After Wednesday's Bungay Town Ladies Challenge Cup tournament, last night saw me taking in another game between 2 Norfolk women's teams this time in the semi-final of the Norfolk Women's League Cup. The match between Thorpe United LFC & Stalham Town Ladies. The match to be played at Thorpe St Andrews School on a 3G pitch. Thorpe United LFC are challenging for the title in Norfolk Division One, their opponent Stalham Town LFC are currently sitting in 3rd place in Norfolk Division Two.
A division apart Stalham Town LFC playing all in red were the underdogs as they kicked off against Thorpe United LFC in pink shirts, black shorts and socks. In the opening minute it was Stalham who took the early lead. Midfielder Kerri Eke with a perfectly weighted through ball played into the path of forward Emma Ward travelling into the box Thorpe could not get a challenge in as the ball was slotted in at the near post 1-0 Stalham.
With the early goal Stalham had the boost and were working very hard to close Thorpe down and prevent them buidling an attack on what was a very large 3G pitch. It took Thorpe several minutes to get going, winning a corner it was played in by Becky Russell finds team mate Rebekah Lake her header though going straight to the Stalham keeper.
Rebekah Lake was staying close to the shoulder of the last Stalham defender and looking to run onto any ball played out quickly to her with a good turn of pace the 3G surface causing the ball to travel the striker was onto a ball on the right shot from inside the box the ball finding the keeper waiting at the near post.
Up the other end Kerri Eke has a shot towards goal curling in the air it is a little too far out doesn't carry enough power and the keeper collects. Thorpe though are coming back into the match are creating half chances with good pressure in and around the box . Mid way through the half they equalise through no 9 Charlotte Groves with an effort 25 yards out to the left of the goal 1-1.
Stalham have a corner the ball flying in from the left is an inviting height goes through everybody and smashes into the far post comes out and Thorpe manage to clear have a break Rebekah Lake is clear as she runs towards goal has more time than she thinks as she unleashes a hasty shot that swerves up and over the bar.
Half-time Thorpe United LFC 1-1 Stalham Town LFC
Thorpe get the 2nd half underway the floodlights are in full effect now the temperature dropping sharply. Good combination play between Charlotte Groves and Rebekah Lake brings out another save at the near post, whilst at the other end for Stalham Emma Ward is clear running onto a loose ball as she tries to bring it inside to have an effort Thorpe's Laura Wiseman is quick to cover the ground and make the tackle. Moments later Ward has another run at goal this time is brought down outside the box the free kick is put over the bar.
Good pressure from Stalham in and around the Thorpe penalty box leads to a series of corners from one Thorpe break with purpose Rebekah Lake powering down the right looks to put a cross in as team mates charge to support. The ball is cleared at the near post comes out to midfielder Becky Russell 25 yards out she fires in a low shot. It goes into the back of the net deflected by Charlotte Groves who appeared to be in an offside position the goal stood however and Thorpe had the lead 2-1.
Lake with another opportunity to shot at the near post can't find a way to get the ball past the keeper. Thorpe then extend their lead awarded a free kick 20 yards out to the right of goal Becky Russell lofts in a great ball going over the keeper and into the back of the net 3-1.
Thorpe are dominant in possession now Stalham struggling to get any support up to Emma Ward who when she has the ball can't hold it up. Ward does manage to earn a late corner the ball is loose in the box for a moment before Thorpe win it back and break Russell finding Lake the near post shot doesn't come off again. From a corner Thorpe's Chelsea Clarke has a header at goal the looping ball straight at the keeper.
The final whistle blows and Thorpe United LFC clinch a place in the Norfolk Women's League Cup Final where they will face rivals Wymondham Town LFC after they beat Aylsham Town LFC 5-0 in their semi-final.
Update - Final between Wymondham Town LFC & Thorpe United LFC to take place on Sunday 4th May 2:00pm ko at Plantation Park
A fan of the sport doing my small part to help promote the women's game
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