having only just put her bib on sent back on. Robbens on a hat-trick to take the penalty, no mistake hits the ball hard keeping it low to the left of the keeper fired into the far corner 2-4.
Lucy Robbens strikes her penalty into the bottom corner to complete her hat-trick
GOAL! Beccles go on to extend their lead straight away getting the ball down on the right into the corner a free-kick is given away. Robbens on it taken quickly fired across the six yard box an extremely hard ball to defend races through to Storey waiting at the far post 2 yards out gets her foot on the ball turning it into the back of the goal 2-5.
Two quickfire goals 20 minutes into the 2nd half to extend their lead by 3 goals has put Beccles in full control of the game. A blow for Bure Valley you can see the stuffing has been knocked out of them. Come forwards however Kelly winning a corner left, is played up the line to Last corner of the area she fires a cross through the six yard box, Starling far post flings a leg out can’t get a touch to deflect the ball goalwards. Duke has recovered from her knock and is sent back on for Greig up top.
A good if unorthodox save from Locke with her feet as Beccles play through the middle Storey inside outside the box stretching into the shot sending it wide of the keeper about to move to her right, readjusted instinctively sticking out a boot to deflect the ball away from her. Counter attacking Clark up the pitch right side on for Cooper a shot from outside area straight at Harvey gloving the ball down safely 15 minutes left to play. Hard work for Bure Valley now tiring but still willing to get forwards Kelly finding room left side wins a corner. Is headed clear by Vincent, on for Cook the midfielder pushed right doesn’t loose the ball fires it forwards for Caplin 25 yards out snatches at her shot pulling it away from goal.
Madi Cook brings the ball forwards for Beccles Town Ladies
GOAL! Play is stretched Shorten winning the ball at the back played forwards finding Robbens she sends a looping diagonal ball from the right in towards the area over the jumping centreback drops to Duke beyond running towards the area, Locke comes rushing out to meet her Duke getting a toe on the ball sends it creeping past the keeper and has just enough pace on it to cross the line before the Bure Valley defence can get there 2-6.
Robbens comes off for Beccles with Greig back on in the closing stages. Bure Valley come forwards Kelly still full of running takes the ball on cuts the pass inside to Cooper 25 yards out sets herself for a curling shot however as she has been all 2nd half Harvey is right behind it catches comfortably.
Beccles, Vicky Ottey tackling Bure Valley’s, Juliette Kelly
GOAL! Beccles extend their lead late on have overloaded the left flank winning a throw pressure the ball comes to Caplin just outside the box left corner takes on the strike putting her foot through the ball flies across goal into the net bouncing out off the inside frame a moments hestitation for Caplin as there is concern it came back out off the post but it didn’t and the goal given Caplin runs away ecstatic in celebration having scored her 2nd of the match 2-7.
Chelsea Caplin striking to score Beccles Town Ladies 7th goal
Bure Valley are showing their frustration but nevertheless keep going Demmen gets forwards space on the left wanting the ball rolled on for her by Cooper gets it taking it on has Cooper available for the cut back doesn’t get her foot wrapped around the ball enough plays it behind for the goal kick. One last attack for Bure Valley in stoppage time Cooper with the run right side of goal 25 yards out hits the ball hard her strike flashing wide of the far post the last action as the final whistle blows.
Full time Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies 2-7 Beccles Town Ladies
Beccles Town Ladies win their 1st ever competitve game in Norfolk Women’s Division Two 7-2 taking them to the top of the league albeit early days. Coming out the better in the 2nd half scoring early then taking advantage as Bure Valley were down to 10. A competitive encounter an entertaining and lively 1st half ending 2-2. Beccles with more of the ball had the advantage of being able to rotate players 2nd half and as Bure Valley tired they found room to create chances. A good performance to start their season. Fair to say both sides are a little short of match sharpness. Bure Valley despite the scoreline at the end shouldn’t be too disappointed going forwards got a young talented squad it will only get better.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
This afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match was a fairly straight forwards choice today. Good performances from players on both sides but for consistency throughout the game I’ve chosen Beccles Town Ladies Lucy Robbens influential on and off the ball setting up chances and on the end of several herself scoring a hat-trick along the way.
