sunday, march 23, 2025
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Welcome back, Steven.
Although the season
has not yet concluded, we know that achieving our goal of promotion is now out of our hands.
Good afternoon and welcome back to The Nest for today’s FA Women’s National League fixture against London Bees.
Today marks our last home game at The Nest for the 2024/25 season, and whilst we still have one home game left to play against Queens Park Rangers at Carrow Road at the end of April, a win today would round off a near-perfect season at The Nest. Although the season has not yet concluded, we know that achieving our goal of promotion is now out of our hands. However, we are determined to finish the season strong and maintain pressure on Real Bedford, who currently sit in pole position. With the margins for error so fine, we are remaining positive with three league games left to play and a Norfolk Women’s County Cup title to retain.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Olivia Cook for her back-to-back Player of the Month awards for January and February. Liv, like many of our other young emerging players in the squad, has been in fine
form over the last few months and optimises our efforts in supporting the development of our home-grown talent. Andy Cook was once again nominated for February’s Manager of the Month award, highlighting the excellent form from the entire playing and staff squad.
My final words go to our supporters who joined us for the Chatham away game earlier this month. Your support on the day was exceptional and combined with the visuals of yellow and green in the crowd, significantly contributed to the result and performance on the day. Thank you for your continued support.
I hope you enjoy this afternoon’s fixture and please get behind your City team for the last time at The Nest this season.
OTBC.
Andy Cook
I just want them to come in and look forward to making this club even better than it already is.
Head coach Andy Cook spoke to the media ahead of an important game against London Bees, reflecting on the season so far and looking forward to playing at Carrow Road in a few weeks.
When asked about the reasons behind recent success, he said: “The clean sheets from Hope (Strauss) and the backline are the answer.
“In between the break we wanted to make sure we were focusing on us and what we do every day. We’re in three evenings a week and a matchday, so we have a lot of time together.
“We had a successful period just before Christmas, we went far in all of the cup competitions which meant we were playing every single weekend from July.
“The players also all work full-time jobs or college through the week too, so that Christmas break came at a nice point.”
With tickets now on sale for City’s Carrow Road clash against QPR, Cook was asked about the support for his side’s fixtures.
“There’s a lot of teams in Tier 2 and 3 that don’t get the same number of fans to watch as we do, even at The Nest.
“Against Chatham it actually felt like we were at home, we had so many fans travel on the coaches; they were fantastic.
“When you hear the noise, it feels like these fans want us to do well.
“The fans have been great, I’ve loved working in front of them this season.”
On his objectives at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, Cook said: “My objective was to get us promoted, which although possible, is now out of our hands.
“One other thing that I wanted to achieve was to make sure the staff enjoyed coming in and working, because as well as the players, they have jobs during the day.
“I just want them to come in and look forward to making this club even better than it already is.”
On the topic of Johannes Hoff Thorup and the wider staff at the club, Cook said: “Having them has got to be the biggest credit I can give to Norwich City.
“I’ve worked at several football clubs but Norwich City is by far the most open.
“I was sat watching the players training this morning, I sit in on their team meetings.
“The way that the players and staff work together at this club is fantastic, the openness from Ben Knapper, Dean Rastrick, Joe Shulberg, Alan Nielson and all the rest of them has been great.”
Chatham Town 0 Norwich City 2
Norwich City defeated Chatham Town Women 2-0 on the road in a Division One South East fixture to keep their positive form going.
The Canaries had their two-goal cushion before the break, Natasha Snelling and Holly Kennard scoring either end of the half.
Andy Cook made one change to his starting 11 that beat Chesham United 1-0 at The Nest, Sienna Booty dropping to the bench following Eloise Morran’s return from her ankle injury.
Norwich started the game lively, Snelling fighting to keep possession and flicking a lovely ball to Freya Symonds down the right, but the winger’s effort at goal fell wide.
With just six minutes on the clock, the Canaries had their lead, Olivia Cook holding up play well down the righthand side to slot the perfect cross to Snelling waiting in the area.
The City number 10 was perfectly positioned to head home for her 15th goal of the season.
Norwich continued to control the pace of play, with efforts from Cook, Kennard and Symonds all firing towards Simone Eligon in goal.
Town then started to put the pressure on the visitors, a lovely effort from
Otesha Charles finding the back of the net, but the Canaries were grateful for an offside flag to deny an equaliser.
In the final minute of the first-half, Snelling once again found herself in great space to drive down the right and fire an effort at an angle towards Eligon, who could only parry the ball into the feet of Kennard who smashed the ball in from close-range.
Although City had the advantage going into the second half, the hosts came out battling, keeping Quantrill busy.
Efforts from Charles, Megan Maslak and Jasmine Auguste all went goalward, but none were able to find the target.
The hosts continued to have much of the possession, holding the ball up in City’s half for much of the remainder of the last 15 minutes.
City’s best chance of the second 45 minutes came from Symonds, who fired an audacious volley goalward that hit the inside of the post and somehow rolled out to deny Norwich a third.
Some fresh legs saw Shannon Shaw, Booty and Lauren Hailes introduced, all playing their part to keep Chatham from troubling Quantrill.
Despite late efforts from Chatham, City ran out 2-0 winners on the road.
