Cup Final Report - Wymondham Town Ladies v Brandon Town Ladies

  A third Women's League Cup Final in a week and after Cambridgeshire and Suffolk it's a trip east along the A47 this Sunday to watch the Norfolk Women's League Cup Final to be contested by Wymondham Town Ladies and Brandon Town Ladies.
 
  The Finalists

   Wymondham Town Ladies compete in the Norfolk Women's Division One where they have finished in 3rd place this season. Were the winners of the competition in the 2012/13 season, reached the final last year finished runners up beaten 4-0 by Thorpe United Ladies. 

   This season's competition saw Wymondham drawn at home to 2nd division side Red Rose Ladies in the 1st round won 5-0. Was another 2nd division side in the 2nd round with a 12-2 home victory over Harleston Ladies. At home again in the quarter finals faced fellow Division One opponents Stalham Town Ladies recorded another 5-0 win to set up a home semi-final against new Norfolk Women's Division One champions Aylsham FC Ladies booking their place in todays final with a 2-0 win.

  Brandon Town Ladies have moved over from competing in the Suffolk Women's Division to Norfolk joining Division Two where they are top of the table and closing in on promotion to the top flight of women's football in Norfolk with a 2 games left to play.

   Had a bye for the 1st round of the League Cup before facing a tricky home tie against Division One side Bungay Town Ladies, won 2-1 to reach the quarter finals an away trip to play fellow 2nd Division side Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies won the match 0-3. Another away trip in the semi finals a tough test against the League Cup holders Thorpe United Ladies. Won the semi final 1-2 to make it to the final.

   The venue for todays League Cup Final, Plantation Park, home of Norwich United FC as well as the home ground for Norwich City Ladies. Situated near Blofield east of Norwich off the A47. The ground was hosting a finals day today with the U16s & U18s finals taking place earlier in the day as well as the Women's 7s Final. The ground is a nice sporting complex with a number of pitches, also houses the Macron Store whom are dedicated supporters to women's and girls football in Norfolk.

  The weather wasn't playing ball early on was a wet start to the day but slowly it eased off and although I was prepared for all eventualities by the time kick off arrived the sun had broken through and weather was perfect as the 2 teams entered the pitch.

  Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI - Gemma Hamilton-Rout, Emma Chambers, Kelly Ayers, Mary Cann (C), Louise Hamilton-Rout, Rachel Cossey, Leah Newcombe, Laura Hammerton, Kayleigh Holloway, Amber Cantwell & Sally Hammerton.
  subs - Gemma Perry, Laura Parry & Natalie Woods.

  Brandon Town Ladies starting XI - Shannon Oderbrecht, Melanie Talbot, Natasha Rutter, Laura Grove, Ellie Marshall, Hazel Shepherd, Frankie Torrance, Georgina O Malley, Brooke Wickens, Tiffany Forshaw (C) & Laura Brame.
  subs - Leanne Sloan, Rachel Lynch & Chelsea Paremain.

                                     (roll on, roll off substitutes)

  It's Wymondham in red shirts, black shorts and socks to kick off the League Cup Final against Brandon who are lined up in yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. Wymondham start on the attack feeding the ball up to Kayleigh Holloway wide on the left the ball is sent into the area, half hearted cries for a penalty as a Wymondham player goes down, nothing given as the ball is put out for a throw wide left the cross swept back in is safely into Brandon goalkeeper Shannon Oderbrecht's gloves.

 

Amber Cantwell

  Wymondham continue to press early on keeping the ball in the Brandon half win a free kick wide on the right it's Amber Cantwell to play the ball into the area. Even as the ball is in the air Cantwell is on the move into the right wing so as Brandon clear the ball to the right she is the one to meet it, looks to square the ball back across the goal instead wins a corner. Cantwell to take the corner sends the ball in at a good height and pace is met by Laura Hammerton from six yards a firm header sending the ball down but bounces up to high and clears the crossbar.


   Brandon have struggled to get the ball deep into the Wymondham half early on, Frankie Torrance attempts to take it down the left, Wymondham right back Kelly Ayers puts in the challenge putting the ball out for a throw, taken quickly the ball is put into Georgina O Malley, she looks to slide the pass forwards into Brandon captain Tiffany Forshaw, on the edge of the area she looks to hit the ball on the spin too much on the shot sends the ball high over the bar.

