Tag Archives: Sprowston FC Women

Match Report – Sprowston FC Women v Bungay Town Ladies

Wednesday 22nd May

Norfolk Women’s Division One 

After a run of 9 cup finals, a brief pause this Wednesday evening for a spot of league action in my penultimate game of the season, a trip into Norwich, to watch a potential title winning clash between the top two in Norfolk Women’s Division One, Sprowston FC Women 2nd a point behind the visitors, leaders Bungay Town Ladies. 

 Bungay Town Ladies climbing to the top of the table having finally caught up with their games in hand a point clear knowing a point or better this evening will see them crowned champions. Sprowston’s last game of the season have to win to keep their own title hopes alive and then hope Caister FC Ladies can do them a favour by beating Bungay in their final game on Sunday. Bungay keen for that scenario not to arise, both sides bringing in the big guns for the game with their dual signings available with their parent clubs season’s having concluded. Whatever the outcome of this evenings match the pair have guaranteed a top two finish. A great season for both.

 Sprowston amongst the chasing pack all season picking up some great results developing a squad of young players, Sprowston FC with a strong youth policy. Lost just one of their opening 12 league matches pushing the leaders all they way and when Caister FC Ladies were deducted 12 point for playing a banned player the Division One picture changed with themselves and Bungay emerging as the title contenders. Reaching the last 4 of the League Cup too will b aiming to end the campaign on a high. Mollie O’Callaghan the top scorer for Sprowston scoring 17 goals in 17 appearances. With Rosie Milligan on 13 goals Bailey Duffield with 12 and Holly Whayman and Lois Wright both on 9.

  Bungay Town Ladies emerging as the Division One leaders late in the season having been playing catch up with their fixtures all campaign. Never an easy task to have the games in hand and fulfil the potential they offer by getting the points on the board but have achieved it to put themselves within touching distance of winning another Division One title, albeit quite a while back. Have long been established in the league have build up a strong squad full of experience and a spattering of exciting young talent. A double within their grasp too, missing out in the final of this seasons League Cup. Mia Rose the clubs top scorer with 14 goals. Lauren Goulder has since moved on with 12. Brooke Osborne signed at the start of the season with 8 to her name.

  Blue Boar Lane the venue for this evenings league clash the Sprowston Sports and Social Club, home of Sprowston FC men and women. The social club leading to the main grass pitch. Surrounded by trees in a residential area. Viewing behind railings all round. The pitch certainly a contrast to the pitch at evening but unfair to compare it to Portman Road. Is uneven in  place the grass a little long, but with all the rain we’ve had in the past 24 hours hardly surprising good growing weather. A little slope to it too from one goal mouth to another a decent crowd too with a few keen observers to see how things will pan out. After that heavy rain yesterday that saw the Suffolk Women’s County Cup final suspended for 1hr 20 minutes it didn’t hit Norwich too bad and the threat to the game being on passed. A few spots of rain in the air clouds around but as the teams kicked off the sun broke through the cloud low setting behind the trees behind one goal.

Sprowston FC Women starting XI – Jade Knight, Courtney Leggett, Bailey Curtis, Holly Whayman, Brianna Rudd (C), Olivia Leggett, Chloe Shipman, Mollie O’Callaghan, Anais Winney, Phoebe Green and Bailey Duffield. Subs – Rosie Milligan, Lois Wright, Lola Hallam & Aimee Dickson.

Sprowston FC Women

 Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Grace Storey, Marcie Prettyman, Chloe Ellis, Ruby Roos, Charnelle Riggall (C), Selina Rowland, Brooke Osborne, Lily Alexander, Lauren Bullard & Mia Rose. Subs – Naomi Cooper, Kate Pasque, Lauren Purling, Abigail Bell & Zoe Cossey.

Bungay Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Charnelle Riggall and Briana Rudd with this evening’s referee, Norwich’s, Alice Parker.

Sprowston having midfielder Chloe Shipman available with Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women historic title winning season in EWFL Division One North finished. Played a big part for the club collecting both the Players players and Managers player of the year awards. So too Anais Winney, she and twin sister Lily-Ann joining now relegated FAWNL side Cambridge City Women both having played for the first team. Bungay have midfielder Ciera Flatt out injured but have some of their dual signings available too to this evenings crucial game, Lauren Bullard recently signed on in the starting line up along side fellow Wroxham player, Lily Alexander who netted a goal in Wroxham league cup final defeat at the weekend. Naomi Cooper on the bench. Norwich’s, Alice Parker, refereeing this evenings game.

Sprowston opting to switch ends at the coin toss with the sun appearing low behind one goal. Bungay to kick -off the game wearing light blue shirts with black shorts and socks. Sprowston wearing orange shirts and socks with black shorts. The ball played into midfield comes out to the left captain, Charnelle Riggall looking to get forwards on the flank lays the pass inside into Mia Rose up top, Bailey Curtis closing in holding the attackers up inside the D, Rose getting room to turn putting the ball into the far post collected by goalkeeper, Jade Knight.

Bungay looking to make a positive start, Selina Rowland winning the ball in the middle, putting the pass out to Riggall wide left, 30 yards out unleashes a shot the ball brushing the side netting as it runs wide of the near post. Rose winning a throw for Bungay up on the left, Grace Storey putting it into Rose’s feet, wide spins inside to cross, the ball headed clear by Sprowston captain, Briana Rudd.

Bungay’s, Selina Rowland

Riggall pushing on well up the left for Bungay as side win another throw in the corner played into Riggall, sends a crossed arrowing into the far post, players closing in, Marcie Prettyman up with Brooke Osborne, the header turned wide. The game being played at a frantic pace the ball won back and put forwards quickly. Bungay pushing players on, Sprowston clearing into Mollie O’Callaghan in the middle puts a diagonal ball into the right channel for striker, Bailey Duffield to attack Bungay goalkeeper, Chloe Pearce out of her area quickly to put her foot through the ball to clear.

