Results

LADIES 1ST XI - 04/11/2017 VS UEA (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 1st XI 
DATE: 04/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 1st XI VS 04/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Norwich City womens 1s return to winning ways 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE: UEA 
RESULT: 7-1 
 
REPORT: 
The womens 1s headed to UEA on a very soggy Saturday. Dressed up in some snazzy new kit the squad looked professional, pumped and ready to prove their top of the league title with a worthy performance against bottom of the table UEA.  
With an encouraging team talk from Coach Pies (remember the 3 Ps - possession, percentages and passes) the team knew they had to go out and play their own game.  
 
The womens took a little time to settle into their stride whilst UEA were quick to drive forward putting pressure on City’s midfield and defence. However goalkeeper Summer Haylock kept calm and cleared shots on goal. Despite UEA gaining an early short corner City’s defence were able to clear away the danger handing back possession to the midfield and forwards. With turn over being one of City’s strongest assets the pressure was quickly piled on UEA and with some brilliant linking passes from the midfielders of Jo Staines, Micayla Tootill, Angela Hindle and Rachel Mayne up the pitch this allowed Abbie Ingham to decisively slot away City’s first goal. This was the positive change City needed and from then on they were in control of the game.  
With solid defending from Felicity Williams, Dani Sizer, Fongy Chung, Suzy Mitchell and Harriet Johnson UEA’s advancing attacks were kept at bay allowing City’s midfield to make some great passes linking up well with the forward line of Oli Williams, Ellie Brine, Emily Francis, Abbie Ingham and Krystal Bishop. This fast flowing hockey meant the goals continued to come with Krystal (scored 13 goals in 7 games) Bishop scoring 2 perfectly placed reverse stick shots from tight angles. Abbie was also successful again with a well worked goal assisted from the hardworking midfield. 
City went into half time 4-0 up.  
The half time talk focused on tweaks to be made and maintaining a pumped up team effort sometimes lacking in previous performances. City did not disappoint and as the rain continued to fall City continued their goal fest. UEA put up a gritty performance, continuing to drive forward hard and despite some well timed interceptions and good 50/50 wins by City’s defence UEA slipped through and scored. City did not let this effect their slick team performance, they continued their positive press with further goals coming from Emily Francis using her quick reactions in front of goal and from the top of the D to slot away 2. This left just enough time for 1 last reverse stick shot from Krystal finishing the match 7-1. A dominant win by City. Bring on St Ives at home next week!  
 
POM - Suzy Mitchell  

LADIES 3RD XI - 04/11/2017 VS LODDON 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 04/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 04/11/2017 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham Recreation Facility 
RESULT: Won 7-2 
 
REPORT: 
Despite the heavy rain City Womens 3’s started strong when a costly error from Loddon saw City take the lead as Sophia Basset fired the ball across the D, one of the Loddon defenders deflected it off her stick and into the goal. Soon after Loddon saw an opportunity and managed to slip the ball past the City keeper to equalise. 
 
City piled on the pressure and soon got another when Sophia Basset found herself in space having skilfully sneaked past the defence and popped the ball calmly into the gaol. 
 
The ball was doing all the hard work with some great passing around the back from Kirstin Aitken, Jenny Brine, Kim Lusher and Kathy Sinnamon in her debut for the team. 
 
With some cheering from spectators City were revved up and built another strong attack, a great pass from Rachael Gregory in midfield up to the forward line, received by Rachael Phillips in the centre slipped the ball right to Emily Greenway who pinged it into the left corner passed the keeper. Further hassling from Jenni Stanghan in midfield led to another goal when she passed the ball up to Rachael Phillips who was on target. Sophia Basset sneaked in another making it a hat trick leaving the half time score 5-1. 
 
After half time, City seemed to relax, Loddon were keen to make a come back and made several significant advances towards the gaol, one of which they managed to convert. For a time it seemed as though City were put on the back foot until they woke up and started to look sharp again. With some skilful distribution from Ellyn Roberts and Grace Kidner, the game turned again to favour City. Olivia Greenway found herself in space and slotted the ball home, A succession of short corners followed and a goal from Rachael Gregory was unfortunately disallowed as it went in high. Nevertheless, City did not give up and another goal followed after a ball across the goal was guided in by Emily Greenway who dived in from the left. Olivia Greenway then scored another only for this to be disallowed again following the umpires decision as the ball was passed in high. The score line finished at 7-2 , a valiant team effort this week, City were proud to have come away with 3 points and valuable goal difference. 
 