   Holloway getting hold of the ball on the halfway line almost slips striker Sally Hammerton in beyond the Brandon defence but as she races clear to get onto the ball inside the box, Oderbrecht has come out to slide in and claim the ball at her feet. Wymondham are playing a good pressing game inside the Brandon half with Holloway and Cantwell providing options left and right for midfielders Rachel Cossey, Louise Hamilton-Rout & Laura Hammerton to pass to.

   Brandon's Laura Brame is fouled on the left just outside the area as she tries to shift the ball to take it into the box, it's Torrance over the free kick whips is a curling low cross looking for a runner at the far post to turn it home, just evades everyone.

 

Laura Hammerton

GOAL! Wymondham score the opening goal as Holloway looks to break down the left once again she is fouled by Melanie Talbot. The set piece is swept in head height with plenty of pace curling in to the near post Laura Hammerton is up looking to get something on it the ball falls at the far post and creeps over the line as Oderbrecht falling tries to keep it out, everyone rushes to Hammerton to celebrate with 28 minutes played 1-0.

   Brandon are finding it tough going trying to get Forshaw and Brame on the ball, Cossey is the one for Wymondham more often then not back there to help her defence, then when she does get on the ball try and thread it through into Sally Hammerton to try and have a run at goal. Brandon shots are being limited to long range after a bit of head tennis in the Wymondham half, Forshaw does manage to bring the ball down wrapping her foot around it on the turn from 40 yards out pulls the shot wide of goal.

   Brandon are getting a little more possession in the Wymondham half, midfielder Hazel Shepherd is pushing on a little bit more looking to give Forshaw and Brame support, giving Brame the ball out on the right she wins a corner. Torrance takes fizzing the ball into O Malley on the edge of the area she returns the pass and Torrance sends it sweeping across the goal face, Shepherd is coming in at the back post but running out of room as she meets the ball is the wrong side of the post. Rachel Lynch comes on for Brandon, Brooke Wickens coming off.

  
 From the Wymondham midfield Louise Hamilton-Rout has made a run to get into the area as the ball is fired in from left tries to get onto it, goes down as Brandon get it out of the box only as far as Sally Hammerton on the edge of the area, she looks to curl a shot back in, Oderbrecht throws her arm up to stop it as it smashes against the cross bar and out.

    Brandon have a throw on the left deep in the Wymondham half late on as Shepherd attempts to roll the ball through for Forshaw in the area. The throw is played long his helped on into the area is bouncing however Wymondham goalkeeper Gemma Hamilton-Rout keeps her eye on the ball and claims with runners looking to steal in.

                Half-time Wymondham Town Ladies 1-0 Brandon Town Ladies

   Has been Wymondham's half started the better and have created more of the chances although neither goalkeeper has been overly troubled. A good contest between two good footballing sides who look to get the ball travelling quickly. Wymondham with the 1 goal lead still all to play for as both teams are out early for the 2nd half, are made to wait by the referee. Brandon to kick off the 2nd half have brought Leanne Sloan.

   Wymondham have brought on Laura Parry at the start of the 2nd half, they start the brighter again as Sally Hammerton is put through on the right outside the box tries to put the ball back in sends her shot/cross flashing across the face of goal and out. Hollloway is constantly looking to take players on more often than not up against Talbot the two are having a good battle. Holloway evades Talbot this time and sends a cross in to the near post with Sally Hammerton looking to race in on the ball, Oderbrecht though has read the danger and is out and grabbing the ball as Hammerton clatters into her the ball is split goes behind corner given.

   Forshaw holding up the ball plays it beyond her into Shepherd, she can't quite get to it but Brame is up with her hustles the Wymondham defence to win a throw, Brandon's Rachel Lynch has a good throw on her launches the ball long into the box Forshaw is the one to bring it down has Sloan close by can't get her shot away the ball is blocked comes lose to Forshaw she gets a strike away, in goal Gemma Hamilton-Rout dives full length the ball not having the pace to evade her she pushes it away for a corner. Hamilton-Rout punches the corner ball away at the far post bulldozers Brandon's Natasha Rutter in the process as she looks to meet the ball.

