Norwich City Women edged out a lively QPR side to win 4-3 in an electrifying game at The Nest on Sunday, February 5.
The Canaries were eager to return to winning ways after picking up just one point in their previous two as they headed into their second meeting with QPR this season.
Despite the recent stutter of results, performances often warranted more, and this was evident as Norwich got off to a lively start to the game.
Just five minutes in, Natasha Snelling gave us a collector’s item as she uncharacteristically scuffed an early chance on goal after a lovely cross by Megan Todd.
Katie Knights, usually esteemed for her defensive efforts enjoyed running into space early on, creating a handful of opportunities for herself and others, but to no avail as she lamented some early shots.
QPR responded with a great opportunity on 19 minutes with a near carbon copy of Snelling’s earlier chance as a squared ball sat up perfectly in the box but was met with an air-shot, to the relief of a gaping Norwich goal.
Seven minutes later, Freya Symonds tested her shooting boots as she cut inside and opened fire on goal but curled her effort narrowly over the bar.
Thirty minutes in and Norwich could finally enjoy their much-deserved breakthrough. Symonds accelerated away down the left before playing a beautifully weighted ball to Snelling who slid in to open the scoring.
A handful of chances fell to both sides as the interval approached, but nothing enough to trouble either keeper.
Coming out for the second half, Norwich looked on top and comfortable. Ellie Smith and Snelling played ping-pong with the ball to create some chances but couldn’t quite materialise a finish.
As QPR stepped up and fought back, space was left in-behind for Symonds to capitalise on and capitalise she did. A through ball from Smith put Symonds one-on-one to coolly slot home for City’s second.
Just when QPR looked down and out, they flipped a switch. Two goals in as many minutes for Moore and Petit brought QPR level approaching the hour mark, bursting into life with some direct football as they looked to build.
After a wobbly 10 minutes for the hosts, they were able to regain their composure and respond with two quick-fire goals of their own.
First, Todd raced down the wing and battled to earn a corner for City. Larkins subsequently delivered a fantastic ball to the back post for Snelling to volley home for her second and Norwich’s third. Minutes later, she completed her hat-trick poking home another Todd cross.
A two-goal cushion was restored, and it was needed. QPR scored a third on 77 minutes to set up a cagey but lively finish. Norwich would see out the game with an array of late chances before the referee’s whistle put an end to a brilliant spectacle.
A vital three points for Norwich puts them in fine form heading into another home fixture on February 12 against league-leaders, Hashtag United Women.
Norwich City: Harper, Croft, Parker (Johnston 90), Larkins, Todd (Cook 90), Smith, Snelling (Gooding 90), Knights, Symonds (Stanley 75), Flye, Morran (Russell 90)
QPR: McLean, Curr, Searle, Lewin, Gunn, Jordinson, Blodgett, Hennessey, Stanley, Moore, Petit.
Subs: Carolan, Akerman, Cutler, Bishop, Wardlaw.
Attendance: 318
HT: 1-0
FT: 4-3