Osborne laying the ball into Rose’s feet as the attacker pulls out to the right 20 yards out spins in behind to flash a cross in along the face of the Sprowston goal, Bullard can’t quite reach it to turn home. Chloe Shipman carrying the ball out to the right lifts it on for Duffield to attack on the flank, Grace Storey back on her as the pair reach the by-line the defender seeing Duffield place her attempted cross behind for a goal kick.

Chloe Shipman

A frantic opening 5 minutes if anything both sides need to settle. Chloe Ellis playing the ball out from the back up to Osborne inside for Bullard, challenged by Sprowston’s Holly Whayman, cleared to the left, Sprowston’s Anais Winney sending the ball into the box for Duffield to attack, Bungay defender Ruby Roos getting across her to shield the ball back to her keep, Pearce picking it up Sprowston claiming Roos touched the ball implying a back pass but nothing doing.

Rowland giving the ball to Riggall getting on up the left flank looks to play Bullard in behind the flag though going up, halting her run. Winney taking the ball on right for Sprowston winning a throw as Ellis comes across to tackle. Off the throw Phoebe Green sees the ball into her feet right corner of the area and turning to shot sends the ball wide past the far post. O’Callaghan with time on the ball 40 yards out lines up a strike a good effort racing wide of the right post.

Rowland bringing the ball under control in the middle, laying it out to Riggall getting forwards on the left pushed into Bullard 20 yards out left of the D, has Osborne making a run across her going ide plays the ball into her, Osborne’s angled cross, claimed by Sprowston goalkeeper, Knight. A free-kick won on half-way to Sprowston, Olivia Leggett to play the ball up into the area, Roos heading it clear for Bungay.

Bungay captain, Charnelle Riggall looking to get in behind Chloe Shipman

Rowland up ended in the middle, gets back to her feet quickly to take it spotting Riggall in space on the left, going forwards Sprowston out to close her down put the ball out for a throw. Alexander receiving the throw do onto her feet, spins in behind to cross the ball blocked by Whayman. Leggett heading the ball away from danger as Riggall whips a cross in towards the top of the area. Bungay pressing getting forwards well. Prettyman on the move right into Osborne racing on her cross/shot taken by Knight down low at her near post.

Knight has a good kick on her the ball launched up to the right has Duffield turning to attack up the line, is brought down as she reaches the corner of the area, winning her side a free-kick. O’Callaghan over it players up goes for the shot fires the ball over the crossbar. Duffield closing Roos down as the defender looks to see the ball out of play on the left forces the corner. Curled in to the far post knocked down drops to Green out beyond the post, sees her shot charged down.

Sprowston’s Bailey Duffield

Bungay look to break from the corner get away on the right, Sprowston snapping back to turn play around, Shipman on for Green her cross over everyone from the left, Duffield right looking to keep the pressure on, winning another corner. A dangerous delivery curled in under the bar by O’Callaghan, Pearce getting a fist on the ball to punch it away.

Bungay goalkeeper, Chloe Pearce

Duffield attacking the ball on the right as Knight boots it upfield, Riggall tracking back to help Storey at the back getting a challenge in on Duffield to see Storey clear. Both sides calling for a little calm passes rushed at times. Alexander bringing the ball on for Bungay played into Riggall wide left, spins in behind looknig to get down the line, Curtis back at her to challenge, clears the ball. Sprowston making a change, Duffield coming off in attack, Rosie Milligan coming on.

The ball put inside from the left into Rose inside the D, the Bungay attacker holding the ball up, looking to spin off Whayman marking her to get a shot away, Whayman ready lunging in with her leg to block the ball runs wide to the right of the D, Rowland running on looking to shoot first time blasts her 20 yard attempt wide. Osborne taking the ball on down the right seeing her low cross turned behind by Leggett.

The corner lifted in at the near post Roos up to head the ball twisting her body to angle the ball in down towards goal, blocked on the line, dropping down to the floor and hastily scrambled away, Bungay appealing that the ball had crossed the line but don’t get the decision. VAR not used if it wasn’t over there was only a fraction in it.

Bungay’s Ruby Roos

Good contest. lively, Bungay getting on quickly looking to force the tempo, too quickly at times players not ready for passes, Leggett winning it at the back up to Winney left has Green pulling wide picks her out, the attacker on the angle sending a shot wide across the six yard box.

GOAL! The deadlock broken Bungay bringing the ball on right side played into Rose form a goal kick, 20 yards out right corner of the box back to goal takes it to her left to spin away down the line lifting a cross into the box, over Bullard, dropping on the penalty spot, Alexander charging in unmarked hitting it on the volley driving the ball past the keeper into the back of the net 0-1.

Lily Alexander celebrates as she fires Bungay into the lead

Bungay taking the lead with just under half an hour played. Winney gets the ball up to Green pressing on the left sends a cross into the area, Milligan making a central run, Roos intercepting to head the ball clear. O’Callaghan looking to line up another rocket from 30 yards out, Rowland throwing her self in to block the ball at close range. Rose moving across the Sprowston back line to receive the ball, Rowland taking the ball out to the left rolling her in down the line, Rose and Whayman tangling on the edge of the area, the Bungay attacker winning a free-kick, Whayman shown a yellow card.

Mollie O’Callaghan

 

 Osborne over the set-piece on the left just outside the box, flighted in towards the far post Roos jumping to nod the ball down into the six yard box, the shot is taken, the ball gratefully grabbed up by Knight put straight into the keeper. O’Callaghan with Shipman bring the ball on through the middle for Sprowston, Shipman sending it up the right wing with Milligan racing in behind the full back firing a cross into the area, won by Riggall over on the other side of the pitch now. A few uneven bounces on the pitch wrong footing plays, there are definitely a few nerves out there the senior plays trying to get everyone to relax.

