Empresa Norfolk League: Brockington’s memorable strike has Broadland beaming

A superb goal from Helen Brockington helped Broadland maintain their unbeaten record in the Premier Division and keep the pressure on leaders Dereham II.

Norwich Dragons III, in spite of their stubborn refusal to break under relentless pressure from Broadland, eventually slipped to a 2-0 defeat.

The game was settled when Brockington advanced into the circle towards the end to blast a rising shot in by the near post.

Dragons, pinned in their own half for much of the game, were well shackled by Broadland's midfield with Jade Bolton their star player.

Kerry Payne had fired Broadland into the lead midway through the first half when in a blink of an eye she blasted the ball into the visitors' goal from a narrowest of angles.

Sarah Wagstaff was Dragons' play-of-the-match.

Broadland remain five points behind Dereham, who made it 10 wins out of 10 when they thrashed third placed Loddon 6-0.

Norwich City III struggled to find the form that had seen them beat Magpies III and suffered a disappointing 4-2 to Magpies IV.

City started brightly and with some strong moves down both sides involving Milly Brown and Leo Wills looked the most likely to score. The first goal, when it came, was well worth waiting for. A pass from the City defence led to a speedy attack down the right and Wills was in the perfect place to slot home. Magpies were quick and dangerous on the break and pulled one back from a short corner but just before half-time City restored the lead when Abby Ingham fired home a fine shot from a short corner. The second half was a story of missed chances for City and Magpies clawed back three goals to take the win.

In Division One Evergreens saw their advantage at the top cut to two points when they were held to a 1-1 draw by North Norfolk II as Harleston Magpies V were winning 5-0 at Carrow II.

Broadland II saw off Norwich Dragons IV 3-0 after taking the lead with their first real attack of the game as experienced Carolyn Duthie was in the right place at the right time to slip the ball home. As Broadland increased their grip on the midfield, with star player Martina Rothe prominent on the right, Carre Varley fired in from the edge of the circle to double their advantage. Holly Becker completed the scoring with a fine finish.

Norwich City IV drew 1-1 with Herlings in Division Two with Alex Le Mesurier getting the goal and Holly Robinson the player of the match.

Norwich Dragons V beat Breckland with Sarah Norman scoring twice on her debut and Rosie Korn and Helen Marsh also in target.