King's Lynn Ladies 0, Norwich City Ladies 9Norwich City Ladies put the disappointment of being knocked out of the Women's FA Cup behind them, hitting the goal trail in the Norfolk and Suffolk County Cup.

King's Lynn Ladies 0, Norwich City Ladies 9

Norwich City Ladies put the disappointment of being knocked out of the Women's FA Cup behind them, hitting the goal trail in the Norfolk and Suffolk County Cup.

They put nine goals past their hosts and so progress to the semi-final of the competition which they won last season.

With the Linnets being given the go ahead to play the fixture at The Walks, City were under no illusion that although they faced a side three leagues lower they would come out all guns blazing for an opportunity to scalp the county champions.

Despite all the bad weather recently the pitch was in great condition and with a crowd of around 100 waiting to see a cup battle City were in no mood to come away on the losing side this week.

City started with only two changes due to absence and injury with Anna Larkin's and Claire Rennie replacing Hayley Peverley and Kate Parsons.

Immediately from kick-off City attacked with determination and with only 45 seconds gone, Paige Shorten tested the Linnets keeper with a shot, the keeper could only parry and with Nic Bray on hand to tap in the rebound the Canaries found themselves 1-0 up.

Lynn then had their first attack of the game when they played some neat football in midfield but found it hard to break the strong partnership of Laura Thacker and Jemma Smythe.

With Chelsea Garrett causing all sort of problems to the Linnets' left-back it was no surprise that goal two followed from one of her penetrating runs down the wing which resulted in her crossing and the ball being met at the back post by Shorten.

This seemed to spur the Linnets on and Holly Clarke in the Norwich goal was called in to action to race off her line and pull off a one on one save.

Shortly after that they were nearly rewarded with their opening goal when they found a way through, rounding Clarke in goal but could only find the side netting.

Linnets then found themselves under a great deal of pressure with Garrett and Jodie Drake both having good chances to put City further in front.

But it took the impressive Shorten to get her second just before the break for a 3-0 scoreline.

The second half saw City step up the pace and despite the brave efforts of the Linnets team and particularly their goalkeeper they continued to press forward for further goals.

Pressure from Nicola Bray on the Linnets fullback and keeper gave her a chance to get her second, toe-poking past the advancing keeper.

Shorten then completed her hat-trick, receiving the ball from a Norwich throw and connecting well to provide an unstoppable shot which beat the diving keeper.

City picked up a clearance from Lynn and was switched to Bex Burton who picked out Danielle Manthorpe which saw her volley City's sixth goal.

Garrett was then moved up top and when she was put through on goal with just the keeper to beat it was her turn to get her name on the scoresheet 7-0.

City's best goal of the game was when the ball was well won in their defence and moved quickly with link up play between Shorten and Nikita Morris, who switched to Burton before crossing for Garrett to finish.

City finished the scoring when Smythe won the ball which was met by Garrett who flicked the ball on for Shorten to run on and slot home for the ninth.

At this point no one would have blamed the Linnets for giving up but that was far from their mind and they must be given great credit as they dominated the remaining 10 minutes of the game.

Whist they were unable to break down the City back four, they were throwing everything at them.

Norwich co-manager Emma Fletcher said: 'It was important that we put to bed the disappointment of last week and whilst we knew King's Lynn would not make it easy for us we had a great opportunity to put things right.

'The girls performed really well today, it was a game in which King's Lynn were classed as the underdogs but its games like this that can go easily so wrong if you don't take charge.'

She added: 'I thought Chelsea Garrett had a fantastic game this week, she had a lot to prove as I know she felt she let the side down last week when she got sent off. But she is young and what a way to react by putting in a performance like that she gave them a torrid time. I also think a special mention must go to Paige Shorten as well as she has been really consistent of late.'

Norwich finally face their first league game in just under three months when they play MK Dons for the third time this season away at Newport Pagnell next Sunday.

City are currently sixth in the South East Combination, having played only eight games compared to several of the other teams who have played 12 or more.