There will be a new name engraved on the trophy too after today's final as the competition moves into it's 6th year. From it's conception in the 2010/11 season the Norfolk Women's County Cup has been dominated by Norwich City Ladies playing their football in the FAWPL South East Division One winning 4 finals in a row up until last season when they didn't enter the competition that allowed a chance for a new name to lift the cup last season, Acle United Ladies playing in Eastern Region Premier Division. Now it will be won by a side playing within the county football league set-up in Norfolk itself with both Aylsham FC Ladies and Thorpe United Ladies playing in Norfolk Women's Division One.
Road to the Final
There were 3 ties to be played in the 1st round of the Norfolk Women's County Cup with the rest given a bye to the 2nd round, played back in October Aylsham FC Ladies were handed a difficult looking 1st round tie at home to North Walsham Angels Ladies one of the title favourites in Division Two. Turned out to be a thrilling encounter with 12 goals scored during the 90 minutes level at 6-6 going into extra-time Aylsham FC Ladies found a bit extra and went on to win 9-6 to reach the next round.
In the 2nd Round were at home again taking on fellow Norfolk Division One side Long Stratton Ladies, much more comfortable this time around winning 4-0 to make it into the quarter finals. 4-0 was the winning scoreline again on home soil again as they were drawn against Norfolk Division Three side Toftwood Ladies. Home again in the semi-finals taking on Norfolk Division Two side Red Rose Ladies won 3-1 to reach their 1st Norfolk Women's County Cup Final. An attacking side are rarely involved in low scoring games grinding out 1-0 wins isn't their forte. Goals can come from anywhere in the side, but with 30 goals to her name in all competitions this season striker Abbie Charlton is one to watch. One of two finals for Aylsham FC Ladies this season as they have also reached the final of the Norfolk Women's League Cup
Thorpe United Ladies were also in action in the 1st Round an away drawn against the early pace setters in Norfolk Division Three, Harleston Ladies made short work of them racking up a 13-0 victory to progress to the 2nd Round. Different story in the 2nd Round drawn at home against fellow Division One side Wymondham Town Ladies, both sides amongst the favourites for the league title, Thorpe United Ladies edged the contest by a single goal to reach the quarter finals.
At home again in the quarter finals drawn against Division Two side Stalham Town Ladies, progressed through to the semi-finals courtesy of a 5-0 victory to set up a repeat of last season's final as they were drawn at home against Acle United Ladies. A tough test however Thorpe United Ladies celebrated at the final whistle again winning by a single goal to reach their 3rd successive Norfolk Women's County Cup Final. Have made 3 final appearances to date and come so close last season missing out to Acle United Ladies in a penalty shootout will be determined to get their hands on the trophy and not another runner-up medal this time around their 3rd successive final appearance.
The venue for today's Norfolk Women's County Cup Final, The FDC, Norfolk FA's Football Development Centre, boasting a number of all weather pitches and the main grass pitch on which today's final is to be played, a clubhouse and modern facilities on the outskirts of Norwich. The pitch itself looking in great condition a seated stand along one side for spectators a bright and sunny afternoon if a little chilly, good playing conditions all round as the two sides stepped out onto the pitch.
The venue for today's Norfolk Women's County Cup Final, The FDC, Norfolk FA's Football Development Centre, boasting a number of all weather pitches and the main grass pitch on which today's final is to be played, a clubhouse and modern facilities on the outskirts of Norwich. The pitch itself looking in great condition a seated stand along one side for spectators a bright and sunny afternoon if a little chilly, good playing conditions all round as the two sides stepped out onto the pitch.
Aylsham FC Ladies starting XI - Ania Vanston, Vikki Bird (C), Aneliese Smith, Alicia Lacey Becky Hibberd, Debbie Kelly, Lisa Ferdani Emma Gillespie, Leanne Woodward, Michaela England & Abbie Charlton.
subs - Becky Hills, Sophie Burr-Walpole & Kiera Squires.
