Norwich City Women's boss Shaun Howes on Ashford Town Ladies draw

Both teams had chances to break the deadlock, none more so than the hosts, who missed a penality in the second half, and Howes admitted the contest could have gone either way. 

“We could have come away with the win but so could have they,” said Howes. “It is really pleasing we have kept a clean sheet as we haven’t had one in the league for a while. 

“We played some really good football but again it’s the decisions in the final third. 

“If they are different then we win it. It was a frustrating day but a really good performance. 

“We have had three or four good chances, in fact, we have had the best of the chances. 

“They have had a penalty, but I think that was a bit dubious. Luckily, she’s missed it so we have got a little bit lucky there, but we could have had a penalty ourselves if we had a stronger referee. 

Norwich City Women complain at the award of a penalty against Ashford (Image: Jack Maclean)

“We wanted to come here and play our way because we haven’t in the past few weeks, so I am really pleased with the girls’ effort.” 

Ashford Town will be coming to Norfolk for their showcase tie at Carrow Road against Norwich next month. 

This was Howes’ first chance to have a look at the opponents for that day. 

“They play a certain way, it was good to see them but it will definitely be an entertaining game at Carrow Road,” he added. 

Towards the end of the game every player was giving their all, and Howes enjoyed seeing that. 

“That’s what you want to see. You want a battle. You want a war. You leave it on the pitch and shake each other’s hands at the end of the game. 

“We will go again when we play them in April.” 

Winger Ella Gambell believes a share of spoils was a fair result. 

“We got a point out of it so it’s not the worst result,” she said. “Very frustrating, the pitch isn’t the best but besides that, I feel we worked really well as a team, and we stuck together, and I think we worked well together. 

“I don’t think they're a team that likes to play with the ball on the ground. 

“If we play them on a 3G pitch or when we do at Carrow Road I don’t think they will cause us issues. I’m sure we can do it at Carrow Road.” 

The game got a bit scrappy in the later stages with both sets of players making big challenges and becoming fired up.  

“That adds to it 100pc” she added. “We will want it even more when we play them at Carrow Road, especially with the fans there as well. We will want to put on a show for our fans. 

“It’s unbelievable that we already have the backing of 3,000 fans for that game. 

“As a little kid that’s all you’ve wanted, isn’t it? That’s your dream to play in front of all those people, so hopefully will get the result for them.” 

Norwich City Women are back in action this evening when they face Cambridge City away. 

“Quick turnaround,” said Howes. “We hope to put in a good performance. Hopefully there’s no knocks or niggles and we will have a strong team to put out.”