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.

"It doesn't matter which formation we play. The formation is just a vehicle for the players to show their individual quality, but it's definitely something we're going to try throughout the season."

A number of players appeared to benefit from the formation alteration, including Daviss, who featured on the right side of City's midfield and provided the assist for Kennard's goal as well as scoring her first of the season.

Millie Daviss fired home City's second of the afternoonMillie Daviss fired home City's second of the afternoon (Image: R.S.BROWN)

Daviss explained: "We wanted to press high, we wanted to be aggressive, and when we won the ball we were in really good positions to dominate the attack.

"We got told to play that little bit higher and I think it paid off, because we created a lot of chances today. The goalkeeper (Danielle) Clarke was on fire.

"I've been working on a lot of attacking elements of my game and it was a really good opportunity for me to use some of those practises that I've been doing."

Having begun the season predominantly as an option off the bench, Daviss has started four of City's last five games, but does not believe her spot in the team is assured.

"Our squad is so competitive so you can never be complacent with your performances," she said. "Every time you go out onto the pitch you have to perform - your space isn't safe.

"I think that's something that we all have in our heads. I haven't been playing for the last two years really, and it's been difficult because you get in, and then you get injured, but I think your mindset plays a big part.

"I've stuck to a goal and hopefully it's coming to fruition."

Norwich City (3-4-1-2): Quantrill (c); Flye, Medd-Gill, Strauss; Daviss, Moore, Morran (Booty 60), Tomlinson (Densley 77); Smith (Cook 43); Shaw (Symonds 60), Snelling (Kennard 78). Subs not used: Johnston, Locker.