Well, what a whirlwind 24 hours supporting Norwich City.
On paper, many would have looked at our two opponents and would have thought Plymouth away for the men would have been a banker. A newly-promoted side still finding their feet in the second tier, and a young Norwich side full of confidence after a great start to the season, a win was basically confirmed.
As for the women’s trip to Actonians, a team who finished above the Canaries last season, many were expecting a cagey and tight game not too dissimilar from what we saw against Cambridge United at Carrow Road at the beginning of the month – especially as City were on the end of a 4-1 thumping in this fixture last season.
But of course, football isn’t played on paper.
City Women knew that they needed to show a spirited performance at Rectory Park to restore pride in a fanbase who had to witness one of the most pathetic performances I can remember from the men’s side at Home Park on Saturday.
And boy did they do just that!
Picking up from where they left off against Haywards Heath Town at The Nest last week, City found themselves ahead after just five minutes when Megan Todd found the back of the net for the third successive week, this time dispelling the myth that she only scores spot-kicks.
However, the London-based Actonians hit back almost instantly through Jasmine Williamson. We weren’t in for another rollercoaster, were we?
It was here though where City’s maturity and composure shone through. After dominating the ball for most of the half, City went back in front, with Lauren Tomlinson opening her account in yellow and green.
Two then quickly became three as Megan Todd added to her tally from the spot to send the Canaries in at halftime with a two-goal advantage.
Fan favourite Katie Knights added further misery to Actonians by netting a fourth just before the hour. K.K spoke of her disappointment of not starting the last game in her post-match interview and would have certainly given Martin Herdman a healthy selection dilemma ahead of next week.
Todd then assisted Liv Cook in stoppage time to round off an impressive display from City to bring the three points back to Norfolk and seal the 5-1 victory.
After the embarrassment against Plymouth on Saturday, it once again falls to the ladies to make sure at least one of the Norwich senior sides sent the fans home happy.
I mentioned in last week’s review that this week would test the credentials for both the men’s and women’s sides, and only the women passed the test. But boy did they do it in fashion.
Herdman spoke of his pride in the performance after the match and rightly so. City move to the top of the league and look like the team to beat in the National League South East Division One.
I must admit, it brings me comfort seeing a Norwich side top a league table once again, especially as we know they’re there on merit. Last season’s shortfall has clearly inspired this talented group, who are making sure they are in the promotion picture once again come the end of the season.
Their form this season is sending a statement to the rest of the division, and seeing the freedom and confidence that encapsulates this team, it would be foolish to bet against them at the moment.
As we all know, winning football matches by narrow margins is impressive, but there’s something extra special about two heavy wins in consecutive weeks. Something is happening here.
Similarly, to the men’s team, Norwich’s women are on the road in cup action in their next game, facing AFC Bournemouth in the Women’s National League Cup first round.
As we all know being Norwich fans, having a week’s break from league football when momentum is starting to build could be a hindrance, especially when you’ve scored eleven goals in the last two games.
However, a strong run in both league and cup can truly show that the Canaries mean business this term and are laser-focused on delivering a season to remember for supporters.
With the strength of the squad at Herdman’s disposal this season, going deep in the cup will be unlikely to distract from a promotion charge. As I’m sure their male counterparts will know by now, the importance of squad depth is crucial to successful teams, and this squad has quality in abundance.
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