Martin and Acock Norfolk Women’s League

Division One

LEAGUE champions Magpies faced Yarmouth at home in their last league match of the season, and with a strong squad of 14, they were looking to finish on a high.

In lovely, sunny conditions, the home side started well, making their intentions clear from the outset, with some lovely flowing play through the midfield and forward lines. And it wasn’t long before Magpies took the lead, a good ball through into the D found Beth Alexander who competently swept the ball past the Yarmouth ‘keeper.

Magpies made it two shortly after, with another good move; this time Rachel Peters was on the end of it to put the ball into the back of the net. Magpies continued to dominate possession, and with Yarmouth rarely breaking through the Magpies solid defence, the home side showed their class, moving the ball around with ease, in some of their best play of the season. Centre forward Kay Dennis made it three for the home side shortly before the break.

The second half saw Yarmouth have more of the possession in the early moments with Magpies unable to reassert their authority of the first half. However, with Captain Kristina Erith in the Magpies goal, determined as ever to keep a clean sheet, and Sarah Legg at the heart of the defence, nothing was going to spoil their day, and there was only ever going to be one winner. Towards the end of the half Magpies again dominated, winning several short corners but they could not find another goal.

A solid display from Magpies, ensuring that they win the league by a clear seven points, losing only two games, drawing one, and winning the remaining fifteen! What an achievement!

Special thanks must go to Captain Kristina Erith for her effort and commitment both on and off the pitch, it has been second to none, and with the lowest goals conceded in the league, her quality as a goalkeeper speaks for itself. Congratulations also to vice-captain and top-scorer Kay Dennis, who with her goal today, has beaten her own personal season goal-scoring record, netting a total of eighteen times.

But most of all thanks to all of the players that have made this season the best one ever, and who have been part of one of the best fourth 11 sides in recent years - congratulations go to: Claire Snelling, Gina Scott, Sarah Legg, Kaite Mound, Megg Eglington, Ginny Crawford, Bella Hall, Treacle Snelling, Rosie Blackmore, Roo Barker, Hannah Booty, Hannah Linger, Beth Alexander, Lucy Crawford, Laura Schultheiss, Rachel Peters, and Karen Absolon.

Bring on the Premier Division next season!

And, to finish, quote of the day from Rosie Blackmore: “Man up, and get back on it!”.