Norwich City Women FC v Actonians

city sunday, january 28, 2024

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2023/24

32 rooms, private bar, spa and restaurant Langham, Norfolk | theharper.co.uk

in this issue 5

NOTES FROM FLO

6

HEAD COACH NOTES

8

MATCH REPORT: CHESHAM UNITED

10

MEET THE SQUAD

12

FEATURE INTERVIEW: ALICE PARKER

17

OPPOSITION INFO

20

GET TO KNOW

21

2023/24 FIXTURES & RESULTS

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NOTES FROM FLO

notes from flo Good afternoon and a warm welcome back to The Nest for the first time in 2024, as we welcome Actonians to Norfolk.

The break in fixtures over the festive period provided the players and staff with a well-deserved break as they recharged their batteries up, ready to tackle the second half of the season. Since returning, the players and staff have been working hard and are looking forward to returning to play in front of a loud crowd at The Nest this afternoon.

Last week we announced that our women’s team will be returning to Carrow Road on Sunday 24th March to play QPR. We hope that plenty of Canary fans will join us on this date to enjoy the fixture at Carrow Road.

Looking ahead to this afternoon’s fixture, today is a fantastic opportunity to kick-start the second half of our league campaign, so I would like to encourage all in attendance to get behind our team in yellow and green and vocalise your support.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Cambridge United player Brooke Cheal-Ferris a speedy recovery after Brooke suffered an injury in our fixture with Cambridge United, that was later abandoned to ensure the player could receive immediate medical attention.

OTBC

5

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COACH’S COMMENT

coach’s comment We caught up with Martin Herdman after our last league outing following our 3-1 win over Chesham United back in December. and around the squad for some time. She’s been chomping at the bit and she still obviously needs time to settle into the squad, but she showed some really promising moments. Her raw pace, her raw enthusiasm was fantastic but as she starts to get the tactical element of the game, that’s when you’re going to see the real Holly.

“Chesham are a team that we lost 3-2 to last season; they have a couple of good players and we knew they had some threats but it was more about our game on the day. We had some great moments, some great goals, but I think it tells you where we are now that we are disappointed that we didn’t score more.

“The visitors made it difficult for us and we also had elements to our game that were slightly off it. I think we weren’t quite at it, we’ve been in such tough wars that we haven’t had a lot of the ball.

“It’s like what I said when I first came in, you may not see the real Norwich for five or six games, you might also not see the real Holly for four or five games, but there is something special there for sure, something really exciting.

“When we were in the final third, we lacked that killer pass or punch to just put the ball in the net but at the same time, Chesham have a decent squad and they caused us some issues, but 4-1 is a good result.

It was a great opportunity to push us joint top of the league at the time.

“We head into this weekend game still with our 11 unbeaten league streak and that’s not without the fans. They are top class, they’re singing through the game, they’ve been roaring us on and got louder and louder reach week and I think we need them, even at the away games. We love them and we hear them.”

“Holly Kennard, who made her full debut on the day, was someone we were desperate to get in 7

MATCH REPORT

NORWICH CITY 4 chesham united 1 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 THE NEST Norwich City closed the gap on AFC Wimbledon at the top of the FAWNL Division one South East after a 4-1 win over Chesham United back in December.

Skipper Kat Bowers drew the visitors level with a welltaken finish in the 25th minute, against the run of play.

Norwich needed a quick response and acted accordingly.

The game got off to a lively start as Norwich were awarded a penalty inside two minutes when Ellie Smith was brought down during one of her winding runs into the box.

No more than three minutes later, Katie Knights channelled some of her first-half frustrations into a wonderful curling effort into the bottom corner to restore Norwich’s lead.

In the absence of regular penalty taker Megan Todd, it was Natasha Snelling who would step up and open the scoring from the spot early on.

This proved to be the injection that Norwich needed as the following minutes saw Alice Parker, Snelling and Millie Daviss all go close to adding a third.

Chesham were restricted to few chances in the first half, trying their luck from distance on a number of occasions, but when the visitors did finally break through the defence, they were clinical.

In the 36th minute, the third goal finally came via an ever-dangerous Parker set-piece.

