A Beth Turner Hat Trick, a brace from Lauren Goulder, plus a goal each from Mia Wilson, Imogen Smith, Marcie Prettyman, Louise Nichols, Tayler Cooke, Abi Bell and Zoe Gibbons saw Lowestoft comfortably secure their place in the Quarter Finals of the Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup.

Lowestoft took a bit of time to get going but once they did there was no turning back, and to Long Strattons credit they were fabulous in how they conducted themselves on and off the pitch from the moment arriving at Crown Meadow to leaving at the end of the afternoon.

Approximately 10 minutes in Mia Wilson fired a shot which went just over the bar. Long Stratton managed to hold out for the first quarter of the match against Lowestoft who are two divisions and 24 places higher in the NWGFL pyramid.

On 23 minutes the first goal of the afternoon came with Beth Turner scoring from close range, the second for Turner and Lowestoft came just three minutes later assisted by Lauren Goulder who kept up her record of scoring or assisting in every appearance this season.

On the hour mark it was three thanks to Mia Wilson, the fourth came from Imogen Smith just under 10 minutes later and right on the stroke of Half Time Marcie Prettyman made it 5-0 as Lowestoft had won the tie and some in with five goals in 22 minutes at the end of the first half.

The end of first half goal fest meant Iain Spoor had the luxury of being able to rotate utilise his entire squad of 16 with everyone gaining valuable minutes and some players getting a deserved second half rest.

The rotation didn't stop Lowestoft, with the tie won Lowestoft could have played the clock down but all players involved in the game maintained excellent standards throughout and deservedly added a further seven second half goals.

Louise Nichols got the ball rolling in the second period from the bench with the sixth following a great assist from Mia Rose.

One of the highlights of the day was the seventh goal, after scoring Nichols then provided the assist for a brilliant finish and a first goal in a Lowestoft shirt for summer signing Tayler Cooke, which produced great scenes of celebration when this goal was scored.

The eighth saw Brooke Osborne provide the assist for Abi Bell, Zoe Gibbons joined the scoresheet with the ninth of the afternoon before Lauren Goulder added her brace with the 10th and 11th and could have scored several more on the day herself.

Beth Turner who managed to go on, off, on and off the pitch again completed the scoring and her Hat-trick with the 12th from the penalty spot.

For an afternoon where Lowestoft had all the pressure on them, this was a brilliant performance keeping standards and professionalism high throughout the contest and Lowestoft were fully deserving of the 12-0 win.

Long Stratton players and staff were all a credit to themselves and their football club and played with smiles and enjoyment throughout in what was another great advert for sportsmanship in the NWGFL. In a cup competition where many clubs just don't turn up and give a walkover to the other side, Long Stratton deserve enormous credit for making the trip out to the coast and for playing their part in this cup tie. Everyone at Lowestoft wishes them well and hopes they have a fabulous rest of their season.

The result no surprise to anybody but the way Lowestoft went about it will be the most pleasing take away for manager Iain Spoor and his coaching staff.

Lowestoft will travel to Mulbarton in the Quarter Finals which are scheduled to take place on Sunday 24th January 2027.

Next game for Lowestoft is more cup action with a trip to Stowmarket Town in the second round of the Suffolk Women's Cup this Sunday 15th November with an earlier kick off at 1.30pm.

Up the Trawler Girls!

By Darrell Allen

Photo: Matty Cozens of MGC Photography East Anglia

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