  Riggall over on the right attacking the ball on for Osborne releases Bullard down to the by-line cuts her cross back up into the box, Leggett snatching it back for Sprowston to clear. Roos comes over to support Riggall as she holds up Green’s progress on the left wing, sends the ball upfield, Rose looking to get it under control, has the ball taken off her feet by Rudd. Bungay pressing on the right, Riggall up with Osborne and Bullard the cross put into the area, Curtis going to clear it, Rose charging the ball down behind for a goal kick. 

  Rowland playing the ball into Rose over on the left 20 yards out controls the ball and shifts it inside to open up the angle to shoot, the ball fired straight at the keeper, back on her line. O’Callaghan angling a 30 yard pass into the right side of the Bungay six yard box, Green attacking it sends the ball over. Sprowston winning a free-kick wide on the left in the closing moments of the first half, O’Callaghan over the ball sends the ball into the area over everyone and out at the far post.

Half-time Sprowston FC Women 0-1 Bungay Town Ladies

  Bungay with the narrow advantage at the break, the teams staying out on the field with a short interval before the 2nd half. The game has been played at a frantic pace, Bungay keen to get the job done this evening. Neither side has settled, a nervous edge to proceedings. A few rash challenges but played in good spirits for the majority. Bungay creating chances getting players on well down the flanks. Sprowston limited in their attacks but proving a real danger on the counter and keeping Bungay on their toes a single goal in it all to play for 2nd half.

  Both sides making changes, Zoe Cossey and Abigail Bell on for Bungay in place of Osborne and Storey off. Duffield back on for Sprowston along with Lola Hallam, Green and Winney off. Sprowston getting the 2nd half underway, Bungay immediately in to close the ball down, get the ball up the right crossed into the box, drops for Rose stabs the ball over the goal. Bell closing the ball down in the final 3rd for Bungay out to the right, Courtney Leggett defending sending it out for a throw. 

 Sprowston up on the right getting a throw, played into Duffield top of the area lays it down the line for Hallam to lift a cross into the area, Pearce claiming the ball at the near post. Shipman tackling Rowland in the middle to bring the ball away right, for Hallam, Riggall challenging for Bungay to stop the attack. Courtney Leggett getting on with the ball left for Sprowston fires it forwards up into the box with Duffield the target, Roos goes with her foot instead of her head to clear the ball, slices the ball in behind gets away with it as it runs straight into the keepers gloves.

Sprowston’s Lola Hallam

  Bungay queuing up inside the box as Rose on the right looks to wriggle her was past three defenders, the cross coming in, Whayman winning it for Sprowston to clear. Rowland booked as she is late with her tackle, then clears the ball inside the box from the resulting free-kick. The game remains lively Cossey carrying the ball up through the middle for Bungay sending it on for Rose up the right flank, Courtney Leggett getting a foot on the ball, brings it on setting off a Sprowston counter attack, rolls into Milligan, pulls the trigger from 30 yards out her shot only succeeds in finding the keeper.

  Cossey getting up to the top of the D, laying the ball off to the left for the onrushing, Alexander to take on Curtis making the blocking tackle for Sprowston. Milligan with another attempt from distance 25 yards out on the right places the ball over the crossbar. Shipman wins Pearce’s goal-kick for Sprowston seeing the ball down lays it forwards looking to play Hallam through on goal right side, the pass a little too strong gives Pearce the opportunity to get the ball safely back into her gloves.

  Bungay defending their six yard box heading the ball clear as Sprowston pushing on the right win a corner. Bungay come on through the middle Rowland on for Cossey left of the D, 25 out looks to thread the ball into the path of Bullard ahead of her, not quite as Whayman clears, the ball going straight to Prettyman 25 yards out right of the D, shoots the ball racing wide of the far post. 

Marcie Prettyman tackling Rosie Milligan

 Curtis putting the tackle in on Rose as the Bungay attacker drives forwards with the ball at her feet in the left channel. Alexander on the move right plays the ball on for Rose bursting to the by-lie stabs her cross up into the near post, Curtis with a timely tackle on Bullard as she looks to attack it. Bungay upping the ante pushing on Roos lifting a pass into Bullard moving right back to Prettyman, inside for Rowland looks to turn, Milligan nips in to win the ball for Sprowston, they look to counter Milligan finding Shipman looks to release Hallam on the right, Riggall defending for Bungay. 

  Changes from both sides, Shipman coming off for Sprowston, Green coming back on. Bungay bringing off Rose, sending on Lauren Purling. Leggett needing to defend for Sprowston does well as Alexander picking up the ball 25 yards out drives on towards the box, left side of the D. Bungay giving the ball away in the middle, O’Callaghan snapping onto the ball letting fly from 30 yards out, the shot grabbed down by Pearce. 25 minutes left to play the score remains 1-0 to Bungay, the ball not sticking on the middle, but Sprowston can’t get it into their attackers. 

Bungay’s Zoe Cossey

 Cossey with a chance to double the lead as she breaks into the area central, riding a challenge stays on her feet moving to the left, taking the shot, not enough on it to evade the keeper, Knight down to make the save. Bungay pressing, Alexander on the drive with the ball at her feet central feeding the pass out to Purling on the right 20 yards out ends the ball arrowing into the box central, for Bell looking to attack it on the half volley, places the shot straight at the keeper. Cossey coming inside from the left to try her luck on the angle too can only pick out Knight in the Sprowston goal. 

Bungay’s Abigail Bell

Bungay looking to turn the screw, O’Callaghan nipping back in on Purling as the Bungay winger looks to get away on the right, out for a throw, Prettyman putting the ball up the line for Purling to attack driving to the by-line, Rudd going with her holding her up well eventually conceding the throw in the corner. Prettyman putting it long into Alexander inside the box, Olivia Leggett challenging to clear the threat. 

