Results

LADIES 2ND XI - 04/03/2017 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 04/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 04/03/2017 
HEADLINE: Francis secures 2nd hat-trick of the season! 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Harleston 
RESULT: Won 6-1 
 
REPORT:City took on Harleston Magpies 4’s this week with the objective being to rack up some goals to help out top of the table goal difference tussle. 
 
We knew it wasn’t going to be the easiest of games as Harleston sit 5th in the table and held us to a draw at home in the first half of the season. We started with umph and were 2 – 0 up within 10 minutes, slick passing and great movement on and off the ball created a short corner opportunity. Leigh Ann Worral took the straight strike from the top of the D and rocketed the ball into the goal, 1-0. It was then following some beautiful and effortless passing from Becky Gaffney, Milly Brown and Hannah Jarvis it fell to Ellie Brine who put a perfectly weighted ball into the D for Emily Francis to flick reverse stick past the keeper. 
 
City then started to slow down and heavy leg syndrome took hold, the simple and effective passing ceased. The score remained 2-0 at half time, post team talk from ‘The Calm One’ and ‘The Angry One’, aka our coaches, we went out with determination and on a fresh slate. 
 
It wasn’t long before great play across the back between Leigh Ann Worral, Karren Dagless and Annabelle Pheonix created another attacking opportunity. Rosie Humphrey had a shot saved by the keeper and then pushed it out to Emily Francis waiting on the far post, who popped the ball into the bottom corner below the diving keeper. 
 
Harleston, who looked quick on the break, proved indeed they were, when they put together some slick passes and scored.  
 
It wasn’t long before Ellie Pitcher and Angela Hindle were linking up excellently and the goals flowed, Kate Hartland beating the onrushing keeper during a short corner routine and then shortly after smashing the ball into the goal when 1 on 1 with the keeper. City kept the intensity up Danni Garwood and Summer Haylock kept solid in defence, a final goal and hat-trick was scored by Emily Francis when she received the ball at the top of the D and reverse swept it past the keeper with only a few minutes to go. Final score was 6 – 1 and the chase for promotion is still on. 
 
POTM Emily Francis.  

LADIES 3RD XI - 04/03/2017 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 04/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 04/03/2017 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: TAVERHAM RECREATION FACILITY 
RESULT: 1-1 DRAW 
 
REPORT: 
The Womens 3's had the home advantage playing against the Dragons 3's who were one place above them in the league.  
 
Through the first half Dragons proved to be quite tough, however this did not stop City. They pushed into Dragons half having many shots at goal but Dragon's were defending well. City managed to keep possession through fantastic passes and great skills. Eventually City managed to cross the ball with a reverse sweep into the penalty flick spot were Jennifer Stanghan got a touch on the ball deflected it onto Olivia Greenway who was at left post, and with one sweep it was in the goal and City were 1-0 up going into half time. 
 
Determined to keep their lead, City started the second half dominating the game. Again there were many shots on goal but none succeeding and with time ticking away City were beginning to tire. With only 2 minutes left Dragon's managed to get past City's defence and had a shot on goal which came off several players before deflecting into the side netting, despite Milly Hyatt’s best efforts to save it. City were disappointed to have not come away with all 3 points, but were still pleased with a respectable 1-1 draw having put in a very strong team performance. 
 
Player of the Match was deservedly awarded to Hannah Bush for her continued work rate and determination. 
 

LADIES 5TH XI - 04/03/2017 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 6 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 04/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 04/03/2017 
HEADLINE: Back to their winning ways 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 2 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Harleston 
RESULT: 4-1 
 
REPORT: Norwich went out all guns blazing. The first 10 minutes saw Norwich press hard & it wasn't long before they were awarded a short. Ali stepped up to the mark & just like last week fired the ball straight into the back of the net. Ellie again had some great runs down the line. The next goal scored by Kitty came from a strong run from a Ellie weaving passed several players leaving a one on one with the goalie, instead of trying to score she played a great pass across the goal to Kitty making the first half end 2-0. Second half Norwich stayed strong. Harleston had a break & unfortunately Ali tried to show her football skills just inside the D which gave away a short corner. Norwich thought they would try a new tactic which left the right goal post open allowing Harleston to score. This didn't deter Norwich & again a great run from Ellie saw her score closely followed by another by Kitty from a deflection of a Harleston defender. Final score 4-1. Well done everyone, great team work. 
Player of the match Ellie Hobden 
 

LADIES 6TH XI - 04/03/2017 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 6 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 6th XI 
DATE: 04/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 6th XI VS 04/03/2017 
HEADLINE: The traditionally tough Battle of the Sixes  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 2 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Dragons' Den 
RESULT: 1-1 
 
