Lowestoft Town suffered their first defeat since their re-birth in summer 2025 and subsequently exited the Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup following a dramatic 3-1 extra time defeat to Costessey Sports. Hazel Saddington had put the Trawler Girls in front but Costessey equalised mid way through the second half before two late goals deep in extra time saw them knock Lowestoft out at the Semi Final stage.

The game played in the unique kick off time of 10am on Mothering Sunday at the Football Development Centre in Bowthorpe saw glorious sunshine greet by far the two stand out teams in the Norfolk Women and Girls League who went head to head in what was a tense Semi Final shootout.

Costessey, used to their regular Sunday afternoon Football routine having played on 7 of the last 8 Sunday's looked more match sharp early on as the Trawler Girls were pushed back in the early stages but Costessey could do little to trouble Chloe Pearce in the Lowestoft goal. By contrast Lowestoft, playing for just the 7th time in the last 19 Sunday's looked nervous in the opening stages of this early morning contest.

Lowestoft who respected their strong opponents by changing from their usual 3-5-2 formation to 4-5-1 knowing the threats Costessey would pose and that they are their strongest rival to success this season. However the Trawler Girls struggled with the new formation in the early stages of the game.

Lowestoft's first opportunity came on the 13th minute when a Lauren Goulder shot was saved at close range superbly by the legs of Kelly Fox in the Costessey goal. There was little action of note again until the 32nd minute when Bethany Turner had a shot from close range which on another day would have been a certain goal.

Less than a minute later Hazel Saddington finished well from the left hand side to put the Trawler Girls in front on 33 minutes. An incredible overhead kick from Selina Rowland almost doubled the lead 4 minutes later but it was the Lowestoft defence called into action to protect the Half Time lead as Thea Hackney with her pace and strength got into a dangerous position but Marcie Prettyman who was one of Lowestoft's brighter performers on a tricky afternoon made an incredible effort to get back and intercept the forward to ensure Lowestoft went ahead at the interval.

The second half period saw a much quieter half as both teams cancelled each other out, Lauren Goulder had a good chance immediately before being substituted but the ball went wide.

A mix up in Lowestoft back line saw Costessey get through and equalise on 69 minutes and that is how the game remained with neither side doing much to warrant winning it in the 90 minutes.

Lowestoft went to a 4-4-2 formation for the extra time period and the first 15 minutes of the 30 was the best attacking period of the whole game for the Trawler Girls, they were all over Costessey throughout the first half of extra time but unfortunately could not find a way through.

When you don't take your chances it can always come back to bite and the second half period was a different story as Costessey had two chances and scored with them both, Hannah Campbell in the 113th minute before Campbell again from the spot in the 118th minute without reply from Lowestoft to see Costessey reach the Norfolk Women and Girls League Final with a 3-1 victory after Extra time.

For Lowestoft, this was disappointing and a case of missed chances coming back to haunt them, however it must be remembered it is still a great achievement for Lowestoft to reach the Semi Finals in their first year since their re-birth in 2025.

As previewed in the week, Lowestoft had to be at their best to win and sadly they were not and Costessey were there to take their three opportunities when they came and reach the final.

It stings today, but the Trawler Girls can be proud of their brilliant season and focus now switches on turning their 100% League record to date into a Championship Title winning season. The two clubs meet again on Sunday 29th March when Lowestoft host Costessey Sports at Crown Meadow in a game that will go a long way to deciding who wins the title.

Before that, the next game for the Trawler Girls is a trip to Bure Valley on Sunday 22nd March where the team will look to bounce back immediately with three points.

Up the Trawler Girls!

By Darrell Allen