Norwich City Ladies lifted the League Cup with a thrilling 4-3 win over C and K Basildon at Biggleswade Town FC.

Eastern Daily Press: NCFC LadiesNCFC Ladies (Image: Archant)

Next season teams will compete in the FAWPL Division One South and East and both clubs did themselves and their league proud with a fiercely fought contest, which was settled in the fourth minute of additional time by a goal from Paige Shorten.

C and K Basildon started the match with real menace through the wing play of Karissa Rodney and the pace of Sara Sinclair. Two good chances had already just eluded Sinclair before C and K took the lead in the 12th minute when a Rodney cross was met by a Zoe Rushen shot which floated just out the reach of Fiona Coombes into the net.

The Canaries were soon level when a loose back pass was intercepted by Natasha Snelling who measured a perfect lob over Mel Kinsalla on 14 minutes.

Sinclair restored Basildon's lead with a fine finish from 15 yards on 34 minutes but Norwich drew level with a swerving 25 yard free kick goal from Shorten to send the teams in at half-time all square at 2-2.

Norwich took the lead a minute after the break when a fine reverse pass by Snelling released Ellie Smith who tucked the ball past Kinsalla.

C and K were always dangerous from Jenny Brown-Wealls' excellent set piece delivery and it was from a right wing corner that Claire Lacey powered in the equaliser despite Anna Larkins almost clearing her header from the line on 54 minutes. Unfortunately, Chelsie Hurren had to be substituted after trying to tackle Rodney and Norwich were forced into another reshuffle. After the lengthy stoppage Norwich roared back into attacking mode and Snelling was twice inches away from converting crosses within a minute.

As the match went into added time it was Norwich who found the winning formula. A long throw from Parker was half cleared but returned immediately by Emily Lewin into the danger area. Shorten beat both the offside flag and the last defender to lift the ball at full stretch wide of the advancing Kinsalla. Rodney was shown a red card for the nature of her protest over the validity of the winning goal and there was no time left for a C and K comeback.

Norwich City in one form or another have been long term members of the South East Combination and might well be considered fitting recipients of the League's final prize, especially considering the injury problems they encountered during the match.