Big big thanks to Maz for stepping in as GK this week. 
 
POTM Emily Greenway 

LADIES 4TH XI - 04/11/2017 VS DEREHAM 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 4th XI 
DATE: 04/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 4th XI VS 04/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Spirited City display 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE:Dereham HC 
RESULT:1-3 
 
REPORT: 
Dereham 3’s looked strong straight from the off. We got taken by surprise with an early goal to Dereham and soon after Dereham scored again but we then started working together as a team and pulled together a lovely string of passes which lead to a goal by Annabel Pounder. 
 
We then held our form for the remainder of the first half with strong defence from city by keeping Dereham out of the D. 
 
After a very positive half time team talk from Cheryl, city started the second half strong. Most of the play was in city’s attacking with lots of short corners being given in our favour. Unfortunately, Dereham defences were too strong and denied city a further goal.  
 
City stayed strong till the end and did well to hold the goals to 3-1 with some amazing saves from Keeper, Emily Waldron. 
 
Match Report kindly provided by well deserved POTM Emma Richardson.  
 

LADIES 5TH XI - 04/11/2017 VS DISS 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 04/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 04/11/2017 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 1 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE:Taverham 
RESULT: Norwich City Womens 5s 3- O Diss 
 
REPORT:An enigmatic performance from Norwich City Womens 5s against worthy opponents Diss 1 with game play utilising the whole of the Taverham home ground pitch space. In the first half, throughout patches of hard rain, City demonstrated positivity attacking and defending as a unit, contributed to by Gillian Allen playing high and excellent subbing strategy planned by our captain Carol McNarry and implemented by Edie Mason...to give City the chance to understand the game play of our opponents and keep momentum going. Charlotte Jeffers was a force to be reckoned with, playing right half and running the line on the right, to offer us chances to score - we just needed to convert these. Despite achieving several short corners, it was goal-less first half despite several attempts from most of our attack; constructive, strong play and much appreciated coaching off the sideline from Pies, put us in the right mindset to give it our all.  
 
With movement towards the goal ending in the umpire giving a flick. A strong attempt from Fran Cooke, yet a great save by Diss Keeper prevented our first goal.  
 
After a positive half time team talk with input from Pies, our captain and Bev Cushion, identifying our strengths on the wings and the need to quicken our free hits. We forgot about the rain and geared ourselves up for the next 35 minutes.  
 
The anticipated first goal, came in the second half from a free hit taken quickly and accurately by Carol McNarry, two touches later and Sharon Phillips stick outwitted the keeper to slip the ball across the goal line. City players erupted with joy, the hard work was paying off.  
 
Excellent defending from City came into priority and we were able to close down Diss' fast breaks where they tried to seize the opportunity for a short corner. Our keeper Maz Doble, putting in effective saves with excellent work from Alli McLellan, Netty Peters, Carol McNarry, Jess Taylor-Balls, Gillian Allen, and Karen Hobden. It was clear that Diss had the capability to score; we had to prevent them entering the 'D' and Maz was to 'work her magic' on the attacks and short corners that Diss achieved.  
 
Second goal came not too soon after, from a quick break and plenty of passing via Maria Marsh, Lucy McNarry, Charlotte Jeffers and to Fran Cooke, hooking the ball just away from the keeper's reach over the goal line. Hugs all round - we were happy with 2-0.  
 
Great runs on the left hand side of the pitch with Netty Peters beating 4 players in succession to make a lot of ground, enabling Birthday girl Jane Louhridge in midfield to get the ball down to Ellie Hobden, whom equally had several attempts on goal.  
 
Our third goal came from well managed subbing in the last 10 minutes of the game, with the ball being sent into our attacking 'D' and rebounding out, setting up a perfect opportunity for Carolyn Lumley to strike a lifted shot to the right side of the goal keeper.  
 