   Rutter is taken off to recover along with Brame as Brandon bring Lauren Grove and Brooke Wickens on. 30 yards out for Wymondham good footwork from Cantwell she shifts the ball to evade a challenge opens up space to shoot, Oderbrecht is across to save although the ball flying wide.

   Emma Chambers comes off the pitch for Wymondham with Natalie Woods coming on. On the left for Brandon is Forshaw she whips a good ball into the box has Shepherd making the run, the ball though is too close to the keeper and she can make the save. Brame is back on for Brandon with Sloan giving way.

   Laura Hammerton has been making some fantastic forward runs from midfield for Wymondham all game, with Holloway on the ball out left she pushes on again the ball is played into her, with her 1st touch evades a challenge to open up the space to shoot 25 yards out sweeps the ball in, smashes against the bar.

  GOAL! from a corner put in from the right Wymondham double their lead in the match is fired in at a great height again and it's Laura Hammerton who jumps unmarked in the centre of the six yard box to head the ball down once again this time heading for the corner of the goal, Oderbrecht dives but can't keep it out 2-0.

   Gemma Perry enters the field of play for Wymondham now with captain Mary Cann coming off. Laura Hammerton is fouled out on the left, she is over the ball looks to fire a shot in to the top corner, pulls it wide of goal.

    Brandon who have been looking for a regular goalkeeper all season make a change between the sticks with Chelsea Paremain donning the shirt she replaces Ellie Marshall with Oderbrecht going into an outfield position as Brandon look to find a way back into the game. Forshaw strong with her back to goal holds the ball up as it is fired into her, bringing it up as she turns looks to hit the shot from 25 yards on the half volley, a wild strike over.

    O Malley and Brame link up down the right wing, a give and go the best Brame can do is win her side a corner. Is a good delivery played along the six yard line to the far post Oderbrecht is the one who meets it with her head puts the shot over the bar. Wymondham have gone a little bit deep since scoring the 2nd goal are inviting Brandon onto them giving them a chance to put pressure on their area for the 1st time in the game.

   On the ball Forshaw plays the pass out to Wickens on the right in space she does well to get to the ball on the by line plays it back for Shepherd coming into the area she sends a shot in at goal, Hamilton-Rout with an instinctive fist turns the ball away from danger. An overload on the right for Brandon with Brame and Wickens in space looking for the cross that is played over, Brame's cross is cleared for a throw, a chance for Lynch to put a long throw in it comes to Shepherd outside the box she doesn't get the contact she wants the ball looping up into the air Hamilton-Rout has her far post covered but the ball falls just over rather than under the bar.

   Despite the late pressure however Wymondham defend well as Brandon try everything to get a goal back the final whistle blows full time 2-0 and Wymondham Town Ladies win this seasons Norfolk Women's League Cup.

   Were the better side on the day keeping the ball higher up the pitch preventing Brandon from getting in behind and causing problems. Brandon struggled to get any meaningful possession in Wymondham's final 3rd now they turn their attention to chasing down the Norfolk Women's Division Two title.

 Played in front of another good sized crowd under the sunshine my thanks to everyone who helped me today.

Wymondham Town Ladies

 Congratulations to Wymondham Town Ladies, Norfolk Women's League Cup Winners.


  

  

  
  

  

Match Report - Lynn Ladies v Acle United Ladies

   Another women's County Cup quarter final for me this Sunday, albeit a journey much closer to home a short drive over to West Lynn to watch Lynn Ladies v Acle United Ladies.

   Postponed from last weekend both clubs were sure to fancy their chances of reaching the semi final stage of the Norfolk Women's County Cup. Lynn Ladies are riding high in the Norfolk Women's Division Two in 2nd place having suffered just the one defeat so far this campaign. Newly formed this season the club is aiming for success in all competitons. Today would be their toughest test to date though as they played host to a team plying their trade three divisions above.

   Apart from Norwich City Ladies and their Reserve side, Acle United Ladies are the only other football team in Norfolk to play in a league outside of the county set up. Are newly promoted to the Eastern Region Women's Football League Premier Division this campaign. Has been a tough season so far in that league, with the club sitting bottom of the table having struggled to pick up points just a single win so far. The County Cup quarter final was a good distraction and opportunity to lift confidence and get back to winning ways. This was also the first match in charge for their new manager Nathan Einecker.

