Norwich City claimed victory over Actonians in Division One South East after a superb long-range strike from Rebecca Russell in front of a record crowd at The Nest.
The win extends the Canaries stay at the top of the table, as one of only two sides to claim victory in both of their first two games of the season.
After a cagey and quiet opening 15 minutes to the game, it was Norwich who burst into life first.
A flurry of corners piled the pressure onto a resilient Actonians defence, and a subsequent far-post header would have surely opened the scoring if not for a heroic goal-line clearance by the London side.
It was much the same end-to-end, defensively resilient football from both sides for most of the remainder of first half before a frantic ending.
A late attack for Actonians saw a dangerous ball swung in from the left hand-side, which was bravely clawed away by City goalkeeper Bryony Williams, who felt the consequences of her bravery, colliding with Actonians forward, Samira Khan.
The danger was yet to be cleared and it took yet another incredible goal-line clearance, this time by City’s Chardonnay Johnston, to keep the score level at 0-0 going into half-time.
The early stages of the second half saw Actonians up the intensity, testing Williams from distance on a number of occasions.
City steadily grew into the second half and were eventually rewarded for their efforts, as twenty minutes from time, the deadlock was finally broken.
Norwich stepped up the field to press Actonians inside their own half, allowing Rebecca Russell to pick herself off the turf and lash an audacious long-range effort into the top-right corner.
A nervy finish to the game for the Norwich faithful saw a few chances arise for the away side, but the Canaries were able to shut up shop to secure the clean-sheet and three points.
Norwich City take on Wymondham Town next on Tuesday, August 30 at the FDC in Bowthrope.
If you are attending tonight’s game please park in one of the match car parks: The Brooke Hotel (NR5 9JB) or Roys of Bowthorpe (NR5 9HA). Both of these are a short walk from the ground. Please do not try to park at the FDC.