The final home game of 2024-25 this afternoon for Actonians with Norwich City the visitors to Rectory Park. Worth mentioning that Actonians have now played for 10 seasons in tier 4 of women’s football. A whole decade which is quite an achievement in itself. Norwich have been regular opposition throughout this time period and often Actonians have got the better of them with some big scorelines but today’s away side have improved significantly in the last 2 seasons and even go into this fixture still with a very slim chance of winning the title. Actonians squad today has been weakened with a high number of absent players. So much so that Ollie has had to enlist the help of reserve team and under 18 players to make up a squad of 15.

Norwich had more possession in the first 10 minutes without creating anything but I would say that Actonians were the stronger team for the majority of the first half. Unfortunately an early change had to be made in the 19th minute when Annemarie had to go off after going down injured for a second time and was replaced by Annabel. Soon after a downpour led to most spectators running for shelter as the home side battled hard through the conditions. A dangerous looking free kick from Amber in the 33rd minute was caught by the Norwich keeper and a minute later Prudie attempted to thread a pass through the penalty area which nearly found Amber. With Amber pushing further forward her and Jas were working the Norwich defence really hard winning plenty of challenges but unfortunately neither got any luck with the ball bouncing in their favour. Prudie and Naomi were bossing the midfield with Izzy and Annabel putting in solid performances beside them and the back four were as strong as ever.
Mara went close to scoring heading Amber’s 39th minute corner over the bar. In the 45th minute, which at the time was a rare occasion of Norwich looking dangerous, Elisa came out to confidently collect a searching cross but there was still time for another Actonians attack. A cross from Amber ended up being cleared to the opposite wing where Annabel fired her shot into the side netting. Half time 0-0.

Norwich came out much stronger in the second half. A second Actonians change was made with Helene replacing Izzy and putting in another good performance in midfield. The back four continued to work tirelessly to keep Norwich City at bay but unfortunately they did make their breakthrough in the 76th minute to take the lead from a direct free kick .

Another Amber cross in the 81st minute nearly found Jas as Actonians looked for the equaliser but 5 minutes later as Norwich went back on the attack they were able to double their advantage.
A superb save from Elisa in the 87th minute kept the score at 2-0. With the clock approaching 90 minutes another change was made with Athena replacing Lois but after a few minutes of added time the referee blew the final whistle. Full time 0-2.

Although not a favourable result a good performance overall from Actonians and some entertaining stuff from both sides with the aid of the officials allowing the game to flow.
A special mention to the back four. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I believe they are the best in the league.
Elisa made a couple of great saves when needed, the midfield battled hard and the attack were unfortunate not to get a bit more with the rub of the green. It was Prudie’s persistence in midfield that stood out the most and she is today’s player of the match. One final dance for 2024-25 in two weeks time when Actonians visit Ashford Town.

Report by Neil Hayward