   Was a bitterly cold, but bright day when I arrived at the West Lynn Social Club prior to the match, so why I asked for ice with my coke I don't know as I stepped outside to find the teams. The large pitch looked somewhat cut up from a match played upon it earlier the teams warming up off it.

    Lynn Ladies starting XI - Bryony Russell-Smith, Kirsty Scott, Katie Garner, Millie Wilson, Emma Woods, Natalie Bunton, Bethan Jones, Lisa Wilson, Jodie Hopkins, Shelley Woods (C) & Josie Turner.
   subs - Ellen Groves, Louise Coggles & April Kitchen.

  Acle United Ladies starting XI - Chloe Nixon, Cara Anderson, Helen Emmerson (C), Gemma Bovington, Leah McGuire, Natasha Greenfield, Imogen Williams, Laura Hedtke, Joanne Hooper, Francesca Lambert & Sharnie Boast.
  subs - Jenna Thurtle & Leonie Daulby.

                                                        roll on roll off substitutes.

  It was Lynn kitted out all in purple to kick off the match against Acle lined up in black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks. It as a frantic pace to start with the ball being exchanged between both sides as players were closed down all over the park, play restricted to the middle third with anyone attempting to make a run with the ball running into a tackle.

   Acle's Imogen Williams is one in particular looking to take on players as the ball comes into her pushing out to the right channel she looks to put an early ball through into Lynn's box for her team mates to chase, gets too much on the ball Lynn goalkeeper Bryony Russell-Smith can see it wide for a goal kick.

   On the opposite side of the pitch it's Francesa Lambert who attempts to put the ball through for Williams as she makes the run across the area. With the Lynn centre backs, Millie Wilson and Emma Woods closing the gap Williams can't squeeze the ball through to get in on goal.

   Lynn are working hard to press Acle when they have the ball win it early and look to get an attacking move going. In the centre circle Bethan Jones wins the ball looks up sees striker Josie Turner ready to make a run puts the ball over the top of the Acle back line for her to chase down she breaks clear the ball at the edge of the area, Chloe Nixon in the Acle goal comes out early slides in to reach the ball before Turner can get a boot to it, the ball loose on the left is put back into Turner who 25 yards out tries to curl a shot towards goal with Nixon back peddling, the effort is wide of target.

    GOAL! Lynn aren't afraid to try an effort at goal from distance. Pressing Acle in their own half it's Lisa Wilson who wins the ball back looks to push forwards with it, strikes the ball from 35 yards out the ball keeping low has plenty of pace as it flies towards the goal, Nixon dives at her near post to stop it, doesn't get enough of the ball, can only turn and look as it squirms past her and over the line even as Josie Turner races in to make sure. Wilson definately claims the goal (despite me awarding it to her captain by mistake).

    Acle are on the attack straight from the restart with Williams on the ball down the right again the ball is fired into the box Russell-Smith with sharp reflexes to make the save push the ball behind for a corner. Form the Acle corner Lynn launch a counter attack with Turner holding up the ball half way pushes it into Woods who comes out in support down the left she puts the ball across the box into no 11 Jodie Hopkins, Acle have gotten players back and it's their no 11 Francesa Lambert who closes Hopkins down and puts in a great tackle to prevent a shooting opportunity.

  Lynn have a corner on the right the ball is played into the crowded six yard area falls to Millie Wilson she puts her foot through the ball see's her shot blocked by the player Acle have place at the far post. Nixon is then called into action making a good save low at her near post as Lynn's Lisa Wilson bursts down the left playing a good one two with Turner, Wilson bursts into the box and shoots producing the save from Nixon.

  Lynn are frustrating Acle playing a high tempo pressing game not letting the visitors build anything from the back keeping a tight shape leaving no spaces to exploit. Acle's Joanne Hooper playing in the centre of midfield get's hold of the ball passes in forwards into Sharnie Boast she has Lambert making a run on her left plays the forwards pass, Lambert's first touch is heavy having gotten past her marker she has too much to do to reach the ball before Russell-Smith can get out and claim the ball. Lynn make the first change with Louise Coggles coming on for Natalie Bunton and going up front.

