sunday, february 23, 2025
Live mobile data. Simplified.
Proudly based in Aylsham, Norfolk, Sekura.id is a truly global mobile identity company replacing usernames and passwords with the device we all have with us: our phones.
Sekura prevents payment and identity fraud too, seamlessly and securely with live data from over 75 mobile network operators and the SIM card in the phones of +2.5 billion people on six continents.
That’s over 92,000 full-capacity Carrow Road crowds, and growing fast, covered in real-time by Sekura during logins and transactions across banking, gaming, crypto, retail, e-commerce and more.
Chances are, if you’ve paid for something or used an app today, Sekura may well have made that payment or experience easier, faster and safer.
Welcome back, Steven.
A huge congratulations to Andy Cook for winning the FAWNL January Manager of the Month award for Division One Tier 4
Good afternoon all and welcome to another matchday at The Nest, where today’s opponents are Chesham United.
The players and coaching staff had a well-earned break from football last weekend with no fixture scheduled and are ready and refreshed for another exciting Division One South East tie.
I’d like to say a huge congratulations to Andy Cook for winning the FAWNL January Manager of the Month award for Division One Tier 4. It is a fantastic achievement and testament to the hard work that he and all the support staff at the club have been doing behind the scenes.
Since we were last here, the squad picked up an important three points in a thrilling game against AFC Sudbury under the lights. We were incredibly proud of all the squad, and particularly pleased for Liv Cook for
scoring her first goal of the 2024/25 season, after working so hard on the pitch day in, day out.
Finally, in the last week we have also said goodbye to two names familiar to all; Katie Knights and Chardonnay Johnston. Katie has been a part of the club for many years at all levels and we are excited to continue watching her progression with Wroxham Women. Likewise, Chardonnay has not only been fantastic on the pitch in her years with Norwich City, but also someone who will be sorely missed as a voice in the dressing room. I know all of you will join me in wishing them all the best for the future.
Let’s get behind our players for this afternoon’s match! OTBC.
Andy Cook
We need to make sure that we’re firing all cylinders from minute one
Andy Cook chatted to the club after a free weekend for the Canaries in their fixture schedule and talked about how they would attack this weekend’s tie.
We had a weekend off last week; how did you personally spend that time resting and recovering to get ready to go again this weekend?
I just spent time at home back up north, it was my son’s fifth birthday so we had a party to celebrate. It was great fun and lovely to have a free Sunday but we are now back to work as normal this week and ready for our next fixture.
We’ve had some really good results in January and February; how do we keep that momentum going?
We focus on what we’re doing session by session, we had a really good night Monday after the few days off. We just got the ball moving and getting touches on the ball, continuing that with a large-sided game to build on the fitness and then went through the
tactical work for the week. We very much work game by game and day by day.
Chesham United are a side probably safe from relegation but still down there in the table. Can we assume we will treat this game like any other and attack it like we were playing top-of-the-table?
Yes, it’s very much business as usual and making sure we’re fully focused on the job at hand. We had a tough game against Chesham earlier in the season on their home turf, so we owe them a performance. We need to make sure that we’re firing all cylinders from minute one, because the performance we gave against them in the reverse fixture was not quite near our potential. That’s something we’ve been working on and focusing on since the new year; trying to reach our potential every game and every session that we have.
Norwich City 1 AFC Sudbury 0
Olivia Cook’s late strike ensured a vital three points as the Canaries overcame a stern AFC Sudbury Women in a 1-0 win at The Nest.
Andy Cook made seven changes to the side that beat Chatham Town on the weekend, only Ceri Flye, Hope Strauss, Eloise Morran and Sarah Quantrill keeping their places.
A slightly delayed and drizzly evening kick-off saw an energetic opening five minutes, with both sides getting stuck in from the off.
Shannon Shaw had the first sight of goal for the hosts but was swiftly smothered by Nina Meollo.
Little would separate the sides beyond a handful of half-chances for Norwich in the opening 20 minutes as the ball refused to stick for either side.
The visitors would continue to grow into the game, with Flye thwarting their efforts on a number of occasions.
A looping Sudbury free-kick to the far post would prove their most potent attack of the first half, drawing a conclusion to a quiet opening 45 minutes.
It was the visitors who would then carry this momentum into the second half, getting out the block quickly and winning a series of corners.
A couple of dangerous crosses and a speculative shot from range by Megan Todd would keep Meollo busy as the game approached the hour mark, but clear-cut opportunities still evaded both sides.
