The ACN Match Review – Chesham United (h)

The line-up

Enforced changes for Norwich as Eloise Morran and Megan Todd’s absences meant Herdman had to reshuffle slightly. Former skipper Millie Daviss deputised in the centre of the park, along with a debut up front for recent signing Holly Kennard, who has been only recently returned to fitness after a long term injury.

City see Kennard’s signature as a bit of a coup, the 18 year old had been receiving rave reviews for strugglers AFC Sudbury and gave Norwich plenty to worry about on the opening day of the season. Based on this display, which was full of raw energy, pressing and electric pace, she will give Norwich a different dimension, especially in turnovers.

Hurrah moment

Katie Knights is known primarily for her all-action performances and forward running, but behind all that lies an excellent technician. Norwich’s second goal was testament to this, a fine run and cut back from the right left Knights with plenty to do, but she effortlessly steered the ball into the corner and wheeled away with a nonchalance which suggests she does it all the time in training.

Boooo moment

I joked ahead of kick off that a ten-goal margin of victory would see Norwich sit top of the table going into the New Year. I half expected it after City took the lead in the third minutes, especially as Snelling’s penalty perhaps should have been saved, but the Chesham stopper looked nervous and allowed the ball to squirm through her grasp.

You’d have anticipated a bit of an onslaught from thereon in, especially as Norwich knew they had some catching up to AFC Wimbledon to do in the goal difference stakes. And while this is definitely a minor gripe given they recorded a 4-1 victory, it felt like there was plenty more to be had.

Several gilt-edged chances went begging, while situations you’d have ordinarily expected to have been turned into opportunities were wasted, alongside a later penalty miss too. City seemed like they missed Todd’s experience to gel the play and didn’t really hit the heights of the recent performances seen against Hashtag or promotions rivals Wimbledon. Still, if you’re gonna have a bit of an off day, best to do it while easing to a comfortable win, right?

Hero of the match

Alice Parker was by some distance the standout performer for Norwich. Fresh from her player of the month award for November, she put in a shift down the right flank, constantly showing as an out ball and displaying some fine close control, skilful touches and harrying throughout. Add in two assists to the mix as well, the first for the aforementioned Knights’ strike, the second a dangerous dead ball delivery for Ellie Smith to nod home and put the match beyond any reasonable doubt.

The atmosphere

Another fairly bumper crowd at The Nest, with attendances continually outperforming last season now. The City faithful have started to get vocal too, plenty of OTBCs, the odd ‘Yellows’ and some individual player chants all on show. As much as you can feel there’s something building on the pitch, that is certainly being replicated in the stands.

Oh, and worthy of mention that Sporting Director Ben Knapper was also part of the crowd, a very welcome sight given his predecessor’s disdain for the women’s game in general.

Our post-match takeaway

11 league games without defeat, a comprehensive win against a side they struggled against last year and level on points with the league leaders. There’s plenty to be proud of, and yet there’s an underlying feeling that Herdman’s side might just be getting started. Up the Nodge.