Match Report - Briston Wanderers Ladies v Gorleston FC Ladies

Staying in Norfolk this Sunday to catch my 1st match of the season in the Norfolk Women & Girls Football League (NWGFL) taking in a game from Division Two and a look at two sides new to the league this season albeit for very different reasons with Briston Wanderers Ladies hosting Gorleston FC Ladies.

  22 sides competing in Norfolk this season spread across 3 divisions with 8 in the top tier, 7 sides in both Divisions 2 & 3. Same layout as last season except this time around the sides will be playing each other 3 times instead of twice.

  Briston Wanderers Ladies are a new name in the league, although regular readers of the blog may well recognise most of the names in the starting line-up as they were competing as Red Rose Ladies previously runners-up in the Norfolk Ladies Plate Final. A split with the club has seen the players move with manager Paul Tipper to Briston near Melton Constable to start a fresh work with a new club in Briston FC. As the side is essentially Red Rose Ladies 1st team they have been allowed to stay in Division 2. This is their 1st competitive game of the season having been awarded an away win on the opening weekend then as is the nature of a odd numbered league sitting out last Sunday. Will be amongst the sides looking to win promotion to Division 1 this season.

  Gorleston FC Ladies are pretty new to the Norfolk women's football leagues having been formed last season, just as the league added a 3rd division. Had a strong debut season winning all bar one of their games which they forfeited to go up as Champions scoring 85 goals in 14 matches Beth Turner top scorer with 20 goals. Have started this season well too with 2 wins out of 2 to sit joint top of the league with Sprowston Ladies identical records after 2 played 11 goals scored 1 conceded. Will fancy their chances of winning back to back promotions.

  A rare journey in Norfolk for today's match that doesn't entail the A47 or A11 for me heading up the A1065 to the A148 through Melton Constable onto Briston village the venue for today's game the Briston Recreation Ground. A large clubhouse overlooking the pitches, tennis courts and play areas either side. The main pitch used by the men's club that morning a little bobbly but no more than you'd expect for a recreation ground good covering of grass. Ending September the fine weather is hanging on several dark clouds around for a moment or two during the match it threatened to rain but then the sun came through and shone for the 2nd half.

 Briston Wanderers Ladies starting XI - Melissa Williamson, Tara Curtis, Sophie Tipper, Natasha Wilmott, Emily Hull (C), Emma Talmadge, Corrine Bishop, Vicki Lubbock, Ana Ohde, Sophie Lubbock & Megan Skinner.
 subs - Stacey High, Sarah Osswald & Neele Olken.

 Gorleston FC Ladies starting XI - Briarnie Anguish, Millie Brooks, Elisha Maher, Hayley Muir (C), Mary Croft, Kelly Allen, Jordan Bull, Hannah Croft, Jennifer Snell, Leanne Smith & Beth Turner.
 subs - Leanne Muffett, Molly Sims & Samantha Hunn.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 It's Briston to get the match underway 1st half, wearing red shirts with black shorts and socks with Gorleston lined up opposite wearing an all green kit. The home side make progress down the left side of the pitch attacking in the early stages win a corner kick. Vicki Lubbock to play the ball in a good delivery into the six yard box the ball is headed on towards the far post, Briston's Emma Talmadge gets possession of the ball lays it back for Ana Ohde positioned inside the box towards the top right corner, hits the 1st time shot back in towards goal lifts the ball over the bar.

 GOAL! Gorleston hit Briston on the counter attack to take an early lead in the match the ball is played up to Hannah Croft on the right wing a strong run on the ball before squaring it inside into the path of Beth Turner who takes the ball on into the box before unleashing a shot a low drive that is past goalkeeper, Melissa Williams before she can get down and stop it at the near post 0-1.

  Briston play the ball into Sophie Lubbock peeling away to the right in space goes forwards before cutting inside goes to shoot outside the area, her effort is blocked spins in behind into the box, Megan Skinner ahead of Lubbock reaches it first blasts the ball goalwards from the angle, Gorleston goalkeeper, Briarnie Anguish saves quick reactions to block with her leg the ball rebounds back towards Ohde running into the box fires the ball back into the six yard, too many bodies to squeeze through the ball is blocked then cleared.

 GOAL! Briston keep the pressure up that end of the pitch win a corner kick on the right. Is a fantastic delivery into the box angled in towards the penalty spot Ohde times her run perfectly coming onto the ball near side to meet it with her head rifle the ball into the back of the net. A collectors item her 1st goal ever a very good headed goal 1-1.

   No sooner have they equalised at the start of the match, Briston almost take the lead attacking down the left the ball is played into the area by Vicki Lubbock, Anguish goes to kick the ball inside her six yard box miscues her kick slicing the ball to across to the right, Skinner reacts quickest latching onto it inside the six yard box lashes her shot against the post.

Vicki Lubbock brings the ball forwards for Briston Wanderers Ladies

 Jordan Bull plays the ball forwards releasing Turner on the right to run in behind the Briston defence takes the ball on up into the box hits the shot in towards the near post, Williamson across to cover the angle makes the save parrying the ball behind for a corner kick. The ball is lifted up into the air towards the near post Hannah Croft jumping can't get her head on the ball, drops to the deck behind her inside the six yard box players converge on it is stabbed goalwards, hasn't any pace, Williamson drops down to claim it. Early change for Briston, Ohde has picked up an injury, Stacey High comes on.

 Jennifer Snell loos to have gotten in behind the Briston defence on the left is stopped by an offside flag. Gets back to help defend soon after a Briston captain, Emily Hull plays a good ball out to Corrine Bishop moving away to the right, Snell getting back on her to make the tackle win the ball before she can play the cross up into the area. Her afternoon ends soon after as she and High tussle for the ball out wide on halfway, holding onto each others shirts, both snapping for the ball, Snell kicks out at High catching her high on the leg, a rush of blood to the head costs her is called over by the referee and shown a straight red card, Gorleston reduced to 10.

