Women's Report | Norwich City 0-2 West Brom

Grace Riglar against West Brom

Norwich City Women fell to their first Northern Premier Division defeat on home turf this weekend as they were beaten 2-0 by West Brom Women at The Nest.

The Baggies  took an early lead from the spot and sealed the three points with a long-range strike in the second half. 

Perry Northeast made two changes to the side that took a point away from Middelsbrough last weekend, as Natalie Johnson returned from international duties to replace Millie Daviss and Niyah Dunbar came in for Issy Moore on the wing. 

The Baggies had the first opportunity to break the deadlock, as a strike from Riya Mannu was sent goalwards but flew high over Eva-Jean Young's goal.

A City corner eventually fell to Eloise King, waiting on the edge of the area, who moved the ball out to Niyah Dunbar on the wing, but her cross could only find the area behind West Brom's goal.

The visitors were then awarded a penalty in the 16th minute for a handball in the box. Monique Robinson stepped up and sent the ball into the bottom-left corner to put West Brom ahead.

The Canaries tried to respond immediately as some well-worked play from Grace Riglar at the back through to Freya Symonds in midfield and Holly Kennard found Natalie Johnson in space to shoot, but she was denied by Charlotte Clarke in goal.

Image
Poppy Groves against West Brom

Norwich came closest with a well-taken free-kick from Symonds deep inside the visitors' half, forcing Clarke to parry the effort behind.

The half closed with a corner delivered by Symonds that evaded most of the blue-and-white shirts but floated into the arms of the Baggies' goalkeeper.

Young was forced to pull off a strong save just before the hour mark when a powerful strike from Mannu was heading on target. 

Rhianne Oakley was next to send a strike into the area, but Young was alert to the danger again. 

The visitors then doubled their lead through Mannu who sent a strike in from 30 yards out that struck the underside of the crossbar and rolled over the line with 20 minutes to play. 

After introducing fresh legs that included the return of Evie Williams after six weeks out, City continued to push the Baggies for at least a consolation goal, but to no avail. 

West Brom substitute Milly Round sent a ball in from the right wing with some punch but Young bravely collected from danger.  

City were unable to find a consolation goal and fell to defeat. 

Norwich City: Young; Szczech (Daviss 59), Riglar (C), Wilson (Williams 49), Johnson; King, Symonds, Groves (Booty 79); Kennard, Dunbar (Densley 79), Hailes (Harrison 59). 

Subs not used: Irvine, Frary. 

Bookings: Wilson (25), Kennard (55), Symonds (75), King (81)

West Brom: Clarke; Reynolds, Green, Oakley (Collyer 66), Rush, Robinson (Round 84), Day, Haughey (George 90+3), Mannu, Powell (C), Lane. 

Subs not used: Grimshaw, Rabjohn, Jones, Sharp.

Goals: Robinson (Pen 18), Mannu (69)

Half-time: 0-1

Full-time: 0-2

Venue: The Nest

Referee: Lorraine Catchpole

Attendance: 348