REPORT: 
The last few matches against Dragons 6s have ended in a draw and this local derby was no different. Dragons 6s are on form at the moment, and players on both teams arrived expecting the traditionally tough Battle of the Sixes. City went ahead within seconds of push back after a free hit from Carol McNarry was eventually sent into the D and netted by Julia Marchant. The rest of the match wasn’t quite so easy, with Dragons playing their signature skilful triangle-passing game that their opponents know and love so well (not!) and City getting in the middle of the play to break it up and intercept balls. City defended well with Annabelle Conway clearing on the line (and winning runner-up player of the match). City keeper Grace Thrower also made some fantastic saves that merited a mention in the Dragons' own report of the match as well as the NCHC player of the match award. City attacked and defended hard but unfortunately, Dragons managed to pull a goal back, keeping the score line a traditional even stevens. The rest of the match was a good-natured and tough battle, with City stepping up the pressure after pitch-side coach Dave Skinner instructed the team to take out the Dragons' experienced playmaker in the centre of the pitch. City seemed to have the slight upper hand towards the closing stages of the game but the team unfortunately couldn’t penetrate the Dragons' defence. City won plenty of short corners, and defended plenty more, but the result stayed a draw. 
 

LADIES 7TH XI - 04/03/2017 VS UEA 4 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 7th XI 
DATE: 04/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 7th XI VS 04/03/2017 
HEADLINE: Sluggish start from City punnished by UEA 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 3 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 1 - 6 
 
REPORT: The Womens 7s paid the price for a slow start and never really got going against a well organised and strong UEA team. UEA dominated possession in the first half and netted 5 goals. City kept plugging away though with Sam Harvey and Megan Hawker finding their feet quickly on their debuts. Despite an early goal for UEA the balance of play was more even in the second half with City passing more consistently. Pressure eventually told with a goal from Jane Ewing which helped her win Player of the Match. As in previous weeks 6 players received votes for player of the match with an honorable mention to Nicky Warde-Aldam who had her best performance of the season in midfield. 
 

LADIES DEVELOPMENT XI - 04/03/2017 VS YARMOUTH (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens Development XI 
DATE: 04/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens Development XI VS 04/03/2017 
HEADLINE: A well-earned win for Devs Girls  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT:6:0 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City 6 Yarmouth 0 
 
The girls put in a superb all round hockey display, improving during each quarter, to see off a competitive Yarmouth team. 
 
The first quarter saw most of the play in the Yarmouth half with attacks from Abi Flatt down the left channel being thwarted. Towards the end of the quarter Abi Hill and Maddie Smith saw more of the ball down the right-hand side and after a good interchange between Effie Bowley and Maddie the ball was released down the right flank for Niamh Campbell to drive towards the circle and her pass found Abi Flatt whose second attempt at goal squeezed in at the near post. 
 
With a change of personnel during the second quarter and a shuffling of positions, the girls began moving the ball around sweetly and Frances Underhill became more influential. Millie Beard making her debut settled in seamlessly and worked well alongside the tireless Lucy Jenkinson to snuff out the occasional Yarmouth foray into our half. Although no goals were scored the positives were the number of penalty corners that were won and chances created.  
 
The second half began with a bang as the ball was recycled quickly from left to right giving Niamh another chance to cross the ball and player of the match Frances arrived to score a great goal. In an almost carbon copy move Sabina Baker and Lottie Smith worked the ball to the right releasing Niamh whose cross this time saw Evie Thorpe's first time slap shot beat the Yarmouth keeper. With confidence rising Frances and Abi's dominant running saw the girls create chance after chance with Freya Myhill being unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. 
The final quarter continued in the same Niamh finding Abi again to make the score 4-0. The girls continued to push forward and after a good tackle from Grace Adams and great support work from Abi Hill, Abi F raced to the circle and her shot was pushed under the goalkeeper's foot by Evie. With almost the last play of the game Abi completed her hat trick with a deflected shot that went in off a Yarmouth defender. 
 
It was a real privilege to watch the girls perform so well and with great team work and spirit throughout. A special mention must go to Imogen Bassett who kept the substitutes entertained with plenty of dancing and dabs as she was a virtual spectator in goal for the match. 
 
