city sunday, december 17, 2023
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: AFC WIMBLEDON
10
MEET THE SQUAD
12
FEATURE INTERVIEW: CERI FLYE
17
OPPOSITION INFO
19
NORWICH CITY WOMEN NEWS
22
GET TO KNOW
23
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 this afternoon’s fixture against Chesham United, in our final fixture of 2023. I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of the fans who brought in gifts earlier this month for our Be A Santa scheme, which was a great success across the club. It’s times like this that really highlight how fantastic our Norwich City community are.
Locker, who joins from our Academy Development programme at age 16, following in the recent footsteps of Eloise Morran and Charlotte Pernet. Lastly, I would like to give special thanks to our matchday helpers for their consistent positivity on matchdays at The Nest, week in, week out. Without them, our fixtures wouldn’t be the same and would certainly not run as smoothly as they do.
This week we announced the departure of goalkeeper Bryony Williams, who will make a permanent move to Wroxham Women. We wish her all the best in her future career and thank her for her contributions to the team over the last few years, including her Carrow Road penalty save back in April.
We look forward to welcoming you all back in the new year and hope you all have a very merry Christmas. OTBC
We also welcome a new face into the side, Amber 5
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F R E E 1 - DAY T R I A L
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COACH’S COMMENT
coach’s comment
Head coach Martin Herdman chats to the club about what the players have been up to in their week off from fixtures and looks ahead to today’s match. We didn’t have a fixture this weekend so what did the week look like for the squad training wise?
fans home happy and really enjoy their Christmas. The players are working so hard each week to make the fans and club proud of the women’s team.
It was fantastic to just take a step back from a really gruelling spell, however, we have been straight back on task, we have spoken about carrying on the feel good factor and making sure we are ready for the challenge of Chesham.
We face Chesham United this weekend, a team who have had a few highs and a few lows this season. Would you agree their results make them a slightly unpredictable team?
We’ve spoken about it a few times, but to have played ten league games and to still be completely unbeaten in the league is a huge win. How has that helped with confidence in the squad?
We know Chesham have some threats in their team and have beaten us in previous seasons. The league is really unpredictable this season, so it’s important that we are ready and on task for the game.
It’s something we are aware of but really not focusing on it too much. We are honestly just looking at each game for what it is. If we take our eye off the ball and look too far forward it can be dangerous, so we are just going game to game and if we can continue to pick up points, that is great.
The Nest has become a bit of a fortress for our side, with at least two goals scored every league game. Do you think teams are starting to fear travelling to Norwich? I think the fans play a big part in that. The last few games have really brought out the best in them. They are starting to bring out chants and songs about our players, which is brilliant. Our players really respond to that, and with it being a tight pitch, we can really be assertive in our play, knowing we have the backing of the fans.
It’s our last fixture of the calendar year, so how do we make sure we end the year on a high? Absolutely, there is a great opportunity to send the 7
MATCH REPORT
NORWICH CITY afc wimbledon
2 0
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 THE NEST Norwich City Women victorious over league-leaders AFC Wimbledon Women in a Division One South East fixture earlier this month that finished 2-0 at The Nest.
Brooks had the chance to put Wimbledon in front again just a minute later, but her close-range poke hit the crossbar and was cleared to safety.
A first-half brace from Natasha Snelling was enough to secure the victory that closed the gap on the Dons at the top of the table.
Emily Donovan had the next attack, breaking down the left for the visitors but after a lovely flick forward, she couldn’t find Hinks through on goal.
Martin Herdman made two changes to his starting 11 from the FA Cup fixture against Boldmere St Michael’s last week, bringing back Natasha Snelling and Hope Strauss.
City were having to fight for possession but managed bursts of attacking spells, and Lauren Tomlinson managed to break away from a Wimbledon attack, muscling her way to get a cross towards Snelling, who couldn’t get a shot on target.
The first 30 minutes were strongly dominated by the visitors, who had plenty of the ball going forward.
Sarah Quantrill made an excellent save to keep it at 0-0 when Hinks found space to shoot inside the box, but the Dons striker couldn’t beat the City stopper.
Wimbledon top-scorer Ashley Hinks took the first corner of the game, where she found Billie Brooks, who fired over from close range.