Thorpe United Ladies starting XI - Kirstie Andrews, Nicole Read, Shannon Miles, Alice Ford, Cara Anderson, Jo Davey, Hayley Kindred, Charlotte Groves, Sharnie Boast, Rebecca Russell & Rebekah Lake (C).
subs - Chelsea Clark & Natasha Evans.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
It's Thorpe to get the 2015/16 Norfolk Women's County Cup Final underway wearing pink shirts with black across the top of the sleeves, black shorts and pink socks with opponents Aylsham lined up opposite wearing orange shirts with a white and blue band across the front, blue shorts and orange socks. Right from the start Aylsham press Thorpe for the ball, Lisa Ferdani in the middle closing down the ball winning it and spreading play out to the left channel the ball is whipped across the Thorpe area, Michaela England coming in far side can't quite get onto the ball to take it forwards, wins a throw on the right.
Aylsham keep Thorpe penned in their own half at the start, Alicia Lacey and captain Vikki Bird dealing with anything sent long, having won the County Cup with Acle last time out Sharnie Boast now plays in the pink colours of Thorpe United, wins a 50/50 in the centre looks to release Rebekah Lake, Thorpe's captain through the centre, Bird comes across to intercept. Aylsham try the same up the other end a good ball over the top right of the goal sees Abbie Charlton almost put though on goal into the area, Alice Ford gets across and lunging for the ball takes it away from the Aylsham attacker.
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| Aylsham's Alicia Lacey challenging Thorpe's Sharnie Boast for the ball |
Lacey is defending well early on and getting forwards on the ball for Aylsham, sending the ball long for Leanne Woodward ahead of her attacking space on the left she looks to come inside get into the area is tackled well by Thorpe's Cara Anderson. Thorpe having ridden out the early pressure applied by Aylsham start to get hold of the ball, Boast through the middle has Charlotte Groves making a forward run ahead of her playing the ball on Groves lays it out to Hayley Kindred attacking the right wing, sends a cross into the Aylsham box, is headed away by Bird, rolls back to Boast 20 yards out who goes for the shot, on target is straight into the gloves of goalkeeper Ania Vanston.
Great chance for Aylsham to take the lead the ball played forwards for Charlton making the forwards run into the box right side of goal, has Anderson on her shoulder with Thorpe goalkeeper Kirstie Andrews advancing, Anderson gets out of the way as Charlton reaches the ball hits her shot into Andrews the ball spinning to her right in front of goal, won't sit for Charlton who stretches to knock it down, on target, Anderson has gotten around her keeper and is back covering the goal line stops the ball and brings it away from goal.
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| Sharnie Boast on the ball for Thorpe United Ladies |
Bringing the ball up over halfway for Thorpe midfielder Rebecca Russell sees the run Groves is making to get in behind the Aylsham defence plays the ball forwards, back spin on the ball stops Groves taking it into her stride lays it behind her to Boast who attempts the threaded ball through the Aylsham defence to play Groves in too much weight on the ball runs through to the keeper. Emma Gillespie get's on to the ball for Aylsham in the middle a good pass up to Charlton looking to break into the area is timely intercepted by Anderson.
GOAL! The opening goal of the Cup Final goes to Thorpe a little over 15 minutes played. A free kick is given away wide left inside the Aylsham half, it's Boast standing over the ball, good with a set piece plays a great ball into the area heading for goal, Vanston gets and glove up to stop the ball, but only succeeds in knocking it down into her six yard box, Thorpe have three players breaking away from the edge of the area and it's Kindred who gets to the ball to knock it home into the back of the net to give Thorpe the lead 0-1.