   Laura Hedtke has the ball at her feet and from the half way line looks to drive on hits the ball on the run a good way out Russell-Smith has plenty of time to sight the looping shot and catch the ball. Acle make a change with Jenna Thurtle coming on for Joanne Hooper.

   Bethan Jones brings the ball out from the back for Lynn is hard to shake off the ball, puts it out wide to Woods in space out on the left she pushes down the channel finds Jones inside the box with her cross, Jones up against Acle captain Helen Emmerson can't find the half a yard needed to get her shot away, numbers back in support Acle clear. Acle make a second change with Leonie Daubly coming on for Cara Anderson. Lambert is yellow carded after she fouls Jones down near Lynn corner flag.

Acle United Ladies Sharnie Boast

   Sharnie Boast working in the middle for Acle is frequently looking to push on with the ball more often than not looking for a pass forwards to either flank she takes a shot from 30 yards out this time gets too much under the ball scoops it up and over the crossbar. Boast has another attempt on goal soon after as she brings down a poorly cleared Lynn ball sends a low shot in back towards goal, Russell-Smith is well placed to intercept. In the closing minutes Acle have a corner from the right played out to the edge of the area the shot fired back in brushes the outside of the post.

                              Half-time Lynn Ladies 1-0 Acle United Ladies

  A fast paced 1st half Lynn have played a high tempo pressing game that his frustrated Acle prevented them getting any flow going although both defences have had little cause for concern with neither side getting in behind very often. Only one goal in it still all to play for 2nd half.

   Acle kick off the 2nd half with Hooper back on the pitch for Boast, Bunton is back on too for Lynn with Coggles off. Early on Jones gets hold of the ball in the middle for Lynn set's up an attack releasing Bunton who has space to surge into on the right. Her cross is left by the defender as she allows it to carry through to keeper Nixon, almost a costly mistake as she hasn't seen Turner closing her down gets to the ball first but sends it wide of goal.

   End to end for a spell as both sides begin the half in determined fashion with Lynn on the attack with Woods putting Turner through she lays the ball off to her left with Wilson making the run, she is tackled by Acle's Natasha Greenfield as she tries to skip past the right back, who launches the ball forwards with Hedtke heading it on for Daulby she pulls out to the right plays the ball into the box with Thurtle coming in to head the ball Lynn's Emma Woods jumps to reach it first and clear.

   Nixon makes another vital save diving to stop a low drive from Turner as she bursts clear of everyone opts to shoot early 25 yards out.

   It's Acle's turn to have a shot cleared off the line as they win a corner. The ball is fired in with pace low into Lambert making a run towards it she looks to flick it beyond her to the crowded penalty area beyond, the ball is put in towards goal a purple body is there on the line to block. Acle are pushing Lynn back now putting pressure on the ball higher up the pitch just as Lynn were doing to them in the 1st half. Up front Thurtle and Daulby are using the space better.

   Boast returns to the pitch with Lambert the player off. In the middle of the park their is a good contest going on between Lynn's Jones and Acle's Hooper, both committed players Jones comes off the better holding onto the the ball as Hooper comes in strongly leaves herself poleaxed on the floor for a moment or two.

   GOAL! Acle have been pushing hard looking for the equaliser and they get it as the ball is played forwards it is a hooked clearance that is intercepted by Thurtle 30 yards from goal she keeps hold of the ball riding a couple of Lynn challenges, steals into the box pushing left of the goal face she sends her shot back across the keeper and into the net 1-1.

Acle United Ladies Jenna Thurtle on the attack

  Lynn look to restore the lead right from the restart as Turner brings the ball down with her chest her back to goal, Woods gets onto the ball and shoots drags it wide of goal. Good again from Jones in the middle finds Bunton on the right pushing close to the by line puts the cross in looking for Turner making the run but too close to Nixon. Into the last 10 minutes of the match, Hopkins comes off for Lynn with Coggles back on up front.

  GOAL! Acle win a free kick out wide left half way between the centre cirle and area it's Sharnie Boast over the ball with everyone else inside the box. Striking the ball it is a high flighted ball, it looks like the perfect strike, on target is over everyone no one can get near it as it flys into the back of the net at the far post and gives Acle the lead 1-2.