Snelling made an inviting cross to Ellie Smith charging 8
MATCH REPORT
towards the box, but Faye Baker in goal collected before the number nine could make contact.
mark, with Quantrill batting away two powerful shots from the right side in consecutive minutes.
The City duo were rewarded a minute later, when Smith provided for Snelling in the box, who fired home to make it 1-0 after 31 minutes.
Hinks, who was on set-piece duty, fired a free-kick on target but found only the hands of Quantrill at 55 minutes.
Carrying an injury, Smith was substituted for Rachel Lawrence on the restart.
Wimbledon were awarded a second free-kick moments later, but this time Hinks’ effort couldn’t break through the City wall.
Strauss was later forced into making a goal-line clearance after Quantrill let the ball pass her in the box.
The Dons had their best chance of the half with a powerful shot down the middle on 65 minutes, but the ball was blocked and cleared by Ceri Flye.
Five minutes before the break, Tomlinson made a terrific run down the left, only to meet the hands of Baker on the end of her cross into the box.
The best chance for Norwich in the second half created by Lawrence found Snelling through on goal, but the striker couldn’t beat the hands of Baker to cap off her hat-trick.
With 41 minutes on the clock, Snelling doubled the Canaries’ lead with a lovely finish in front of goal, thanks to substitute Lawrence’s cross in.
With five minutes to go, Freya Symonds got a cross in from the right and Baker was forced to parry the ball away before Snelling could pounce in the box.
The visitors kicked off the second half with as much fight as the first, pressing City as high as they could. Lawrence had a shot goalward from Larkins’ corner but fired straight at Baker between the sticks.
The dying minutes saw most of the action in the City box, but the visitors couldn’t capitalise on their attacks, and the Canaries went away with all three points.
Wimbledon picked up the pace just before the hour 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: CERI FLYE
feature interview:
ceri flye
12
FEATURE INTERVIEW: CERI FLYE
Defender Ceri Flye has been part of the Norwich City set-up for the past two seasons, cementing her place as a regular in the squad through her hard work, leadership and dedication to the club. You got your first goal of the season in the cup against Boldmere St Michaels. As a defender, you don’t get many scoring opportunities, so can you just describe the feeling when that went in?
assured in my personal ability, but I’m still training really hard to improve elements of my game that need improvement. I worked really hard in the off-season, as I knew this season was going to be tough but so far I think it’s paying off. The squad is really competitive this year so it’s important to stay motivated and committed. I just want to help the team achieve and progress as much as I can.
It’s always a big relief to get off the mark, especially as a defender. Before the corner, Megan told me to go back post and that’s what I did and it paid off! Ultimately, scoring isn’t one of my strengths, but it’s always something I’m aiming to improve on and being more effective from corners is definitely something I’ve been practicing. I’m hoping to double last season’s goal total and get at least two goals this season!
Just tell us a little bit about the injury - do you feel well and truly recovered now? I found the five weeks out through injury really difficult. Considering it was my first serious injury for a significant period of time, it was a massive change for me. Not being able to train, go to the gym and play football as much as I wanted was something I had to adapt to, but it was an important learning experience. The girls were playing really good football and putting in strong performances and I knew how competitive it would be to get back into the team, so that just motivated me to recover quickly but
You’ve cemented your position into the team this season, only missing out on a starting 11 place through injury. Are you feeling happy with your individual progress on the pitch this season? I’m feeling really pleased with my performances this season as well as the team’s collective results and performances. I definitely feel more confident and 13
FEATURE INTERVIEW: CERI FLYE
The changing room was bouncing after that win. Not just because of the result but because of the performance we put in. We deserved the three points and everyone who was involved that day put in a shift, it was one of the best team performances so far and the result reflected that. The game against Wimbledon just proved what we are capable of when we play to our strengths, put in the hard work and play with confidence. But, we quickly moved on from the win the following Tuesday at training to focus on Chesham as it’s important we take one game at a time and stay grounded and just focus on growth and progression.
