MATCH REPORT - NORTON MAKE HAY AT GARRETT PARK

Saturday 13th September 2008

Norton 5 v 2 Old Plymouthians

(H-T 1-2)

Goals: Curtis Roberts 4, Joseph Muvunyi, 1

Man of the Match: Curtis Roberts


Let the League beginning or not in the case of the match referee, who failed to show at Garrett Park for the second week running! Easily forgiven I guess, given the height of the grass and unexpected sunshine. Nevertheless, despite a referee no show the game went ahead.

With a strong squad to pick from, Howard selected a physical and quick team. These destructive elements contributed to the winning formula.

The first 10-15 mins, Norton passed the ball well. The physical contribution of the midfield was taken its toll on the opposition. Then Curtis (MOM) picked up the ball on the left wing, came inside on his right foot and unlashed an unstoppable 20-25 yard strike. Old Plytmouthians (OP) knew they were in for a tough game and reverted to a comfortable 4-4-2 formation. All of a sudden Norton looked apprehensive. With this new found confidence, OP looked menacing and scored with their first attack. A defensive mistake gave the OP’s forward to execute a smart chip over the keeper. 1-1 seemed unfair to Norton but OP were exploring the gaps appearing in the midfield. All of a sudden, Norton was 2-1 down. A purposeful run from OP’s midfielder slipping in a cutting ball through to the forward. In turn a great ball cross the box was finished with a fierce shot to the bottom left for the Norton Keeper’s goal. Half-time couldn’t have come any earlier for Norton.

The half-time interval was the chance for Howard to install disciple back into Norton. Out went the battle cry, “Let’s turn this place into a fortress, followed by a new found collective decision to focus on the opposition’s weakness rather than our own.

Second half started with Norton going direct, turning a tired but knowledgeable OP defence at every attack. Surely it would only be a matter of time. With an excellent through ball from the midfield, Curtis scored a goal reminiscent of ‘T Henry’ (A former Arsenal player of allegedly good repute), coming in from the left curling a shot round the keeper to the far side of the goal. The Norton train was back on the rails. Within 15mins of the second half starting, Norton and Curtis Roberts scored goal #3, before Joseph Muvunyi' deft lob/chip/shot googly foxed the OP keeper to relax Norton nerves. Norton continued to carve OP apart, particularly down their right flank. As both full backs joined the attacked, there was a collective sense that the home side would press home their advantage. At the back and centre both midfield and defence remained solid resembling the Statue of Liberty. When called upon in goal, Nuno De Jesus did very well making numerous timely edge of the box interventions. Strong Solid, dominating was a common Norton trend with Captain Callis and Luis Azevedo quietly showing the way. Both Norton fullbacks continued to provide most of the best passages of play. OP didn’t have the firepower or fitness to compete, consequently Curtis Roberts scored a 4th, and his side’s 5th and was duly substituted.

With every Norton player putting in a shift and scoring a collective mark of 8 out ten, one could conclude that this game might have come a little too early for OP. Be that as it may the season has started with Norton blasting their way to a win that they deserved. The question on everyones lips is "can we maintain this level of play next week against fellow league title contenders Wilf Kroucher?"

Dear reader, thank you for visit our blog, we operate four amateur football teams. Each team has its own brand of individualism however very much subcribes to the club motto of 'All in One Hundred Percent". We welcome assistance, investment or new players. For more information on club activities please contact Howard Lewis on 07951 022060 or Trevor Bryan on 07831 276411 or visit:

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