Briston Wanderers Ladies, Megan Skinner

  Vicky Lubbock sends the ball into Skinner breaking into space on the right passes inside to Sophie Lubbock winning a throw the ball put into her feet plays the cross into the area, Anguish spills the ball, is put behind for the corner. On the right goes long towards the far post area is knocked back in towards goal, cleared off the line, before rebound is sent over the bar. Gorleston are a little rattled at going down to 10 need to calm down, Briston try to press the advantage a good ball over the top by Bishop into the box sees Stacey Lubbock in behind, drags her shot wide across the face of goal. Gorleston make a change Molly Sims coming on into midfield as they take striker Leanne Smith off.

 GOAL! Briston are awarded a penalty the ball threaded through to Sophie Lubbock in the middle, looks to force her way into the box is brought down by Gorleston captain, Hayley Muir the referee pointing to the spot. Sophie Tipper to take it sends the ball low across Anguish into the bottom right corner to score 2-1.

Briston's Sophie Tipper sees her penalty nestle in the corer of the net to go 2-1 in front

  Gorleston make another change Leanne Muffett coming on for Kelly Allen in midfield. Bishop links up with Vicki Lubbock in the middle before taking the ball forwards looks to lift the ball in towards goal from 20 yards out, doesn't get enough loop on the shot drops safely into Anguish's gloves. The home side win a corner out of nothing on the left a vicious ball is swung in towards goal, comes at Anguish quickly does well to save punching the ball up into the air, then as it drops into the box a foul is spotted Gorleston have the free-kick. Vicki Lubbock picks the ball up 25 yards out takes on the shot from distance is straight at the keeper, Anguish lays claim to the ball.

  Skinner puts the ball into the box from the left on the half-volley, Sophie Lubbock inside the six yard box can't quite take it on the stride to deflect it past the keeper, Anguish gathers. Carrying the ball through the middle Vicki Lubbock pulls the ball across the face of the area left to right with Skinner coming inside to receive it tries to turn into the box, is charged down by Mary Croft the ball won.

Millie Brooks clearance for Gorleston sets up their equaliser

 GOAL! Gorleston equalise as Millie Brooks getting hold of the ball in front of her area moves to the left before putting her clearance into Turner on the wing just over halfway. A strong run on the ball holding off a challenge drives into the Briston area shoots with her left foot powering the ball in towards the near post sneaks in under the keeper to see the scores levelled 2-2.

  Briston get up the other end from the restart, Vicki Lubbock fouled inside the D gets the free-kick, takes it goes for goal, gets too much of her foot under the ball lifts the effort up over the crossbar. Attacking down the right late in the 1st half Skinner whips a cross into the box, Muir gets herself in front of Sophie Lubbock on the penalty spot to clear the ball away for the corner. 

Half-time Briston Wanderers Ladies 2-2 Gorleston FC Ladies

  Plenty of action 1st half Gorleston taking an early lead, Briston getting back on level terms straight away then seeing their opponents reduced to 10 pressed the advantage scoring from the penalty spot. Gorleston coming back into the game late in the half to equalise. No telling at all as to which way the 2nd half might go.

  Changes at the break for both sides a couple coming on late in the 1st half. Briston have signed a couple of German players, Sarah Osswald and Neele Olken here in for an English scholarship for a year. Osswald came on late 1st half for Skinner, Olken replacing Tara Curtis. Samantha Hunn on for Gorleston in place of Brooks along with Leanne Smith replacing Bull taking up a deeper role in midfield. Gorleston get the 2nd half underway.

  The visitors have a free-kick wide right just inside their own half, Mary Croft over the ball sends it long up towards the top of the area coming right, Muffett chests it down pushing it out onto the wing, going after it down the line fires in a cross, Smith inside the six yard box pulls her leg back to strike it goalwards, the ball cannons off the base of the post and behind for a goal kick. 

Gorleston captain, Hayley Muir keeps an eye on Sophie Lubbock as she looks to find room to shoot

  GOAL! Briston get themselves back into the lead early in the 2nd half, Talmadge plays the ball up the middle Sophie Lubbock goes after it, Muir tries to get back on her with Williamson starting to come towards the top of her area, closed down by Muir, Lubbock holding the ball up turns and rolls it across to High on the right, outside the box lobs the keeper sending the ball over her and into the back of the net 3-2. 

Stacey High puts Briston 3-2 in front

 Sophie Lubbock and High very nearly link up again to add another Briston goal, the ball fed into Lubbock moving right sends it on ahead for High racing into the box right side sends the shot in towards the near post Williamson gets down to stop the shot bounces back out to High who has continued her run comes at her quickly plants the ball into the side netting. 

  Hunn on the ball on the left for Gorleston takes on the Briston defence combining with Turner who has come across to that side of the area, Turner is quickly closed down crowded off the ball, run back into Hunn, sends the cross long bounces in the six yard box, Muffett free at the far post can't get to the ball. Mary Croft bringing the ball on into the Briston half lines up a shot from distance is intercepted and headed away by Wilmott at the back.

Striking the pose Mary Croft shoots for Gorleston FC Ladies

  A corner for Briston on the right after a strong run from High her cross cut out. The ball falls to Sophie Lubbock on the middle of the area, turns the ball in towards goal is cleared off the line, not clear a 2nd shot is deflected away for a 2nd corner kick. Gorleston break from the corner Muir clearing the ball up to halfway held up by Turner lays it on for Sims moving past her. Sims plays a great diagonal ball out to the advancing Hunn on the left wing, drives on with the ball cutting back inside to evade a challenge into the box shoots the ball striking the near post and spinning behind for a goal kick.

