Fakenham Ladies Reserves 10, North Elmham 4

Fakenham Ladies Reserves kicked off the new season with a friendly at home to North Elmham.

A high-tempo start saw Fakenham squander early chances and go a goal down from a corner after 10 minutes. Fakenham continued to drive forward with some confident football and were rewarded when Sam King equalised with a fine goal. Ellie Ready who scored some crucial goals from midfield last year then gave Fakenham the lead.

North Elmham were having their moments and the Town defence of Emma Weller, Kirsty Hannant, Kim Pannell and Jemma Riches had to be at their best on several occasions to preserve the lead.

In the 25th minute Betty Coe, making her senior debut, got the goal her skilful display merited when she finished another flowing Fakenham move. On the half hour Ellie Ready popped up to score her second of the game, followed shortly after by a goal from Lorren Payne which was much deserved for another typical hard working, unselfish display to make the half-time score 5-2.

Shortly after the restart North Elmham reduced the arrears with a well-taken goal which stung Fakenham into action and a good spell of attacking football brought two more goals from Sam King.

Possession then switched from one team to the other with chances at both ends. Katie Huggins had to be smart off her line on occasion to preserve Fakenham’s advantage. Fakenham were getting joy down the flanks with Laura Riches and Jade Doy using the width of the pitch to get in behind the defence.

A drive through the middle brought a fourth goal for North Elmham before Jodie Procter, who had slotted well into midfield, deservedly scored her first goal for the club.

Fakenham continued to play some good passing football with Tara Curtis in midfield showing she has added some passing skills to her usual tenacity in centre midfield.

Further goals from Betty Coe and Sam King with her fourth of the match gave Fakenham a 10-4 win.

A strong performance from front to back gives Fakenham some confidence that they will again give most opponents a run for their money but Elmham too can take many positives from their performance.