Greame Campbell 
 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 04/03/2017 VS FELIXSTOWE (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 04/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 04/03/2017 
HEADLINE: Composed City make Possession Pay 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: Felixstowe 
RESULT: 1-4 
 
REPORT: 
On a bleak afternoon, City rolled into Felixstowe, confident and ready to play. City started with a controlled tempo to there liking; lots of transfers against a half court pressing Felixstowe meant City spent the majority of the time on the ball. The first goal came from a sizzling run by Luke Corden to receive a precise aerial from Thomas Cooke (who still had a hurty neck), further fancy play by Luke followed by a great finish by Dan Cheesman from an acute angle gave city the lead, proving to all those who still may be doubting that 'it ain't easy being Cheesy'. City still retaining possession for large periods of time seemed to be on top, until a quick counter attack, gave Felixstowe thier first goal. Scores tied City were keen to reassert there dominance the second goal came from Jeremy Elliott, scoring a short corner from no further than 8 yards out, helping city to regain there lead for the second half.  
During the second half chances came thick and fast for City, only denied by thier keepers ability and lucky on the line defending by Felixstowe. Eventually the superior ability of City, gave Jeremy his second goal from a low drag flick into the bottom right corner and City were up 3-1. Keeping a calm head City continued to maintain good periods of possession against the half court pressing Felixstowe. But there structure was disrupted after Sam Tomlinson decided to show the opposition who the real big man was followed by a yellow card for Sam shortly following a somewhat harsh green card for Chris Wardale. City, down to nine, defended well and after the return of the roadman to the pitch were able to restabilise. Then in the dying breaths of the game City scored once more through the new stick of Jeremy Elliot, the Hat trick hero. To everyone's amazement David Skinner decided to lay on an open goal for Jeremy Elliott as City countered with a 2 on 1 with the keeper! A well played 4-1 victory. 

MENS 2ND XI - 04/03/2017 VS BLUEHARTS 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 04/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 04/03/2017 
HEADLINE: Crowd Pleaser! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 4-4 
 
The pre-match talk involved a Hindle white board session a rare occurrence which motivated the 2's A must win game in their relegation fight. 
Norwich were straight out of the blocks closing blueharts down giving them no time & space. Norwich enjoyed a good spell of possession Youngsters Bingham & Ingham intercepting passes & both being used well as wide outlets. Rob Duffy with some driving runs & composed possession in the centre half role. Unfortunately Blueharts took the lead against the run of play, city were 1-0 down. Gill, Silvester & Cox pressurising the blueharts back 4 well. 
A ball into the D from Gill was pounced on by Silvester to sweep it through the legs of the goalkeeper & what looked like into the goal apart from a blueharts clowns foot on the goaline prevented this & a penalty flick was awarded. Up stepped Hindle to dispatch the P. flick straight down the middle. 1-1 Game on City back on level terms & deservedly so. City looked to be on top again some great energy. Yet again city found themselves a goal down 2-1 blueharts. Anyone who watches the 2's regularly knows that entertainment is always guaranteed & what a crowd pleaser this game was! 
2-1 down but not out of it at all. An aerial ball played to Brine who's shot with some blueharts assistance made it 2-2 only 3 mins until half time & city make it hard work again by conceding a goal with a minute until half time 3-2 down. Some Inspiring & positive words from captain Hindle. Still showing great solidarity the city team came straight back at blueharts  
An interception from Silvester which fell to plumb who played Silvester in only for the blueharts goalkeeper to make a wild lunge & forgetting to go for the ball. A penalty flick awarded & lunging goalkeeper waved goodbye with a yellow card. The blueharts team took a while to decide what to do & who should go in goal. At this point Plumb points out that this flick is a make break for the season! 
Hindle requests Cox to step up for the flick (No Pressure) thankfully Cox dispatches & city go 3-3 some great pacey runs from Gill (Unsure where the pitch ends) Bingham being used well down the right. City looking on top with hard work in the middle from Hindle & Morgan. A driving run from Gill on the right is played into the D for Silvester only for him to be pushed by a blueharts player, short corner awarded & blueharts player waved off with a yellow card much to his appeals of innocence. 
Hindle steps up to lash his short corner in the right corner 4-3 up  
This game looked to be heading City's way. The usually assured Crichton at the back made an exceptional interception only for him to uncharacteristically give the ball straight back to blueharts. 
Crichton then slipped in a Gerrard style manner & lost his player blueharts took full advantage & finished to make it 4-4.  
The final score 4-4 the disappoint on citys players very apparent. The spectators got the best deal out of this game great entertainment but not the result the 2's needed 
Bring on Harleston next week! 
WARNING Watching City 2's increases blood pressure & all kinds of emotions, but above all Great Entertainment! 

