|
OLD CATTON v TAVERHAM – 4TH JANUARY
A cold and frosty morning for the first game of the New Year. Illness and accidents meant only one substitute available.
The game started slowly from our point of view. The Catton midfield were having far too much possession, and we had to survive a couple of early scares. There was no service at all to our front players. After 10 minutes, we conceded a poor goal from a scrambled corner. We then came into the game, Will showing some nice touches. Reuben volleyed a great equaliser following a cross from Jack G. We then pressed for the next 10 minutes, and looked the more likely to score. However, we conceded a second soft goal, to make the half-time score 1-2.
There was a fairly even start to the second half, before we allowed them to score another goal through poor marking - 3-1 down, and all to do. We did get another goal back, with Jack G volleying well past their keeper. Reuben then had a great chance to equalise, but it wasn’t to be. Jack D came on to replace Alex towards the end. Dom hit a great shot which was well saved by the Catton keeper. Near the end Catton scored a fourth, the surface not helping Oliver who let a shot bounce over his arms. Final score 2-4.
MAN OF THE MATCH:- Ben McLeary
DEREHAM v TAVERHAM – 18TH JANUARY – LEAGUE CUP QUARTER FINAL
The quarter finals of the cup saw us drawn away against Dereham. Following the 1-1 draw at Aldiss Park earlier in the season, the boys were feeling confident. However, after 5 minutes, Dereham went ahead – no-one putting in a tackle and leaving their forward with an easy finish. After this we got a grip on the game, and were playing some good football. Jack G had a couple of good chances to equalise, and the signs were encouraging. Any threats that came from Dereham were quickly dealt with by Dom and Freddie at the back, and it came as no surprise when we scored a deserved equaliser – Reuben brilliantly lobbing the keeper following a lovely through ball from Ben. Half-time score 1-1.
The second half started with us again on top – Reuben and Jack G involved in some excellent link up play forcing the Dereham keeper to make a great save from Jack’s left foot volley. A long ball caught out our defence, but Oliver made a good one on one save. Back to the other end and Will had a great run which ended with him shooting just wide. Dereham then hit the bar following a powerful strike. This turned out to be the slice of luck our play deserved, and shortly after Jack G scored what ended up as the winner, turning his marker and shooting with his left foot. After this, Luke came on to replace Alex. We stayed strong to the end for a fantastic victory – boys, parents and supporters all delighted! Final score 2-1.
MAN OF THE MATCH:- Reuben Winter
TAVERHAM v HELLESDON - 25TH JANUARY
Back to the league this week, and a wet and windy day greeted us at Hinks Meadow for the visit of Hellesdon. Captain Dom won the toss, enabling us to start the game with the wind in our favour. We looked dangerous from the off, and Jack G should have scored when through on goal. After 15 minutes we went 1-0 up – Reuben setting Will away down the right, who crossed for Jack G to finish. We were totally dominant, but then missed a couple of great chances to go further ahead, before a long kick from Oliver gave Jack G the chance to finish and make it 2-0. We should have gone on to increase our lead before half-time, but both Jack G and Dom failed to score from headers. Half-time score 2-0.
The wind was against us now, but we started brightly. Hellesdon then broke away. Oliver did well to slide out at their attackers feet, but the ball squirmed free and a Hellesdon player was first to react and put the ball in the net. This spurred us on again and we continued to play good football. Our 3rd goal came from a great through ball from Will, with Jack G completing his hat-trick. Luke and Jack D came on to replace Alex and James who had played well on his debut. Almost immediately Hellesdon were awarded a free kick which they smashed at our goal, bouncing up into Oliver. Again they were first to react heading the ball into the net and making it 3-2. Oliver then pushed a shot round the post, but this was the only other chance Hellesdon had. The game finished and the boys had earned another great win. Final score 3-2.
MAN OF THE MATCH:- James Smith
 Back
| 