  Osswald has the ball wide left for Briston a good run, brings it inside before shooting from outside the box her effort blocked rebounds back to Talmadge who looks to lift it back into the area, Muir deals with it as Sophie Lubbock tries to get on it near post. Despite having a player less Gorleston are pushing players forwards trying to find a goal. Sims with a good pass forwards picks out Muffett on the right carries the ball on looking to get into the area, Hull does well timing her tackle inside the box and get it clear, it picked up by Gorleston the shot coming in from distance flies over the bar. Briston send Curtis back on to replace 
Tipper. 

Leanne Muffett bringing the ball forwards for Gorleston FC Ladies

 GOAL! Gorleston find the equalising goal for the 2nd time in the match. It's a great individual goal from their captain as Muir brings the ball forwards from the back, no one moves to close her down picking up momentum hits the shot from outside the box getting plenty of pace behind it fires the ball in over the keeper to bury it into the back of the net 3-3.

  Hunn on the left runs with the ball reaching to top corner of the box pulls the trigger driving the shot in low towards the near post, Williamson saves pushing the ball out for a corner kick. The goal has lifted Gorleston they push on winning a corner on the left the delivery is swung in under the crossbar central, Williamson pushes the ball up onto the bar another corner conceded on the right this time.

 GOAL! Turner scores to complete her hat-trick and send Gorleston back into the lead. The delivery form the corner is a good one whipped in along the six yard box at head height, Turner is in the right place at the right time to put her head on the ball plant it into the roof of the net to make it 3-4. 

A hat-trick for Beth Turner for Gorleston FC Ladies

  Briston having gone from 3-2 up to 3-4 down in short order push up the pitch, Curtis playing the out to Sophie Lubbock on the left wing taking the ball on looks to square the cross into the six yard box, Mary Croft tracking back cuts the ball out. Croft then repeats Muir's run from the ball bringing the ball on reaches the top of the area, this time she is closed down before she can get a shot away, Wilmott winning the ball back. Skinner returns to the action for Briston with High coming off on the right. 

Sophie Lubbock on the ball for Briston Wanderers Ladies

  Gorleston are doing well with 10 on the field now, Briston starting to tire, Croft tackles Vicki Lubbock on the left as she looks to go beyond Curtis. Muffett plays the ball forwards into Turner looks to pull away to the right turn into the area, Hull goes with her preventing any shooting opportunity before getting the tackle in to win the ball back, deflected off Turner for the goal-kick.

 GOAL! An error at the back hands Gorleston a 5th goal, unfortunate from the goal-kick the ball does get any height goes straight to Turner inside the D between the centre back, is past them and into the area before either can react pulling right of goal sends her shot back across goal and into the back of the net 3-5. 

  Talmadge with the pass picks out Skinner on the right 30 yards out takes on the strike the ball on target is well held by Anguish between the posts. High back on the pitch for Olken receives from a throw on the left 20 yards out moves inside goes to strike it pulls the shot wide of the near post. 

  Gorleston push on late on themselves, Sims winning a 50/50 ball inside the Briston half shoots from 30 yards out the ball swinging away from goal wide. Hunn on the drive down the left side fires a shot in near post Williamson parries behind for a corner. Coming in under the bar again Williamson with a good punch turns it across the area out for a throw. Sims with another long range shot from 25 yards out scoops the ball up into the area bounces safely into the keeper gloves. The final whistle blows and Gorleston take the 3 points.

Full-time Briston Wanderers Ladies 3-5 Gorleston FC Ladies

  An entertaining contest played at a rapid pace, the outcome of the result not certain till the closing stages, Gorleston with 10 on the field for 3 quarters of the game, coming back from behind to win 5-3. Have 3 wins out of 3 at the start of the season an average of over 5 goals per game too. With Sprowston Ladies not in action this weekend go 3 points clear at the top, very early days in the season. Briston suffering defeat in their 1st competitive football of the season haven't had much pre-season action either tire towards the end. 

  As a neutral I don't mind seeing an 8 goal thriller. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details this afternoon and best of luck for the rest of the season.

Match Report - Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies v North Walsham Angels Ladies

  The Supporting Women's Football Blog takes in a in top of the table clash in Norfolk Women's Division Two this Sunday 1st v 2nd as Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies welcome North Walsham Angels Ladies to their Walmer Road Recreation Ground.

  Both sides are unbeaten this season so far and look hot favourites to win the two promotion spots up for grabs to Division One. Promotion the goal for both sides would be extra special to do it as Champions.

   Both sides were formed last season assembling good squads full of talent. That season saw an influx of new sides with Lynn Ladies being another new side whilst Brandon Town Ladies moved across to Norfolk from the Suffolk Women's Division both sides ran away with the Division Two that season whilst Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies and North Walsham Angels Ladies finished 3rd and 4th. A further influx of new sides into the Norfolk Women's Football Leagues has seen the creation of a 3rd Division this season. 

Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies have a 100% win record in the league to date, played 8 won 8 and are 2 points ahead at the top a with 8 wins from 8. Have also reached the semi-finals of the Suffolk Women's County Cup. 3 points today and they open up a huge gap in the race for the league title.

  North Walsham Angels Ladies also boast an unbeaten record in the league, drew one of their matches to leave them 2 points behind both having played 8 league games a win today and they move to the top of the table. Watched this fixture between the two sides last season almost a year ago an entertaining game the honours were even 1-1.   
  The venue today, Walmer Road, Recreation Ground, home of Kirkley & Pakefield FC, The Royals, who run a number of teams through all age groups, bustling with activity with plenty of youth matches having taken place. Boasts a number of pitches, with a clubhouse in the centre with a bar and refreshments. A wet start to Sunday morning, ain't that a surprise, raining heavily all the way there, but the match was on. Played on the main pitch with a small seated stand on one side the rain was driving steadily from one goal to the other it was thankfully to clear up soon after kick off.

   Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies starting XI - Shauna Brunton O'Neill, Jordan Harriet, Peta Belson, Sue Lyn KIng, Sam Brown, Gemma Farman, Jody Wells, Chantelle Keevil, Sophie Martin, Nikki Wigg (C) & Selina Rowland.
  subs- Jodie Fewkes, Abbie Knights & Lisa Sissen.

  North Walsham Angels Ladies starting XI - Cyan Fullbrook, Emily Farmer, Sian Wager (C), Megan Champion, Robyn Steele, Sophie Hall, Amy Hemp, Emma Allsopp, Lauren Yarham, Rachel Bussey & Luci Middleton.
  subs - Bethany Childs & Imogen Carver.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Kirkley & Pakefield have the kick off in the 1st half a kitted out in blue shirts with white across the right shoulder, blue shorts and socks with North Walsham lined up opposite in white shirts with black across the shoulders, black shorts and black and white hooped socks. The rain has already started to lighten.

  The ball is out on the left side of the pitch from a throw Kirkley & Pakefield look to make ground up the flank played into Chantelle Keevil gets her head down looks to drive forwards, no way past North Walsham captain Sian Wager the ball is won and launched forwards striker Luci Middleton is already on her way seeing the ball drop over her shoulder half a yard on the Kirkley & Pakefield defence right side converging on the area, goalkeeper Shauna Brunton O'Neill comes rushing out to close her down on the corner of the area, Middleton gets her shot past her the ball is rolling towards goal, central defender Sue Lyn King is racing after doesn't look like she can get there, but she does throwing herself down to sweep the ball off the line.

   Kirkley & Pakefield get on the ball retain possession in their opponents half Gemma Farman looking for movement ahead of her left and right get's it from captain Nikki Wigg places her pass into her feet edge of the box she looks to spin of her central defensive marker, runs into Wager behind blocks and wins the ball back.

  Beside Farman in the Kirkley & Pakefield, Jody Wells latches onto a loose ball out from the back 20 yards out shifts the ball well between her feet to give herself room for the past looking to thread it into the run of Sophie Martin, North Walsham's Emily Farmer gets across the face of her box to tackles and clears, the ball is collected by Farman 25 yards out left side of the area looks to go for the strike, places her shot straight into the gloves of North Walsham goalkeeper Cyan Fullbrook.

  GOAL! 10 minutes gone and the game is ebbing and flowing both sides pushing up and a unit their is space in behind for the rapid counter if the ball is won back and played forwards, Kirkley & Pakefield's, Wigg is the player sent through over halfway heading for the box, Fullbrook comes to meet her edge of her area goes down to save as Wigg looks to put the ball through he, the keeper saves the ball pops loose, Martin having gotten up with play gets to it first outside the box right of the D looks to send the ball in towards goal, sends it high up and dropping far post comes down quickly North Walsham get bodies back not alot they can do as the ball drops under the bar and in 1-0.

Sophie Martin (no11)  is congratulated by her Kirkley & Pakefield team mates after scoring the opening goal
(photo credit Steve Wood)

   Middleton is always looking to peel off the shoulder of the last defender for North Walsham if her team mates want to play the ball long, they do out to the right again, Brunton O'Neill was moving before the pass was made seeing Middleton move, the keeper get's her boot on the ball 1st smashing it away for a throw. 

   Wells with a driving run through the centre fires her pass into Wigg 20 yards out, protects the ball well with Farman getting up to support rolls the ball back to her 25 yards out, goes for the 1st time shot, again she picks out Fullbrook in the middle of the North Walsham goal. 

   Amy Hemp peels away to the left as Lauren Yarham plays the ball out to her the North Walsham midfielder covering alot of grass, wins her side a throw deep in the Kirkley & Pakefield half. Keep it down their are getting more of the ball was Kirkley & Pakefield try to play it forwards for Wigg or Martin, Rachel Bussey intercepts takes the ball forwards down the right wins a corner of King. The ball is cleared the game is flowing well both sides evenly matched. Wells has a chance to have a shot on goal as a free kick is won on the right outside the box gets the ball through the bodies in front but sends her attempt wide across goal.

   Taking the ball up the left Keevil gets deep into North Walsham territory cuts her cross back to the corner of the area where Wigg is waiting, the ball gets trapped under her feet, before she digs the shot out is blocked near post by Megan Champion, with Robyn Steele getting back to mop up the loose ball. 

  Yarham with a great ball out to the left picks out Middleton looking for space gets hold of the ball and looks to push for the box, again Brunton O'Neill makes the decision to come early is outside the box can't go to ground, does enough as Middleton is caught in two minds ends up running into her and loosing the ball. Emma Allsopp has hold of the ball in the North Walsham half, Hemp is making the run down the left for her the past is good allows Hemp to roll her marker and break in behind, King comes across, is a good little battle between the pair the defender eventually getting the ball out for a North Walsham throw, Kirkley & Pakefield win it from the throw King putting it long for Wigg moving to get into the area, Champion slides in to intercept needs to win the ball and does.

  GOAL! 10 minutes before half time and North Walsham get themselves back on level terms Steele with the long pass looking to pick out Middleton peeling away from the last defender again pushing the ball to the left of the area 25 yards out, Brunton O'Neill comes out of her area again, Middleton is just that bit quicker this time gets the ball past the keeper although it takes a knick off her slowing it down, Middleton almost over runs it control marvellously flicking up her heel to bring it under control send the ball into the area shifts it to her right and buries it into the back of the net 1-1.

Luci Middleton on the ball for North Walsham Angels Ladies scorer of the opening goal

 Kirkley & Pakefield look to respond, Selina Rowland pulling away to the right looks to force her way into the North Walsham box, wins her side a corner kick. The ball is put in at a great height flashes across the six yard box Wigg rises at the back stick can't turn her header on target the ball out behind. At the other end Hemp has made some good runs from midfield all 1st half finds herself the furthest forwards as North Walsham's Steele play it up to her 25 yards out Kirkley & Pakefield stand off her she goes for the strike puts her effort wide across the box.