Arguably the best chance of the game for the visitors came in the 67th minute, forcing a brave closerange stop from Quantrill. Sudbury would break again just eight minutes later, bringing the best out of a stern Norwich City defence to force a goalkick following a series of efforts.
The Canaries continued to push and ask questions of Sudbury, and in the 82nd minute, the pressure paid off. The ball was switched to Cook on the right side, and her perseverance paid dividends as she poked the ball home at the second time of asking.
Despite absorbing pressure and dropping off somewhat, City continued to press for a second. First, Symonds fired slightly wide of the mark before Flye went inches away with a stylish flick from a corner.
After nearly 10 minutes of additional time, The Nest could breathe a sigh of relief at the referee’s whistle to draw a close to the game.
Feature interview
Hope Strauss
Centre-back Hope Strauss gave an insightful interview with the club about the recent rise in form, her defensive partnerships and her day job with Norwich City Academy.
We had great results against both Sudbury and Chatham; just talk to me about those games and how important they were?
Every game we play at the moment is so important, but to win those two games in such quick succession is a credit to the group. We knew how important it was to beat Chatham because of their position in the league, so we really wanted to show how we can compete with these teams. I was really pleased with the group to come back from conceding with a positive response! Then on Tuesday we knew Sudbury would never be an easy game; they are a well organised team, which they definitely proved in the away fixture earlier in the year. Again, as a group, we really stuck together and kept persevering - I’m also so happy for Liv scoring her first goal this season too! She has deserved it with the amount of hard work she has put in throughout the year.
How did you personally spend your first free Sunday since Christmas?
Personally, I spent my free weekend doing absolutely nothing! I think it is so easy to get consumed by the intensity of the football season that you forget that it is okay to do nothing with your spare time. Although I did go out for some coffee and brunch, whilst visiting the new Paddington statue by the cathedral. A weekend well spent if you ask me!
We’ve had 13 clean sheets this season. How pleased are you with your own performances and with the rest of your defensive unit?
I am so pleased with our clean sheets this year! To think back to last year in which we only kept three clean sheets, we’ve gone above and beyond defensively! That is a credit to everyone that has played within
the defensive unit this year. Quants (Sarah Quantrill) is just so composed; I’ve never seen anything quite like it. All of her experience genuinely seeps out into the team and it’s so good to see. She also puts up with a lot of my chat, so I appreciate her a lot for that too! Ceri and I have played together for two seasons now and I honestly think we are telepathic at this point! In all honesty she is someone that I can trust on the pitch whole heartedly - it is very helpful she is an absolute speed machine!! We’ve had a range of full-backs this year, but I think that shows the versatility of our squad which is such a good attribute to have. On the left side I’ve played with Tommo (Lauren Tomlinson), Issy (Moore), and Bish (Ellie Bishop) and they have all been so solid and are so easy to play with. They all have their individual strengths and use that to their advantage; Tommo’s wicked left foot and dynamic runs, Issy with her dazzling feet and
creativity, Bish with her passing vision and crunching tackles. It’s so good to be a part of. Then on the right we’ve had Millie (Daviss) and Tam (Tamsin Medd-Gill) - they have both been so solid for the team. I would say they’re both such dependable players; they never give up, always making selfless runs, and body on the line blocks. As you can probably tell, I could gas these girls up all day long, but they’re all honestly such a pleasure to play with.
You work in sport science at the academy; how does this help you not only to balance your football and work life but also your fitness as an athlete?
Working at the club whilst also playing for the club adds a special element for me. My life revolves around the yellow and green, which I personally enjoy. Being able to watch elite players train really gives you an insight into
Our goal for the final part of the season is to keep our standards high; we want to ensure that we win every game possible.
the finer details of playing. On top of that, their off-pitch practices are just as important; the recovery, nutrition, and gym work. It all adds up. I find that it can be very difficult to switch off in terms of football, but it is something that I love, so I think I can live with it!
We recently announced the departure of Katie Knights and Chardonnay Johnston. How did the squad and yourself react to that news?
Obviously, it’s always very sad when players leave the club because we are such a tight-knit squad. But we know why they have made their decisions and no doubt we respect them. I’ve loved playing with them both so much - they are ballers and most important lovely people off the pitch, so they will be thoroughly missed within the squad. I hope they know I’m always a message away should they ever need anything!
When Andy was confirmed as the winner of Manager of the Month in the Division for January earlier this week, he was keen to highlight the hard work of everyone at the club, from players to coaches to staff. How do you reflect on the month of January and the work everyone put in, Andy included?
