Results

LADIES 1ST XI - 05/11/2016 VS MAIDSTONE 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 1st XI 
DATE: 05/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Womens 1st XI VS 05/11/2016 
HEADLINE: City pick up valuable point away from home 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION 
VENUE: Maidstone HC 
RESULT: 1-1 Draw 
 
REPORT: 
City Womens 1s picked up a valuable away point in their quest to stay up in the premier league. City were put under pressure early on but managed to stop Maidstone having any clear cut chances at goal as the first half finished 0-0.  
 
Maidstone again applied early pressure in the 2nd half and fought hard to take the lead from a PC. City fought back however and scored an equaliser in the final 10 minuets with a well work goal from Felicity Williams. FT: 1-1 
 

LADIES 2ND XI - 05/11/2016 VS EVERGREENS 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 05/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 05/11/2016 
HEADLINE: Talk about leaving it to the last moment! 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: WON 1-0 
 
REPORT: 
On a grey, cold day city played host to Evergreens. 
City knew what they had to do and we're in confident high spirts despite the gloomy weather. 
City started very strongly which saw fluent confident passes being transferred around the back by Ellie Pitcher, Karren Dagless, Leigh-Ann Worrall and Becky Gaffney which saw youth and experience working well together. The only short corner of the match was taken from the opposite side but even this didn't worry the defence or our GK, Serena Scott. 
Youth and experience again showed it's head with our midfield of Angie Hindle, Rosie Humphrey, Emily Rash and Matilda Warde-Aldam working hard together which saw them feeding lovely long balls to our waiting forwards of Kate Hartland, Ellie Brine, Emily Francis and Milly Brown. 
Various opportunities went begging in the first half with Evergreens defence valiantly defending their goal. Half time came and still City hadn't scored. 
With a couple of tweaks made at half time by City's coaches we went out all guns blazing but yet again we couldn't break the down the opposing defence. City pushed forward time after time in search of a goal. With time ticking away City were awarded a short corner which broke down but again with the pressure mounting we were awarded another short corner with about two minutes to go - so it was now or never!  
With words of wisdom coming from Angie the short corner was taken and after a frantic goal month scramble Emily Francis pushed the ball over the line to win the game in the dying moments of the match. With screams of delight from the whole squad we knew then what we had to do in the dying minute of the match and that was to play our game play whuch we did! 
 
We worked hard, played well and came away with three points - next week we hopefully won't leave it that late! 
 
A well deserved POTM went to Karren Dagless for her tremendous efforts and for getting so high up that pitch! 
 

LADIES 3RD XI - 05/11/2016 VS CARROW 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 05/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 05/11/2016 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 1 - 0 (W) 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City Womens 3s were all fired up and ready for their late afternoon clash with Carrow 1s. Despite the ominous weather City started the game with strength and determination and were able to keep the ball in the opposition’s half the majority of the game. City were able to penetrate the attacking D on numerous occasions, and several early shots were saved by the keeper or went slightly wide of the goal.  
 
Eventually a strong pass from Olivia Greenway came across the mouth of the goal to sister Emily Greenway who was able to control the ball and slide it past the keeper making the half time score 1-0 to City. 
 
The second half saw much of the same, with Carrow unable to find a way though the City Midfield and Defence. City continued to pressure Carrow in their D and had many more opportunities to score which were denied by the Carrow keeper. 
 
Carrow did manage to break away from the City Defence at one point but City Keeper Serena Scott stepped up to clear the ball and keep a clean sheet. 
 
City were unable to convert any more of their efforts on goal so the final score remained at 1-0. 
 
Player of the Match was awarded to Kirstin Aitken for her strong defensive performance. 
 

LADIES 4TH XI - 05/11/2016 VS LODDON 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 4th XI 
DATE: 05/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Womens 4th XI VS 05/11/2016 
HEADLINE: All to play for ........ 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE:Hobart High School 
RESULT:2-2 (Draw) 
 
REPORT: 
The Womens 4’s travelled to Loddon, for an early morning fixture with four of their regular player’s unavailable. Luckily for the 4’s mother and daughter duo, Fiona & Emily Spencer, Flo Duffield and Sophie Harrad kindly stepped into their shoes. Having played this team in our pre-season preparation and winning we knew we had it all to play for. The game ebbed and flowed initially and then Loddon began to apply the pressure but good defending from City 4’s ensured any advances were denied.  
 