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| Hayley Kindred opens the scoring in the Norfolk Women's County Cup Final |
Thorpe break from an Aylsham free kick inside their own half wide right cleared away edge of the area, Jo Davey up to Lake is clear through to chase the ball down, Vanston coming out of her area just makes it to the ball 1st to kick clear. Russell then has an opportunity to play Lake in through the middle again deeper this time, Bird wins the race and puts in a goo tackle to win the ball, comes out to Kindred wide right takes it up the wing before whipping the cross in again Bird is well placed to head clear.
Change for Thorpe with Nicole Read coming off at right back and Chelsea Clark, she immediately gives away a free kick to Aylsham wide right with Bird the player on the ball set to deliver sweeps it in towards the near post, Andrews comes and lays claim to the ball. Ferdani plays the ball over the top to the edge of the Thorpe area, Andrews comes towards the ball, Charlton racing in steals in on it before she can get there leaving the keeper stranded, taking the ball on to the touchline, can't get a shot away as Davey gets back on her to win the ball.
Another free kick wide left for Thorpe a little closer than the one for the goal, Boast over the ball sends the shot in dropping near post Vanston saves well parrying the ball down then gathering. Groves charges forwards with the ball into the Aylsham half with Lake out to the right plays the ball up to her, holding it up well gives Kindred the chance to offer a passing option, plays the ball back to her, Kindred sends a high ball up into the area keeping her eye on the ball Vanston comes and claims well with Groves closing in the two collide the keeper getting the advantage.
A free kick for Aylsham on the right just inside the Thorpe half, Charlton is over the ball, sends in a powerful strike, Andrews coming misjudges ad ends up under the ball as it sails over her can only turn, and catches the ball as it rebounds off the base of the far post back into her gloves. Thorpe let Bird carry the ball the length of the pitch before she is crowded off the ball on the edge of their area the break is on the ball launched up into the Aylsham half with Lake always the willing runner, Vanston comes out to meet her sliding in bravely at the edge of the box saves the ball trapping it between her legs.
GOAL! Having come close to getting Lake in on goal, Thorpe eventually succeed as they force an error at the back from Aylsham, Groves taking the ball off Becky Hibberd as she rushes over to close the defender down on the left side of the attack puts the early diagonal ball in behind the centre backs with Lake on the move in between them, throws a foot forwards even as Vanston comes to try and reach the ball 1st a yard inside the box Lake get's to it 1st this time, sends the ball over Vanston and on into the back of the net 0-2. Close to half-time there is 2 minutes added time in the 1st half.
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| Thorpe United Ladies captain, Rebekah Lake |
Half-time Aylsham FC Ladies 0-2 Thorpe United Ladies
A lively 1st half, competitive as expected from both sides, Aylsham started very well causing Thorpe problems closing the ball down and sending it into Woodward and Charlton early, the defences have down well for the most part, Bird and Lacey in particular for Aylsham, Anderson and Ford with some timely tackles for Thorpe. Two errors have led to the goals Aylsham have conceded. 2-0 down they are no where near out of it, the next goal is crucial.
Aylsham have kick off 2nd half, in front of a good sized crowd that has come to watch the final. Aylsham's Debbie Kelly plays the ball up to Ferdani the ball is sent up high into the Thorpe area is dealt with by Shannon Miles. Aylsham have an early free kick out on the left half way inside the Thorpe half the ball is sent into the area Andrews coming for the ball spills it comes out to Woodward on the left side inside the six yard box, doesn't make clean contact with the shot is on target near post however Miles is the play who gets across to defend the post and kick the shot clear.
Charlton is busy if the ball isn't coming to her she will go looking for it, chasing back robs the Thorpe midfield turn and makes a surging run towards the Thorpe defence shots from 20 yards out the ball deflected off a defender running through to Andrews. Thorpe come down the left the ball rolled on into Boast comes inside and goes for the curling shot aiming for the top corner the shot drifts out beyond the far post. Double change for Aylsham as they bring off Kelly and England, Becky Hills and Sophie Burr-Walpole are introduced to the action.
