Norwich City Women 5 Needham Market Women 0: match report

Norwich City booked their place in the Women’s FA Cup first round proper with a comprehensive victory over fifth tier Needham Market.

Striker Natasha Snelling played a starring role for the Canaries, netting a hat-trick, while Millie Daviss and substitute Holly Kennard also etched their names onto the scoresheet.

The win extended City’s impressive unbeaten run at The Nest, which stretches all the way back to when they were knocked out of last season’s competition by Boldmere St Michaels.

Andy Cook opted to try a different formation by slotting Tamsin Medd-Gill next to Ceri Flye and Hope Strauss, with the trio forming a back three for City.

Millie Davies brings the ball under control (Image: R.S.BROWN)

It took the hosts a short while to become familiar with their new shape, and they managed to survive an early scare from Needham when Cate Jackson struck Sarah Quantrill’s crossbar from range.

Issy Moore and Daviss went close for City inside the first 20 minutes, but it was Snelling who put them ahead. A defence-splitting pass from Flye sent Shannon Shaw racing towards the Needham goal, and she squared the ball for her strike partner, who made no mistake with the finish.

Just beyond the half hour mark, Daviss slotted home from inside the box to double City’s advantage after the ball rebounded into her path. Worryingly for the hosts, Ellie Smith collided with Needham stopper Danielle Clarke in the build-up to the goal, and hobbled off with an injury five minutes later.

Ellie Smith harries a Needham opponent (Image: R.S.BROWN)

Despite losing Smith, City continued to create plenty of opportunities and extended their lead further before the break through Snelling, who struck the ball past Clarke with precision.

Snelling completed her first treble of the campaign only six minutes into the second half, flicking home acrobatically after Lauren Tomlinson’s long throw-in was deflected into her path.

The hosts spent the majority of the second period on the front foot, but Needham did carry a threat on the break, with Annie Posnett almost netting a consolation goal eight minutes from time.

Kennard then rounded off City’s victory by scoring a header which was assisted by Daviss, who impressed on the right flank.

Norwich City: Quantrill (c), Flye, Medd-Gill, Strauss, Daviss, Moore, Morran, Tomlinson, Smith, Shaw, Snelling. Subs: Johnston, Densley, Symonds, Cook, Booty, Kennard, Locker.