City took the lead with a well worked goal, involving great input from Heather Tasker and Holly Robinson in the ‘D’ finding Rachael Phillips who slotted the ball neatly home to give the visitors the lead. Loddon undeterred equalised leaving the score line even going into the break. 
 
Although there were many passages of great play and distribution for City in the second half, a back pass easily intercepted by Loddon gave them too easy a chance to find the back of the net once more and take the lead. City finding themselves on the back foot now had it all to play for and Holly Robinson, always up for the challenge, didn’t disappoint and in her usual emphatic style scored to deny Loddon the win. 
 
Although City 4’s were disappointed to not come away with a win, an away point was a fair result. We look forward to entertaining bottom of the table Dragon’s 4’s next week. 
 
Grateful thanks to Chris Wardale for his support at half time. 
POTM, once again, to a well deserved, Rachael Phillips. 
 

LADIES 5TH XI - 05/11/2016 VS EVERGREENS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 05/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 05/11/2016 
HEADLINE: City Stay Top! 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 2 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
The Womens 5's had another great win today. Starting the match with great pace, passing and finishing, we were 2-0 up very early on in the game though goals from magic Amelia. The forwards worked very well together and we used our pace to create a lot of chances, making it very difficult for the opposition. Our good teamwork paid off with further goals in the 1st half, going in at half time 5-0 up. 1 further goal in the second half sealed a well deserved win.  
 
Goals came from Amelia (3), Sophia (2) and Charlotte G.  
 
Mention should also go to our strong defence: Maz, Ali and Karen, who enabled the mids to push forward and create chances for the forwards and to Sophia and Ellie (Man of Match) who had particularly good games.  
 
It was a great team performance today girls, so well done everyone. Let's keep hungry for that league title. Bring on next week! 
 
(Match report prepared by captain for today (Cush). 

LADIES 6TH XI - 05/11/2016 VS WATTON 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 6th XI 
DATE: 05/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Womens 6th XI VS 05/11/2016 
HEADLINE: On Fire today 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 2 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Watton Sports Centre 
RESULT: 13-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City 6s dominated the play against a struggling bottom-of-the-league Watton 3s - notching up 13 goals in total. The whole team operated a high and effective press, working as a tight unit to force the play into Watton’s defensive area for much of the game. 
 
Every player in the Norwich squad gave it their all with their growing confidence as a team and their experience giving them the edge over a young, but plucky Watton. 
 
Any breaks through from the Watton team were mopped up effectively by the Norwich defence. The whole team moved forward as a unit working the ball around to repeatedly penetrate the Watton D and create plenty of chances. 
 
The 13 goals came throughout both halves of the game. Player of the match Fran Cooke netted five goals, Lucy McNarry scored four, Maria Marsh scored two, Liz Hollis and Josine Van Den Berg also scored one each making a total of 13 goals. 
 
Player of the match went to Fran Cooke who was on a mission to score as many goals as she could in one game! 

LADIES DEVELOPMENT XI - 05/11/2016 VS NORWICH DRAGONS (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens Development XI 
DATE: 05/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Womens Development XI VS 05/11/2016 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: NORWICH CITY GIRLS DEVS 2 DRAGONS GIRLS DEVS 1 
 
REPORT: 
The home team were soon on the score sheet when a strong pass through from  Rosie Osborne was netted with a strike from attacker Amy Barker. Norwich continued to work hard to repeatedly penetrate the Dragon’s defensive area throughout the first half but couldn’t quite get an effective touch on any of the many crosses heading into the D.  
  
In the second half, the same two players executed an almost carbon copy second goal for Norwich taking them two nil ahead.  
  
Norwich  continued to work hard with Loulou Ford executing some impressive attacking runs along the right flank. 
  
Meanwhile, iIn midfield Kate Houldey, Freya Myhill, Frances Underhill, Abi Hill and Maddie Smith worked hard to cut out any passes through to the Dragon’s attackers. 
  
The midfielders moved as a unit, with Maddy Smith making some important interceptions and tackles and Kate Houldey acting as an energetic play-making link to block out passes and repeatedly send the ball back to the Norwich attackers.  
  
When the ball broke through to the Norwich attack area, Abi Flatt, Millie Wimhurst and Frances Byrne were in good positions to receive and move the ball neatly around the Dragon’s D and constantly penetrate the visitor’s D zone.   
  