MENS 3RD XI - 04/03/2017 VS CAMBRIDGE SOUTH (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 04/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 04/03/2017 
HEADLINE: 1st half performance costs City  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH 
VENUE: Long Road Sixth Form  
RESULT: 4-2 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
With Cambridge South providing City with there only fixture against a team in the bottom half of the table, City's travelling 11 knew this would be a crucial game in the battle for survival with both teams level on points heading into the game. Rocking up in Cambridge and arriving seeing a 1st squad full of 15 players filled City with great confidence before the start??? 
 
The game started with South pressing City, and City struggling to adapt to the slippery and bouncy pitch. South created a couple of early chances with a poor finish and a great save from Guy Thrower City could of been a goal down. However it wasn't long before South's hockey style of firing the ball into the D finally paid off as they scored two goals in quick concession from well placed deflections. City battled hard but with a bare 11 and lack of pace in the midfield City lost the ball upfront and were caught on the break and find themselves 3-0 before half time, leaving a mountain to climb in the 2nd half.  
 
In the 2nd half a formation change which led to a more youthful midfield managed to battle out South's young, pacey and skilful midfield and South began to drop deeper. City battled away with their 11 and managed to score thanks to a Matthew Brine PC goal. 1 soon became two when Ling over turned the ball on the 23 and threaded the ball through to Kidner who scored the goal of the game with brilliant finish across the keeper into net. The keeper then made three great saves from Brine, Perry and Koniecnzy. In the final 2 minutes with City pushing for an equaliser the sucker punch came as South used there rotations and subs to keep players fresh and scored a well-placed breakaway goal.  
 
POTM went to Guy Thrower mainly for his two stunning saves in the 1st half. However there were also impressive performances from youngsters Harry Paterson and Doug Tomlinson. Despite City’s 3s relegation edging nearer there are still points to play for and will look forward to welcome both Pelicans 1 and Cambridge Nomads 1 to Taverham next week before looking forward to a tasty local trip to Dragons.  

MENS 4TH XI - 04/03/2017 VS IPSWICH 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 04/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 04/03/2017 
HEADLINE: Ordish Stars in City Comeback 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Tuddenham Road, Ipswich 
RESULT: 3-3 draw 
 
REPORT: 
City started poorly against Ipswich 2's and fell behind with only 1 minute gone when poor marking allowed a tap-in inside Jewers' right post. City's defensive discipline continued to be second best and Ipswich doubled their lead at a short corner, then went 3-0 up after poor marking allowed another tap-in to Jewers left. 
 
Finally a glimour of hope came just before the interval when man of the match Ordish broke free down the right and powered in a shot from the edge of the 'D' into the far corner. 
 
Half time 1-3 
 
After a positive half time talk, City came out a different team. Tireless running from the midfield quartet of Ingham (Jack), Leonard, Taylor and Harris began to pay dividends. City reduced the deficit when a loose ball in the 'D' fell to Leonard who cooly flicked over the grounded Ipswich keeper. 
 
With Ipswich tiring, City deservedly pulled level after good work close in from Kidner played in Ordish who drilled home on the reverse from the flick spot. 
 
Sadly, the final whistle came when City might have gone on to win 

MENS 5TH XI - 04/03/2017 VS PELICANS 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 04/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 04/03/2017 
HEADLINE: Difficult day in the office 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE:home  
RESULT:lost 1-2 
 
REPORT: 
With a strong team on paper, City never quite delivered. Too many poor first touches cost possession in crucial parts of the pitch. After finding themselves 2-0 down, a well worked Geoff Spencer short corner was not enough to get any points. Looking after the ball is the key for next week! 

MENS 7TH XI - 04/03/2017 VS IES 5 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 04/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 04/03/2017 
HEADLINE: Deja Vu 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: IPSWICH SCHOOL SPORTS CENTRE 
RESULT: IES 5 1 NORWICH CITY 7 0 
 
REPORT: 
It was a case of déjà vu for City 7’s. Facing free scoring second placed Ipswich & ES 5’s City battled hard to repel the hosts only to concede in the dying minutes of the game. Whilst, it is of little comfort, having come so close to earning a point, the 7’s are the only team to restrict IES 5’s, who have now scored 83 goals 18 games, to a single goal in both matches this season. Only the top three teams have conceded less goals than the 7’s. 
With the Club suffering a shortage of goalkeepers this week Charles Anderson donned the pads for the first time since his transfer from Down Under and what a great job he did playing the “sweeper” role that Pep Guardiola desires. In collaboration with the hard working defenders Julian Blake, man of the match James Dorling, Christian Hughes, Joby Castlo-Hall and Simon Cottingham the IES attacks were thwarted as the home teams frustrations mounted. City’s counter attacks relied on the pace of the young legs up front where Luke Keeley, Lee Allsop, Michael Milne-Brown and Dan Jeffers caused the home defence some consternation and were unlucky not to nick a goal on a couple of occasions. 
However, with time running out the IES attack managed to get behind Charles to finally net and leave City once again reflecting on a determined performance and a satisfying game, but no points. With Ipswich 4’s beating City 6’s the 7’s find themselves rooted in the bottom two and are in desperate need of wins to avoid relegation. 
 