   A late counter attack from Kirkley & Pakefield Keevil travelling along way with the ball up the wing, squares her cross into Wigg coming across to help her left side of the box, wraps her foot over the shot in low near post, Fullbrook saves with her studs as she goes to ground.

      Half-time Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies 1-1 North Walsham Angels Ladies

  Great 1st 45 minutes entertaining the tone was set from minute one when the ball was cleared off the line. Both sides creating chances both with working hard to win the ball and these are two rivals that respect what the other can do.

  North Walsham get the 2nd half underway. Abbie Knights is on for Jordan Harriet at the start of the 2nd half for Kirkley & Pakefield. Hemp makes a good run early on in the 2nd half ball at her feet driving for the box central shifts the ball out to Middleton looking to come in from the right, given the ball inside the area gets her shot past King and she slides in to black, Brunton O'Neill has that side of her goal covered gets down to push the ball behind for a corner kick. The ball fired into the crowded near post area is put behind for a goal kick.

  North Walsham have started the brighter 2nd half, pushing forwards win another corner, played in from the right Wigg intercepts looks to header the ball away drops for Hemp 20 yards out jinks to her left to open up room to shoot, hits it hard her team mate Yarham far post can't get out of the way. Another North Walsham corner minutes later from the right fired in low with Middleton at the near post jumps over it the ball flying across the face of goal no one behind to capitalise.

   Keevil and Wager have enjoyed a fierce battle all game the Kirkley & Pakefield attacker a strong runner with the ball at her feet, drives down the left, wrong foots wager this time as she steps inside Rowland is free to receive the ball turns with Martin looking to run between the North Walsham centre backs, tries to play her though into the box, Champion keeps close tabs to get her toe on the ball 1st.

Chantelle Keevil attacking for Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies

  Wager brings the ball out from the back crossing the halfway line sends the ball into Middleton's feet back to goal edge of the D pokes it back to Hemp who slips as she looks to take on the shot the strike losing all pace rolls low and wide of the post. Hemp is on the move again out to the right this time plenty of space she whips in a good ball Yarham the target, Kirkley & Pakefield's Sam Brown rises highest to head the ball out of the area. 

   Another North Walsham corner won on the right the initial ball put into the near post area is cleared out to the corner of the box won back by North Walsham the shot comes in across the area is blocked Yarham tries to control the ball, no shot in lays it out to Hemp on the left she places it forwards for Middleton who pulls the trigger, Brunton O'Neill is there to make the save.

   GOAL! The pressure was building North Walsham are on top had brought a good crowd with them they were getting vocal too. Up and around the Kirkley & Pakefield box, King goes down nothing is given the ball still in play comes to the feet of Allsopp right of the D she pokes the ball forwards lifting it over Brunton O'Neill and into the back of the net to send the visiting support wild 1-2.

   Kirkley & Pakefield respond with a change bring King off sending Jodie Fewkes on she his pushed forwards up the right of the attack with Wigg dropping back into the centre of the defence. Wells looks to bring the ball on down the right, riding one challenge gets in behind come into the area but can't force the ball through past the near post, wins a corner which comes to nothing.

   Rowland is the player looking to go through the centre of attack for Kirkley & Pakefield now the ball is played from back to front through the middle to send her in behind the North Walsham defence, Fullbrook comes to meet her saving with her legs the ball swinging out to the right Rowland goes after it, she collides with Farmer as she tries to get hold of it inside the box the referee blows up the decision goes in favour of the visiting team free kick, not that Rowland is happy about it.

   Rowland fired up is out on the left as Farman gets the ball out to her, Rowland rolls her defender well to turn and have a run in towards the box coming inside squares it across the D with Fewkes in support cuts her foot across the ball as she goes to hit it pulling it away from the goal wide. 

  Middleton has he face in her hands in frustration as she misses an open goal. Does all the hard work breaking over the half way line behind the Kirkley & Pakefield defence is 30 yards out Brunton O'Neill has committed herself to the charge Middleton pushes the ball to her right to leave her stranded gets into the box defenders are racing to get back she shots, slices the ball wide of the near post.

   Up the other end Kirkley & Pakefield expose a gap on the right side of the North Walsham defence as they counter attack the ball in over the top for Rowland closing in on the corner of the area Fullbrook races out in meet her the both go to ground the keeper sliding in gets hold of the ball 1st Rowland can't stop clatters into her the whistle is blown even as Fullbrook hurt spills the ball and Rowland scrambles up to put the ball into the back of the net. Play is halted then Rowland goes back to check on Fullbrook the keeper is in a lot of pain, needs several minutes to recover not sure if she can carry one looks a painful one to the knee, takes her time getting back up but wants to continue even if she won't be taking the goal kicks as a precaution.

   Hemp plays a 30 yard pass for Middleton through the middle, the striker looks to shift the ball right then left between her feet before launching  a shot 20 yards out a yard over the crossbar. Kirkley & Pakefield make another change bringing of Peta Belson and sending King back on she goes back into the defence Wigg sent back up to join the attack. 

  Allsopp with more good running on the right is 20 yards out went she looks up sees Middleton on the move looks to play her in, Brown in front of Middleton does well to shield the ball get it back to her keeper inside the box. Keevil comes off for Kirkley & Pakefield with Lisa Sissen coming on going to the left of a front 3 with Rowland right, Wigg centre as the game enters stoppage time the home side push bodies forwards looking for the goal that will keep their unbeaten record in tack. 

  Get caught out the ball fed out to Hemp on half way she turns and powers her way into the Kirkley & Pakefield half has substitute Bethany Childs out to her left picks her out, Childs carries the ball out wide with Hemp continuing her run coming towards the left corner of the area, Childs puts the ball back into her, Hemp shoots, Brunton O'Neill makes a fantastic save getting a glove onto the ball to tip it onto the bar and over for a corner kick. 

