Page 29 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.35 2022-23

Mulbarton Wanderers have retained the Norfolk Women’s League Division One with an unbeaten
record, overcoming a spirited effort from Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers to move into an
unassailable position in the last few weeks.
Martin and Doug Francis are a father-son coaching duo who are essential to the success the club
has had as a team over the years. The players moved over from Thorpe United to Mulbarton in 2020
with Martin and Doug, and they have grown from strength to strength, adding a Development team
and a seven-a-side team in a short space of time.
The first team are now unbeaten in 40 consecutive league games, 38 wins and 2 draws. This
season was really tough, the standard has definitely progressed and they were pushed all the way by
teams like Dussindale, Long Stratton and Thetford. Some key league games include playing
Dussindale two weeks in a row and winning 3-1 and 5-1, which was a key moment in terms of winning
the league.
“We've been through a lot as a team and I think what makes us as good as we are is how we stick
together in the tough moments on the pitch and off the pitch,” said Francis. “You can see that in some
of the results we've had this season where we've needed someone to step up and produce a moment
of magic for us, every player has had their time where they've stepped up and that's what's gotten us
over the line.
“We've also had a brilliant cup campaign, winning the League Plate and notably playing our
Development team in the final. The Devs have been brilliant in their debut season, a mixture of
developing young players, more experienced players on the pathway back into football, and players
who've played all their lives and are really enjoying their football. They finished third in Division Two
in their first season and had some standout moments so it was a proud day for the club to be able to
share a cup final with them.
“We also reached the first round proper of the FA Cup, one of only two Tier 7 teams in the
country to do so. We lost 8-1 to Tier 3 MK Dons but it was an experience that we'll never forget and
a fantastic moment for the club.
“Another highlight of the season was reaching the final of the Norfolk County Cup, played at
Carrow Road against Norwich City. We had some brilliant results along the way, notably beating
Wroxham 1-0 in the semi finals. Unfortunately it wasn't to be in the final and it was our third County
Cup Final defeat in a row, but again an unforgettable experience for the players and all those involved
in the club.
“We are very much a club rather than a set of teams and I'd also like to highlight the success of
our 7 a side team, who won their league and league cup this season and have been brilliant. Many of
the 7s players are also involved in the development and first team, such as Jo Hooper who had a
brilliant game in goal for the first team at Carrow Road and was the player of the match.
“Mulbarton is a community club and everyone involved are volunteers, giving up their time and
putting so much effort into making the ladies and men's teams what they are. The club secretary Cara
Anderson is also the first team goalkeeper and she does so much for the club. Huge thanks also go to
Natasha Evans, Rebekah Lake, Duane James, Jeff Nurse, Cara Skinner and everyone else who gives
us the platform and opportunity to play at the level we're at and continue to progress.”

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