 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 07/03/2017 VS NORWICH DRAGONS A (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 07/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 07/03/2017 
HEADLINE: Too many players 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: NCHC 1 - 4 Dragons A  
 
REPORT: 
City lost a fairly even contest 4-1 thanks to two late goals as the home team pushed for an equaliser. As the headline suggests juggling a large squad made for a somewhat disjointed performance and in part led to far too much dribbling from senior players who to their credit never gave up but as is often the case tried to do too much in a difficult situation. 
 
City were 2-0 down at half time as Dragons' counter attacks overwhelmed the City defence.  
 
City started the second half brightly with good work down the right (Robert McCall, Jonty Black and Toby Pallister) looking the most likely source of a home goal. However, a good midfield move saw Freddie Paterson make an excellent run across the top of the D and then calmly slot the ball into the opposite corner to give the home team some hope. With City pressing for an equaliser and Dragons looking to extend their lead this became and end to end game of too much dribbling interspersed with occasional flowing passing moves. 
 
As the manager tried to balance pitch time substitutions became varied and frequent and it became harder for players to settle into familiar roles. As in the first half, two quick breaks caught an undermanned defence lacking and meant, the score line was somewhat flattering to the visitors. 
 
The City man of the match was Ethan Rushton for a number of excellent saves including one "certain" goal high to his right.  

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 04/03/2017 VS NORWICH DRAGONS B (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 04/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 04/03/2017 
HEADLINE: Five of the best 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Dragons Den 
RESULT: Dragons B 2 - 5 Norwich City  
 
REPORT: 
Following City's all too comfortable (13-1) victory in this fixture a couple of weeks ago Dragons very sensibly bolstered their side with three adults which made for a competitive game. City started well with some excellent passing and moving, in particular from Rocco Iaccarino and Monty Platt, who just kept the game simple and switched the play intelligently from side to side. It was somewhat against the run of play when a Dragons break resulted in a goal, City being guilty of a slightly too attacking mindset. 
 
What was particularly pleasing was the way the team then responded with some dazzling stickwork from Jonty Black and Rio Iaccarino complementing some excellent running on and off the ball from Robert McCall, Ethan Ruston and the ever impressive Freddie Paterson. A mazey run by Black in the insight right channel followed by a cut inside and reverse stick shot into the left hand corner levelled the score. Whilst City continued to dominate they were guilty of over-respecting and in some cases being intimidated by Dragons' adult players. With five minutes left in the half Black made it 2-0 with a simple tap in following a well- worked short corner. 
 
Following a swift team talk, City were much more competitive in the second half with Rio Iaccarino, Monty Platt and Joseph Roy really getting to grips with closing down and competing against the adult players. A simple move down the right and cross led to a somewhat fortuitous equaliser for Dragons following a deflection through the attacker's and defender's legs and past a happless Josie Miller in goal....definitely chalk that one down to the bizarre category. 
 
With the potential for an unlikely upset on the cards City reverted to simple passing hockey thanks to keeping an excellent shape. The defensive pairing of Cameron Husband and Reuben Cooke continue to impress with an excellent reading of the game allayed with a calm enforcement of the art of defending. Cooke in particular occasionally shows "Bobby Moore-esque" (showing my age) qualities when he turns an nterception into attack. 
 
A delightful move down City's right (McCall to Hyatt to Platt to George Sommerville) saw a magnificent Sommerville cross turned just wide of the post by the ebullient Malachy McDonnell. What a goal that would have been! With the bit between his teeth Rio Iaccarino put City back in the lead with a pass, dribble, reverse stick shot combination. Just five minutes later Rio got his second following a neat move from midfield out to the right, back and around and a simple shot. Confidence resumed, City then cut out Dragons' long ball breakouts and put the icing on the cake with a neatly taken goal from Robert McCall. 
 
At 5-2 the whole team became men on a mission. 
 
An excellent game, some very good (simple and complex) play, and evidence of some nice partnerships developing. It was also great to see the players listening, learning and understanding their roles. Reuben Cooke was deservedly named man of the match for yet another mature display of how to defend with style!