Bungay Town Ladies Challenge Cup

    After the weekends FAWSL action this week presented an opportunity to take in some local women's football action in Norfolk. First up on Wednesday evening I travelled over to Maltings Meadow the home venue for Bungay Town Ladies, to watch not 1... or 2... but 3 games of football. The event an invitational tournament between 6 women's football teams hosted by Bungay Town Ladies.

                                      The Bungay Town Ladies Challenge Cup

    The 6 teams split into 2 groups of 3 were to face off against one another over 3 games in the evening each 50 mins long with 25 minute halves, the team with the highest points tally going on to the final. Tonight was the 2nd group of games. The 1st having been played last week saw Wymondham Town Ladies reach the final after victories over opponents, Bacton and Waveney Wanderers.

    Tonights group opponents were hosts Bungay Town Ladies (Norfolk Division One). Long Stratton Ladies (newly promoted to Norfolk Division One) and Bohemians (Norfolk Division Two). A good spread of teams have seen both Bungay and Bohemians play this season, the weather had put pay to my attempts to see Long Stratton, so I was pleased to be able to see them play at last.

 1st Match - Long Stratton Ladies v Bohemians

    It was Long Stratton and Bohemians who were to face off in the 1st group match. It was a fairly even opening period Long Stratton won a series of corners, however Bohemians defended their penalty box well and looked to get the ball up top for attacker Laura Furi to run onto. At half-time neither side had had a clear chance to score 0-0.

    2nd half Long Stratton came out the stronger with both Ellie Sostman and Emily Watts having efforts on goal saved by Bohemian's keeper. With the pressure building Long Stratton scored the ball coming to Jordan Arnoup 20 odd yards out striking it perfectly the ball arrows into the back of the net 1-0. Bohemians closest chance to finding a reply came very late on as the ball cannons off the cross bar, Long Stratton hold out though to win the opening game.

2nd Match - Bungay Town Ladies v Bohemians

    Bohemians need a victory if they wish to make the final the pressure is on them from Bungay from the start the shots though are taken early and from long range going high or wide as they look to make an early break through it doesn't come as Bohemians having had little opportunity to go forwards themselves hold out till half-time 0-0.

   The 2nd half Bungay score early a  near post header from a corner 1-0. It soon becomes 2-0 as Bungay break well their no 9 through on goal to score. Bohemians are pushed back can't get the ball to stick up top Bungay's 3rd goal comes as their attacker runs into the box and slots it past the keeper at the near post. A cross/shot from the right corner of the penalty area goes in to make it 4-0. The score finishes at 5-0 the last goal an og from a corner. The goal scorers for Bungay were, Leah Sheppard, Jess Bennett with a brace & Stacey Newrick

3rd Match - Bungay Town Ladies v Long Stratton Ladies

     With a victory a piece going into the final group match, Bungay had a superior goal difference over Long Stratton meaning a draw would be enough to secure a final spot. Long Stratton needed a victory to take the final spot from their opponents started the game brightly a shot from the edge of the box is blocked comes out to Emily Watts who controls the ball well turns and shoots the shot again blocked. Bungay take the early lead as Hannah Waters takes advantage of a keeping error to loop the ball back into an empty net.

   Controversy! The game unfortunately saw an unsavory incident something I do not like to see nor most of you too I'm sure, a player raising a hand towards an opponent a Bungay player striking Long Stratton's Jordan Arnoup in the face. My 1st reaction was "silly girl you're off for that friendly tournament or not." The referee however didn't produce any card which caused upset amongst the Long Stratton supporters. Unsettled their players as they failed to find a fluidity in their play the half-time score 0-0.

     Bungay started the 2nd half the stronger pressing Long Stratton however having managed to break with the ball and win a corner Long Stratton equalised. The ball from the corner fell into the six yard box a bit of pinball ensued the ball is screwed out to no 3 Nadia Child on the edge of the box meets it well and puts it back in through a crowd of players to nestle into the back of the net 1-1 game on. Bungay counter breaking in numbers produce a good save from Long Stratton's keeper with her legs. Late pressure from Long Stratton, but Bungay defend stoutly and secure their place in the final against Wymondham Town Ladies.

     It is a nice tournament format from Bungay Town Ladies, 3 competitive matches in one evening showcasing women's football in Norfolk. When I have details of the final I will let you know.