Kindred attacks down the right side for Thorpe wins her side a corner kick the ball is whipped it towards Boast coming from a deep position edge of the box towards the ball meets it on the half volley, the attempted shot is deflected behind for a 2nd corner kick. This time the ball is headed across the face of goal, no one far side to turn it home as it flies out for a goal kick. Strong run on the ball from Aylsham's Gillespie 30 yards out plays the ball forwards for Woodward racing into the Thorpe area the ball is just the wrong side of her, does well to turn and catch it with her heel try to send it on across Andrews but also off target as the ball runs wide.
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| Aylsham FC Ladies, Abbie Charlton |
Aylsham are pushing hard winning the ball if conceding a few free kicks as they look to get a goal back. Hills has made a difference since coming on attacking on the right side, a strong player hard to shake off the ball, takes the ball on coming inside driving for the box, Anderson stands firm offering no way through. A fantastic chance comes Aylsham's way as they hit Thorpe on the counter attack Charlton and Woodward both timing their runs to perfection spring the offside trap as the ball is put over the top, the ball landing in Woodwards path, Andrews has to commit comes towards her, Woodward lifts her shot over her from the edge of the area and is left kicking the ground in frustration as she sees her shot sail over the crossbar.
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| Aylsham's Becky Hills with Thorpe's Shannon Miles |
Boast comes away with the ball from a 50/50 challenge has Lake ready to make the run ahead of her get into the box, Lacey is on the move even before Boast plays the ball and makes the interception. Going shoulder to shoulder with Burr-Walpole on the right Lake manages to get a shot away just inside the corner of the box, lacking any pace runs through to Vanston. Another powerful run in from the right from Hills for Aylsham she drives into the Thorpe area, Ford comes across and throwing herself in front of Hills makes the block as she goes to pull the trigger the ball deflected wide for a throw.
Woodward comes off for Aylsham with Kiera Squires coming on as they continue to press forwards, Burr-Walpole making ground up the left plays her cross in behind her attackers giving Russell tracking back a chance to clear the ball. Thorpe bring off Clark with read returning to the action. England is back on for Aylsham. Lake steals in to rob Aylsham of the ball and drives forwards into the box right side closing down the keeper, can only lift the ball straight into the keepers gloves.
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| Aylsham's Lisa Ferdani goes to challenge Thorpe's Charlotte Groves for the ball. |
Burr-Walpole carries the ball up the left side for Aylsham lifting her cross into the area everyone has gambled near post as the ball flues over every one landing far post no one is their to attack the ball with little under 10 minutes left to play. Can't get hold of the ball, Thorpe's Ford and Anderson getting onto the end of any through ball, Woodward returns to the field. Russell with the ball on the left side for Thorpe plays a great delivery into the box Lake is their under challenge with Smith manages to get a shot away puts it straight into Vanston's gloves again.
Into injury time, Thorpe try to play it into the corner keep Aylsham quiet, but they're having none of it, the ball is played back to Gillespie in the centre looks to play the long ball into the box for Woodward and Charlton to attack, bounces trough to the keeper. Thorpe get the ball up the other end and win a corner kick, don't go short playing it into the area Russell gets her head to the ball but can't direct the shot on target.
Referee, Mary Harmer the 1st woman to officiate a Norfolk Women's County Cup Final, blows the final whistle and Thorpe United Ladies beat Aylsham FC Ladies 2-0 to win the Norfolk Women's County Cup Final, finally collect the trophy in their 3rd successive final. It's a big cup too can hold alot of champagne. An entertaining final, two fairly evenly matched sides Aylsham had their chances to score. Conceded two goals in the 1st half, Thorpe taking their chances well and defending well for the large part. Aylsham have another shot at silverware in two weeks time.
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| Thorpe United Ladies, Norfolk Women's County Cup Winners |
Congratulations to Thorpe United on winning the Norfolk Women's County Cup enjoy the celebrations. My thanks to Norfolk FA for their help today.
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