Dragons looked dangerous throughout the match, however, and defenders Sabina Baker and Rosie Osborne stayed constantly vigilant to pick off a series of threatening Dragon’s attacks.   
  
The visitors appeared to up their game towards the end of the match with a final determined press that saw them burst through the Norwich defence and launch some dangerous one-on-one attacks with keeper Daisy Ford who made a series of impressive saves.  
  
But yet another one-on-one with the goalie in the D proved too much for Norwich who conceded a goal with just a few minutes left of play.  
  
POM Daisy Ford 
 

FILLIES XI - 06/11/2016 VS PELICANS U14G (A) 
 
TEAM: Fillies XI 
DATE: 06/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Fillies XI VS 06/11/2016 
HEADLINE:  
EH U14 CHAMPIONSHIP 
VENUE: LYNNSPORT 
RESULT: PELICANS U14 1 NORWICH CITY U14 1 
 
REPORT: 
Battling against the cold, with plenty of heavy rain and even hail thrown into the weather mix, a shivering Norwich overcame ice-cold fingers and goose-bumped legs to win the best of the play and stave off a series of dangerous attacks from Pelicans left flank.    
  
Norwich were on the team sheet early when they converted their first short corner of the game. Claudie injected the ball to Amelia who slipped it left to Amy to take a shot on goal. The keeper saved it but Abbie dived to pick up the rebound - was tackled but found enough space to neatly flick in a second shot which thankfully found the back of the net.   
  
By half time the sky was so dark and the rain so heavy, that the break was extended while Pelicans struggled to find out where to switch on the floodlights. Meanwhile, a soaked and blue-lipped Norwich team shivered in the dug-out and had to do a series of shuttle runs to keep warm.  
  
Once play restarted Norwich were on the attack again throughout the rest of the match, but a skilful Pelicans threatened to score at any time and Norwich had to remain on high alert. Any less-than-carefully passed Norwich-to-Norwich ball was picked up by a hungry Pelicans attack and taken straight into Norwich’s D. 
  
However, Norwich managed to keep them at bay blocking several heart-stopping attacks in front of the goal and managing to clear them safely and mostly out wide. 
  
Player of the match Alice Moore, together with the D-team of Rosie Osborne and Lottie Smith, mopped up any dangerous balls coming through from a voracious Pelicans attack. The ball was duly dispatched straight back to the Norwich forward line, picked up frequently Claudia, Amelia and Amy who defeated Pelicans defence to repeatedly threaten the home team’s goalie. Unfortunately, Pelicans held firm or pushed attackers out wide in the D and Norwich were unable to capitalise on wave after wave of attacking play.  
  
The cold made it hard to grip and players on both sides repeatedly locked sticks or had them pulled out of their freezing hands. The wet surface also meant lots of slipping over. Norwich had to dig deep to keep their spirits high and unfortunately with just minutes left to play Pelicans converted a short corner making the final score one all.  
  
The squad was: Abi Flatt; Alice Moore; Amelia Barclay; Amy Barker; Claudia van Poortvliet; Ellie Hobden; France Byrne; Kate Houldey; Kitty Taylor; Lottie Smith; Lucy Jenkinson; Millie Hyatt and Rosie Osborne 
  
Player of the match: Alice Moore 
 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 05/11/2016 VS FELIXSTOWE (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 05/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 05/11/2016 
HEADLINE: Unlikely scorers as City pick a routine home win 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: Taverham High School 
RESULT: 3-1 Win 
 
REPORT:  
City entertained their Suffolk counterparts Felixstowe at Taverham, City started strong in the 1st half and created early chances and one was taken with the unlikely score Luke Corden finishing well. Chris Wardale then added another goal to his tally for the season as he finished a PC. City dominated the 1st half and where hard done by when a unfortunate Penalty Flick was awarded against them and finished.  
 
After the break City regained their control of the game and limited Felixstowe to minimal chances as it was only a matter of time before City scored their 3rd to make the game safe, as Ali Husband finished well. Another routine win for the 1s as they remain near the top end of PREM B.  
POTM: Gabriel Marchant 
 

MENS 2ND XI - 05/11/2016 VS BLUEHARTS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 05/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 05/11/2016 
HEADLINE: Always come prepared 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Hitchin Boys School 
RESULT: 4-4 
 
