Darrell Allen, media officer at one of our partner clubs, Wroxham Women, updates us on their progress since the return to football.
We are a month on from the re-start of Norfolk Football and it was like the girls had never been away.
After so long away it was hard to know what to expect on our return, the league has been curtailed, the Eastern Region Women’s Football League created a new Challenge Cup format for us to take part in and we also have the prestigious Norfolk County FA, Harrod Sport sponsored Women’s Cup to look forward to.
We had no game over the Easter weekend then our focus and determination really stepped up a level the following week with the boss Rebecca Burton re-introducing the double training sessions, the first on a Wednesday and the other on a Friday to ensure we would be best prepared for the weekend games ahead.
Our first fixture back saw us welcome Cambridge City Development to Trafford Park, a game we lost 3-1 but after 119 days without a game it was just so nice to experience that matchday feeling again. Before this game we were also delighted to announce the signing of Amber Long and also give a debut in the game to Impetus sponsored Harriet Meers who signed just before Christmas. Harriet has been one of the shining lights at the club since we returned to football, playing every minute so far and is someone who really resembles what Wroxham Women and the values of our club are all about.
It was disappointing to return to action with a defeat but the week that followed was hugely positive as the team put in over three hours hard work across two sessions to be ready for our trip to AFC Dunstable on 18th April. We were thrilled to come away with a 4-1 victory, Pip Pleavin opening the scoring with a delightful free kick before Grace Birchall and brace for Lauren Bullard made it a comfortable afternoon on the road for the Yachtswomen, a brilliant way to respond after a tough opening game.
What was so pleasing about the AFC Dunstable game was it was showed our great team spirit, not one player was left to fight their own battles, we gelled together, played together and delivered a win to be proud of, a win that was so important for lots of reasons and installed a fresh injection of confidence and belief across the board at the club.
Our focus for the rest of the season now switches to the Norfolk Women’s Cup as we are all set to host Mulbarton at Trafford Park on Sunday in the Quarter Finals. It has been so great to be back with Football and despite only being back a month it is a season that could end with a trophy in less than three weeks time. We have only just begun our journey, and whether or not captain Jess Horn lifts a trophy in May, what is possible in the seasons to come is a delightful prospect as we continue to grow our club.
impetusfootball.org 