 Rowland bringing the ball down puts it into the path of Bells 25 yards out right of the D, unleashing a shot whips past the near post. Bungay with a free-kick on halfway lifted into the right side of the six yard box headed down into the mix, scrambled away to safety.

GOAL! Bungay having created a series of good chances make one count as the ball from the left is clipped into the top of the area, Purling seeing it down beyond the defence knocks it right heading for the six yard box and from the angle strikes the ball in across goal over the line at the far post 0-2.

Lauren Purling about to send Bungay into a 2 goal lead.

 Bungay getting a precious 2nd goal make a change bringing off Rowland with Naomi Cooper coming on. Bungay full of running in the latter stages of the game, one hand on the league title Alexander laying the ball on for Bullard, Curtis closing the attacker down top of the area. Bullard on the ball right side up to Purling inside the box, Rudd stepping in to win the ball back runs back out to Bullard places her shot into the side netting.

Lauren Bullard

  A triple switch for Sprowston as they bring O’Callaghan, Duffield and Whayman off, on come, Lois Wright, Aimee Dickson and Winney. The light starting to fade Bungay with a throw on the right make a change Prettyman having pulled up with cramp replaced by Storey. Cooper looking to play the ball into Bullard moving right, the pass cut out by Curtis. 

 Cossey looking to play a one two with Purling as she makes a central run towards the box, can’t quite get control of the return pass. Sprowston look to bring the ball away launch a counter long for Winney, Ellis defending for Bungay. The game stretched as Sprowston look to throw players forwards. Cossey hooking the ball forwards for Bullard on the right, Curtis going with her lunging in to play the ball out for a throw. The cross from the throw long to the back stick, Cooper rising to get her head on the ball nods it down into the keeper.

  Milligan strikes the shot from distance the ball swerving in towards goals caught by Pearce. The game moving into the final minute, Bungay working hard to limit Sprowston in possession a free-kick won lifted up to Purling on the right takes into the corner before winning a corner. Curled into the area and headed clear, the final whistle blows and Bungay have done it, are CHAMPIONS winning the Division One title.

Fulltime Sprowston FC Women 0-2 Bungay Town Ladies

  Lauren Purling has been with Bungay for a long time, her father Graham managing the side for a long period too, great to see her score the goal in the 2nd half to help secure the league title. Please for the club, great to see them win the league, know they have done it before but not in the WF East era. Have always been very supportive of my efforts to help promote the game. Leading 1-0 at half-time found an extra gear in the 2nd half to push on create good chances eventually making one count. Sprowston beaten by the better side on the night, have nevertheless secured runners-up spot. haven’t seen them this season until now, but have heard them talked about in high regards and have done fabulous to be in the title race right up until their final game of the season.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the penultimate Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the season. Have to say this is a difficult one but the notes paint a picture of who done what help alot on occasion. A few performances of note, for Sprowston, Bailey Curtis made a number of crucial tackles at the back. Olivia Leggett in front of the defence getting across the pitch to win the ball. Chloe Shipman in the middle with some useful passes. For Bungay, Lily Alexander with some fantastic runs on hand to volley home the opening goal. Mia Rose got about the top of the area to receive the ball with some great link up play. Selina Rowland strong on the ball in the middle got Bungay moving forwards. Zoe Cossey and Abigail Bell coming on 2nd half pushed on to keep Bungay up the pitch to create attacking opportunities. The award though goes to their captain, Charnelle Riggall worked hard to win the ball down the left in the first half getting it on down the line linking up with her attackers then in defence 2nd half limited Sprowston’s attacks down the right well.

 Congratulations to Bungay Town Ladies on winning Norfolk Women’s Division One.

Bungay Town Ladies, 2023/24 Norfolk Women’s Division One Champions (photo credit Darrell Allen)

 An exciting game to end the Division One title race, and already you know it’s going to be just as good next season. My thanks to both teams for the team details. Great to see so many taking an interested in the outcome across the footballing community in Norfolk. One more game to go then the season’s done.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report KLSC FC Women v Sprowston FC Women

Sunday 30th October

NWGFL League Cup

With a busy weekend ahead only a game close to home would do this weekend and luckily there are plenty to be found with a trip up the A47 to King’s Lynn this Sunday to watch some action from the 1st Round of the Norfolk Women’s League Cup with Division Two leaders, KLSC FC Women taking on Division One side, Sprowston FC Women.

Today’s 1st Round League Cup tie delayed by a week due to Sprowston FC Women’s involvement in this season Women’s FA Cup. The NWGFL (Norfolk Women’s & Girl’s Football League) having two senior cup competitions with the sides knocked out in the early rounds of the League Cup going onto contest for the League Plate.

Today’s clash featuring two sides with the potential to go all the way in the competition. KLSC FC Women (King’s Lynn Soccer Club) entering their 2nd season. Have started the season brilliantly in NWGFL Division Two, leading the way with 5 wins from 5 to stand 5 points clear at the top of the fledgling table looking to push on from their 3rd place finish in their debut season. The club formed by ex-Lynn Ladies players, Lisa Wilson and Louise Coggles giving King’s Lynn a 2nd women’s football club within the town benefitting West Norfolk which still remains light on numbers of women’s sides within the county. A change of management at the start of the new season with Ellie Bennington stepping up from a coaching role last season to manage the side.

Striker Josie Turner highly prolific in front of goal for Lynn Ladies in their early years before their merger with King’s Lynn Town FC returning to the new KLSC FC Women set-up finishing top scorer netting 21 goals last season, has hit the ground running this season too netting 11 goals so far in the 5 league wins with Ellie Panks on 5 goals and Chloe Edwards on 4 respectfully in a total of 29 goals scored by KLSC FC Women so far this season. Firmly amongst the favourites for the Division Two title, they will face a strong challenge from newly formed Aylsham FC Women also making a 100% winning start along side Gorleston FC Ladies with another newcomer Blofield United Ladies currently 2nd also making an unbeaten start. Attention now though turning away from the league as KLSC get their cup campaign started.