REPORT: 
City came into this fixture on the back of two strong performances and knew that this run needed to continue against an opponent one place above them in the league. As has been the norm so far this season, unavailability caused changes in the line-up but City were able to take 13 including the returning George Anthony from university and Clive Crichton from the first of his many holidays this season. With Jim Pallister and Sam Bingham unavailable and Alex Scott still waiting for his visa to allow him out of the county, Pete Morgan and Harry Ingham completed the line up by returning for their favoured away games. Half back Tom Ling came with news of his ‘friend’ being appointed to umpire the match and came suitably prepared with his shin pads, gum shield and other forms of protection.  
City arrived in good time after an early departure but warm ups are overrated in the 2’s this year and after waiting for captain Tom Hindle to finish his pre match routine, this warm up was typically rushed and despite a strong start, City were 2-0 down inside ten minutes. The first came with less than a minute played although most of the first minute was spent watching the ball slowly roll into the corner of the goal after a serious of deflections. Keeper Jake Aisthorpe was unable to shuffle across and make the save, still struggling from an unfortunate blow during the warm up. The next five minutes brought wave after wave of attacks on the Blueharts goal with forwards Cheeseman, Silvester and Shearer causing havoc and winning several short corners after desperate late and illegal last ditch tackles. In amongst the attacks there were also frustrating moments as Silvester (open play) and Hindle (penalty flick) were guilty of glaring misses. Failure to capitalise on these chances showed as Blueharts extended their lead with a well worked short corner, dragged to the keeper’s right hand side.  
City kept on coming though and deservedly reduced the lead with some luck of their own as Dan Cheeseman saw his scrambled shot from a short corner deflect and loop over the keeper into the empty net. This was also helped as the first card of the match saw Blueharts reduced to 10 players just before half time after Ben Plumb was scrambled to the floor as his broke up the pitch. 
Half time: City 1 v 2 Blueharts 
With spirits high during half time City came out firing after the break and were soon back on level terms. Shearer who had switched back to right half at the break popped up on the edge of the D to receive a free hit from captain Hindle. He took a couple of steps before lashing the ball towards goal with Silvester skilfully deflecting it along the way. The relief of the aging striker was evident after the earlier miss and City took this momentum full swing by taking the lead with a short corner goal of their own. An actual short corner goal that seemed so simple it left many wandering how it has taken 85 attempts to score one this season whilst conceding 20+ of their own! Pete Morgan was the recipient of a switch back to the injector before passing it into the empty net as Blueharts pushed up anticipating a shot.  
At 3-2 up City were guilty of running out of steam in areas of the pitch with Anthony in particular showing signs of fatigue after three successful seasons socially at Durham. Blueharts to their credit brought themselves back into the game with a well worked deflection from a short corner and followed it up shortly after with a slick counter attack move and City struggled to cope with the fast break. City have shown a lot of resolve in recent weeks and this was evident again as they kept coming forward and causing problems for Bluehart’s defence with their pressing game and speed of play. This style of movement has been typified through players such as Rob Duffy, Ben Plumb, Harry Ingham, Matt Fretwell and the versatile Ali Shearer in recent weeks and the latter demonstrated this again through pitch length drives, and recovery pace to make last ditch tackles inside his own D. Another key block at the top of the D saw him wiped out and kept the score at 4-3, but this didn’t prevent Rob Duffy receiving a green card for a serious of failed attempts to stop the player earlier in the attack. The second successive week Rob has seen green in this fashion, both times tarnishing fine performances.  
Despite going down to 10 players city equalised through another painfully simple short corner routine as Cheeseman couldn’t believe the gap being left for him to pass the ball into. At 4-4 with only minutes to go City were confident of finding a winning goal but were left to hang on as they went back down to 10 players as Tom ‘I’ve never been carded’ Ling saw green for a deliberate obstruction on the edge of the D. Truth be told it was a card for the team as he was left isolated 1 on 1 but that still doesn’t justify his clown feet approach to defending. 
4-4 after a pulsating match left both teams happy to have earned a point, but left City feeling disappointed that for the third game in a row they have been unable to collect all 3 points. Tom Ling picked up the thanks for coming vote but it’s good to see a young player taking a safety first approach to away games. Ali Shearer picked up man of the match for his versatility and hard work in both attack and defence despite his captain claiming he must be watching a different match every week. 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 05/11/2016 VS CAMBRIDGE SOUTH (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 05/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 05/11/2016 
HEADLINE: 2nd Half Performance Clinches 3 Points 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: Norwich City 3's : 2 - 1 : Cambridge South 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City went into the weekends fixture knowing that if they wanted to remain in this league they would need a win from this battle with Cambridge South who were laying just one position above them in the table. 
Norwich started positively holding a great deal of possession in their own half but failed to keep the ball going into the final quarter of the pitch where the final pass was just not good enough and possession was turned over to easily. Cambridge South mounted a few attacks in the first half but these were dealt with affectively by the City defence leaving keeper Millett with little to do in the first half. City had a hand full of chance in the first half but were under able to capitalise, the closest fell to Taylor who fractional missed out when Anthony threaded a ball across the circle but was unable to put his stick on it. 
Half time left both teams on level terms at 0-0 with everything to play for in the 2nd half. The team were clearly told to keep the ball and make the final passes work and not turn over possession so easily. 
Norwich started the 2nd half with a lot passion and the play showed. Norwich won a string a short corners which they capitalised on starting with a drag flick conversion from Perry finding the middle right of the goal. Shortly after Brine almost made it 2-0 but was defied by the last man on the goal line clearing his attempt. City did make it 2-0 shortly after from a short corner variation with a 1-2 played between Perry and Jackman allowed Perry to find the bottom corner. Norwich then allowed the Cambridge side to get back into the game through a soft goal allowing a forward to run at the defence and get along the byline to allow a well placed pass to an open forward to strike home. Norwich knew the win was in their hands and they needed to show character to stay in the lead. Norwich continued to push forward and few more chances presented themselves the best of all fell to Patterson whose back hand strike was blocked by a diving keeper. The last effort of the game fell on the final whistle when City were awarded one last short corner, Perry’s drag flick was initially saved but fell back to him and whilst trying to set up the back hand shot was pushed from behind causing him miss the shot but this was not seen by the umpire, in hind sight a small roll to Brine who was set to smash the ball home should have been the correct choice.  
The game ended with City taking home all 3 points from a well worked 2nd half performance, and brought back some confidence to the team which they will take forward into next weeks game against Cambridge Nomads. 
Man of the match was awarded to Ralph Jackman for his relentless work in the centre of pitch. 
 

