The 1st XI Girls’ Football team played their fourth game of the season on Tuesday afternoon. This was their first home game after securing a 1-1 draw and narrow 0-1 defeat in their previous two away games. The team had been improving with every match, their defence was solid, and they just needed to add some goals to their play.

The team made a strong start, putting consistent pressure on the Norwich goal, with two near misses from Noya R and Kate K. As the half wore on, Norwich grew into the game, and their neat passing began to take effect, helping them gain a foothold in the match.

On 25 minutes, a smart break down the left wing saw Charlotte F and Kate L combine with neat passing to put Zinnia B through on goal, and she calmly slotted the ball into the corner to give Gresham’s a 1-0 lead. Just before half-time, the Gresham’s goalkeeper Paula A was alert to turn away a powerful shot from the edge of the area.

Norwich started the second half strongly, but excellent defending kept them mostly out of shooting range. Margi G and Sophie G were particularly impressive, while Ining K made a couple of crucial blocks on the edge of the box.

Cariss L and Alissa V had good efforts well saved before Noya R broke free from the halfway line and fired a 25-yard shot into the top corner for 2-0. There was still time for the Norwich keeper to make an incredible fingertip save from Noya R before the final whistle.

This was a great win for the Gresham’s Girls in a fair and well-contested match, played in a great spirit. Everyone got to play and contribute, making the hard work and training worthwhile.