Although it was an improved performance from Norwich City Women against league leaders Hashtag United, the Tags claimed victory in a 4-1 win over the Canaries at Parkside on Sunday, March 5.
United were looking to bounce back in today's performance after their first defeat of the season last weekend at the hands of AFC Wimbledon.
The Canaries were well aware of the dangers Hashtag possessed heading into the game, following their 7-1 defeat at The Nest just three weeks ago. But a fragile defensive display last week from the league leaders gave Norwich optimism early on.
The opening 20 minutes of the game saw neither side willing to settle, creating a spectacle comparable to tennis with an abundance of long-balls, counter-attacks and possessional turnovers.
The first big chance of the game fell to the visitors. Ellie Smith found Megan Todd sprinting away down the right wing, but Bamford made a fine save to deny a strong effort from Todd.
Hashtag were wobbled and had to respond. On the half-hour mark, Katherine Canneman jolted the nerves of the City defence, heading inches over the bar from a corner.
Four minutes later and Canneman’s perseverance this time resulted in a goal, though she refused to claim it due to the assistance of a Norwich knee on the way in.
Despite two late half-chances for Natasha Snelling, Norwich would head into the interval a goal behind, but within striking distance after a commendable first-half display.
Coming out from the break, Hashtag United flipped a switch and in an instant Norwich were reminded why they were league leaders. First, Emma Samways restored the home side’s lead on 49 minutes before Sammy Rowland built a two-goal cushion just four minutes later.
Norwich heads refused to drop, none more so than Katie Knights. The ever-reliable midfielder with a newfound taste for goal got herself in the perfect position on the hour mark to slot the ball home and reclaim some hope for the visitors.
Bryony Williams was up to her usual antics on her return to the side with a delightful fingertip save on 67 minutes to keep it at three.
However, despite some fine flurries of Norwich football late on, the hosts would strike a final blow via Malika Apindia with five minutes to play to make it 4-1. Smith was denied a last-gasp effort with a minute to go, but another Bamford save ensured a comfortable Hashtag victory.
Norwich City Women will continue their stretch of away fixtures next weekend when they face Ashford Town on Sunday, March 12.
Hashtag United: Bamford, Kelly, Gillard, Canneman, Samways, Rowland, Adamson (Frazzoni 69) , West, Apindia, Garwood (Barker 57), Lancaster (Wealthall 57)
Subs not used: Murton, Adams
Norwich City: Williams, Parker, Larkins, Todd (Gambell 70), Smith, Snelling, Knights, Symonds (Stanley 61), Flye, Croft, Morran
Subs not used: Ward, Russell, Cook
HT: 1-0
FT: 4-1
Tickets to Norwich City's Carrow Road fixture against Ashford Town on Sunday, April 16 are available here.