Double delight for Canary Ladies
Norwich City Ladies have won the SE Combination League Trophy, beating league champions Gillingham 2-0.The Canaries' goals were scored by Beth Bygrave and Chelsea Garrett.
Norwich City Ladies have won the SE Combination League Trophy, beating league champions Gillingham 2-0.
The Canaries' goals, in the final held at Broxbourne FC in Hertfordshire on Sunday, were scored by Beth Bygrave and Chelsea Garrett.
It means City have done the cup double, having lifted the Norfolk and Suffolk County Cup after defeating Ipswich.
Joint manager Emma Fletcher said: “Today was the highlight of our season to date, we could not have asked any more from any of the players. They were a credit to the club and to Norfolk. Every single player played their part today and to win the cup double means so much.”
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City are just two games away from getting second in the league, hosting Northampton on Sunday and then facing Gillingham again at Plantation Park, Blofield, on May 16.
Fletcher said: “With two more games left we still have work to do finish second, and this would be beyond our dreams - and then we can really celebrate.”
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Gillingham 0, Norwich City Ladies 2
Both teams had had met previously in the league and drawn the encounter 2-2.
As they took to the field with confidence, City knew they had a great chance to clinch the SEC League Trophy.
During a tense first half both sides had early chances to take the lead, however poor finishing coupled with good goalkeeping ensured both side finished on level terms at half time.
City started the second half stronger and following good pressure took the lead through Beth Bygrave after her initial thunderbolt of a shot was blocked by the keeper. Seizing her opportunity, Bygrave coolly tapped in the rebound.
Gillingham increased the pressure and introduced their top scorer, England U23 international Ashlee Hincks, to the fray.
But the Norwich defence stood firm in the face of the skilful Hincks and went on to double their lead and clinch the SEC League Trophy following intricate work and finishing by the mercurial winger Chelsea Garrett.
This season has proved a memorable one for the Canaries ladies, which has seen them retain the Norfolk and Suffolk Senior Women's Cup and reach the fourth round of the Women's FA Cup.
