AFC took the road today with a return to league action following their success on their cup run last week. Having previously beaten Taverham 8-0 at home, AFC went into the match favourites to take away victory.

The match kicked off 20 minutes late due to the delayed arrival of the referee, however once under-way the chances and possession were firmly Sudbury’s. Despite numerous chances, AFC were uncharacteristically off target with their finishing. Sudbury had to wait until the 25 minute mark to take the lead when Chloe Mills’ run broke through the defence. Mills rolled the ball across the box to Emma Squirrell who managed to slot home and finally get Sudbury off the mark. Mills herself then went close when following in her own rebounded shot, her second shot was blocked at the post.

Sudbury’s dominance continued with the ball barely making it across the half way line into AFC’s half. Chances were coming thick and fast for Sudbury, but Sudbury had to wait until near the end of the half to increase their lead. Jodie Sharp was the creator as she fed an excellent ball to Emma Squirrell who netter hers’ and Sudbury’s, second of the match. Before the half was out Taverham found themselves reducing the deficit with a brilliant strike from range leaving the Sudbury keeper no chance. Sudbury however quickly restored their two goal cushion before the whistle with a sweeping pass from Natalie Golding finding Chloe Mills who finally got a well deserved goal.

Half time score: Taverham Ladies 1 – 3 AFC Sudbury Ladies.

The second half continued in much the same fashion as the first half, with Sudbury firmly in control of the game. The opening to the half saw Natalie Golding’s shot going narrowly wide, whilst Emma Squirrell’s vicious shot cracked against the crossbar.

A great piece of team play saw Sudbury’s fourth goal. The ball worked out wide to Sharp whose cross was headed on by Golding, and finished at the back post by Kayleigh Steed. Minutes later Steed grabbed her second with a brilliant solo run finish from a through ball delivered by Mills.

Sudbury had been combining well for much of the match but there was also a moment of individual excellence when Jodie Sharp sent a screamer of a shot into the top corner from 30 yards out. Sudbury could have found themselves further ahead late on with Kayleigh Steed hitting the crossbar and Natalie Golding then hitting the post.

Sudbury found time to add one more to their tally to cap a commanding victory when Kayleigh Steed was able to fire a shot across the keeper to seal her first hat trick for the club.

Full time Score: Taverham Ladies 1 – 7 AFC Sudbury Ladies

The match saw a Sudbury team combining well and creating many chances. However next Sunday they will not be gifted as many chances in front of goal and will therefore need to be more clinical in their finishing. The match also saw the last appearance for Kerry Humphreys this season as she embarks on 11 months of travelling the world. Her absence for the remainder of the season will be a big miss for the team and we wish her a safe journey.

Next Sunday AFC take to the road for their penultimate away fixture in the league against Norwich City Reserves. Norwich currently sit second in the table, one place above AFC.