  Lynn have to go for it with minutes to go, go 3-4-3 with Ellen Groves and April Kitchen coming on. The home side struggle to get the ball back do win a corner overload the box the ball is put into the near post it's an Acle head that clears. They break, the ball put up to Thurtle she has Jones for company as the Lynn player tracks back to take the ball from her inside the box.

   Closing moments and Boast gets herself a red card for saying something to the referee she shouldn't have. Doesn't effect the final score as the whistle blows and Acle United Ladies comeback from a goal down to win the match 2-1 and progress to the semi finals for the Norfolk Women's County Cup where they will play a home match against Wymondham Town Ladies.

   The other semi final will be contested between last years runners up Thorpe United Ladies and Stalham Town Ladies.

   A good contest today from two committed sides, high tempo with Lynn getting the better of the 1st half, will be disappointed to have conceded the way they did in the end maybe needed a 2nd goal to take the pressure off. Acle were frustrated 1st half but dug in 2nd half pressed the ball better and fought their way back into the match.

   Thanks to both clubs for their help with the squad details today.

Norfolk Women's County Cup Final - Norwich City LFC v Thorpe United LFC

  Today was Women's County Cup Final day in Norfolk. The final to be contested between Norwich City LFC who have won the competition every year since it's inception in 2010 and their opponents Thorpe United Ladies who were runners-up back in 2012. The venue the Norfolk FA's FDC (Football Development Centre) in Bowthorpe on the outskirts of Norwich. A smart up to date venue with a nice bar and facilities. A cup final the weather too had turned up bright and sunny perfect for a game of football.

     Having attended the final back in 2012 and other cup finals in the county over the past few years knew Norfolk FA did a very good job on a final's day. Produce a quality match programme and were happy to provide me with a team sheet. (pictured below)

   Norwich City Ladies are currently in 3rd place in the South East Combination league and had looked in impressive form in their midweek victory over rivals Ipswich Town Ladies. Thorpe United Ladies are the current leaders of Norfolk Division One. Two regional leagues separate them so Norwich were very much the favourites going into the final. Thorpe the underdogs knew they would have to work hard to get a result, and in any cup match let alone the final you never know.

     Having a team sheet with numbers was great as I could put a name to a shirt which makes writing a report a lot easier let me tell you. It was Thorpe United Ladies in their pink shirts and socks and black shorts that got the match underway. Their plan at the start to not let their opponents settle on the ball and look to steal possession that being so Norwich were happy to try out any long range opportunity that fell their way midfielder Paige Shorten with the 1st effort a drive that swept wide of the upright.

     With two or three players doubling up to win the ball Thorpe had little option to get it up the pitch with captain Rebekah Lake up top on her own much of the time. Norwich pushing their opponents back had numbers forwards defender Grace Parker intercepted a loose clearance and drove forwards with the ball to the right hand corner of the penalty box crossed the ball to the far post to team mate Anna Larkins her effort stabbed straight at Thorpe keeper Kirstie Andrews who parried it down and collected. Another chance a half volley from Norwich striker Natasha Snelling outside the box was caught by Andrews.

    Thorpe were caught out soon after as Grace Parker was brought down outside the box on the right, it was taken quickly by Norwich's Paige Shorten swept up and into the net to make it 1-0. The goal settled Norwich down they were looking to pass the ball across the pitch make it a big as possible meaning the Thorpe players having to work hard to close runners down and win back possesion. To that end Thorpe were getting results full back Shannon Miles and midfielder Sophie Jermy linking up well on the left and Rebekah Lake prepared to run into the right channel and look to cross the ball, clear chances on goal though were hard to come by.

     The competition has roll on roll off substitutions and both management teams were taking advantage of this giving everyone an opportunity. Norwich's Natasha Snelling had an opportunity to double her teams lead from a corner but could only slice the ball wide. Thorpe's best chance of the half came from a poor defensive clearance the ball hitting Rebekah Lake however the deflected effort swerved away from goal. Another long range effort from Norwich was easily collected by Kirstie Andrews whose positioning had been good throughout the 1st 45 mins and along with her teammates had worked very hard to keep the scoreline to just a single goal.

              Half time Norwich City Ladies led 1-0.