properly and return a better player. Gill was amazing in my recovery; I was desperate to play sooner than I did but I’m glad she held me back as my ankle is now recovered and I’m playing pain free. Will was also great with getting me back to match fitness and ensuring I was hitting the levels I was pre-injury! The team have managed 10 games unbeaten in the league this season, as well as a win against South Premier giants Hashtag United. How high is confidence in the squad right now and how does that compare to last season? Confidence is at a really good level at the minute. We’ve worked hard so far this season and got some really good and important results that we deserve, but we also know we have ridden our luck at times, so it’s important to not get carried away. We know that we need to train hard, fight and be relentless to win games as our league is really competitive this year but we also have a lot more belief and reassurance in each other. Trust and belief are really important and game on game we are improving these qualities as a squad. Whoever is in the 16 we know are capable of doing the job.
This weekend we face Chesham United at home, a team who have had a rollercoaster season so far. How are the squad preparing for this match? We prepare for each game with the same plan, we look at Chesham and the way they play and then Martin and the coaching staff prepare a game plan that they feel gives us the best chance to take all three points. Each training week is just as serious and competitive as another, as we know there are no easy games this year. Having a mixed bag of results and performances sometimes makes them harder to play against, as there’s a degree of unpredictability.
What was the reaction in the dressing room after our last fixture, beating top of the league AFC Wimbledon?
We have a small break over the Christmas period with no fixtures. How does the squad stay fit with a 14
FEATURE INTERVIEW: CERI FLYE
slightly relaxed training schedule and no matches to prepare for? During the Christmas period, it’s important for the squad to have a little break and rest from football. The season can be tiring both mentally and physically, so Christmas is the perfect time to recharge and be ready to tackle the second half of the season. Fitness is something the girls are responsible for; we know the expectations and fitness requirements so can keep fitness topped up whilst having a break. I’m sure Will will have a fitness schedule to keep us busy over the break to ensure we return prepared for fixtures in January. I’m going on a couple of winter city breaks in Europe over Christmas and New Year but made sure I booked a hotel with a gym! Finally, we’re back at The Nest this weekend in our sixth time hosting 15
there this season. How great have the fans been, not only turning up in their numbers but cheering you all on in-game from the stands? It’s really refreshing playing at home. The positive energy and the motivation that the crowd gives us makes all the difference. I feel much more relaxed playing at home and it’s amazing to have the huge support each week. It’s great to have new fans every week and then those that turn up week in week out, who have even started chants now! During tough moments, the crowd really got behind us and pushed us over the line, especially against Hashtag United and AFC Wimbledon, where we were under sustained pressure towards the end of the game. I know the girls are really grateful for all the support and we can’t thank the fans enough for their dedication and commitment.
OPPOSITION INFO
chesham united
OVERVIEW In our last match of 2023, we welcome Chesham United to The Nest today.
table with five league losses and two wins, leaving them on six points.
United were formed in 1995, quickly progressing through the leagues to the FA National League under the guidance of Sian Williams and Lisa Welling.
Their two wins have seen plenty of goals, as they beat Cambridge City 8-3 and London Seaward 4-1.
Welling still resides as manager and Mani Asare currently resides as head coach. The Generals join us from ninth in the 17
Gemma Fraser, who netted twice against the Canaries in last season’s away fixture, is the side’s top scorer so far this season, on eight goals.
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CLUB NEWS
club news Williams to depart Women’s team Norwich City Women can confirm that Bryony Williams has departed the club. The goalkeeper joined Wroxham Town Women on a dual registration in October, playing all five games for the Yachtswomen since her arrival. Williams has been part of the set-up with the Canaries since the summer of 2020, and was voted Player of the Season in City’s survival campaign at the end of the 2021/22 season. That season saw her move up from the club’s reserves after impressing between the sticks for a year. Everybody at the club wishes Bryony all the best for the future and we thank her for her contributions as a Yellow. Parker wins Player of the Month Alice Parker has been voted as the Norwich City Women Player of the Month for November, presented by Sekura.id. The full-back played an important part in City’s 4-2 win over Ashford Town, netting twice in three minutes in injury time of the first half. Both of Parker’s goals were well taken from outside the area, with one replicating the free-kick against Town at Carrow Road in last season’s home game. On winning the vote, she said: “I’m delighted to receive this award; I always give 110% to the club and team week in week out, so I am very pleased to win player of the month. “The team is growing every single week, and it’s a pleasure to play with these girls! “Thank you to everyone who voted for me, and I will continue to keep fighting for this team each week.” 19
BE A SANTA SCHEME
Christmas donation scheme success Norwich City has donated over 100 gifts to Home Instead’s Be a Santa scheme, with the help of the women’s team, academy and staff at the club. Home Instead help tens of thousands of families through every imaginable situation, with home care that is truly personal to them.