8

MATCH REPORT

The full-back floated a lovely free-kick in from the left wing, met by the head of a rising Smith to secure the Canaries a two-goal cushion heading into the break.

Shaw raced away to create a one-on-one opportunity but saw her effort brilliantly saved by Hassan. Unfortunately for the Chesham goalkeeper, the ball parried straight into the path of Symonds, who gratefully rolled it home into an empty net.

The second half began in an uncannily similar fashion to the first as Norwich were awarded another penalty inside three minutes of play.

Though the game and result were out of grasp for Chesham, they finished the game well with a handful of chances. In the fifth minute of injury time, Sarah Quantrill was called into action, getting a big glove to a well-struck free-kick to secure the 4-1 victory for Norwich.

Snelling stepped up again, but this time was denied by a fine Amelia Hassan glove, who then also claimed the follow-up for good measure.

The second half offered less lively action than the first, as Martin Herdman emptied his bench to give minutes to Rachel Lawrence, Lauren Hailes, Freya Symonds and Shannon Shaw, and it was the latter pair that would combine for the hammer blow.

9

2023/24 SQUAD

norwich city women first team squad 2023/24 gk

SARAH

QUANTRILL

JOHNSTON

df

CERI

FLYE

5

df

HOPE

STRAUSS

2

SUMMER

WARD

df

ANNA

LARKINS

12

NAOMI

COOPER

25

LIMAGE

3

26

CROFT 10

LOCKER

33

ALICE

PARKER

4

df

15

df

MARY

AMBER

df

df

df

FELICITY

31

df

df

CHARDONNAY

gk

JESS

HARPER

17

df

27

CHARLOTTE

PERNET

28

2023/24 SQUAD

mf

MILLIE

DAVISS

mf

mf

REBECCA

RUSSELL

11

mf

ELOISE

MORRAN

KATIE

KNIGHTS

20

TOMLINSON

8

16

FREYA

SYMONDS

21

ELLIE

SMITH

18

LAUREN

HAILES

mf

mf

RACHEL

HOLLY

LAWRENCE

9

mf

mf

mf

LAUREN

mf

24

KENNARD

19

32

fw

MEGAN

TODD

fw

fw

NATASHA

SNELLING

10

KATHRYN

STANLEY

fw

14

SHANNON

SHAW 11

7

fw

22

OLIVIA

COOK

23

FEATURE INTERVIEW: ALICE PARKER

feature interview:

alice parker

12

FEATURE INTERVIEW: ALICE PARKER

Left-back Alice Parker is this week’s feature interview, training at the Lotus Training Centre where she talks about keeping momentum going, our upcoming fixture back at Carrow Road and having her hand in officiating.

Alice, we’re back at The Nest for the first time in over a month. How excited are you to open the year with a positive start on home turf?

We’ve had a bit of a gap since our last result, so how do we keep momentum going and continue Norwich City’s great results on the pitch?

Really excited to be back. It feels like we haven’t been to The Nest in so long, so will be excellent to be back to see the fans and hopefully get another win under our belt. We love being at home and at The Nest, with everyone cheering us on, so will be great to be back.

I really think we have been excellent in training, and the coaching staff have been great in keeping us on our A-game as such. So yes, it has been a while but will be great to get out there as we are itching to play and show everyone what we can do.

13

FEATURE INTERVIEW: ALICE PARKER

For you personally, you’ve had plenty of involvement in the squad and had plenty of goal contributions. How do you see your role in the team on matchdays?

understanding. Previously, I had picked up a few yellow cards, but now I feel that I am more conscious of my behaviour and actions and like to think I don’t.

Although refereeing brings its challenges, I really enjoy it, and seeing the game from a different angle.

I love being part of this team, and I put the shirt on with such pride to play for the club. As cliché as it sounds, it’s a real honour to do so. I will always fight, battle and bring as much as I can do this team, and fight until I have nothing left. It is always nice to get on the scoresheet, but I just want the team to do well, and I will do all I can to make sure we have the win.

We know that fitness is a big part of Martin’s training and the team regularly train at the Lotus Training Centre. How did you all maintain that level of hard work over the festive break and with matches postponed earlier this year?

