Martin and Acock Norfolk Women’s League

Division One

MAGPIES were hoping their good form would continue as they faced UEA, with the away side looking to stay at the top of Division One.

In a repeat of last week, Magpies didn’t start well, with UEA looking fast and sharp, commanding the play in the opening minutes. And for the first time this season, Magpies went a goal down; early on in the half, a deflected shot lifted straight at a UEA player’s stick, ending with the ball flying into the top of the goal, with the Magpies’ ‘keeper unable to do anything to stop it.

This seemed to be the catalyst Magpies needed and they battled hard to find the equaliser, with Rosie Blackmore and Hannah Booty in the middle for Magpies putting in stellar performances. The away side were rewarded for their efforts near the end of the half, when a good cross in from the right wing found Kay Dennis well-positioned to slot the ball past the ‘keeper.

Magpies came out for the second half knowing they were more than capable of winning the match, and piled pressure on the UEA goal winning several short corners. And they took the lead when Rosie Blackmore was on hand to tap in at the near post from a short corner strike. Magpies seemed to gain in confidence as the match wore on, and extended their lead through Roo Barker, her battling efforts deserved a goal as she slipped the ball past the ‘keeper. But still UEA came at Magpies and had a continued spell of possession in the Magpies defensive D, winning four short corners in a row, but the away side held firm; Kristina Erith in the Magpies goal standing tall as ever and keeping Magpies’ solid lead, and the defence battling hard, with Megg Eglington in particular, strong at right back.

Kay Dennis capped a fine performance from Magpies when she got their fourth goal, a brilliant solo effort taking the ball wide into the D and striking the ball across the ‘keeper into the far corner of the goal.

Another impressive display from the 4th’s, marking their best start to a league campaign for several seasons, and the effort and commitment from this group of players is second to none.