I think everyone, including staff, put in an absolute shift post-Christmas. We knew as a whole group that the period before the Christmas break was not good enough, which can either make or break squads. Fortunately, we put all of our heads together and pulled into the same direction and really focused on our performances. Our training sessions since January have been top class; the quality and intensity has been faultless, which I think has been a massive contributor to our improved performances. Of course, these sessions
PROUD PARTNERS OF NORWICH CITY FC
wouldn’t be the quality that they are without the precise construction from the staff. Andy has deserved this award whole heartedly - the time, effort, and detail he puts into the sessions is incredible. I work with him a lot in one-toone sessions, so I’ve been fortunate enough to experience this precision on an individual level as well, which has personally helped me a lot.
We now only have five fixtures left this season. What are you and the rest of the squad hoping to achieve in the 2024/25 campaign?
It’s crazy to think how quick this season has gone! I think our goal for the final part of the season is to keep our standards high; we want to ensure that we win every game possible. The dream of promotion is still not over, so we’re going to keep doing our part to keep that alive. However, a mantra we have
adopted as a group is to be in the moment and be present, so take each action as it comes and we build from there.
Chesham are a struggling side but as we know, all games in this league are unpredictable. Are we out for a bit of revenge from the reverse fixture’s result?
We know that Chesham won’t be an easy team. They have one of the league’s leading goal scorers in their squad, so they are definitely a threat. We know that in the reverse fixture, we were nowhere near our best, so there is definitely some feelings of ‘revenge’, but ultimately we just have to keep playing the way that we have played since January and then the results will come. Ultimately, we want to give the loyal supporters something to cheer about at The Nest, so hopefully we can make that happen!
Lara densLey
Lauren
freya syMOnds
sIenna bOOTy
Lauren HaILes
IsabeLLe MOOre
Opposition Overview: Chesham United
This weekend we welcome Chesham United to The Nest in our second meeting of the 2024/25 season.
United are sitting comfortably above the relegation zone, 11 points clear of London Seaward and Ashford Town in 11th and 12th.
After 16 games, the visitors have won four, drawn three and lost nine of their Division One South East ties.
Their most recent league outing con-
cluded a shock result against high-flying Actonians, a single goal from Madelene Wright in the second half enough to take all three points on home turf.
Top-scorer Gemma Fraser leads the line for goals scored not only for the club, but for the entire league, with 19 to her name.
The striker was on the scoresheet twice in the reverse fixture of this tie, netting in the 71st and 85th minute in a 2-2 draw.
We’re dedicated to building a healthier nation through our network of hospitals and fitness and wellbeing centres across the UK. For supporters of Norwich City FC you’ll find everything you need at Norwich Fitness & Wellbeing Centre – cutting edge equipment, supportive personal trainers, swimming pool and a full range of classes.
junior mascots
FAVOURITE PLAYER: FREYA SYMONDS AND HOLLY KENNARD
FAVOURITE PLAYER: MILLIE DAVISS
FAVOURITE PLAYER: LARA DENSLEY
Coach travel availability
The club are pleased to be providing coach travel to Norwich City Women’s Division One South East away ties against Chatham Town and Actonians.
The details for the fixtures are as follows:
Sunday, March 9
v Chatham Town
2.30pm KO
Maidstone Road Sports Ground 9.30am bus departure time
Sunday, April 13 v Actonians
2pm KO Rectory Park 9am bus departure time
Get your coach travel here.
Please be aware that match tickets are not included in this package and must be purchased separately.
Andy Cook wins Manager of the Month
Andy Cook has been named the FAWNL Division One Tier 4 Manager of the Month for January.
The women’s team boss oversaw three victories in three league games throughout the month, with wins over London Seaward, Ashford Town and Dulwich Hamlet, as well as progressing through to the semi-final of the Harrod Sport Women’s Cup.
Speaking to Canaries TV, he said: “I’m really pleased to receive the award and to be recognised for the work that everybody has done.
“I couldn’t have asked the players for any more last month, every single one of them has been fantastic.
“The way players and staff spoke when we came back after the Christmas and new year break epitomises where we are right now.
“This award and recognition is really for all of them; although it has my name on it, I wouldn’t be here if they didn’t work and graft and do everything that they had done.
“Really it should be a ‘team of the month’ award, but I am quite happy it’s got my name on it!”
Watch the full interview here.
The club can confirm that Katie Knights has departed the club and joined Tier 5 side Wroxham Women. The midfielder joined the Canaries in the summer of 2022, having played for the club’s Girls’ Centre of Excellence for eight years prior.
The club can also confirm the departure of defender Chardonnay Johnston. She joined the Canaries in the summer of 2021, playing her part in two promotion pushes and two County Cup titles.