Very much a revamped squad for Sprowston FC Women this season with 11 new faces within their 18 strong squad going into the 2022/23 campaign having seen several players move on with others going to university. Having become an established side within the NWGFL over recent seasons with a strong youth section, the rebuild squad once again laying it’s foundation in young players, new captain an goalkeeper Ellie Hambrook playing for Norwich previously along with midfielder Mollie O’Callaghan who made a name for herself in the county playing for Wymondham Town Ladies before moving to Norwich. Wymondham Town Ladies very sadly no more with Sprowston snapping up two of their promising recruits to add to their squad attacking players, Lyla Studd and Nyah White.

A loss and a win so far in Division One a run all the way to 3rd Round Qualifying in the Women’s FA Cup albeit with a bye in the previous two rounds with teams pulling out a heavy loss away to ERWFL Premier Division side Royston Town Women ending their FA Cup campaign, nevertheless with the improved prize money on offer this season the club has earned a tidy amount that will go along way to cover running costs for the season ahead.

KLSC FC Women playing their home matches at he King’s Way Playing Fields on Edward Benefer Way to the north of King’s Lynn. A familiar venue although I haven’t been hear for a few seasons the grass pitches well used by the local sides in the area. The furthest pitch from the changing rooms in use today a stiff wind blowing across the open field making it impossible to run out the tape to cordon off the playing area a rope called for instead. The clocks going back this weekend the leaves starting to fall now dotting the pitch, still mild for the time of year the wind though adding some bite, the earlier rain blowing through should be dry for the match.

KLSC FC Women

 KLSC FC Women starting XI – Selina Raines, Caitlin Jacob, Rhiann Ellis, Courtney Burch-Bailey, Millie Bareford, Kesley Ramm, Taeya Mayes, Josie Turner (C), Chloe Edwards, Trinity Tokaji & Ellie Panks. Subs – Viktorija Burkauskaite & Lucy Clarke.

Sprowston FC Women

 Sprowston FC Women starting XI – Ellie Hambrook (C), Bailey Curtis, Courtney Leggett, Madison Lee, Lois Irving, Olivia Leggett, Lilly-Ann Winney, Rosie Milligan, Nyah White, Lois Wright & Anais Winney. Sub – Charlotte Wickenden.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   Both sides light on substitutes going into the game with only 2 for KLSC and 1 on the bench for Sprowston. KLSC also searching for a new goalkeeper having lost theirs to King’s Lynn Town Ladies recently, Selina Raines donning the gloves for today’s game. It’s Sprowston to get the cup tie underway kicking off the first half wearing orange shirts and socks with black shorts, with KLSC lined up opposite wearing red and black vertical stripped shirts, red shorts and red and black hooped socks. The ball played short midfield, KLSC  immediately close it down forcing it back to the defence, Madison Lee sending a long clearance up the right wing for Nyah White to chase down, Caitlin Jacobs getting in to make the challenge for KLSC the ball out for a throw high up the pitch. 

  From the resulting throw in Sprowston get the ball down to whip a low cross in towards the near post missed by the KLSC defender going to clear runs on to striker Anais Winney, not expecting the ball to come to her tries to dig a shot out from under her feet, Selina Raines making the save at close range gathering the ball. 

  GOAL! The perfect start for the visitors as they get themselves into the lead inside the opening two minutes Olivia Leggett battling for the ball in the middle taking it forwards before lifting it on into the path of Anais Winney pulling off the defence right of the D closing in on the area before sending a shot arrowing in across the keeper 0-1.

Anais Winney on target for the opening goal inside 2 minutes for Sprowston

  KLSC  look to get on the attack as they regain possession at the back the ball sent long out to the right for Trinity Tokaji running onto space on the wing taking the ball on Sprowston centre back Lois Irving going with her, timing her tackle to take the ball off Tokaji’s boot before she can work room for a shot. Josie Turner getting hold of the ball in midfield pulling right and unleashing a shot from distance, 30 yards out the shot held by Sprowston goalkeeper and captain, Ellie Hambrook.

Sprowston’s Lois Irving up against KLSC’s Trinity Tokaji

  Irving getting her foot up well to intercept the ball at the back for Sprowston put on through the middle with Turner on the move looking to run in behind. White bringing the ball on up the right side for Sprowston firing a vicious cross in on the angle, intercepted by KLSC’s Rhiann Ellis cleared across her goal out to the right, Rosie Milligan up with Lois Wright on the left side retrieving the ball turning inside to attack the goal, her shot fired in at the near post straight at Raines.

   Sprowston lively at the start the early goal rocking KLSC a little, the visitors getting players forwards well up and around the final 3rd. Millie Bareford on the ball for KLSC playing the diagonal pass out to Chloe Edwards on the left flank. Looking to travel with the ball her progress halted by Sprowston’s Bailey Curtis. With Sprowston pushing up at times their is the opportunity to get the ball in behind, KLSC though struggling to time the pass more often than not running on out of the attacking players reach, the offside flag catching KLSC out too. 

 Lilly-Ann Winney, wearing different coloured boots to her twin sister Anais or I’d be hard pressed to tell them apart, like the Lubbock twins who play for Fakenham carrying the ball on through the middle drifting right sending the clipped pass on for White hurtling up the wing, her cross driven in behind the KLSC goal. Sprowston pressing the KLSC back line forcing errors leading to a corner kick on the right. An inswinging delivery curls over the crossbar and out for a goalkick. 

