Shianne Swarres’ late free-kick earned the Town an impressive point against second-placed Norwich City.
Myles Maddix made a host of changes from last Sunday’s 5-1 victory away at Biggleswade United, including a first start since October for Fiona Buttigieg, and a first since August for Courtnay Ward-Chambers. The Town’s bench was boosted by the return of Emily Wilson, who was also been on the sidelines since October.
The first chance of the afternoon fell the Ladies’ way. An inswinging free-kick from Fiona Buttigieg eventually found its way into the path of Courtnay Ward-Chambers, who fired the ball goalwards, but wasn’t able to test Quantrill in the Canaries’ net.
At the other end, the visitors should have taken the lead. Symonds, unmarked at the back-post, could only put her headed effort wide of Sarah Hudson’s left-hand post.
With 25 played, Norwich did take the lead. Faith Harrison found herself in space outside the area and unleashed a powerful strike that sailed past Hudson.
The Town kept the visitors at bay for a majority of the opening 45, but trailed by one at the break.
It was a positive start to the second half from the Ladies, Jànaye Beaufort’s effort from the edge of the area was easily held by Quantrill.
Just moments later, another chance came and went for the Town. Ward-Chambers’ effort from just inside the area was hit over the bar.
A rare second half surge forward from the Canaries resulted in a tame delivery into the area, allowing a commanding Hudson to claim the ball.
With minutes remaining at the end of the 90, a Shianne Swarres screamer drew the game level. After Buttigieg was brought down on the left, Swarres stood over the ball, and from an almost-impossible angle, curled it into the far right corner.
After surviving some late Norwich pressure, the Town were able to hold onto a much-deserved point at Barton.
Town: Hudson, Lewis, Blacksley, Swarres, Tambula, Mulvaney, Maddix, Buttigieg, Milliken, Ward-Chambers, Beaufort. Unused subs: Melling, Fensome, McLean.
Words from the boss
Myles reflected on the match, saying: “I think we tested ourselves really well against a good Norwich side. I thought going down one-nil in the first half was quite harsh. We took it to them from the first minute, until the last and I can’t wait to see the footage of Shi’s goal back.
"Coming into tier-four was a massive jump, we took our time, but now we have found our feet. I can only credit my coaching staff, the work they put in behind closed doors, understanding the concepts of training and preparing for matchdays, they’ve done a fantastic job.
"And as for the players, every single player, whether they were in the squad or not today, have the right mentality, they know what we have to give and if you look across the league, that has been reflected in our recent improvements.”
Words: Owen Williams
Photos: Duncan Jack