Yes we did. With the season going so well, and our ambition remaining at the centre of what we do, it is important we stay fit and strong. We all have returned back in good shape, rearing to go having missed playing so much. Keeping fit, I also think has payed off in regards to the standard of our traiing, which is pleasing to see.

In the last year you’ve not only been busy in a yellow shirt, but you’ve had your hand in officiating a few games. What’s it like being on that side of the game and has it helped you on matchdays for Norwich City?

Indeed, I do referee alongside playing for Norwich.

I think to be honest, it has helped my game and

We recently announced the news that we will be 14

FEATURE INTERVIEW: ALICE PARKER

back at Carrow Road in March to take on QPR. How exciting is that news for you and the team?

It’s so exciting. We are buzzing to be back, and it is such an exciting opportunity to showcase what we can do. I always find it hard to express my feelings playing there, but it’s a childhood dream, and I feel grateful to have the opportunity. Although Cambridge didn’t go the way we wanted, we are determined to put it right, to show what we are capable of.

Does it help both teams on the day having played at Loftus Road in this fixture on multiple occasions?

It is always good to play at other grounds, and have that experience. Again, we are 15

so grateful for the opportunity to play at another great football club. We will take the game as if it was any other, and will adapt to all situations and hopefully come out with the three points.

Although we had two games at Carrow Road last year, I imagine this one will feel slightly different and more like home for the team. Would you agree?

Yes definitely, I feel we have got used to the pitch having played there a few times.

We have really grown our fan base, and hopefully they will follow us there and cheer us on. For us, we love the fans and it really feels like a 12th player at times, so we are hoping a good turnout and they can help us get over the line.

OPPOSITION INFO

ACTONIANS

OVERVIEW

On our return to The Nest for the first time in 2024, we welcome Actonians in today’s Division One South East fixture.

Our opponents join us from Chiswick in London, currently sitting seventh in the table, 10 points behind the Canaries.

The A’s have accumulated five wins, two draws and five losses this season, taking all three points from Cambridge City on two occasions, Chesham United, QPR and most 17

recently, Ashford Town.

They fell short in their matches against London Seaward, Cambridge United, Worthing, AFC Wimbledon and in the reverse of today’s fixture at Rectory Park.

Kieran Beesley’s side haven’t been short of goals in the 2023/24 campaign, with three players all claiming four or more goals in Meila D’Santos, Roschelle Shakes and Tori St Clair.

Tools for Managing your Matchday Emotions Whether you call it your pre-match routine or superstitions, having a routine and executing it ahead of each match is actually helpful for a brain that is already at emotional simmering point. Dealing with new things or problems like forgotten kit, is like turning the heat up high which often results in boiling over.

Shift your attention from your head to your body and begin to notice how your body is feeling. Take 5 seconds to close your eyes and scan your body. Do you have a fiery head, jittery legs, tight throat, a solid feeling in your chest or butterflies in your stomach?

Pay attention to what you find. Notice it, not in a judgy way, but just allow it to be there, give it some air and some space. Get curious about what it’s telling you, and start to capture that feeling; add a note to your phone or draw or doodle what you find.

This will tell you about your emotional state, so you can begin to manage it. If you’re already fired up and almost at boiling point then a highly charged team talk could send you through the ceiling, in which case focus on your breathing during the team talk while you listen. But if you feel flat or heavy you might need the team talk to get you charged up so really focus on the words and allow the feelings they evoke to fully flood your body.

This enables you to have control of your emotions (either held in check or fired up depending on your unique emotional state) so when you cross that white line you can leave your head and be fully immersed in your body to play your game for that match.

Floss Andrews is a Personal Development and Mindset Coach supporting footballers, their families and those in the sports industry, thrive on, off and beyond the pitch.

07775 608209 | floss@mindsetfive.com | www.mindsetfive.com

NORWICH CITY WOMEN V QPR WOMEN

24.03.24

14:00 | CARROW ROAD

BUY TICKETS NOW

GET TO KNOW...

get to know...