   Wells on the drive through the centre hits the shot on the run is blocked by Champion just inside her box can't get it away the ball rolls to Farman she goes to shot gets it all wrong the shot high and wide the result a goal kick.

   GOAL! Heartbeat for North Walsham, joy for Kirkley & Pakefield at the death, the goal kick does get the needed clearance on the right side is latched onto by Wells pushes for the corner of the area before firing the ball in finds it's way through the crowded that side of the area rolling through to Wigg unmarked at the far post 3 yards out Fullbrook is there but little she can do as Wigg gets her foot over the ball and blasts it past her into the back of the net 2-2. 

Kirkley & Pakefield captain Nikki Wigg wheels away in celebration after getting the
equalising goal right at the death (photo credit Steve Wood)

 Kirkley & Pakefield with one more attack late in injury time Wells with the ball at her feet surging forwards on the left fires her pass into Martin who looks to hit it as she spins, is falling as she hits it the shot rolling wide, has taken a deflection corner. North Walsham defend and the final whistle blows the match ending 2-2, the gap at the top still 2 points between the 2 with 9 played, both still unbeaten this season, Kirkley & Pakefield drop points for the 1st time in the league.

   A great game to watch especially from a neutrals point of view both sides playing well, North Walsham will be disappointed that they didn't hold out so close to taking the 3 points but end of the day will take the draw. A fantastic advert for women's football in Norfolk by two emerging sides only in their 2nd seasons, the 2 meet again on the 21st February a 2pm kick off with Kirkley & Pakefield travelling to North Walsham, so if you want to see what women's football in Norfolk is all about then take a look at this one.

   My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams once again, and best of luck for the promotion race ahead.

   

Match Report - North Walsham Angels Ladies v Sprowston Ladies

   The women's football action on the Supporting Women's Football Blog this Sunday comes from Norfolk Women's Division Two with 2nd placed North Walsham Angels Ladies hosting 3rd placed Sprowston Ladies.

   North Walsham Angels Ladies along with Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies are the favourites to win one of the two promotion spots from the league as an influx of new sides at the start of the season in Norfolk saw the league set up go from two leagues to three this time around with 8 sides contesting Division Two. Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies are leading the way with a perfect 100% win record to start the season 6 from 6 played. North Walsham Angels Ladies lay 2nd having played 6 league games themselves, were matching Kirkley & Pakefield win for win up until their last league game dropping points in a 3-3 with bottom side Morley Ladies having started with just 10 on the field to go 3-1 up, injury put them down to 9 Morley taking advantage to win a points. Haven't seen as much football as they would have liked with their league cup 2nd Round match getting postponed twice has taken priority over upcoming league matches. Today North Walsham Angels Ladies have the chance to end 2015 unbeaten and with rivals Kirkley & Pakefield seeing their game called off an opportunity to retake top spot in the table. 

   Looking up the table are also today's opponents Sprowston Ladies. Back in Division Two after getting relegated from Division One last season. Winning just one of their opening 4 league matches their season got off to a slow start, but whereas Kirkley & Pakefield and North Walsham Angels Ladies have seen postponements of late limiting their football, Sprowston Ladies have been able to get their games in have snuck up behind the leading pair following a run that has seen them win 4 league matches in a row to close the gap to North Walsham Angels Ladies to just a point, 3 behind Kirkley & Pakefield another 3 points today and they would be finishing 2015 in 2nd spot in Division Two. Have fielded 2 sides for the past 2 seasons with their Reserves competing in Division Three.

  Fixtures were falling by the wayside following a heavy band of rain that fell across the region on Saturday, several pitch inspections needing to take place. North Walsham Angels Ladies have been playing their home matches at the Millfield Recreation Ground, with that pitch looking too wet to host the match, the club switched to an alternative venue using the pitch at North Walsham High School. Had faired better with the wet weather, freshly cut the pitch having a slight slope from one goal mouth to the other had drained well, the weather and a recent mow made the pitch markings almost invisible to see, a test for those running the line today. Was still very damp outside a light drizzle falling very overcast over head a day when the brolly would be required.

   North Walsham Angels Ladies starting XI - Cyan Fullbrook, Emily Farmer, Sian Wager (C), Robyn Steele, Megan Champion, Sophie Hall, Amy Hemp, Imogen Carver, Rachel Bussey, Lauren Yarham & Luci Middleton.
   subs - Emma Allsopp

   Sprowston Ladies starting XI - Lois Irving, Liz Johnson, Beth Cornwall, Erika Lakey, Belinda Downing, Rebecca Kirby, Darcey Fynn, Annika Skoog, Laura Jenkins, Shanice Sutton & MIllie Cursons.
   subs -

(Roll on, roll off substitutes)

  Both sides were short of players today with a few missing through injury for North Walsham they had just Emma Allsopp as their only named substitute. Sprowston arrived in the ground without any substitutes and now specialist goalkeeper. First team manager Lois Irving would be wearing the keepers gloves today. 

   It's North Walsham to kick off the 1st half kitted out in white long sleeved shirts with black across the shoulders, black shorts and black and white hooped socks with Sprowston having the slope to their advantage 1st half lined up opposite wearing orange shirts with a black vertical strip down the right, black shorts and black and orange hooped socks. The drizzle steadily growing both sides look to play the long pass out to their wide left players early on, North Walsham's Lauren Yarham looks to take the ball down the line before cutting inside, Sprowston's Beth Cornwall steps out of defence to put the tackle in to end her run.

   Sprowston have 2 players operating in attack Shanice Sutton and Millie Cursons, bringing the ball up through the middle Darcey Fynn rolls the ball into Sutton pulling left as she advances sends the ball into Cursons making a run into the area from the right wins a corner for her side, put in from the right the ball is headed on across the six yard box at the near post catches everyone on their heels, no one attacks it. The ball is retrieved by North Walsham on the left set up a rapid counter attack the ball finding striker Luci Middleton, 20 yards out right of the area looks to strike the shot early, sends the ball wide of goal.