   Despite being a goal down Thorpe had put in a lot of effort and were still very much in the final. The question would be would their fitness levels hold up for another 45 minutes against their higher league placed opposition? The half couldn't have started any better for Thorpe as midfielder Sophie Jermy looking to play closer to striker Rebekah Lake pounced on a loose clearance from Norwich keeper Nina Scammel ran with the ball out on the left and lifted the ball over Scammel as she tried to save her shot finding the net and giving Thorpe an equaliser 1-1.

    Lifted Thorpe were winning the ball and looking a threat Becky Russell in the centre of midfield getting on the ball and able to pick out a team mate. Norwich are a very good counter attacking team and have willing runners who will track back to win the ball won a corner taken quickly and driven in low towards the six yard box striker Natasha Snelling slides in to catch the ball before the diving Kirstie Andrews can collect and makes it 2-1.

    Andrews was forced into a smart saving diving to her left minutes later from a Paige Shorten half volley on the edge of the D. Norwich captain Kate Parson's was booked for commiting a foul 40 yards out the ball delivered into the penalty box got a glancing header from Becky Russell to knock it down Rebekah Lake almost steals onto it but Scammel is sharper and gathers it in. Thorpe's Sophie Jermy beats the offside trap on the left makes a strong run into the box from the left shoots to the near post Scammel is well placed to save.

    Norwich's Anna Larkins wins possession from the Thorpe midfield plays to Piage Shorten and continuing her run her team mate plays her in as she enters the box and Larkins slots the ball past Kirstie Andrews to make the scoreline 3-1. The game was getting stretched now Norwich players were finding space on the ball were looking to go wide as they were having little success trying to beat Thorpe central defender Laura Wiseman. Pulling wide Natasha Snelling finds space for a shot her effort striking the Thorpe cross bar.

    Thorpe were to get caught out for the fourth goal as Norwich this time took a short corner played to Natasha Snelling who shot from the left of the penalty box her effort going across Andrews and into the net to bring up a 4-1 scoreline. Thorpe kept going working hard to try and create something had a half chance from a free kick that keeper Fiona Coombes having replaced Scammel missed she was saved however by a covering defender clearing the ball off the line.

    Tired legs all over the pitch now Norwich's Natasha Snelling was to complete her hat trick with the cheekiest of strikes a long floating crossed delivered in from the right running onto it Snelling met it with the outside of her boot to send it back across Andrews and into the net 5-1. One late chance for Thorpe to try and get another goal captain Rebekah Lake had a run at goal being closed down by two defenders Coombes is rushing out the lob is the only option cannot however get enough lift to beat Norwich's keeper. One last corner for Thorpe is cleared and the referee blows for full time and Norwich 5-1 winners retain the Norfolk Women's County Cup.

    Congratulations to Norwich on their cup success had to work hard for their victory. Well done to, to Natasha Snelling on her hat-trick. Thorpe gave a great account of themselves a battling display a good cup final to watch.
   

                  

Match Report UEA Women's FC v Fakenham Ladies FC

   The weather continues to play havoc with the best laid plans of a women's football supporter as football pitches become more suited for flippers rather than football boots, so it pays to keep your options open this time of year. As it was circumstances offered me a chance to take another look at a women's football match in Norfolk once again and the one I ventured to today was a real thriller. It was a cup weekend the quarter finals of the Norfolk Women's Cup.
    Despite all of the rain we've had this past decade.... sorry week it seemed that the 4 quarter finals listed below were on -
                                   
                                         Mulbarton Belles v Norwich City Ladies FC
                                         Alysham Ladies FC v Wymondham Town Ladies FC
                                         UEA Women's FC v Fakenham Ladies FC
                                         Stalham Town Ladies FC v Thorpe United Ladies FC