Sprowston’s Lilly-Ann Winney

  KLSC giving away a few free-kicks Irving over one wide on the right on the half way line plenty forwards for Sprowston, the ball won by Bareford top of the area. KLSC looking to release Tokaji running on down the right, Irving clearing for a throw. High up the pitch put into the mix top of the Sprowston area, players nipping at the ball on both sides KLSC applying a little pressure the ball not falling kindly as Sprowston scramble it away. Sprowston attacking on the right White skipping inside knocking the ball into the area, cleared drops to Lilly-Ann Winney right of the D 20 out scoops her shot wide of the right post. 

  Turner with the ball centrally for KLSC looks to release Tokaji out on the right flank, getting hold of the ball release it quickly into the middle, intercepted by Lee, the defender giving away a corner. Players up into the box the delivery dropping invitingly into the six yard box, Sprowston, get it clear put long the break on as the visitors attack right, Jacob doing well for KLSC getting across to put in the tackle stop the attack.

KLSC’s Caitlin Jacob

  Sprowston make a change bringing off Milligan, with Charlotte Wickenden abandoning line running duties to enter the playing field. Hambrook quickly out of her area to come clear the threat as Taeya Mayes plays a great long ball on for Ellie Panks to chase through the middle. Panks moving out to the left to support Edwards as she carries the ball on for KLSC, Curtis moving out to hold the pair up the ball played back into midfield for Mayes, tries her luck from distance not quite connecting with the whole of the ball her low strike running safely through for Hambrook to gather. 

Ellie Panks attacking for KLSC

 

 KLSC have struggled to find their rhythm in the game so far Ramm on the ball central looking to get thing’s going playing a great ball forwards into the path of Panks running into the left channel, the attacker driving on into the box, Curtis and Lee closing her down the KLSC forward winning her side a corner kick. KLSC making a change before the corner is taken it’s Panks coming off to be replaced by Viktorija Burkauskaite. The delivery whipped in towards the near post cleared by Curtis for Sprowston falling 20 yards out to Mayes to strike on the half volley, frustrated as she can only pick out the keeper, Hambrook holding onto the shot.

KLSC captain, Josie Turner getting the ball forwards

  Irving taking on the set-pieces for Sprowston as the foul count grows, players up around the top of the area for the visitors, it’s Ramm however who lays claim to the ball for KLSC carrying out out from the back moving to the left playing it forwards for Turner looking to get on with Tokaji, Irving getting across to defend for Sprowston the ball out for a throw. KLSC getting into the game better now attacking coming right the ball inside with Ramm 20 yards out goes for goal her angled shot in held by Hambrook.

KLSC’s Kelsey Ramm

  GOAL! However just as KLSC are starting to carry a threat in attack Sprowston break away to score a 2nd on the half hour with the ball fed on through the middle for Anais Winney pulling out to the left driving into the box under pressure from the KLSC defence gets her shot away firing the ball wide across goal. White stealing in unmarked at the far post to turn the ball home from close range to score her first goal for Sprowston 0-2.

Nyah White doubles Sprowston’s lead

  Sprowston after the ball as the game restarts Olivia Leggett winning it putting the pass forwards turned out to the right for White who fizzes a ball in across the top of the area not dealt with by KLSC, Lilly-Ann Winney with the 1st time hit sending the ball looping up towards goal, comfortably caught by Raines. Turner operating through the middle further forwards for KLSC now recieves the ball into her feet her touch taking her right opts for the early strike on the spin 30 yards out her effort running wide past the far post. 

  White making some powerful runs on the right wing for Sprowston driving up the line getting in behind turning inside into the box leaning back as she pulls the trigger, Raines down at her near post has the angle covered. Frustrations boiling over Sprowston unhappy with a decision letting the referee know their views. Not having it a heated exchange between Olive Leggett and the official follows. Sprowston on the end of a few robust challenges. The 2nd goal giving Sprowston a renewed burst of confidence as they get players on well. 

  Turner lunging in with a strong tackle on Lilly-Ann Winney that leaves the midfielder floored needing treatment again players react the situation calmed down. The referee having a strong word with Turner as Winney recieves treatment. A lengthy pause play resuming with a free-kick to Sprowston wide left Courtney Leggett playing the ball up the line the visitors getting a corner kick. A teasing delivery played through the six yard box met at the far post the header turned wide. 

  Ramm drives forwards with the ball at her feet for KLSC left side lacks support as Curtis comes out to meet her the Sprowston defender tackling well to regain the ball. Sprowston continue to show their frustration with the referee as they are awarded another freekick on halfway. Irving over it to put a long ball in towards the top of the area, won well by Ramm looks to release it early for Tokaji racing away central, Hambrook though quickly out of her area to deal with the threat for Sprowston. 

  Into stoppage time at the end of the first half, Sprowston attacking through the middle Olivia Leggett with the pass to release Anais Winney up top charging for the box, Burkauskaite chasing back with the attacker lunging in to win the ball, times her tackle well taking the ball away from Winney before she can pull the trigger. A throw out on the left high up the pitch put on across the top of the area KLSC don’t get it away as Olivia Leggett snaps in to win the ball prodded out to Wright left of the D, skips into the area before getting her boot under the ball to scoop a shot in towards goal, Raines right behind getting her gloves firmly around the ball.

Sprowston’s Lois Wright

  Burkauskaite with another last ditch tackle inside the area timed perfectly to deny Anais Winney another attempt on goal, as the forwards pass is lifted into box Winney looking to run onto it and shoot central, has a vicious spin on it however the bounce taking it away from the striker to the right of goal, giving Burkauskaite the vital second she needs as she lunges in a full stretch to take the ball away from Winney behind for a corner kick. Dropped into the six yard box Courtney Burch-Bailey gets it clear for KLSC.