Good to see two new young sides in action today. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams. Wishing both clubs the best for the season and will be interested to see how both progress.
The season is very nearly at an end just a handful of games left to squeeze in most leagues played out. You would think teams would be ready for the rest but most are gearing up for summer tournaments or already recruiting for the new season. The penultimate Sunday with games needing to be played by the 28th a shortened edition of The Round-Up with just the 4 matches being played in the end.
FAWPL South East Division One
One game outstanding in the FAWPL South East Division One and it was a must win game at home for Norwich City Ladies that would guarantee the club safety in the league if they could get the 3 points lift the 2nd bottom club above Stevenage Ladies ending their season 2 points ahead on 15. Norwich knew what they had to do after last Sunday’s fixtures with 2 games left to play were on 10 points needed to win both to have any chance.
Were hosting Lowestoft Town Ladies in a local derby match at Plantation Park, Lowestoft Town bottom already relegated looking to end on a high. With heavy rain falling it was Norwich who got off to a flyer going 2-0 up inside the opening 8 minutes with goals from Natasha Snelling and Chelsea Garrett. Lowestoft Town came back into the game however to level the scores before half-time a superb long range strike from Tiffany Forshaw after Norwich goalkeeper Fiona Coombes had come rushing out of her box to close down Lowestoft captain Hannah Waters, this was followed by another driving shot from outside the box by Ciera Flatt to make it 2-2
2nd half saw Lowestoft start the strong creating a number of opportunities, Norwich’s Coombes with some excellent stops and brave goalkeeping keeping the scores level. Into the last 10 minutes and Norwich were awarded a free-kick outside the box, Aimee Durrant hitting a superb ball up and over the wall angling away from the goalkeeper into the top corner to make it 3-2. Kyla Love make it 4-2 as Lowestoft pushed for another leveller late on. You can read the report from the match by clicking on the link below.
Part one of the great escape completed Norwich faced a tougher test at home this Sunday in a must win game against Luton Town Ladies who had secured 5th on the FAWPL South East Division One table. Jess McKay giving Luton Town the lead 1-0 up at half-time. Norwich City found the resolve to get themselves back into the match Ebony Wiseman scoring early in the 2nd half to level things up at 1-1 then 5 minutes later Wiseman put Norwich into the lead, the side holding on to the 2-1 advantage, the 3 points won the team celebrating on the pitch had done it got the 2 wins taking them onto 16 points and guaranteeing their safety in the league for another season.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Back to back promotions for Gorleston FC Ladies having wrapped up the Norfolk Women’s Division Two a while ago were playing Long Stratton Ladies in their final game of the season their opponents needed a point to over haul Stalham Town Ladies and finish 3rd. Gorleston were looking to end on a high however and ended the campaign with a comfortable 7-0 win. Bethany Turner, Samantha Hunn and Kayleigh Byrne all netting a brace with Molly Sims on target to score the other goal as they prepare for next season in Division One.
Essex Women’s Premier Division
Two games in the Essex Women’s Premier Division, 2nd placed Lawford Ladies moving 3 points clear of 3rd placed Chelmsford City Ladies with a good result at home to Walden Ladies winning 6-0. Have one more game to play at home to Chigwell this Sunday.
Wickford Town Ladies were at home to Chigwell Ladies this Sunday goals from Lois Curson, Sabrina Campbell & Patricia McWeeney seeing Wickford win 3-0 the points taking them above Chigwell into 8th position. Wickford Town are away to Chelmsford City Ladies for their final match of the season.
Several games outstanding in the league or rather the ruling on postponed games where the sides pulled out unable to field a team a home or away win will be awarded will update the table as those details emerge.
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.
A full fixture list in Norfolk Women’s Division One this Sunday with all 8 sides in action. League leaders Thorpe United Ladies 7 points clear of King’s Lynn Town Ladies were finally playing bottom side Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies having been awarded to home wins against them following earlier postponements. At Kirkley & Pakefield’s Walmer Road ground this Sunday. Won comfortably to take the 3 points away with them, Charlotte Groves netting a brace, the other goalscorers were Laura Hedtke, Lauren Kett, Vivian Moyo, Shanice Sutton and Nicole Read.
