Natasha Snelling double condemns Cambridge United Women to defeat at Norwich City Ladies

Cambridge United Women are still looking for their first points of the new FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) Division One South East campaign after they suffered a 2-0 defeat away at Norwich City on Sunday.

Despite the loss, Darren Marjoram’s side made a promising start to proceedings, pressing their hosts high up the pitch.

Their early persistence was awarded with a free kick after three minutes, following a foul on Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, but the delivery was too close to Canaries goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill.

The hosting shot-stopper had to be alert again moments later to tip Mollie Coupar’s effort out of play. The U’s attacker was making her second debut since re-joining the club last week.

However, it was Norwich who broke the deadlock midway through the first half as Natasha Snelling found the bottom-right corner with a first-time finish from the edge of the penalty area.

Although it was the Canaries who gathered momentum following the opener, the U’s almost levelled proceedings before half-time when Bella Simmons forced Quantrill into another save after a quick United break.

Quantrill was also equal to Emma Wallis’ guided header at the start of the second period.

For all their efforts, the U’s fell two goals down with 25 minutes remaining as Snelling bagged her second of the game – turning home Isabelle Moore’s inch-perfect cross – to help her side start their campaign with back-to-back victories.

The U’s, who are one of two teams yet to register a point after the first two matches, travel to Northampton Town tonight in the FAWNL League Cup.

Marjoram’s side will then host Chesham United on Sunday (1 September).