  Seconds left to play KLSC get the ball on rapidly through the middle with Turner looking to attack it driving at the ball, Hambrook rushing out to meet her top of the area does enough to stop Turner stealing in past her the ball loose though top of the box, Courtney Leggett and Tokaji throwing out a boot in an attempt to win it, Tokaji getting the telling touch sending the ball on past the keeper towards the goal, Curtis though is round on the cover to protect her goalkeeper intercepting the ball and clearing it forwards the rapid counter on as Wickenden finds White on the right flank driving on shoots on the angle straight at Raines covering her near post.

A late chance for KLSC

Half-time KLSC FC Women 0-2 Sprowston FC Women

  A 2-0 lead for Sprowston at the break. The changing rooms a good distance away from the pitch the teams staying out on the field to receive instructions for the 2nd half. A perfect start for the visitors taking the lead inside the opening 2 minutes. On the front foot for a large portion of the 1st half taking the game to KLSC. The hosts rocked by the early goal in comparison taking a while to get into the game then just as they were looking to apply some pressure of their own got hit with a 2nd goal. Free-kicks given away much to Sprowston’s frustration they have looked a threat going forwards. KLSC’s best chance coming at the end of the half a goal pulled back then giving them confidence going into the 2nd half. 2-0 often a tricky score-line KLSC certainly not out of the tie but need to find a goal to put Sprowston under pressure.

Changes for both sides at the break, Lucy Clarke coming on for KLSC replacing Edwards on the left. Milligan back on for Sprowston with Wickenden off with KLSC getting the 2nd half underway with the sun breaking through the clouds at last, doing nothing to cull the bite of the wind however. The ball played bac into the defence Jacob looking to get on left side is tackled by Lilly-Ann Winney. Bareford battling on with the ball central for KLSC is fouled 35 yards out to the left of the D. A free-kick early in the 2nd half for the hosts. Mayes over it has shown she’s got a decent strike on her 1st half lines up a shot fired in aiming for the far post Hambrook moving across her goal, can let it go, out wide beyond the upright. 

 Curtis in to defend against Turner inside the six yard box as a cross is fired in across goal the ball out for a corner kick. Left side Turner to send a low ball in across the six yard box, cleared back to the corner taker Turner shifting the ball inside before curling her shrike over the crossbar. Mayes down having taken a knock for KLSC out on the right in attack a pause in play but is up and able to play on. Milligan seeing the ball into her feet well spinning it on into the path of White moving forwards right side looking to get into the box, Burkauskaite coming to close her down winning the ball back for KLSC.

KLSC’s Viktorija Burkauskaite

  GOAL! Sprowston get players forwards attacking left side moving on towards the top of the area Wright up with Anais Winney and Milligan the cross inside to Milligan inside the box left of the D, gets her foot under the ball to lift her shot up to sail over the keeper and into the back of the net to extend Sprowston’s lead 0-3.

Rosie Milligan putting Sprowston into a 3 goal lead

  As with the first half it’s the perfect beginning to the 2nd for Sprowston as they score a goal early to move 3 goals clear. The visitors getting the ball back straight from the restart looking to attack as White is picked out on the right charging on players rushing in towards goal as she fires her cross in racing through the six yard box no one can get a touch. Turner looking to make herself available for the ball in attack is picked out by Bareford moving right, turns inside well driving for the Sprowston area getting a shot away from 20 yards out the ball racing wide of the near post. 

KLSC’s Millie Bareford

  Raines releasing the ball rom her gloves a fantastic ball forwards has Turner attacking it bouncing not dealt with by the Sprowston defence knocked out to Tokaji right side does well to win a corner. Turner to take it an inswinging ball drops onto the crossbar and out for a goalkick. Sprowston making a change White coming off for a rest, Wickenden back on with an hour played. Burch-Bailey making a vital challenge inside the box left of goal on Wright as the left sided attacker looks to battle her way through on goal a corner conceded. Wright to send the corner in a great ball into the six yard box Olivia Leggett rising to meet it heading the ball wide past the far post.

Sprowston midfielder, Olivia Leggett

  Sprowston getting forwards well Wickenden up with Anais Winney as they combine top of the rea before Winney bursts in behind right of goal to send a shot in across the face of goal, intercepted well by Burch-Bailey. Cleared out to the top of the area, Sprowston with bodies up to pressure the ball, a shot from distance with venom, Burch-Bailey blocking it feeling the full force needing a moment to recover. 

KLSC defender, Courtney Burch-Bailey

  Courtney Leggett over a free-kick out wide right for Sprowston, players coming forwards cueing up top of the area the delivery swept in, Ellis heading clear drops down to Olivia Leggett 20 yards out central, strikes a shot goalwards her effort flies over the crossbar. KLSC making a change with Edwards returning to the pitch replacing Tokaji on the right. Wright is fed in left side her cross driven into the top of the area Anais Winney squeezing a shot away as players rush in on the ball, Raines with a superb save as she drops sharply to her right to get down to glove the away to the left.

  Sprowston keeping the attacking pressure on the ball fired into the area own into the six yard box, Anais Winney then Olivia Leggett attacking it unable to get a shot away as the ball is half cleared by KLSC falling to Lee outside the box her strike flashed over the bar. Bareford on the ball central for KLSC onto Turner played out to Edwards on the right as she takes the ball forwards up the line before delivering a cross through the six yard box met by Clarke at the far post looks to turn the ball goalwards, puts it straight into Hambrook moving well across her goal to close the angle.

  Bareford busy in the middle for KLSC battling on the ball to get forwards coming out left lifts it onto Clarke top of the area left of the D, shifting the ball onto her left foot, sends a rising ball in towards goal, Hambrook across to her near post taking the ball comfortably above her head. KLSC finding some signs of encouragement. Sprowston though remain lively getting players forwards a free-kick won central Irving playing it long for Milligan pulling left blasts her shot into the side netting. Anais Winney coming off for Sprowston with White back on. 