MENS 4TH XI - 05/11/2016 VS IPSWICH 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 05/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 05/11/2016 
HEADLINE: Back to Winning Ways 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: Won 4-2 
 
REPORT: 
City never looked in trouble against a 10 man Ipswich and the result was never in doubt. A brace of goals from both Rees Leonard and Will Kidner were enough to give City all 3 points and strengthen their position in the league table.  
 
MOTM: Guy Thrower  
 

MENS 5TH XI - 05/11/2016 VS PELICANS 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 05/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 05/11/2016 
HEADLINE: Game of two halves 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Home 
RESULT: Won 3:2 
 
REPORT: 
This certainly was a game of two halves. City burst out of the blocks with a high tempo. Within minutes we had our first short corner of the game. With a scene close to the parting of the Red Sea, Geoff Spencer had all the time in world before hitting the side fence! Within minutes City were on the attack again with some neat interplay. Ralph Jackman set up Adie Land for the opening goal. City kept up the pressure with some exciting link play. With another short corner looming, Geoff made the most of generous defending to allow Adie Land to tap in his second goal. Adie Marr was a threat all afternoon as he took his opportunity to add a third goal for City. Clearly an inspirational team-talk from the captain did the trick during the break as a team in total control all of a sudden looked all over the place. Cranes took full advantage of some sloppy City play to get a foothold back in the game with two quick goals. City where then their own worst enemies coughing up possession too easily during the final ten minutes. Fortunately, some fine saves by Grocer and some excellent tackles from man of match, Al Paterson were enough to see the team over the line. 7th place at Christmas is not too bad - Newmarket 2s next! 

MENS 6TH XI - 05/11/2016 VS IPSWICH 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 6th XI 
DATE: 05/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 6th XI VS 05/11/2016 
HEADLINE: not much chance 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Ipswich  
RESULT:Lost 0-4 
 
REPORT: Outplayed against a team of better players after a long journey. Better than last week but never in the game. 
 

MENS 7TH XI - 05/11/2016 VS IES 5 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 05/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 05/11/2016 
HEADLINE: League Leaders beaten 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TAVERHAM RECREATION FACILITY 
RESULT: NORWICH CITY 7 2 IES 5 1 
 
REPORT: 
City faced league leaders IES 5 who were weaker than when they had beaten City 6's the week before, whilst City were strengthened by the inclusion of Nick Hooper and Dom Copping returning from injury. Some good passing hockey from City along with some excellent defending especially from man of the match Dom Copping earned City victory with goals from Josh Spink and Lee Allsop.  

