Luton Town Ladies fell to a 4-0 defeat away against Norwich City, in front of a crowd of 3,251 at Carrow Road.
Pre-match, the Ladies announced the signing of young talent Nia Bowman. The 19-year-old forward has joined the Hatters on a dual registration with tier-five side Atlético London.
Myles Maddix made one change to the side that defeated Milton Keynes Women last Sunday, with Shianne Swarres replacing the injured Sasha Smith.
Norwich set the tone very early on, a ball into the area was fired goalwards by Symonds, who was denied by an impressive save from Nicole Melling, less than 30 seconds after kick-off.
Just moments later, Riglar missed a golden opportunity for the hosts. Her headed effort was put over the bar from inches out.
With seven minutes gone, Norwich saw another chance come and go. This time it was Daviss, who was unmarked on the left-hand side and dragged her effort wide of Melling’s right post.
Melling was called into action yet again, this time to deny Snelling. Norwich’s number 10 unleashed a thumping effort on the volley from the centre of the area, but an excellent reaction save from Melling kept the score at 0-0.
The Town’s early resistance was broken in the twelfth minute. Williams’ delivery into the area following a corner was turned in on the volley by Kennard.
The Ladies couldn’t quite make it click in the opening exchanges. Shianne Swarres found herself in space in the centre of the pitch, but her pass down the line for Shanice Lewis was slightly overhit and the Canaries were able to regain possession.
A hopeful ball into the area from Emily Wilson posed no threat to the Norwich defence, with Mears quick off her line to claim the ball.
Wilson looked lively in the first half, her sharp turn enabled her to spin away from multiple Norwich defenders in the area, she fizzed a pass across the face of the goal, but the Canaries cleared in the nick of time.
With ten minutes to play at the end of the first half, Norwich doubled their lead. A smart flick in the area from the Norwich captain diverted a Williams free-kick into the back of the net.
The beginning of the second half mirrored the first, Melling was called into action twice, first denying Snelling and then King moments later.
Smith, one-on-one, was next to be denied by Melling. Luton’s number 21 was quick of her line and made another top save to prevent Norwich from extending their lead to three.
With little over twenty minutes to play, Norwich did get their third. Symonds did well to capitalise on a mix-up in the Hatters defence.
Five minutes after, the Canaries added a fourth. A slice of luck from the home side as Buttigieg’s attempted clearance cannoned off Smith and past Melling.
Nia Bowman was introduced for her Luton debut with ten minutes to play, replacing Lisa Milliken. Tanya Blacksley also came on in place of Nicole Farmer in the Town’s backline.
Town XI: Melling, Swarres (sub Fryer 85), Fensome (sub Maddix 90), Mulvaney, Wilson (sub Gayle 90), Buttigieg, Milliken (sub Bowman 79), Farmer (sub Blacksley 79), Leighton, Lewis, Beaufort.
Subs not used: Hudson, Sargeant
Words: Owen Williams
Picture: Duncan Jack Photo