Final score 3-0. Such a buzz for City to play Diss 1s for the first time (5th place in the league), who gave it their all and brought a real challenge to us. Despite the rain, we appreciated the support from the sidelines which added to pleasure of a well earned home win and notable good standard of umpiring in the game. Looking forward to our next game with the same energy.  
Player of the Match: Charlotte Jeffers 
 
Match report kindly written by Carolyn Lumley 
 

LADIES 6TH XI - 04/11/2017 VS HORNETS 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 6th XI 
DATE: 04/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 6th XI VS 04/11/2017 
HEADLINE: City 6s out to sting the opposition 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 2 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Loddon 
RESULT: 0 -2  
 
REPORT: 
City 6s met Hornets for an early away match in Loddon. City dominated from the start pushing with wave after wave of attacks eventually scoring when a strong ball from Josine van den Berg, was touched in by Julia Marchant.  
The pressure continued from City and any attempts into the D by Hornets were intercepted by player of the match Carey Briggs. The City defensive unit of Karen Paterson, Anna Linsmith Rose Byrne and Kate Houldey mopped up any dangerous attacks with 16s were cleared safely and impressively by centre back Kate.  
City scored again in the first half when Josine van den Berg slapped a powerful ball into the net. 
Half time 0 -2 to City. 
City lost their momentum a little with the opening of the second half and Hornets came close to scoring. City had a lucky escape thanks to some good goalkeeping from Clair Richardson and Hornets not quite getting on the end of a cross into City’s D. 
After this wake-up call, City found their concentration again and continued to dominated the match. City operated a strong press leaving Hornets no options on free hits. Meanwhile, City continued to attack but struggled to convert anything despite keeping the ball in Hornet’s defensive half for most of the rest of the game.  
But, a decisive win and three important points.  
 

LADIES DEVELOPMENT XI B - 04/11/2017 VS PELICANS (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens Development XI B 
DATE: 04/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens Development XI B VS 04/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Dominant win for City girls 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: Norwich City 17-0 Pelicans 
 
REPORT: 
 
City were victorious in the one-sided encounter played in the Autumn rain at Taverham. First-Half goals from Lucy I, Sabina, debutant Abbie Watling-Brucki, Lily (2), and fellow debutant Claudia Hudson-Madge gave Norwich a comfortable half-time lead of 6-0. 
The floodgates were then opened up in the second half with goals from Lily (2), Lucy H (2), Evie, Claudia, Sabina, Tilly (3) and Abbie making the final score 17-0 to City. 
The third debutant of the day, Izzy Morgan-Evans slotted beautifully into the stoic City defence, and Goalkeeper Imogen once again showed great patience at spending sixty minutes without touching the ball, although she came close in the fourth quarter whilst playing as a sweeper-keeper. 
Player of the Match unanimously went to Lucy Ingram who played brilliantly in the centre of midfield and capped her performance with a beautifully taken goal. 

MENS 1ST XI - 04/11/2017 VS CAMBRIDGE UNI 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 04/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 04/11/2017 
HEADLINE: City earn hard fought three points 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 2-1 
 
REPORT: 
City were at home to bottom of the table Cambridge Uni 2s knowing that a win was crucial if they were to keep pace with the other top teams. City started well, winning two penalty corners, but they failed to convert before in open play harry Paterson flicked the ball through his legs for Josh Bailey to then deflect through his legs into the goal, the ball just having the legs to trickle slowly across the line! Then against the run of play Cambridge’s first attack resulted in a controversial penalty corner being awarded; they converted it with a precision flick.  
This seemed to wake up Cambridge who started to compete, however City were still on top creating more chances than their opposition.  
Half time 1-1. 
The second half was much like the first with City camped in the Cambridge half with only a few counter attacks challenging the City defence. City had had a few penalty corners which had narrowly been deflected wide before, but with 10 minutes to go City converted one with Chris Wardale deflecting a pinpoint ball from Tom Cooke into the roof of the net.  
Nick Jones nearly put the game to bed with a reverse stick shot only for a slight Cambridge ricochet hitting teammate Luke Corden on the line keeping the ball out of the net.  
The game finished 2-1 to City. A well dug out 3 points! 
 

MENS 2ND XI - 04/11/2017 VS CITY OF PETERBOROUGH 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 04/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 04/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Well Deserved Victory 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH 
VENUE: Peterborough 
RESULT: City Of Peterborough 3-4 Norwich City 2s 
 
REPORT: 
City arrived in Peterborough thankful for dry sky’s following a very wet journey from Norwich, City started the game lively and had a good proportion of possession in the early stages and steadily grew in confidence as they game progressed. The defensive duo of Scott and Crichton worked effectively to snuff out a number of COP attacks as City worked hard all round the pitch to build their own. City were soon rewarded with a number of short corners and on the 3rd, Morgan injected the short and was soon in possession again at the back post to slot home to make the game 1-0 to city. 
 
