Norwich City Women beat Redditch United Women 5-2 in FA Women’s Cup thriller

Norwich City Women advanced in the FA Women’s Cup with an entertaining 5-2 victory over Redditch United Women at Carrow Road on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Freya Lambert produced a superb hat-trick, while Holly May added two more as Norwich’s attacking quality proved decisive in a game that was far from straightforward.

Redditch United Women deserve credit for their resilience and attacking intent. They scored twice and caused problems on the counter-attack, but Norwich’s pace and movement in wide areas created too many chances over the 90 minutes. The home side’s pressing also forced several turnovers in dangerous positions, helping them build a lead they never fully surrendered.

Match overview

Norwich started quickly and were two goals ahead inside 20 minutes, with Lambert and May both finding the net. Redditch responded well and pulled one back through Abbie King before half-time. Norwich restored their two-goal cushion early in the second half, but Redditch again reduced the deficit through Niamh Doyle. The final 20 minutes belonged to Norwich, who scored twice more to seal a convincing win.

Key moments

• 6th minute: Norwich take the lead when Freya Lambert finishes from close range after a quick move down the left.
• 19th minute: Holly May doubles the advantage with a low strike from the edge of the box.
• 33rd minute: Redditch pull one back as Abbie King converts a well-worked counter-attack.
• 49th minute: Lambert restores Norwich’s two-goal lead with a composed finish.
• 61st minute: Niamh Doyle scores for Redditch to make it 3-2 and set up a tense spell.
• 74th minute: Lambert completes her hat-trick, finishing off a sweeping team move.
• 88th minute: May adds her second and Norwich’s fifth to confirm the result.

Tactical story

Norwich used width exceptionally well, stretching Redditch’s back line and creating space for late runs into the box. Their pressing was also effective, forcing Redditch into hurried clearances that were often recycled quickly. Redditch’s best moments came when they broke at speed, but they could not sustain that intensity defensively. Once Norwich tightened their midfield in the final 20 minutes, the game swung decisively in the home side’s favour.

Standout players

Lambert was the headline performer with three goals and constant movement that troubled the Redditch defence all evening. May’s two goals and link-up play were equally important, while Norwich’s midfield kept the team ticking with quick passing. For Redditch, King and Doyle took their goals well and showed why they remain a dangerous attacking outfit.

What the result means

Norwich City Women move into the next round with confidence and a five-goal performance that underlines their attacking depth. Redditch United Women exit the competition but can take heart from their two goals and spells of quality. The FA Women’s Cup result gives Norwich momentum and a memorable hat-trick for Lambert to build on.