WOMENS 3RD XI - 07/02/2026 VS IPSWICH-EAST SUFFOLK 1 (H) TEAM: Womens 3rd XI DATE: 07/02/2026 FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 07/02/2026 HEADLINE: Triumphant at last! LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST VENUE: Taverham RESULT: 2-1 win for NCHC Womens 3s REPORT: NCHC Womens 3s went into the weekend buzzing with excitement for their clash against mid-table IES, a side who had edged them out 1–0 earlier in the season. Sitting second from bottom, City knew exactly what was at stake – with nothing to lose and everything to gain, only a win would do. The squad was bolstered by the welcome return of Katie in defence and Lottie back in midfield, adding steel and composure throughout the spine of the team. And then there was the secret weapon: Meg, just 13 years old, making her debut for the 3s and ready to make an impact. City started strongly, though perhaps with a few nerves showing. But it was City who struck first. Helen slotted a reverse-stick shot under the keeper and into the goal. City were ahead – and for the first time in a long time, they had something precious to protect. When the opportunity came to extend the lead, City couldn’t quite capitalise, and IES made them pay. A slick, well-drilled short corner routine brought the visitors level, sending the teams into half time at 1–1. The second half belonged to City. They came out fighting, pressing hard and attacking with real intent. Lucy’s electric pace down the right wing caused constant problems, while Chloe’s crunching tackles and pinpoint passing kept City on the front foot and wave after wave of attacks rolling forward. At the back, City were immense. Jo kept a crucial clean sheet in the second half, expertly marshalled by Katie, Jess, Longy and Rosie, who made playing out from the back – and switching the ball across the pitch – look effortless. As the clock ticked down, it seemed City might have to settle for a draw despite their dominance. But this team had other ideas. With just minutes to go, debutant Meg picked up the ball at the top of the D and unleashed an unstoppable strike into the left-hand corner of the goal. In true 3s fashion, the celebrations that followed could only be described as World Cup-worthy. The final whistle confirmed a huge 2–1 victory. City climb up to 8th in the league, out of the relegation zone – and perhaps most importantly, reminded themselves just how good it feels to win.
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