From then on City took hold of the game and as the half was coming to the end City scored again to make it 2-0 through good wing play from Wardle and Doncaster to set Fletcher up who turned and shot from just inside the D. 
 
Half time 
COP 0-2 City 
 
The second half began slowly for city and they found themselves conceding two quick goals, allowing COP to level, but unlike the previous week city rallied and settled pack into the form and passing game that they showed in the first half, city pushed forward and were rewarded with a free hit out side the D, Morgan passed to Hindle who “truffle shuffled” his position to shoot and score between the keepers legs. 2-3 City! 
 
Not long after, COP were back level again from another short corner 3-3, but not to be demotivated by conceding again City push hard for a fourth and with some fantastic passing around the midfield Plumb was put through on goal only to swing and miss the ball. City reset and went again and in the closing minutes Morgan drove around the back of the D and pushed the ball across to Fletcher who swept home the 4th through a number of bodies and off the keepers helmet to drop across the line!!! 
 
Throughout the whole match every city player worked hard for each other to earn a well deserved 3 points! 
 
Final Score 
COP 3-4 City 

MENS 3RD XI - 04/11/2017 VS IES 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 04/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 04/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Stunning victory sees City take 2nd place in Division 3 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham - Sand 
RESULT: 8-1 Win 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City Mens 3rd XI took to the field in a key encounter against 2nd placed Ipswich East Suffolk 3s. From the off City knew it was going to be a tough battle but started brightly in the early stages and were rewarded when Harry Gill ran through and slotted in City's first goal, however the game was very open with two of IES youngsters combining well to grab a goal for the away side after 10 minutes, at this stage the game was very even with both teams having chances. However once Rees Leonard put City ahead with a reverse stick effort the floodgates opened and City really pressed home the advantage. City kept the ball really well, moving it around with good speed and accuracy. Countless moves down the right brought joys, with Charlie Jones having a practically good game. Joe Koniecnzy added in City's 3rd with a good finish into the corner meanwhile the returning George Brine added City's 4th goal before the break followed a short corner.  
 
The half time team talk was too keep it much the same in the 2nd half and to keep moving the ball round as well as City did. It only took a couple minutes into the 2nd half when some excellent passing from Jones, Shearer and then Leonard to lay it on a plate for Joe K to get his 2nd of the game and City's 5th. He then sealed his hatrick when he converted a 1 on 1 on his reverse stick side at the near post, IES then had a decent spell on the ball but never really troubled the defence of Ling, Perry, Jones, Clabon, Nichols and Sayer, with Aisthorpe having very little to do in the City goal. The Leonard brothers then finished of the scoring for City with the 7th and 8th goals, as Toby struck a sweetly timed shot from the top of the D into the corner and Rees finished his trademark drag flick from a PC high into the roof of the net.  
 
All in all a great victory against what was 2nd in the league team, now however replaced by us! As next week we travel to Bury St Edmunds 2s in what will be another tough test! 
 

MENS 4TH XI - 04/11/2017 VS PELICANS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 04/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 04/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Ref Justice 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Lynnsport King's Lynn 
RESULT: 4:3 
 
REPORT: Norwich City 4s went into this game knowing that the losing side would be bottom of the league and set about their task with confidence. This newfound style was however short lived as Pelicans scored with a deflected short corner effort midway through the first half. Needing a response City picked up the pace and pushed hard for an equaliser but were undone by a poor decision by the officials which allowed the home team to overload in the area and score their second. A positive half time team talk was needed by the visitors and seemed to work as they reduced the arrears through good work from Toby and Jim Pallister, with the latter scoring at the second attempt. The following few minutes were scrappy between the two struggling sides and after a missed decision by the officials, King's Lynn restored their lead at the far post. If City felt hard done by over the third goal lead up play, they were even more so with King's Lynn's fourth as a mix up in the refereeing decisions allowed the home side to take a quick free hit and with most of the City defense wandering back to reset for their own hit, King's Lynn fired home from close range. Incensed by the mix up and desperate for justice, City stepped up their play and although they had the better of the last 10 minutes, scoring twice through Haran Patel, it wasn't enough to get a point from the jaws of defeat. City MOM Haren Patel 
 

