A second-half strike from Natasha Snelling proved a mere consolation goal as Actonians capitalised on an uncharacteristic performance from Norwich City Women to emerge 4-1 victors in west London on Sunday, March 26.
A rather uneventful opening 10 minutes to the spectacle brought no surprises, echoing the cautious display from both sides at The Nest earlier this season, but it was the home side that looked eager to change this.
Just after that window, Norwich were given their first real scare as a ball came in from the left-hand side, clearing every defending head in the box. Fortunately for the Canaries, Actonians winger, Maria Ledezma-Viso misjudged the flight of the ball and consequently failed to test Bryony Williams with her effort.
However, this warning sign proved unheeded as just three minutes later the home side took the lead through to a cool finish from Dominika Netschova into the bottom-left corner.
Actonians continued to test Williams, but the Norwich keeper was equal to it all despite some bumps and bruises along the way thanks to some brave stops and aerial duals.
In the other goal, Amy Butler provided a moment of long-winded discussions after handling the ball outside of her area as she was pressured by Ellie Smith on 22 minutes. Despite the near certainty of a goal, Butler escaped with just a yellow card and some evident blushes. Russell went close with the subsequent free-kick, but saw it fly inches past the post.
Just as Norwich looked to build some momentum going into the half, they were knocked again. Megan Todd defended a corner well with a commanding defensive header, but a wicked second ball to the back post caught a number by surprise, allowing Alessandra Barreca to poke home a second in the 42nd minute.
Norwich would have one more opportunity in the first half as Megan Todd found Freya Symonds through on goal, but a strong glove from Butler would deny the opportunity to claw one back.
Eight minutes into the second half and another corner paid dividends for Actonians. Sophie Baigent leapt the highest and hammered her header home to make it three.
Norwich knew they had to respond and respond they did. Just after the hour mark, Eloise Morran found Natasha Snelling through on goal, who hammered her finish home with conviction to claw one back.
The 25 minutes that succeeded this looked more like Norwich. Calmer periods of possession, passing spells and use of the wide areas created glimmers of opportunity to grab a second but time was ticking down. As the clock neared 90, Snelling nearly doubled Norwich’s tally after a flick over by Kathryn Stanley, but the ball wouldn’t quite sit up for the forward.
To add insult to injury, Actonians would grab a fourth in injury time through substitute, Williamson to make it 4-1.
Norwich will look to make amends back home at The Nest on Sunday, April 2, when they face Chesham United.
Norwich: Williams, Ward, Parker, Larkins (Harper 59), Todd (Stanley 72), Smith, Snelling, Russell (Gambell 67), Symonds, Flye, Morran (Cook 89)
Subs not used: George
Actonians: Butler, Munnely (Williamson 72), Drage, Baigent, Ebine (Harte 89), Graham, Sharos (Nee-Chambers 72), Kanno, Netschova, Ledezma-Viso (Shakes 89), Barreca (Khan 80)
HT: 2-0
FT: 4-1