Norwich City Women have secured survival in the National Women’s League Division One South East with a 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon.
In front of a bumper Easter Sunday crowd at The Nest, Norwich dominated the first half and deservedly led through Ellie Smith’s close-range header. They then defended well in the second half to secure the three points.
It means the team, who have been in the relegation places for the majority of the campaign, have now secured survival with a game to spare on the back of four straight victories.
“The girls have been magnificent since Christmas,” said head coach Shaun Howes. “We have not reached the levels we should have this season, but this last month they have realised the importance of staying in this league and they have been absolutely magnificent.
“We have always said with this group of players that they are a match for anyone if they believe in themselves. I think it has been tough for them the last few years, but if you can put belief into them then they are a match for anyone.”
It was announced midway through this season that the women’s team would be fully integrated into the day-to-day running of the football club and Howes added that this was massive confidence boost for the team.
“I think that was a massive step,” he said. “I think once the girls knew that the club were committing to them, I think they knew the importance of it as well. It is really exciting times now. We have just got to make sure we are not in this position again next season.”
Shaun was also pleased to see a large turnout at The Nest for the game, with lots of supporters turning up to cheer on the team.
“The players deserve this,” he said. “The club have been excellent this week in terms of promoting the game and hopefully we can show this kind of levels of performance every week because if we play like that every week, we wouldn’t be in the position we are in.”