MATCH REPORT - NORTON RIDE THEIR POT LUCK

Wandgas Sports 3 v 4 Norton

15th November 2008 (H-T 1-2)

Goals: Curtis Roberts 1, Tobrise Chinosa 1, Dean Barrett 1, Mark Tcheang 1,

Man of the Match: Dean Barrett

It was hard to top last weeks performance for the sheer enjoyment of thrashing the league leaders but a new collective incentive had emerged. Beat Wandgas today and its possible that we could go top! At the start of the day 19 players had registered their availability however this did not present any selection difficulties. Player manager Howard Lewis had indicated this to his team this was a must win match, however, there was no need to instill further motivation. Norton had only picked up two away points out of a possible 9, scoring a total of 3, conceding 5 all on the road. If we are to excel in this division its our away form that will need to rapidly improve. All this would have to change today, on what was a relatively small, uneven, sloped pitch. Small being the operative word in terms of it being narrow. Never mind said few of the players "we'll play them on any surface".

In buoyant mood Norton players took to the field of play, creating the better chances. At first the game appeared to be going to form, Daron and Mark looked comfortable, Curtis and Dean were both having a ball and Tobrise hadn't even broke sweat. There wasn't anything to worry about, however on 18 minutes the first of a succession of long throw-in rained in on the Norton goal. It was going to be a long afternoon. Norton took the lead through Tobrise Chinosa who scored his first goal of the season. Andy Castle had an opportunity to put his side ahead when he was cut down in the box. He sent his penalty kick sailing high over the bar. Shortly afterward Wandgas won a free kick on the edge of the box. From the resulting passage of play Player Manager/Keeper made a hash of a lofted shot when he failed to clear only to see it nestle in the back of the net. Having seen the havoc Wandgas' long throw-in were creating Curtis Roberts began to do the same for Norton. Fortuitously, on 37th minute Curtis's throw-in sailed straight into the goal taking the slightest of touches of Dean Barretts er.....shadow/shin. Norton players ran away to celebrate going 2-1 ahead while players from Wandgas Sports hotly disputed the decision, stating "No one had touched the ball". Anyhow the goal was awarded by Mr Ian Brash (Referee) leaving many to ponder another of lives little mysteries. Anyhow 2-1 Norton at half-time.

Norton flew out of the block after the restart. Now playing the better football Dean Barrett and Curtis Roberts together went through the Wandgas defence like hot knives through butter. There was no surprise at all when a neat four man move involving one and two touch passes resulted in the goal of the match, scored by Curtis Roberts. The most composed finish of the day was produced by Mark Techang when he showed the art of keeping your head in the box. Wandgas 1 - Norton 4, game over? Having gone 3 goals up changes were made. Further chances were created but not taken, the unluckiest fell to Dean Barrett who could only watch his shot come back of the post. The easiest chance fell to Tom Webster who had come on as a sub. He sent his shot wide having created the opening for himself. With 25 minutes left to go the question on everyone lips was "would Norton pay for not taking their chances"? Wandgas 2 - Norton 4 came when a their tricky number 8 out stripped the Norton defence for pace but not Keeper Howard Lewis who got to the ball first. Penalty awarded, penalty scored. Wandgas 3 - Norton 4 came following a passage of play after Wandgas went route one with their trusted long thrower. With passions Wandgas went for an equaliser. Luis Azevedo also entering the match as a sub somehow stayed on the pitch after a reckless tackle on his opposite number, he was shown a yellow card. No such for the Wandgas player who was consequently shown a red for attempted retribution. Wandgas 4 - Norton 4 fortunately not. Last minute interventions by both defence and keeper ensured Norton went home with the points.

Man of the match: Dean Barrett