  The tie that had caught my eye was UEA Women's FC v Fakenham Ladies FC. The University of East Anglia women's team had been on a good run of results recently that has seen them join Wymondham and Thorpe at the top of the league. One of those results being a 4-0 victory over today's visitors Fakenham the weekend before.
     Setting off in the rain thankfully conditions improved as I travelled east along the A47 to the outskirts of Norwich and the venue for the match Colney Lane Playingfields, a nice sports and recreation ground even had blue sky which has been in short supply of late. Kick off was at 1:30 so I was glad I'd gotten there in time and finding the pitch was all set for the match.
    UEA lining up in an all navy blue kit and Fakenham in yellow tops and socks with black shorts it was the home side with the early pressure as the ball came flashing across the box from the right the 1st touch was too heavy and blasted wide of the goal. The opening exchanges were pretty even with both teams getting chances to break but no clear cut chances to strike on goal. Fakenham were struggling to get the ball up to their strikers and keep possession high up the pitch. A last ditch diving tackle prevented UEA on the edge of the box whilst up the other end a shooting chance was pulled wide of goal. UEA were building pressure as they drove down the flanks a number of last ditch blocks were needed from Fakenham.
     During this spell it looked likely UEA would score the ball was crossed in early from the right again the last Fakenham defender had to dive in to stop the attacker behind her getting a free shot on goal alas the defenders outstretched leg reached the ball but could only send it dispairingly towards goal and roll just inside the post as UEA took the lead. UEA were fully on top now as soon after a shot from the edge of the box cannoned down off the crossbar and Fakenham's keeper was able to push it wide for a corner.
    Another chance for UEA from the corner a header but straight at the keeper who saved. Fakenham needed to get the ball up field and had a chance as their striker broke through but UEA's keeper was out fast to smother the attempted shot. UEA hit the post then as a shot came in from the right beat the keeper but hitting the post bounced back across goal enabling a defender to clear at half time the Fakenham goal had led a charmed life and on another day where they might have been 3 down at the break UEA led by 1-0 and it was still very much game on.
   Now for the 2nd half and it was to be the classic 'game of two halves' as Fakenham tweaked their line up a little in an attempt to better link their midfield up with their strikers. As it was UEA had the 1st chance as their attacker ran clear only to find the Fakenham keeper in the right position to save her shot. However Fakenham were getting more of the ball and pushing forwards had support for their strikers got the ball down the right and the cross was fired hard towards the six yard box it beat the UEA defence but not Fakenham's striker Lauren Matthews who blasted the ball home from close range to make it 1-1. Now Fakenham were the ones on top they were coming at UEA in numbers it was Matthews again with another chance as she run down to block a defenders clearance but the ball cannoned off her into the keepers arms.
   The game was very open UEA were able to counter but once again good positioning from Fakenhams keeper prevented a goal. For all their possession Fakenham were defending a high line and from this UEA's no9 Aviyah Abrahams capitalised running off her defender and firing a fierce shot towards goal Fakenham's keeper got her gloves to it by it wasn't enough as it bounced down and into the net and UEA regained the lead 2-1.
     Fakenham kept going however pressing hard up the other end attacking in numbers Lauren Matthews winning the ball on the half way line fired the ball forwards found her strike partner Sam King and with a composed strike the no14 struck the ball past the keeper into the back of the net to equalise for the 2nd time in the game 2-2.
    UEA's Aviyah Abrahams was causing problems for Fakenham's tiring defenders playing off the last defender she was able to break several times. Running hard with the ball she weaved her way past two tackling defenders before rifling the ball into the net getting her 2nd of the match and restoring UEA's lead 3-2 the next goal wasn't to be another Fakenham leveller as UEA's no9 continued her marauding runs pulling defenders towards her she was able to get a cross in from the left and it found her team mate no10 Amelia Glean unmarked and clear on goal to give the UEA at last a 2 goal cushion going into the last 20 mins 4-2.
   Fakenham didn't give up the spirit that had seen them fightback twice was still in abundance they continued to attack and in number and from one attack UEA couldn't clear the edge of the box it found the feet of Fakenham's no8 Maddie Smith and she lifted the ball towards goal, UEA's keeper let the ball slip through her gloves as it came in high and could only watch as it went in behind her to make it 4-3 with just minutes to play. UEA had to defend hard during that period a series of corners and a bit of pinball in the box but they held on to claim victory in a thrilling game and progress to the semi-finals, well done to them and too Fakenham too played with great spirit and a pleasure to watch.
  In the other quarter-finals Mulbarton v Norwich was a late late call off, very disappointing for the home side I'm sure as they were looking forwards too going up against a team 5 leagues higher, but will have to wait till another day. Alysham were the victors in another 7 goal spectacle running out 4-3 winners over Wymondham and Stalham Town were beaten 6-0 by Thorpe United.