MENS 5TH XI - 04/11/2017 VS LOWESTOFT RAILWAY 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 04/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 04/11/2017 
HEADLINE: 5s struggle on sandy beach! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Sand Sand Sand! 
RESULT: 5-1 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
City 5s travelled to Lowestoft Railway 1s (a team relegated last season) to face off on their sandy pitch. City had a depleted team and only travelled with 12 missing captain Jason Hyatt as well! City 5s held on some strong opposition in the 1st half and worked really hard, however despite their efforts fell down 2-0 before the break. After the half time interval the 5s continued to fight hard and scored through Ben Chapman, at 2-1 the 5s where in the game only for a short corner and good flick on the break bring Railway back into the driving seat. Railway managed to score a couple more goals as they sealed a 5-1 victory and a strong and valiant effort in the end by City.  
 

MENS 6TH XI - 04/11/2017 VS NORTH NORFOLK 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 6th XI 
DATE: 04/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 6th XI VS 04/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Poor first half ,much improved second half 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE:Cromer  
RESULT:won 5-2 
 
REPORT: The first half was probably our worst performance so far this season but we managed to go into the break at 1-1 , after a few choice words from Nigel we vastly improved in the second half and won 5-2 . Nigel Cushion scored twice and Simon Deakin, James Robb and Lee Allsop pitched in with one each . Lees goal was a really well worked goal which started at the back with David Brown who had a good game and was MOM . 
 

MENS 7TH XI - 04/11/2017 VS NORFOLK NOMADS 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 04/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 04/11/2017 
HEADLINE: One that slipped away 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TAVERHAM RECREATION FACILITY 
RESULT: NORWICH CITY 7 0 NORFOLK NOMADS 2 0  
 
REPORT: 
This was a a game enjoyed by both sets of players though City will feel aggrieved that they didn't take all three points, summed up by their last shot of the game coming back off the post. 
City dominated for large periods of the game with Nomads reliant upon long balls to their lone attacker. Despite creating opportunities City were unable to capitalise on them and on another day could have scored 4 or 5.  
 

COLTS XI - 05/11/2017 VS CAMBRIDGE CITY U16B (A) 
 
TEAM: Colts XI 
DATE: 05/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Colts XI VS 05/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Thrilling comeback from a two goal deficit 
CUP: ENGLAND HOCKEY U16 TIER 1 CHAMPIONSHIP  
VENUE: PERSE SCHOOL 
RESULT: CAMBRIDGE CITY U16 3 NORWICH CITY U16 4  
 
REPORT: 
City’s Under 16 Boys worked extremely hard in the is England Hockey Under 16 Tier 1 Championship match and showed enormous resilience to come back from a two goal deficit against a good Cambridge side. 
From the start City immediately found themselves on the back foot as the very talented Cambridge midfield player made significant in roads into the City defence, ghosting past players to create opportunities. Within 10 minutes City were two goals down and fighting an uphill battle. However, a combination of dogged defending by Tom Bailey, Cameron Husband, Malachy McDonnell, Reuben Cooke and man of the match George Harrad, allied to some top class goalkeeping by Ben Millett stemmed the goals. The City midfield of Cameron Cooke, Rio Iaccarino, Louis Hart, Ed Taylor and Elliot Fox were working hard to contain the Cambridge midfield and there were only rare forays into the Cambridge 23, but it was apparent that the Cambridge defence were the weak part of the team. 
City took the opportunity to play with a high attacker, looking for long balls to bypass the Cambridge midfield. This eventually paid off as a ball played in from just over the half way line evaded the Cambridge defence and Ben Chapman who had drifted behind them deftly touched the ball past the keeper to give City a lifeline at the break. 
After the break City increased their work rate and began to move the ball more quickly, with more pace and more accurately. The long balls were finding the City forwards and the Cambridge defence started to find themselves under pressure, giving the ball away to the advancing City players. The Cambridge midfield were seeing less of the ball and their influential player drifted out of the game. City then levelled when a ball was played through the home defence and Harry Basset was on hand to touch past the keeper. Much too the delight of the travelling supporters City then took the lead when Raunaq Rai converted a penalty corner. With ten minutes remaining City scored a fourth when Rio Iaccarino was on hand to tuck away a rebound off the goalkeepers pads. 
Cambridge came back and City were forced to show real character as they worked hard to chase and harry the Cambridge players and though Cambridge pulled a goal back through a short corner City clung on to record an impressive victory. 
A great game of hockey that was enjoyed by the supporters of both teams. 
 
