Martin and Acock Norfolk Women's League

Division One

Norwich Dragons III 3 Magpies Ladies IV 2

AFTER their fantastic results of the previous two weeks Magpies were looking to continue with their winning ways.

Dragons had first push-back, and instead of playing the ball to another team member the Dragons' centre forward dribbled the ball clean through the Magpies midfield and defence, catching them all on the back foot, and coolly slotted the ball past the 'keeper to give the home side the lead in the opening seconds.

However, Magpies were not deterred and from the restart they came straight back at Dragons, and a shot on goal fell to a well-positioned Rhiann Earrye at the near post to tap in the equaliser. The play then levelled out somewhat with both teams getting into their groove and settling down, but it was Dragons who took the initiative and went 2-1 up midway through the half, with Magpies struggling to find their previous good form.

The second half saw Magpies step up the pace and pose a real threat to the Dragons goal, but the home side once again had that killer instinct in the D and extended their lead. Magpies showed great determination towards the end of the match, and got a goal back from a good move ending with Rhiann Earrye's second goal.

It seemed as though the equaliser was on the way, and in the final moments a good move down the right wing, followed by a stinging cross into the D had Dragons on the back foot, but a Magpies stick couldn't connect with it.

A hard fought game, with Magpies putting in a good performance, and if only they'd had another 10 minutes of play they could have had them! The squad must now rest up for next weekend's tough back to back fixtures.