Norwich City Women boss on Natasha Snelling scoring form
Norwich City Women boss Andy Cook said he knew the goals would come for Natasha Snelling after the striker netted a hat-trick in the Canaries’ 5-0 win over Needham Market.
Snelling had gone five weeks without scoring a goal but was in a ruthless mood on Sunday as City progressed in the Women’s FA Cup, securing the match-ball with three clinical finishes.
Millie Daviss and Holly Kennard also proved their worth in front of goal to help City end the game with a scoreline to match their convincing performance at The Nest.
When asked about the significance of Snelling’s three strikes following a dry spell, Cook responded: “It’s one where we’re fully aware of it, and she’s no doubt fully aware of it, but we’ve not spoken about it.
“Ultimately we want the team to win and the team to play well, and if Tash can score and help us win, that’s great.
“Today she got a hat-trick, which is fantastic for her, but it’s most important that the team wins. When she hasn’t scored and has been contributing to the team, that’s what we’re after as well.
“The goals will come for her, and came today, and that’ll give her confidence moving forward. We’re delighted for her and delighted for the team to put the ball into positions so she can score.”
Since Cook’s arrival in the summer, City have operated with four players across their defensive line, but started with a back-three against Needham.
Explaining that decision, Cook said: “To be really honest, that’s all we’ve been trying to do with a back four. We wanted Hope (Strauss) and Ceri (Flye) either side of the midfielder, and Tam (Tamsin Medd-Gill) as the midfielder dropping in.
“We started with that and wanted to work with it, and to be honest, (I’ve had) good feedback from the players. I think the other side of it as well was Issy Moore moving into midfield. She’s a great prospect and she controlled the game.
“The shape we went with was what we’ve been trying to get to for a few weeks, but this was a little more direct of, ‘we’re just going to put you there and see what happens.’ It was a good game to try it and it worked well I thought.