  Burkauskaite defending on Wright for KLSC to concede a throw in the corner as White attempts the diagonal pass from the right. Clarke seeing the ball into her feet for KLSC on the left has Turner making a run ahead of her into the channel, attempting the forwards pass, Lee is quickly in to make the tackle for Sprowston stop Turner breaking in behind. Turner doing all she can to find a opening up top for KLSC pulls into the box off a throw high up the pitch on the left, a powerful strike, held well by Hambrook at her near post.

Josie Turner

  Milligan getting the ball down onto her feet 25 yards out driving a shot narrowly over the KLSC crossbar. Milligan finding space in the middle to get the ball into her feet and look to create an opening going forwards for the visitors spins away to release a pass forwards into Lilly-Ann Winney breaking into the area, Burch-Bailey back at her well for KLSC to dive in take the ball away for a corner. The game entering the final 15 minutes. A player down on the right for KLSC, Ramm having taken a knock can’t continue helped off the pitch Tokaji comes back on. 

  White with a burst of speed on the right flashing a cross into the KLSC six yard box, Milligan closing in can’t get the touch to turn it home. Curtis doing well at the back for Sprowston winning the challenge as Turner looks to knock the ball on into the area. 

  GOAL!  *correction* Out of no where KLSC pull a goal initially thought it was Mayes with the shot and got conformation from the crowd hence I gave it to the wrong person. KSLC are up and around the Sprowston box pressing the ball when it comes to Turner who strikes it well from distance to send the ball rifling in low past a static Hambrook inside her left post a goal back for KLSC, 1-3.

 GOAL! A goal back for KLSC with the clock ticking down at the end of the 2nd half, Sprowston with the perfect reply as they get the ball forwards straight from the restart into White catching the defence off guard to race into the box left of goal, Raines racing out to close the angle, White releasing her shot early to send it past the advancing keeper and into the goal beyond to restore the 3 goal cushion 1-4.

Nyah White straight from the restart restoring Sprowston’s 3 goal lead

  Less than 5 minutes of regular time left to play Anais Winney back on for Sprowston, Wright off. Burkauskaite defending for the hosts as White drives into the box from the left. Olivia Leggett from 25 yards putting a shot straight at the keeper. Wright back on for Wickenden as Lilly-Ann Winney curls a shot in from outside the box held by the keeper. Sprowston regularly rotating their attacking players as the tie moves into stoppage time. Olivia Leggett clipping a long pass out to Wright attacking wide right, she sends a shot rising over the KLSC crossbar. A  coming together between Burch-Bailey and White leading to the visitors being awarded a corner in stoppage time. 

  GOAL! The tie won Sprowston nevertheless bring plenty off players up into the area to attack the ball as the corner is played in by Olivia Leggett, A teasing ball in across the penalty spot the ball attacked the header turned goalwards looping over the keeper to find the top corner, sadly for KLSC an own goal with Sprowston going 1-5 ahead at the death.

Full time KLSC FC Women 1-5 Sprowston FC Women

  The game ends a 5-1 victory for Sprowston FC Women to see them into the 2nd Round of the NWGFL League Cup. Their new look side showing plenty of potential with a confident display to win comfortably against the Division Two leaders. Scoring an early goal setting them on their way adding a 2nd on the half hour mark to lead 2-0 at the break looked strong for their lead and capitalised with an early goal 2nd half to go 3 ahead. KLSC has their chances and would certainly have posed a threat had they pulled a goal back a good chance late in the 1st half worked hard, Sprowston carrying a strong attacking threat KLSC nevertheless found a goal to get something out of the tie only to concede straight away an own goal at the death probably undoubtedly harsh.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. It’s a tough one no doubt was a strong team performance from Sprowston. A few performances to mention though, firstly for KLSC FC Women. captain, Josie Turner always carried a threat looking to make something happened whether trying to get others on the ball or leading the attack. Courtney Burch-Bailey with some strong tackling at the back along with Viktorija Burkauskaite. For Sprowston, Lois Irving is the experience head in the defence and marshalled thing’s at the back well with some good positioning. Bailey Curtis too was excellent with some great challenges. Olivia Leggett strong in the middle of the park with Rosie Milligan showing some great movement and control of the ball. Today’s award goes to Nyah White was a threat on the right in attack straight from the whistle and got forwards with purpose scoring twice.

  An enjoyable return to The King’s Way Playing Fields, great to catch up with both sides who produced another great showpiece for the NWGFL good luck to both in the competitions going forwards and thank you for the team details as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Beccles Town Ladies v Sprowston FC Women

Sunday 17th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

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

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

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

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

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

Beccles Town Ladies

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

Sprowston FC Women

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

(roll on roll off substitutes)

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

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

Beccles captain, Lola Barber-King

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

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

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

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

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

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

Holly Whayman heads in Sprowston’s 2nd.

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

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

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

Kate Morris with Sprowston’s 3rd goal

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

Holly Whayman firing Sprowston into a 4 goal lead

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

Lauren Purling battling for the ball with Holly Whayman

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

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

Vicky Bloomfield clearing the ball for Beccles

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

Beccles, Lily Bulloch

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

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

Abigail Bell on the scoresheet for Beccles

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

Sprowston captain, Lois Irving

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

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

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

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

Lola Barber-King on the attack for Beccles

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

Beccles, Bethan Owen with Sprowston’s Courtney Leggett

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

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

Beccles, Lauren Purling

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

Sprowston’s Kate Morris with Beccles, Kelly Collins

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

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

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

Katie Fray scoring Sprowston’s fifth goal

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

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

Kate Morris making it 6-2 for Sprowston

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

Sprowston’s Keira Braithwaite

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

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

Full time Beccles Town Ladies 2-6 Sprowston FC Women

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

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

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

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

by Darren Gilham