Norwich City Ladies have had a good start to their SE Combination season, winning four games and losing one.

Losing out in the play-offs for the National League last season was hard for the young Canaries, having chased champions Tottenham all the way.

And they know this season will be just as tough, especially as there will be no play-off place available and to get promoted they will need to win the league.

City are pleased to have welcomed back this season Beth Bygrave and Nic Bray from a year away playing lower league football and new signing Sasha Diston from Ipswich.

Under the guidence of Darren Moss and Scott Emmerson, they have lost just one game to Lewes but beaten Crystal Palace, Ebsfleet, Mk Dons and yesterday they were 4-1 victors over Old Actonians which sees City ranked third in the table.

Agsint Old Actonians, City started the stronger but failed to play the fast-flowing football that they are known for with the first chance falling to Nic Bray, however she failed to beat the out-rushing keeper, shooting just wide.

City then squandered another opportunity, this time through Beth Bygrave, with her shot straight in to the keeper’s body.

City finally opened the scoring from a corner that Old Actonians failed to clear, the loose ball finding Charlotte Branch at the back post who, much to her and City’s delight, shot into the goal for 1-0 to City.

Soon after City have an opportunity to double their lead, Kirstie Kindred finds Paige Shorten who with just the keeper to beat lobs the ball up and over but wide of the goal. Half time score 1 -0 to City.

City kicked off the second half and many chances went begging. They were then forced to make their first substitution when Sasha Diston was replaced by Jordan Arnoup, Sasha picking up a knock at the end of the first half. City were then unfortunate not to be 2-0 up when a goalline clearance saved Old Actonians.

City then make a double substitution, Kirstie Kindred replaced by Jodie Drake and Charlotte Branch by Chelsea Garrett.

The subs made an immediate impact on the game, City won a corner and doubled their lead through Nikita Morris, 2-0 to City.

Old Actonians, determined not to give up, got their just reward when they grabbed one back, lobbing the ball up and over Fiona Coombes in the City goal.

Finally City eased the pressure and Garrett raced through from a Kate Parsons pass, giving the keepr no chance and firing her first and City’s third into the back of the net.

Bray then got her name on the score sheet when a fine run from Morris results in Bray toe poking the ball in at the back post.

Finally score was City 4, Old Actonians 1.

The club’s director of football, Emma Fletcher, said: “The ladies weren’t at their best today, it was a scrappy game and we just couldn’t find the flowing, passing football we are good at. But saying that they dug deep and got the result we just about deserved. Its important when you dont play your best you still come away with something and they did just that!”

City’s next game is away on Wednesday to Cambridge Women and they will be hoping to add another three points to their tally.