We thank them both for their time at the club and wish them all the best.
DECEMBER
SMITH f SYMONDS SNELLING SHAW f KNIGHTS (2), HAILES (5), MOORE (7), DAVISS (9), DENSLEY (11)
SMITH SYMONDS SNELLING ff SHAW f KNIGHTS (2), HAILES (6), DAVISS (8), KENNARD (9), COOK (11)
SMITH SYMONDS SNELLING ff KENNARD LOCKER, JOHNSTON, SHAW (2), POWELL (5), COOK (11), BOOTY (8), DENSLEY (9)
SMITH SYMONDS f SNELLING ff SHAW DAVISS (2), HAILES (6), DENSLEY (7), COOK (11), KENNARD (9) f
SMITH ff COOK SNELLING f KENNARD DAVISS (2), DENSLEY (6), KNIGHTS (7), SHAW (9), POWELL (11)
SMITH DENSLEY SNELLING KENNARD LOCKER, COOK, BOOTY (6), DAVISS (8), JOHNSTON (9), SYMONDS (11), SHAW (10)
SHAW SYMONDS SNELLING KENNARD JOHNSTON, POWELL (2) f, SMITH (6), DENSLEY (9), COOK (11)
SHAW SYMONDS SNELLING KENNARD DENSLEY, COOK, BOOTY, SMITH (6) , DAVISS (9)
KNIGHTS SYMONDS COOK DENSLEY ff TOMLINSON (2), JOHNSTON (6), BOOTY (7), SHAW (10), KENNARD (9)
SMITH DENSLEY SNELLING SHAW JOHNSTON, COOK (2), MORRAN (7), SYMONDS (9), TOMLINSON (11)
SMITH MEDD-GILL SNELLING fff SHAW LOCKER, JOHNSTON, SYMONDS (6), COOK (8), KENNARD (10) f, DENSLEY (7), BOOTY (11)
BOOTY SYMONDS DENSLEY SHAW ff TODD, SNELLING (7), COOK (9), KENNARD (5)
BOOTY DENSLEY SNELLING SHAW fff TODD, COOK (5), KNIGHTS (8) , BISHOP (6) , KENNARD (9)
BISHOP KENNARD SNELLING SHAW LOCKER, BOOTY (4), DENSLEY (5), SYMONDS (11), TODD (10)
BISHOP KENNARD SNELLING SHAW TODD (4), TOMLINSON (6), COOK (2), DENSLEY (5), SYMONDS (11)
BISHOP KENNARD SYMONDS SHAW LOCKER, MOORE (8), BOOTY (10), TODD (6), COOK (5)
TODD KENNARD SNELLING SHAW BOOTY, DENSLEY (10), BISHOP (5), SYMONDS (7), MEDD-GILL (11), COOK (9)
TODD KENNARD SNELLING SHAW LOCKER, DENSLEY (2), COOK (3), BISHOP (6), SYMONDS (7), HAILES (11)
TODD KENNARD SNELLING SHAW MEDD-GILL, POWELL, DENSLEY, BOOTY, COOK (3), KNIGHTS (2), BISHOP (5) , HAILES (7), SYMONDS (11)
TODD KENNARD SNELLING SHAW KNIGHTS (6), SYMONDS (2), MOORE (5), HAILES (11), MEDD-GILL (4)
HAILES SYMONDS COOK SHAW LOCKER, BOOTY (8), DENSLEY (7)
SYMONDS f KENNARD f COOK SNELLING ffff MOORE (2), HAILES (8), BISHOP (5), SHAW (7) f, MEDD-GILL (9)
TODD DENSLEY f SNELLING f SHAW ff WILSON (6), STRAUSS (7), COOK (8), FRANCIS (3), TOMLINSON (10)
SYMONDS KENNARD ff COOK SNELLING MEDD-GILL (7), TODD (8) f, HAILES (10), MOORE (9), SHAW (11)
SYMONDS KENNARD COOK SNELLING f MEDD-GILL, MOORE (2), SMITH (7), TODD (8), SHAW (10)
SYMONDS KENNARD ff COOK SNELLING BISHOP (5), MEDD-GILL (7), TODD (8), SHAW (10), SMITH (9)
HAILES TODD DENSLEY SHAW SYMONDS (6), SMITH (7), COOK (5) f, KENNARD (10), SNELLING (11)
TaMsIn
Lara densLey
freya
Lauren HaILes
Issy MOOre
Lauren TOMLInsOn
sHannOn sHaw
OLIvIa COOk
jess barnes
HOPe sTrauss
sIenna bOOTy HOLLy kennard aMber