Martin and Acock Norfolk Women’s League

Division One

AFTER winning their first game of 2011 last week, Magpies were looking to maintain their unbeaten record and extend their lead at the top of Division One, and travelled to Taverham to play Norwich City in an 11.30am push back. But without their regular goalkeeper and captain, and only one available substitute, Magpies faced a tough challenge from City who themselves were coming from a good victory last week against third place Broadland.

The first half was evenly contested in terms of possession, but City were the team that had more of the attacking play, and won several shorts, which the Magpies defence and debut goalkeeper Georgie Stannard defended well.

Towards the end of the half, a good Magpies move down the left wing ended in a good cross from Lucy Crawford into Kay Dennis who narrowly beat the keeper and slotted the ball into the corner. Magpies took this lead into half time.

The second half saw City up their game and they levelled the score quickly. Magpies then had several short corners one after the other and were unlucky not to convert. But again the home side pushed forward and took the lead. Two more goals followed shortly after for City, taking the game out of Magpies reach, and it ended 4-1 to Norwich.

Magpies were very disappointed to suffer their first league defeat of the season, but they were undoubtedly beaten by a better side on the day, and must take heart from the good individual and team performances given. Claire Snelling, Sarah Legg, Megg Eglington and Treacle Snelling never gave up in defence, and Rosie Blackmore, Hannah Booty and Roo Barker worked tirelessly in the midfield. Heads up for next week.