Darrell Allen looks in further depth at Lowestoft Ladies 4-1 win at Mulbarton and brings us six things you might have missed from the opening day victory.

Perfect response

Following a disappointing FA Cup exit to Needham Market last Sunday, not so much losing the game but the manner in which it was lost with the cheap goals and concentration lapses at set pieces left Lowestoft needing to get back on track. An opening day league fixture at Mulbarton had all the makings of a tricky start but Lowestoft navigated the first league hurdle with flying colours.

This 4-1 victory the perfect way to forget about the FA Cup and start the title defence in style, after going in level at the break three goals in a blistering 26 minute second half period where Lowestoft were at their best saw them blow away a fellow Championship contender. This was a message sent out to the division and a statement victory, if Lowestoft play as well as they did in the second half at Mulbarton nobody would bet against them retaining their title.

Captain Marcie

A change in captaincy personnel for Lowestoft but no change in standards with Marcie Prettyman standing in as captain for Charnelle Riggall, absent from this League opener. A different armband wearer but Prettyman rose to the occasion, orchestrating the team personnel verbally from the off to ensure all present at Mulberry Park knew who the Lowestoft captain was.

Through the tricky moments in the game in the early stages you heard Marcie most, lifting the players and keeping spirits positive, she combined that with several of her trademark thunderous tackles that we saw so regularly during last season, Prettyman was the role model of this occasion and showed everyone she is a perfectly able stand in should she be needed as captain in future. Prettyman nearly rounded off a Player of the Match performance with a goal in the second half but her long range effort went narrowly over the crossbar.

Consistent Hunter

For the clubs newest singing Ellie Hunter this was no doubt a strange fixture, an opening day return to the venue where she played for Mulbarton for multiple seasons, reaching several county cup finals, winning league titles and creating such amazing memories, this fixture inevitably came with lots of emotions for the midfielder but like the Needham game it was a performance of note from Hunter.

The midfielder quietly went about her business in the centre of the park braking up play and producing several trademark precision passes, this was another fine afternoon's work and the consistency in Hunter's opening two performances at Lowestoft gives great encouragement and this already looks like a fabulous piece of transfer business. The fact returning to Mulbarton didn't phase the midfielder and her ability to play consistently well in two different but equally demanding fixtures is hugely encouraging for the challenges that lie ahead during the season.

Brilliant Bell

Abi Bell was one of many stand out performers on what turned out to be a very fine afternoon for Lowestoft. Bell produced one of her best performances in a Lowestoft shirt. The opening moments of the game were challenging but Bell had the ability to create something out of nothing when on 5 minutes a perfectly placed ball found Mia Rose who did the rest to give Lowestoft the lead.

Bell was lively throughout the contest with some moments of brilliance and her dancing feet caused Mulbarton multiple problems. Bell rounded off a fine performance with a trademark goal during the second half, every time Bell scores it is usually a strike from distance this one was another to add to her scrapbook of goals as a super strike gave the Mulbarton keeper no chance and it was the goal that put comfortable distance between the sides and sent Lowestoft well on their way to victory.

Successful Adaptability

Following a first half injury to Mia Wilson, that left the coaching staff with the necessity to throw Erin Stocking in at right back, in one of the hardest away games of the season to expect a young player to jump in at right back with no notice was a challenge that Stocking accepted and passed with distinction.

An excellent display in which she thwarted one of the local games highest regarded strikers in Rebekah Lake multiple times during the first half was a super positive from a difficult opening period. Part of Lowestoft's philosophy is bringing young players through and when they can adapt quickly and perform out of position it is even better. Erin Stocking stood up to the occasion and made a vital contribution to this excellent team performance.

Strike Partnership

Another plus point to the afternoon was the strike partnership of Beth Turner and Louise Nichols who linked up together brilliantly through the contest. Turner scored a well deserved brace and was unlucky not to have more and Nichols was unfortunate not to score at all. Both players looked lively and as a partnership they will be a threat to all teams in this division as we go through the season.

This partnership is perfect with the experience of Turner and upcoming talent of Nichols they both bounce off each other and the afternoon saw loads of positives and encouragement for the season ahead.

With the next three league fixtures seeing them come up against newly promoted clubs with Shrublands away sandwiched between a Hickling home and away early season double header. If Lowestoft's attitude is right, The fixtures on paper provide the opportunity for this partnership to further click and opportunities for more goals.

The ladies next league fixture is away to Hickling on Sunday 27th September with kick off at 2pm.

Up the Trawler Girls!

Photo Credit: Lucy Eagle