Lowestoft reverted back to their regular 3-5-2 formation for this away assignment in North Norfolk as manager Iain Spoor unleashed a new strike partnership, Nichols claimed a starting role up front after her superb performance in the reverse fixture at home to Bure Valley on 22nd February.

Nichols was accompanied by the highly experienced Lauren Bullard who the club are privileged to have on a duel registration from Step 5 side Wroxham.

Bullard, who was pulling on the Lowestoft shirt for the first time this season and Nichols in just her second league start for the club hit it off from the beginning and it was a strike partnership that brought new energy and dynamism to the performance in NR11.

The match also saw the return to action of Abi Bell, it also saw stalwart Selina Rowland moving into a defensive role in the absence of Marcie Prettyman, Rowland made up the back three alongside Vice Captain Fran Heaney and Captain Charnelle Riggall. The three protected Chloe Pearce from having little to do in the Lowestoft goal throughout the afternoon.

Lowestoft dominated the game throughout with the play in the Bure Valley half for the majority of the contest. Bullard thought she had the first goal of the match but the linesman judged her to be offside.

With the continuing onslaught towards the Bure Valley goal, it was only a matter of time before Bullard found the net and she did minutes later after some nice play down the left from Hazel Saddington and Bullard was there to finish. The Linesman did flag again but referee Daniel Bird overruled the decision, gave the goal and the Trawler Girls were in front.

Lowestoft continued to step up the performance levels and had the game won and some before Half Time. The second goal saw Abi Bell with one of her trademark finishes from distance, Bullard made it a brace for herself and three for Lowestoft before Nichols made it four with her first goal for the club as all her effort and energy paid off when she found the score sheet to make it 4-0 in a rampant first half period that saw the game over as any kind of contest.

The second half saw sustained dominance from Lowestoft and excellent game management with the team never looking like conceding a goal as they got through a comfortable afternoon with no adversity.

There was time in the second half for more goals as Louise Nichols scored both to make it a Hat-Trick for herself and six for Lowestoft.

The second half period saw substitutes Millie Rose and Sofia Serghiou introduced. Rose had a good period at the back which saw Selina Rowland move forward to the wing, there is simply no position the stalwart of the team cannot play and Rowland looked comfortable and assured on the wing.

There was a late chance for Lucy Eagle but the tally remained at six and as the final whistle was blown at quarter to four, this was the perfect response to last weeks disappointing cup exit as Lowestoft claimed another three points to make it 11 wins out of 11, continue their 100% winning record and stride another step towards winning the title in their first season since reforming in 2025.

It was a special afternoon for everyone but the day belonged to Louise Nichols who grabbed a Hat-Trick and after her tremendous performance in the reverse fixture a month ago at Barnards Meadow where she did everything but score. This was the perfect afternoon for her confidence, Hat-Trick and creating a great partnership with Lauren Bullard, the pair looked like they had been playing together for many weeks. If the performance today from Bullard and Nichols is a sign of things to come we are in for a treat as we progress through these final weeks of the season.

The day was boosted further with the news Lowestoft had extended the lead at the top after Costessey Sports drew 1-1 at Mulbarton. Today's results mean Lowestoft are four points clear with a game in hand.

Next Sunday 29th March, Lowestoft return to Crown Meadow where they welcome Costessey Sports for a 2.00pm kick off

Up the Trawler Girls!

By Darrell Allen