Sunday 9th December
Norfolk Women’s Division One
Thorpe United Ladies made it 8 wins from 9 played this season in Norfolk Women’s Division One to go 9 points clear at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division One on Sunday. The featured game on Women’s Football East as first look at a game from that league this season.
Thorpe were at home taking on 3rd placed Gorleston Ladies. 8 teams contesting the league this season at the beginning looked to be a close one to call all sides capable of beating the other. Thorpe bringing a number of their U16s into the 1st team have added to an experienced squad hit the ground running and have led from the beginning. A good start against Gorleston it was the visitors however who opened the scoring a throw on the right into Bethany Turner inside the box strong up against the Thorpe defence the ball running on across the face of goal Samantha Hunn arriving at the far post to score. Thorpe soon back on level terms captain Rebekah Lake with a good run on the right shooting from the angle the keeper parrying the ball across the six yard box Chloe Young on the follow up turning it in. Thorpe going on to take the lead Lake firing in an unstoppable shot again from the right.
2-1 up at the break a bitterly cold wind blowing across the pitch the home side lost goalkeeper Joanne Hooper through injury early in the 2nd half Natasha Leversley then Jess Newton both taking up the gloves in her place. The defence protecting both well Thorpe pressing the attack a strike from outside the area from defender Victoria McNorton seeing them go 3-1 up. Lake lobbing the keeper late on to see the game won 4-1.
A good start to the season for Aylsham Ladies were pushing Thorpe at the top in the early stage, recent form seeing points dropped however remain six point ahead of the chasing pack. Were at home to Bungay Town Ladies on Sunday bottom of the league with just the one point on the board a difficult start to the season from the defending champions struggled with numbers and injury signs thing’s are starting to turn a corner however and that was backed up by Bungay winning their 1st league game of the season beating Aylsham 4-1 thanks to goals from Nicola Hazell, Hannah Jones, Selina Rowland and Morgan Devine.
The first Sprowston derby played this Sunday in Division One with Sprowston Ladies at home to Sprowston Athletic Ladies. Honours even in the finish with two very late goals ensuring a point for the hosts after Melissa Belsey and Laura Jenkins had fired Athletic into a 2-0 lead. Paige Barnard and Victoria Leyer getting the equalising goals for Sprowston Ladies moving them level on points with Gorleston.
For the 2nd successive Sunday Beccles Town Ladies come away with a point after holding their opponents to a goalless draw. Last week a good result at home to Aylsham the same again this time away to Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
The top two in Norfolk Women’s Division Two continue to be relentless in their pursuit of points, Fakenham Town Ladies enjoying the new season with a 100% winning record at the top to the table, 8 wins from 8 now and a good result at home too this Sunday against a side with the potential to challenge. Were taking on Long Stratton Women, the visitors with a few unavailable, Fakenham are gaining confidence with each match, ran out 3-0 winners at the final whistle, Fanny Danskanen, Megan Spurrell and Amie Hutchinson with the goals.
Just two points behind also undefeated this season are new comers Taverham United Women the young side scoring plenty of goals an opening day draw and since 7 straight wins the latest coming this Sunday away to Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies. Leading 3-1 at half-time Taverham went on to win the game 7-2 to keep the pressure on Fakenham at the top. Rebecca Sutton scoring a hat-trick, with a goal each for Maya Lawlor, Abbie Walker, Charlotte Hurren and Chloe Hall. Two huge games coming up as Fakenham and Taverham go head to head on successive Sunday’s, the 2nd of which is on the Women’s Football East radar.
Elsewhere there were some convincing wins, the table bunched up behind the top two, Gorleston Rangers Ladies with their 5th win of the season climb up into 3rd spot in Division Two with a comfortable home win against Horsford Women on Sunday. A strong first half performance seeing the hosts leading 7-0 a quieter 2nd half 2 more goals added. Three players claiming a brace with Rachel Adams, Lauren Dennis and Zoe Waite all scoring twice, goals for for Abbie Pogmore, Chloe Ashton and Abigail Bell in a 9-0 win.
Tavern Ladies are up to 5th in the Division Two table got the result away from home despite travelling with just the 10 available. So too opponents Bulldogs Ladies the Thetford based side struggling in their first season in women’s football bottom of the table, plenty of spirit. Tavern have goals in their squad none more so than Katie Hart-Copsey who netting 4 more at the weekend taking her to 25 goals already from 8 appearances. Lucy Kean also amongst the goals this Sunday claiming a hat-trick taking her onto 5 goals for the campaign so far. Tavern winning 7-0.
Another big win in Thetford on Sunday this time going the way of the hosts with Thetford Town Ladies who win for only the 2nd time this season playing just their 5th game after a number of call off’s. Were taking on Hockering Ladies who were once again light on numbers. No doubt Hockering have the ability in their ranks just need a few more committed players, are actively looking so if you fancy giving it a go drop them a message. Thetford Town doubling their goals scored tally for the season winning the game 8-0 in the finish. Melissa Boulton helping herself to 5 goals in the match Gemma Ramsey making her first start of the season netting twice so too Melena Smith with a goal on her first start.