Results

WOMENS 2ND XI - 21/10/2023 VS CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 21/10/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 21/10/2023 
HEADLINE: New formation still falling into place for improving City 2s 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE: TRF  
RESULT: 3-2 Loss  
 
REPORT: 
Going into the game against Cambridge Uni 2s, City's captain Milly recognised it for the opportunity it was; a chance to bring the game to a team in the same league position as themselves, with very similar results. A chance to turn around their misfortunes of the week before, and to finally shake off past confusions with the new formation and get the result their quality deserved. Thanks to coach Cookie, the warm-up was energetic and positive, compared to the somewhat lacklustre drills of the Cambridge Uni fifteen. City's thirteen-strong squad were optimistic and ready for the game.  
 
The first half started strongly, the teams evenly matched (despite Uni's youth and much larger squad); City making several penetrating moves through the pitch using the triangle passes practiced in training, and Ange and Jemma dispossessing Uni players through the middle of the pitch. But Uni were equally finding ways through, although nothing that would result in a shot in goal thanks to Sally's low challenges and Leigh-Ann and Jess's clearances. However an unlucky foul in the D gave Uni a corner, and they took their chance to open the scoring for the game.  
 
Norwich didn't take this lying down, and play through the middle of the pitch remained even, quick paced and tight from both teams, Helen putting in her usual high-energy performance in the centre. It wasn't long before Hannah Jarvis put a ball into the attacking 25, taking a deflection from Frankie's stick into the D, and ultimately resulting in a short corner for City - which Evie confidently landed against the Uni backboard.  
 
At half-time heads were high, Manager Rosie filled with confidence; the score was 1-1 and Norwich were edging dominance. However the game was exhausting with man-marking a tireless job. Regardless, City were giving it their all as the second half got underway.  
 
City had fewer opportunities to connect passes this half, and Uni were relentless in their pressure on the Norwich D. However, a ball through from the screens soared towards the far right corner of the pitch, where Evie again drove into the D and found the top left corner of the goal.  
 
2-1, and less than half of the half remaining, but the large squad of the Uni team was starting to show, and they were certainly having the lion's share of possession and attacks. City's whole team were working back in defence - Evie, El, Milly and Frankie all finding themselves back from midfield and the forward line to hassle and tackle in the 25, keeping City ahead. But with so much pressure, short corners were conceded. Eventually Uni were able to put one away with not much time left for City to react.  
 
City's heads did not drop, but unfortunately it was Uni who reacted, scoring from a break-away of two players, three minutes from the final whistle. Jo in goal had done the job for City many a time, but this time there was nothing she could do. The match ended 3-2, with the whole team knowing they had worked hard for one another one the day. More tactical discussion and understanding of the formation will undoubtedly see City finally benefit from all the work and progress made by the City team, and it will be thoroughly deserved.  

WOMENS 2ND XI - 23/09/2023 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 23/09/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 23/09/2023 
HEADLINE: City will rise from the ashes stronger than before 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE: Dragons  
RESULT: 3-0 Loss  
 
REPORT: 
A strong opposing team to kick the season off for Norwich City womens 2s.  
Dragons showed their strength from the off, but City fought hard in retaliation to show they were not going to make it easy for them.  
 
Mikayla-Mae Glover, after coming out of retirement, proved her 5star talents had not been lost. She showed top notch goal keeping skills and did it with ease and style.  
 
A strong and composed defence from Jess Taylor-Balls, Leigh-Ann Worrall and Sally Rose kept Dragons on their toes, and forced them to make many mistakes. Thanks to their efforts, Dragons failed to reach the goal.  
 
A very superior defensive midfield performance from Lauren Lawrie, Ange Hindle and Frankie Birkenhead. Their slick team work made it tricky for the Dragons to find their forwards.  
 
City’s mid field, Jemma Falconer, El Jarvis, Milly Brown and Helen Harper-Lambert, showed absolute superior efforts from end to end. They worked hard for each other, their triangle passes were text book and between them, managed to carry the ball to the forwards, rattling the Dragons defence as they went.  
 
A tenacious and determined forward line of Charlie Hudson-Madge and Lucy McNarry, made it very difficult for the Dragons defence to keep up. Their hard work won them short corners, but City were very unlucky that their efforts could not quite find the net.  
 
The end result did not reflect the game in anyway. City will rise from the ashes stronger than before.