21

19

LAUREN TOMLINSON

LAUREN HAILES

Place of birth

Cambridge

Place of birth

Norwich

Position

Left-winger

Position

Central-attacking midfielder

Preferred foot

Left

Preferred foot

Right

Age when started playing

Nine

Age when started playing

Seven

Footballing idol

Leah Williamson

Footballing idol

Kevin De Bruyne

Favourite goal scored

A 30-yard top corner free-kick

Favourite app on your phone

Spotify

Climbing

Favourite sport that isn’t football

Netball

Favourite film

Harry Potter

Favourite holiday destination

Cornwall

Favourite food

Olives

Favourite sport that isn’t football Favourite film Pre-match song of choice Favourite food

Wild Child Maria Maria remix Sausage and mash

20

2023/24 FIXTURES & RESULTS

FIXTURES & RESULTS DATE AUGUST SUN 20 SUN 27 SEPTEMBER SUN 3 TUE 5 SUN 10 SUN 17 SUN 24 OCTOBER SUN 1 SUN 8 SUN 22 SUN 29 NOVEMBER SUN 5 SUN 12 SUN 19 SUN 26 DECEMBER SUN 3 SUN 17 JANUARY SUN 28 FEBRUARY SUN 4 SUN 11

OPPOSITION

FAWNL DIVISION ONE SOUTH EAST KO

A A

AFC SUDBURY CAMBRIDGE UNITED league cup

1-2 0-5

H A H H A

LONDON SEAWARD CAMBRIDGE CITY CAMBRIDGE UNITED HAYWARDS HEATH ACTONIANS

2-2 0-4 1-1 6-1 1-5

A A A A

AFC BOURNEMOUTH league cup QUEENS PARK RANGERS LONDON SEAWARD fa cup LONDON BEES league cup

1-2 1-2 1-3 2-0

H H A H

ASHFORD TOWN HASHTAG UNTED fa cup WORTHING BOLDMERE ST. MICHAELS fa cup

4-2 1-0 1-1 1-2

H H

AFC WIMBLEDON CHESHAM UNITED

2-1 4-1

H

ACTONIANS

14.00

A A

14.00 14.00

SUN 18

H

TUE 20 MARCH SUN 3 SUN 10 SUN 24 SUN 31 APRIL SUN 21 MAY SUN 5

H

LONDON SEAWARD HAYWARDS HEATH DUSSINDALE & HELLESDON ROVERS norfolk women’s cup CAMBRIDGE CITY

A H H A

CHESHAM UNITED WORTHING QUEENS PARK RANGERS AFC WIMBLEDON

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00

H

AFC SUDBURY

14.00

A

ASHFORD TOWN

14.00

AFC WIMBLEDON WORTHING NORWICH CITY QPR ASHFORD TOWN CAMBRIDGE UNITED ACTONIANS LONDON SEAWARD CHESHAM UNITED AFC SUDBURY CAMBRIDGE CITY HAYWARDS HEATH TOWN

14.00 19.45

*TABLES CORRECT AS OF 26/01/2024

21

p

w

d

l gd pts

13 13 11 13 12 12 12 12 11 12 13 12

11 9 8 8 6 5 5 4 3 1 1 1

0 1 3 0 2 4 2 3 0 3 3 1

2 3 0 5 4 3 5 5 8 8 9 10

35 16 22 5 5 3 1 2 -13 -23 -27 -26

33 28 27 24 20 19 17 15 9 6 6 4

HEAD COACH: MARTIN HERDMAN 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17

CHARDONNAY JOHNSTON SUMMER WARD ALICE PARKER CERI FLYE MEGAN TODD MILLIE DAVISS ELLIE SMITH NATASHA SNELLING REBECCA RUSSELL ANNA LARKINS KATHRYN STANLEY NAOMI COOPER KATIE KNIGHTS JESS HARPER

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 31 32 33

FREYA SYMONDS LAUREN HAILES ELOISE MORRAN LAUREN TOMLINSON SHANNON SHAW OLIVIA COOK RACHEL LAWRENCE HOPE STRAUSS FELICITY LIMAGE MARY CROFT charlotte pernet SARAH QUANTRILL holly kennard amber locker