Aylsham beat Waveney to reach cup semi-final

Aylylsham Ladies welcomed Waveney Ladies to the recreation ground for a cup quarter-final tie.

The hosts won 10-3 to progress to the semi-final stage.

This was the first match in a long time for both teams because of the freezing weather, so both sides were keen to get back to action.

The game started at a quick pace with both teams putting in strong tackles to regain possession.

Aylsham soon settled into the game and started to find space in the Waveney defence but couldn’t convert the pressure into a goal.

Once Waveney settled, they started threatening the Aylsham goal and managed to score with their first attack — a header beating the Aylsham goalkeeper at the near post.

Aylsham kept pressing and got the equaliser when a Waveney player handled the ball in the box and Gina Atherton converted the resulting penalty.

Aylsham added three more goals before half-time, one from both Abby Timmins and Amber Roberts followed by a volley by Debbie Kelly from a free-kick. The score at half-time was 4-1 to Aylsham.

The second half started the way the first finished, with Aylsham controlling play and creating chances. Aylsham scored a further six goals in the second half from Annie Smith, Amber Roberts and Gina Atherton.

Waveney did pose a threat when going forward and scored twice in the second half, making the final score 10-3 to Aylsham who progress to the semi-finals of the cup.

On Sunday, January 16 Aylsham played a friendly against Thorpe Ladies who are second in the Eastern Region League so it was always going to be a tough match. In very windy conditions Thorpe won 4-3 but Aylsham put in a solid performance and this was an excellent result against higher league opposition.

Aylsham thanks go to their sponsors Aylsham Computers, linesman Steve Grice and referee Steve Newstead.