seeing anyone this Christmas, or even receiving any cards or gifts. Norwich City Women held a collection for fans at The Nest on Sunday, December 3 during their home fixture against AFC Wimbledon Women, whilst the academy held a collection at the Lotus Training Centre during the week for parents, scholars, staff and players.
They specialise in home visits, health care, live-in care and helping the local community in anyway to allow individuals to lead fulfilled lives in safe and familiar surroundings. Their ‘Be a Santa’ scheme involved collecting gift donations to wrap and distribute to lonely, isolated older people in the community, who may not be
The club would like to place on record it’s thanks to all of those who donated and took part. 20
CLUB NEWS
locker signs for norwich city women Norwich City Women are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Amber Locker.
whilst being taught by some of the best coaches, who made me into the goalkeeper I am today.
The 16-year-old, who will don the number 33 shirt, has been part of the Academy Development Programme since Under 10 age and has progressed through every age group.
“Being able to train alongside Sarah Quantrill has been a massive opportunity for me, as she is someone with so much experience and knowledge of the game. “Coming into this environment at a young age hasn’t been easy, however I feel as though all the women at Norwich have taken me under their wing, especially Sarah. I’m excited to move forward and to continue working alongside her as know I will benefit from her experience of the game.”
At Under-15 level, Locker was called up to attend FA Talent Camps and earned herself a call up to represent England, where she played against Wales and made the winning save in the penalty shootout to win the game for her country. On signing, Amber said: “I’m really happy that all my hard work has paid off.
Locker is an exciting prospect who epitomises the club’s objectives; to develop talented home-grown players. Her hard-work and character has been an excellent addition to the group.
“I met some of my closest friends at the academy, 21
GET TO KNOW...
get to know... 9
18
ellie smith
freya symonds
Place of birth
Salisbury
Place of birth
Norfolk
Position
Attacking centremidfielder
Position
Winger
Preferred foot
Right
Preferred foot
Right
Age when started playing
10
Five
Previous clubs
Rider University (America), Dereham Wanderers
Age when started playing Previous clubs
Wymondham Town
Roommate on away days
Tash Snelling
Roommate on away days
Liv Cook
Pre-match song of choice
Belter by Gerry Cinnamon
Favourite sport that isn’t football
Tennis
Footballing idol
Jack Wilshere
Footballing idol
Ronaldo
Favourite app
Steak and chips with onion rings and garlic mushrooms
Favourite food
Spaghetti Bolognese
Favourite holiday destination
Greece
Favourite holiday destination
Greece
22
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 7 SUN 14 SUN 28 FEBRUARY SUN 11 TUE 20 MARCH SUN 3 SUN 10 SUN 24 SUN 31 APRIL SUN 21 MAY SUN 5
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 14.00
A A H
LONDON SEAWARD CAMBRIDGE UNITED ACTONIANS
14.00 14.00 14.00
A H
HAYWARDS HEATH CAMBRIDGE CITY
14.00 19.45
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 NORWICH CITY QPR WORTHING CAMBRIDGE UNITED ASHFORD TOWN LONDON SEAWARD ACTONIANS CHESHAM UNITED AFC SUDBURY CAMBRIDGE CITY HAYWARDS HEATH TOWN
*TABLES CORRECT AS OF 15/12/2023
23
p
w
d
l gd pts
11 10 11 10 10 10 10 10 8 10 10 10
9 7 7 6 5 5 4 3 2 1 1 1
0 3 0 1 3 2 2 2 0 3 2 0
2 28 0 19 4 6 3 12 2 4 3 7 4 3 5 -3 6 -12 6 -20 7 -22 9 -22
27 24 21 19 18 17 14 11 6 6 5 3
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