2nd placed King’s Lynn Town Ladies went equally goal goal crazy on Sunday away to Fakenham Town Ladies going one better than Thorpe United winning 8-0, Jade Kelly scoring 5 goals in the game having previously just the one goal to her name from 10 appearances. Captain Shelley Woods netting yet another hat-trick to take her to 50 goals for the campaign.
3rd placed Bungay Town Ladies are just 2 points behind King’s Lynn Town Ladies albeit having played a game more, travelled to play North Walsham Angels Ladies this Sunday a hat-trick for youngster Laura Holden in the match for Bungay Town with a goal each for Lauren Purling and Teodora Ilie in a 5-1 win. Luci Middleton with the goal for North Walsham who have now lost their 3 consecutive league games dropping to 5th.
In 4th Brandon Town Ladies form is the opposite ending the season strongly putting together a run of 5 straight league wins the latest at home to Aylsham FC Ladies at the weekend. Abbie Charlton on target for the visitors Brandon Town secured the 3 points scoring 2 at the other end.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Sprowston Ladies climb back up into 2nd spot in Norfolk Women’s Division Two as they drew at home with Long Stratton Ladies off the back of a midweek home win against Stalham Town Ladies. Abby Hutchin and Rebecca Kirby both scoring for Sprowston in a 2-2 draw with Long Stratton whose goals were scored by Charlie Head and Leonie Daulby.
Norfolk Women’s Division Three
Also the one game in Norfolk Women’s Division Three with Freethorpe Ladies hosting Toftwood United Ladies for the 2nd time this season as the visitors played their final league game of the campaign. Freethorpe lost that time around 8-1. A different story this time around as they secured their 4th league win of the season leading Toftwood 2-0 at half-time Michaela Stordy and Megan Wilson with the goals, Katie Hart pulled one back for Toftwood 2nd half however Freethorpe held on for the win. Toftwood end their season with a 4th place finish.
A week after Thorpe United Ladies beat 2nd placed King’s Lynn Town Ladies 4-3 to go 4 points clear at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division One the two sides met again this time at the Thorpe Recreation Ground a chance for Thorpe United to go further clear of for King’s Lynn to restore the gap between the 2 to a point. Defender Albany Hodgson put King’s Lynn into the lead in the 1st half scoring her 1st goal for the club. That joy was short lived however as Hodgson gave away a penalty up the other end, Laura Hedtke stepping up to score the equaliser for Thorpe United. 1-1 at half-time neither side could find a winning goal 2nd half and had to settle for a share of the points.
A look at the Division One table and you might say, “Hang on Thorpe United are leading the way by 10 points?” This is because Thorpe United have had several games called off this season 7 in all two of these against Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies and they have now both been awarded as home wins by the NWGFL committee. King’s Lynn still have 2 games in hand on Thorpe the gap can be reduced to 4 points once again.
Bungay Town Ladies in 3rd place in the Division One table have been unbeaten so far in 2017 in both league and cup, that record was finally brought to an end on Sunday as they travelled to 6th placed Aylsham FC Ladies, the two sides always sharing a good rivalry the match was won by a single goal, Leanne Ferdani scoring in the 1st half for Aylsham to secure the 3 points.
Brandon Town Ladies have hit a rich vein of form unbeaten now in their last 6 league games including 5 straight wins that has propelled them up the table into 4th spot 2 behind 3rd placed Bungay Town Ladies. The latest result coming at home against struggling Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies. Leading the side bottom of the table 2-0 at half-time piled on the goals 2nd half to reach double figures winning 11-0. A hat-trick for Chloe Slater (pictured) along with a brace each for, Charlotte Howard, Georgia Reardon and Brooke Wickens. Ruby Robertson and Dayna Howard also getting on the scoresheet.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
One match played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two on Easter Sunday with Long Stratton Ladies hosting Briston Wanderers Ladies the visitors short on numbers going into the game, still managed to score twice through Stacey High and Megan Skinner. Long Stratton with the bare 11 themselves however found the back of the net at the opposite end with 3 goals to win the game to move back level on points with 2nd placed Stalham Town Ladies. Charlie Head with a brace and a goal for Maryanne Hoy scoring for Long Stratton.