   Sprowston captain, Belinda Downing in the centre of defence does well to keep her eye on the ball as both Yarham and Imogen Carver find themselves the furthest forwards, central approaching the box Carver looks to pick out Yarham to her right, back pedalling Downing manages to intercept the pass preventing Yarham getting through on goal, the ball pushed out wide to the right is gathered by North Walsham's Rachel Bussey sends in an early cross towards the near post, Lois Irving has the angle covered claims the ball.

   Both Sutton and Cursons are willing to peel left and right into the channels run at the North Walsham back line, in the centre Annika Skoog sends the pass out to the left picked up by Sutton she makes a run, gets into a good crossing position whips the ball in towards the near post, North Walsham goalkeeper, Cyan Fullbrook gets down to make the save doesn't collect the ball pushing it out into space inside the six yard box, gets up and claims at the 2nd attempt as Cursons sniffs a chance.

   North Walsham built a attack down the right, captain Sian Wager rolling the ball up the line for Bussey in front of her, whips her cross into the box at a good height to attack, again near post 8 yards out Middleton rises to meet it, goes wide, but for a moment quite a few had thought it had gone in. Bussey on the right again doesn't get the cross into the box this time instead wins a corner kick. Middleton headers the ball on as it is sent into the near post again heading into the crowd beyond it's Skoog back helping defend who heads it clear. 

  Is an end to end game Sprowston are very organised at the back a tall side defending deep offering little room to exploit round the back are dealing with North Walsham's attempts to cross the ball early. Amy Hemp playing in the centre of middle field brings the ball forwards looking to take on the Sprowston centre backs, Downing comes to meet her wins the tackle. Hemp then wins a corner her shot from 25 yards out hitting Downing and spinning behind for the set piece.

   North Walsham are rushing their passes getting frustrated by the organised Sprowston defence are giving it back to the visitors too easily allowing them to counter, play is flowing, North Walsham trying all sorts to find a way through. Carver plays a great pass through the centre into Middleton who gets in behind Downing right of goal, the centre back recovered quickly gets onto her shoulder snubs out the shot deflecting the ball behind for a corner. Put in from the right the corner comes into Hemp 8 yards out towards the near post turns hooking the ball towards goal, between them Irving and the defender covering the far post clear the ball off the line.

   Fullbrook is called into action to make a double save with play spread Sprowston breaking down the left with Sutton on the ball is looking to sweep her cross in towards the far post for Cursons, is in danger of going in Fullbrook needing to throw herself up to palm the ball away, North Walsham fail to get the ball clear the miscue falling to Fynn outside the D central takes on the shot doesn't get it wide enough of Fullbrook who gets down to make the save.

Sprowston's Beth Cornwall looking to put the ball into the box

   The home side launch a counter attack up the left following a Sprowston free kick inside their half, Yarham winning a throw high on the left the ball is played through to Middleton just inside the box, hits the shot on the turn, on target it takes a deflection off a defender turning it wide for a corner. Put into the near post once again is only cleared to Robyn Steele up from the back on the edge of the area, she looks to drive into the area, commits a foul before getting her shot away. 

 Sprowston are causing the North Walsham defence a few problems when they bring players forwards, however working so hard to defend more players are getting drawn back as a pose to looking to get forwards build an attack as a result North Walsham are starting to enjoy a little more possession as the 1st half enters the final 10 minutes

  Hemp isn't afraid to strike the ball from distance, getting it from Carver shows good footwork to beat two players before playing it into Hemp 25 yards out central to goal hits the ball arrow straight, anything else and Irving might have been in trouble instead she is right behind the shot, still rising as it reaches her throws her gloves up tipping the shot over her crossbar. Another near post delivery Middleton has gotten in front of everyone can only turn her shot into the side netting.

  GOAL! 2 minutes of regular play left in the half and it's the visitors who break the deadlock, have bodies back to defend as North Walsham bring the ball up through the middle Sophie Hall threading her pass forwards into Carver she sprays play out to the right picking out Bussey. sends in the early cross too long to the far post is picked up by Rebecca Kirby bringing the ball forwards runs unchallenged to the half way line, then plays a perfect pass through the North Walsham defence into Sutton on the blind side of her marker, left of the goal bursting into the box, looks to hit the shot as Fullbrook rushes out to slide in put her off, the ball hits the keeper, deflected behind her, Sutton goes after it and sweeps the ball over the line into the back of the net 0-1.

  Late attacking from North Walsham, as Sprowston get plenty back to defend Yarham winning a corner on the left put into the near post, squeezes through everyone this time coming into Yarham behind six yards out with the turn and hit she's her shot blocked, Sprowston don't clear and North Walsham come again through the centre Middleton tries to force her way into the box her deflected shot behind for another corner, Hemp coming towards the ball at the near post she's her shot cleared off the line, the rebound falling to Carver who shoots and sees her effort cleared off the line too at the far post.

 Half-time North Walsham Angels Ladies 0-1 Sprowston Ladies

  Half-time and Sprowston Ladies have the advantage have defended well been organised an hard to bring down protected Irving in goal well, dropping deep at times conceding ground, have frustrated North Walsham who have had plenty of the ball wanting to attack quickly were caught out for the counter attack that led to the goal. A good contest so far but with no substitutes could Sprowston keep their defence solid for another 45 having made a few goal line clearances late on.

