Both sides looked cautious in the opening period of the game, with Aylsham’s Abbie Charlton and Thorpe’s Sharnie Boast missing chances.
The game’s first goal didn’t take long. Thorpe won a free kick in a dangerous area on the left hand side, and the resultant delivery was fumbled by the Aylsham goalkeeper Ania Vanston, only for Hayley Kindred to quickly pounce and head home from close range.
That goal motivated Thorpe to continue to press. A floated corner was cushioned down to Thorpe United’s Sharnie Boast, whose first time volley flashed just past the post.
Aylsham continued to plug away in search of an equaliser and a way back into the game. Midfielder Abbie Charlton won a free kick deep inside the opposing half, whose delivery eluded the entire box – even the goalkeeper; however her effort bounced off the foot of the upright and landing back into the goalkeeper’s arms.
Thorpe United’s Charlotte Groves made an excellent bursting run down the left flank, and her incisive through ball found Rebekah Lake, who slid to finish past the onrushing Ania Vanston to double United’s lead just before the half time whistle.
The second half saw both sides struggle to create any clear cut chances. Alicia Lacey played in Aylsham forward Leanne Woodward, who cleverly rounded the goalkeeper but her shot didn’t have enough power to get over the line and was cleared by the Thorpe defence.
Defender Lacey once again played in teammate Woodward creating a promising one on one opportunity. With the goalkeeper coming out, she struggled to keep her shot down, blazing it over the bar and increasing Aylsham’s frustration levels.
That proved to be the one of the last few chances of the game as Thorpe United’s defence stood firm, which saw them lift the Women’s Cup for the first ever time!
Source / photo – norfolkfa.com