COLTS XI - 06/11/2016 VS CITY OF PETERBOROUGH U18B (H) 
 
TEAM: Colts XI 
DATE: 06/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Colts XI VS 06/11/2016 
HEADLINE: Close encounter in first round of EH U18 boys Cup 
LEAGUE: EH U18B CUP 
VENUE: TAVERHAM 
RESULT: NORWICH CITY 
 
REPORT: NORWICH CITY U18B 1, CITY OF PETERBOROUGH U18B 3 
 
Last year saw the two City sides compete in the first round of the EH U18 boys cup, this season it was to be the same opening game of the competition and with City of Peterborough having gone all the way to the semi-finals last season it was clear that they were considering themselves as the favourites, especially with the result being very much one sided last season. 
 
This season the game was very unlike the previous encounter, both teams competing well and the game seeing chances for both teams throughout the game. It was however the visitors, City of Peteborough, who took the lead following a very long spell of deadlock hockey and some great midfield battles taking place, but the equaliser that followed from Norwich City was a remarkable team move, starting with their left half feeding the ball down the left, the ball moving around the top of the 23 and then finding George Brine moving in from the right to slot the ball past the advancing goalkeeper. With two late goals and the visitors running down the clock with even a two goal advantage it was clear that this was a tight game. 
 
Norwich City will take many positives out of a game against what was a very good travelling City of Peterborough team. The next stage is the EH Plate, hoping that performances like this will give the U18 boys a chance of a good run in the Plate competition instead. 
 
POTM: Fred Anthony 

U16 BOYS XI - 06/11/2016 VS BISHOPS STORTFORD U16B (H) 
 
TEAM: U16 Boys XI 
DATE: 06/11/2016 
FIXTURE: U16 Boys XI VS 06/11/2016 
HEADLINE: City U16 Boys Beat Bishop’s Stortford to Top the League 
LEAGUE: EH U16 Boys Cup 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: WON 8-1 
REPORT: 
 
Having beaten Pelicans convincingly three weeks ago to become the unofficial Norfolk Champions, City’s U16 Boys faced Bishop’s Stortford in a battle for one of the top spots in the League element of the EH Cup. Bishop’s Stortford reached the National Finals at u14 level last season and were bound to be tough opposition. On a cold, rain swept pitch, Stortford came out hard and, after five minutes where City repeatedly gave the ball away, snatched the lead with a well taken deflection off a short corner. 
 
City started going up through the gears and began to take control of the game, with some excellent harrying through George Harrad and Alex Merron. With Tom Bailey and Jack Watling snuffing out any Stortford attacks, City began to win the 50:50 balls and attacked quickly, feeding speedy wingers Harry Bassett and Ben Chapman. The equaliser didn’t take long to come with Cameron Cooke dribbling through into the D and smashing a well placed strike into the corner of the goal.  
 
City’s strong midfield of Sam Bingham, Dan Phillips, Harry Paterson and Dan Phillips now hit their straps and were to dominate for the remainder of the game, winning the battles in the centre of the pitch and feeding our speedy forward line. Three more goals were to come in the first half, all to Cooke, who was in irrepressible form. One of them involved a beautiful piece of 3D ball-juggling as Cooke charged into the D before smashing the ball into the back of the net, and another was rifled off the post into the goal from a narrow angle! 
 
4-1 up at half time, but the boys recognised that they needed to keep the width and pass more. The second half continued with the same intensity and, with Stortford heads beginning to drop, City carried on the torment. Ben Withers was added to the scoresheet after some mazy dribbling by Cooke gave him a simple tap in. Cooke scored another and then Ben Chapman was to tap in from a short distance for the seventh after good work by Harrad. Finally it was Withers who finished off the scoring for City: after a venomous Cooke shot, the goalkeeper parried the ball invitingly towards Withers who dispatched the ball with gusto into the roof of the net.  
 
The game finished an 8-1 win to City and could have been more. Credit is due to all the players in what was an exciting and convincing performance, but Man of the Match could only really go to one player, Cameron Cooke, who was unstoppable yesterday and has now scored ten goals in two cup games.  
 
The win leaves City well placed in top spot in the League. Our next match is in a fortnight away to Braintree HC (previously Phoenix) in what will be a challenging and well matched game. We are looking forward to it!