Norwich City Women advance to the second round of the Vitality FA Cup after beating Enfield Ladies 2-0 at The Nest on Sunday, November 13.
Despite a cagey start and competitive 90-minutes, Norwich prevailed over a resilient Enfield, thanks to late goals from Ellie Smith and Megan Todd.
It was the away side who got off to the better start, testing the hands of a returning Bryony Williams with a flurry of early chances.
As Norwich’s defence remained robust, Enfield grew frustrated. Ceri Flye had her usual dominant defensive performance, and was effective in the attacking half too, enjoying a number of surging runs forward.
Flye made two remarkable, well-timed challenges in the box to block two efforts on goal. This provoked a reaction from Enfield forward, Amy Nash, who was subsequently dismissed for striking Flye.
The second half brought a switch in tempo from Norwich, who had a much-improved start to the second period, bolstered by the numerical advantage.
Megan Todd displayed some lightning pace to beat three players before playing in Snelling on 49 minutes, but the forward’s effort was parried away for a corner.
The Norwich attacking line then caught an eye for a goal, with Stanley, Smith, Todd, and Snelling all having chances denied just beyond the hour mark.
In the 73rd minute, the deadlock was finally broken. In typical Smith fashion, the attacking midfielder got her head down just inside the attacking half, beat three players, and cushioned the ball into the bottom right with her left foot.
It was more of the same in the ten minutes that followed. Stanley and Snelling both had excellent chances saved and fired inches wide respectively.
Just as the game looked destined for a nervy finish, Norwich sealed victory through a late Todd goal. Stanley brought down a high ball with a lovely touch before laying it off to Todd, who struck the ball first-time into the top right corner.
The result secured Norwich’s place in the Vitality FA Cup second round, with the draw taking place on Monday, November 14.
Norwich City Starting XI: Williams, Johnston, Parker, Todd, Smith (Gambell 90+2), Snelling, Stanley, Knights, Harper (Cooper 73), Gooding (Symonds 58), Flye
Subs not used: Ward, George, Cook
HT: 0-0
FT 2-0
Goals: Smith 73, Todd 89