Special thanks to our band of travelling supporters and to Henry Wanchoo for stepping into umpire.  
 
 

COLTS XI - 05/11/2017 VS IES U14B (A) 
 
TEAM: Colts XI 
DATE: 05/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Colts XI VS 05/11/2017 
HEADLINE: City dominate local rivals 
LEAGUE: EHA U14 boys cup 
VENUE: Ipswich School 
RESULT: IES 0 - 7 NCHC 
 
REPORT: 
City dominated virtually the entire game and justly emerged victorious. The first half saw an exhibition of excellent running and passing with City's movement on and off the ball a delight to watch. Rafe Lochore opened the scoring in the 7th minute and doubled City's advantage in the 12th minute, but that only tells half the story. The midfield of Oliver Moore, Henry Baker, Rocco Iaccarino, Ethan Rushton and in particular Toby Pallister and Jonty Black were sublime and provided width, depth and attacking intent throughout the half. The forwards, Rafe, Richie Mann, Freddie Paterson, Jack Whitlam and Oliver Millett caused the opposition no end of problems with their intelligent running and incisive play. 
 
City did not have it all their own way and one superb diving save to his right by Will Farrow from a rare IES penalty corner saw Joshua Means drive the ball out of defence, releasing a fantastic pass for Freeddie to Rafe that almost resulted in an awesome end to end goal. Despite their dominance City were again indebted to Will just before half time to ensure they went in 2-0 up. 
 
The start of the second half saw a scrappy period of play where City lost a bit of shape and tried rather too much dribbling and 'glory' passes. Fortunately Archie Ward and Joshua stifled out any half chances IES might have had. An excellent Freddie Paterson goal seemed to calm the nerves and allowed City to return to the passing and moving game that had worked so well in the first half. With the home side beginning to tire City's power and genuine pace started to tell with Henry, Richie and Rafe adding 3 goals in just 3 minutes thanks to some quite delightful passing. Will then made another good save to retain a clean sheet before Toby put the icing on the cake for City's 7th goal. 
 
In terms of reflections on the game:  
 
* the attitude and effort from every player was excellent with players giving their all and realising substitutions were all about retaining intensity rather than 'because someone wasn't playing so well!' Which makes the coach's job so much easier;  
* when we pass and move at pace we are a joy to watch; and  
* occasionally we were a bit selfish - make sure our decision making is the best it can be (this is only a reflection because it'll matter more against really good teams). 
 
Picking just one man of the match in such a good team performance is always hard and was a toss up between Toby and Jonty which Jonty just edged. 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 04/11/2017 VS WATTON (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 04/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 04/11/2017 
HEADLINE: City slickers dominate valiant Watton  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Watton 
RESULT: Watton 0 - 16 NOrwich City 
 
REPORT: 
City dominated this fixture from beginning to end against a very youthful opposition (supported by two adults and a useful teenager). Before I eulogise about some of the City play I'll take a moment to praise a Watton team that never gave up and I hope will go from strength to strength given their efforts to run a development Boys team for the first time. 
 
As to the game, we took the lead in the first minute courtesy of a clinical Henry Baker strike. Thereafter City scored at will in the first quarter with further goals from Toby Pallister, Henry Baker, Jonty Black, Jack Whitlam, Joseph Roy and Freddie Paterson. In the second quarter the team were challenged to play 3 touch hockey which initially generated some scruffy play before blossoming into some delightful movement on and off the ball. Further goals from Toby, Rocco Iaccarino and Joseph made the half time score 10-0. 
 
Whilst the third quarter generated just one goal it saw some excellent movement (the team challenged to make every 3rd or 4th pass a back pass...with Jim Pallister when he was on ONLY allowed to pass square or backwards!). A fantastic move saw the ball transferred round the back, up the right, into centre field and back out to the right before our U10 super star Kit Pallister hammered home. 
 
With players playing in a wide range of unfamiliar positions (Jonty, Joseph, Toby and Henry all having a go at centre back!) the team put the icing on the cake in the final quarter with Henry, Joseph, Jack and Freddie adding to the score plus an excellent reverse stick smash from Krishna Patel (no idea where he learned that skill....Haren!) 
 
Whilst Watton never gave up I was delighted with the way the City youngsters continued to play proper hockey in the right spirit that respected their opposition. 
 
The team voted Kit Pallister as man of the match.