   Sprowston to kick off the 2nd half with North Walsham having the slope in their favour now. The home side are on the attack early on winning the ball back and taking it down the right the cross is turned behind for a corner kick. A new taker and tactic for the 2nd half instead of putting the ball in to the near post instead it it swept out to the back of the area, falls to the feet of Steele inside the D, she hits her shot with plenty behind the ball, Cornwall puts her body on the line to make the block the ball spinning out to the left is picked up by Emily Farmer, sending the ball back into the area comes through to Carver wide of the far post six yards out looks to shoot across goal, Irving coming towards her near post gets enough of her glove on the ball to send it wide out the far side for a corner on the left.

  GOAL! Not even 5 minutes into the 2nd half and North Walsham pull the scores level, from the corner kick on the left, players cueing up on the edge of the area to attack the ball as it comes over is met by Middleton who turns the ball towards goal, the player defending the near post can't get her head on the ball to turn it wide as the ball goes over her to nestle into the back of the net 1-1.

   Sprowston look to get up the other end straight away Sutton and Cursons isolating Megan Champion at the back as the they attack through the middle Sutton tires to pick out Sutton, Champion doing what Downing did 1st half stepping up to intercept the pass, send it forwards wide right for Bussey who wins a throw deep in the half. 

  GOAL! Kirby playing wide on the right for Sprowston is effective going forwards and North Walsham make the mistake of sitting off her as she brings it over half way right side of the area takes 3 more touches 20 yards or more out goes for the shoot, hits it perfectly, a screamer sending it flashing across Fullbrook before she can react into the far corner of the net 1-2.

  Irving saves with her feet clearing the ball off the line following a 20 yard effort from Middleton peeling right off her marker as Hemp plays her in the cleared ball comes back to Hemp outside the D however she is falling back as she tries the shot taking away any power allowing Irving to gather. Sprowston are defending deep with the midfield pulled back too, Sutton and Cursons aren't seeing much of the ball. When Sutton gets a chance to run after it on the right the best she can do is win a throw.

  GOAL! From the throw North Walsham go down the other end of the pitch and equalize the 2nd time in the match. As direct as you like the throw is put into the feet of Hemp she turns and brings it forwards plays it through the middle, cutting open the Sprowston defence with Middleton latching onto it, strong running taking her into the box, Irving comes, Middleton shoots gets the ball past her and scores 2-2.

   Wager and Bussey combine on the right the full back able to get forwards more sends Bussey in down the line she squares her cross into the box got height for a header it's Erika Lakey who jumps to head the ball behind for a corner kick. The set piece fired in from the right is flicked behind by Middleton as she comes towards the ball near side of the box.

Sian Wager on the ball for North Walsham

  

  Bringing the ball out from left back Farmer opens up her body to launch the ball into the box a good deliver Irving does well to keep her eye on it and claim with Middleton bearing down on her. Light is fading fast very gloomy overhead with a little less than 20 minutes to play. Fullbrook has a very good kick on her can clear the opposition defence give her strikers a chance to attack the ball, Middleton has Carver up with her plays the ball on for the midfielder, who shifts the ball well between her feet to open up the shot, Irving seeing it late saves with her feet deflecting the ball wide at her near post for another corner. 

   Sprowston are forced to finish with 10 on the field as Fynn can't continue, no substitutes to bring on Sutton drops back into midfield. Sprowston are defending a corner on the right, Bussey to put the ball into the box, Downing rises to head away the ball rolling back out to Bussey, has Steele available on the edge of the box lays the ball into her feet, doesn't get the connection with the ball she wanted the shot rolling harmlessly through to Irving.

Sprowston's Millie Cursons looking to get beyond the North Walsham defence

   North Walsham very nearly give Sprowston the lead, an advantage is played off a handball on halfway Sutton has the ball at her feet looks to send Cursons away through the centre. Farmer gets to the ball 1st 20 yards out looks to clear it facing her goal sends the ball a yard wide of the post for a corner on the left. The ball is fizzed into the near post squirms through the crowd catching Fullbrook by surprise as she goes down to save turns it into the centre of the six yard box, Cornwall is there, can't dig the ball out of her feet to get the shot away quick enough as Fullbrook scrambles across the ground to smother the ball.

  GOAL! Out of nothing North Walsham take the lead for the 1st time in the match a shot out of nothing possession on the right the ball is laid back to Hemp in the centre of the half a long way out goes for goal lifting the ball high into the air, is a very grey sky picking out a white ball is going to be tough. The flight of the ball is perfect even back on her line Irving can't stop the shot as it drops under the bar and into the back of the net 3-2.

   It's all North Walsham late on Hall plays an inch perfect pass through to Middleton moving out to the right, driving into the box wide of goal flashes a cross chest height along the six yard box with both Yarham and Carver racing to get onto the end of it neither can get the needed touch to turn it home. Lakey makes the block to stop a Middleton shot from inside the area taking enough power out of the ball as it runs through for Irving to pick up. 

  GOAL! The pressure tells as pressing hard bodies up and around the Sprowston area North Walsham find another goal, play spread from the left across the the right the ball is played back for Hem in the middle again 25 yards out this time puts her foot through the ball sending her shot wide of the goalkeeper to find the back of the net like Middleton for the 2nd time in the match 4-2

  Sutton manages to steal the ball from the North Walsham midfield late on has Skoog up in an advanced position takes on the shot from outside the D however Fullbrook can see it roll wide of her goal. 

   Closing seconds and Middleton is through into the box right side of goal looks to shoot across the keeper, leaving her stranded, her hat-trick isn't to be as the ball comes back off the post and is cleared.

  Almost dark now and the final whistle blows North Walsham coming back from a goal down at the break to win the match 4-2 and move back to top of the league table going into Christmas. Had to be patient for the win Sprowston proving to be a hard side to break down and clear to see where there recent run of good form has come from, ended today but lots of positives lack of subs at the end making it difficult for tiring legs to deal with North Walsham as they found the extra bit of quality to retain the ball and win the match.

  The Norfolk League breaks now for the best part of a month a good rest, plenty of time to get that Christmas shopping done. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams today.