Feature interview
Sienna Booty
This week’s interview focus is Sienna Booty, a 17-year-old academy graduate from the Community Sports Foundation’s Academy Development Programme. Booty has hugely impressed in performances over the last few months, earning herself several positions in Andy Cook’s starting 11.
First of all, it’s been a week now, so just give us your thoughts on our most recent result, the 2-0 win over Chatham Town?
Last week’s game against Chatham was definitely a huge positive for the whole team and was an enjoyable game to play in when I came on. Overall it puts us in a positive mindset, ready to face London Bees.
How do you find balance between rest and recovery but also keeping fit during a weekend off from football?
I usually like to spend time with friends and family to relax, taking the time to recover so that I am as ready as I can be for the upcoming training week and game.
What has your first season in senior women’s football been like?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first season in women’s football. It has definitely been a challenge but I feel as the season has gone on, I’ve just felt more and more comfortable in the environment, which has made the transition easier.
Who has been the player that has helped you settle in most, maybe someone you look up to or that has taken you under their wing?
Everyone has been so welcoming at the club, but I feel Liv (Cook) has helped me settle into the team the most. She encourages me to become a better player on the pitch and is always making everyone laugh, which makes her fun to be around.
How pleased are you with your own performances as a whole this season?
I’ve been very pleased with my own performances, obviously coming in from the academy I wasn’t expecting a huge amount of minutes, but from the minutes I have played, I have impressed myself! Although, there are always still improvements to be made, which is what training is for. Overall, I am happy with what I have been doing and how I have been playing.
You’ve played in a variety of positions this season, where do you like to play most and why?
Playing at Carrow Road is always so exciting for us as we can just show what we are about and what we can achieve in front of a big crowd.
I definitely enjoy playing as a central defensive midfielder the most as I feel I can show what I can do best in that role. Especially as I enjoy playing through balls to wingers and strikers and the defensive role that comes with it.
We recently announced that our final fixture of the season will be played at Carrow Road - how exciting is that for you and the rest of the squad?
Playing at Carrow Road is always so exciting for us as we can just show what we are about and what we can achieve in front of a big crowd. We love having all the fans behind us as
well and occasions like this help young girls get into football, which is really what it’s all about.
We face London Bees this weekend and you were involved for 65 minutes of the previous tie. What are you expecting from them this time round?
We expect a strong team who will want to beat us, so it’s important that we just continue to stay calm and just play the football that we have been. That is what has given us the positive score lines, so we are looking to just build on those performances and try to get three points!
Lara dEnsLEy
LaurEn
FrEya symOnds
LaurEn haILEs
IsabELLE mOOrE
Opposition Overview: London Bees
This weekend we welcome London Bees in our final home fixture at The Nest for the 2024/25 season.
Bees currently sit in third place, just three points behind the Canaries after 10 wins, five draws and four losses.
The visitors will also be hoping to close the gap on league-leaders Real Bedford, who sit four points clear in Division One South East.
Bees will arrive at The Nest in a good run of form, with only one loss in their last six, gathering three points from the other five teams.
They also bring a strong away record to Norwich, having lost just two away league games this season.
The visitors’ most recent game was played at home against AFC Sudbury, which resulted in a 3-0 win for the hosts after a brace from Samantha Lanza Gabian and a single goal from Millie Isherwood enough to round off a confident victory.
The pair are the club’s current two top goal scorers, Isherwood with 15 and Lanza Gabian on 12.
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.
Our matchday helper Lesley is running the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday, April 6, raising funds in aid of the Community Sports Foundation. The Foundation uses the power of sports to support and inspire its community, driving inclusion for people with disabilities.
Follow the link here or search Lesley Hanner on Just Giving to donate now!
PROUD PARTNERS OF NORWICH CITY FC
Stuck in a Mindset Dip? Your Core Values Can Help
We talk a lot about how core values help you: Make decisions
We know core values help with decisions, careers, and relationships - but they can also pull you out of a slump.
But they’re also brilliant for shifting your mindset when motivation dips, goals feel out of reach, or procrastination takes over.
This isn’t about finding your values (though if you need help, email me and I’ll ping over a guide). It’s about using them when you feel stuck.
Next time you feel that way, and after you’ve identified your 3 or 4 core values, follow these steps to lift yourself out of that slump:
01
How would you describe your current mood? Write it down. 02
Notice what’s pulling your focus - or what you’re avoiding. 03
Match it to one of your core values (likely the negative side of one). 04
Identify another value you’re out of alignment with. 05
Write down one action that supports that value.
Don’t think about it too much, just get going with that action. 07
Check your mood. Write it down. Notice if it’s different to step 01. 08
Give yourself a pat on the back and a big high five.
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)
SYMONDS TODD KENNARD f SNELLING BISHOP (5), SMITH (8), MOORE (6), DENSLEY (10), SHAW (11)
SYMONDS TODD KENNARD f SNELLING f BISHOP (5), BOOTY (9), HAILES (8), DENSLEY (10), SHAW (11)
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Lara dEnsLEy
FrEya
LaurEn haILEs
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LaurEn TOmLInsOn shannOn shaw
OLIvIa cOOk
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hOPE sTrauss
sIEnna bOOTy
hOLLy kEnnard ambEr