Bury St Edmunds Ladies gain promotion after finishing second in East Women's League Division 2NE

Bury Ladies I started their East Women’s League Division 2NE game against Norwich Dragons II knowing that second-placed Watton I had earlier lost at champions North Norfolk I.

Bury in third place, and Dragons in fourth were contesting a winner-takes-all promotion game.

Having hit the post twice in the first three minutes, Bury stormed into an early two-goal lead but were soon pegged back to 2-2 as their initial dominance was eroded.

However, a goal just before half time put Bury back in the lead.

They came out strongly in the second half and eventually broke the will of a spirited Norwich Dragons side to emerge 5-2 winners.

The victory sees them claim the second promotion place in the process.

The final whistle brought scenes of joy at Culford, particularly for coach Nick Thorpe in his first season with the Ladies I.

Bury’s goals were scored by Mazz Chapman, Dom Dyball (3) and Millie Collins.

l The Ladies II lost 3-1 away at Horncastle I.

Bury took the lead through Daisy Alfred-Allen but Horncastle overran them to come out winners.

Bury retained second place in Division 3NW meaning they are promoted.

l Bury Ladies III had a cracking 4-1 win in Division 4NW(S), away at Newmarket II.

Their goals coming from Millie Gale, Cheryl Bosman and Clare Parker (2).

l The Ladies IV drew 1-1 in Division 5NW(S) against already-promoted Cambridge City VI – the Bury goal coming from Kathryn Mitchell.

l In the Junior section, both the boys’ and girls’ under-14 sides won their EH Championship matches by the same 3-1 score.

The boys won away at Spalding, all three goals coming courtesy of Ben Smart.

The girls beat Bishop’s Stortford, with goals coming from Zynia Delglyn, Katie Rogers and Josie Gooderham.

Players of the week: Ladies I squad – Paul Whiting, Jude Christie, Peter Lillistone, Alex Tollit, Josie Gooderham, Ben Smart.