Results

LADIES 1ST XI - 15/10/2016 VS HOLCOMBE 1A (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 1st XI 
DATE: 15/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Womens 1st XI VS 15/10/2016 
HEADLINE: A four goal game and one point gained. 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION 
VENUE: Holcombe  
RESULT: 2-2 
 
REPORT: 
After winning against Bromley & Beckenham, Norwich City Womens 1s travelled to Holcombe to try and gain a further three points.  
 
The match started off with a fair amount of pressure from Holcombe, with Norwich having to defend off a few short corners to keep the score line at 0-0. However despite this hard work, Holcombe eventually took the lead first from a lifted deflection.  
 
The match, started to gain some momentum and Norwich had some great opportunities in the first half to equalize, narrowing missing the goal on several occasions.  
 
The second half was an exciting, goal fueled half with Norwich equalizing from a well worked deflection from Katie Taubman, giving Norwich the boost to push for another. It was Holcombe however who managed to score, after breaking from midfield.  
Norwich was on the back foot once again and several green cards followed for both sides as the temperature of the game increased.  
 
Despite this, Norwich City’s Oli Williams scored from another deflection making the final score line 2-2. Despite Norwich having felt they lost a few points, with a win achievable, another point means they climb the table and can look forward to playing Old Loughtonians away on the 22nd October.  
 
Hannah Phillips was player of the match; making it an amazing four POM titles this season to date.  
 
 

LADIES 2ND XI - 15/10/2016 VS UEA 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 15/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 15/10/2016 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: UEA 
RESULT: Won 6-2 
 
REPORT: 
With a squad of 14 players, second placed City 2 had the early morning start away to a UEA 2s side sitting in 4th position in the league. Having the early slot meant we had much more pitch time and our warmup drills could be carried out without trying to squeeze as much into a short period of time. Ali took us all through a tactical session and our minds were focused on the task at hand by the time the match kicked off.  
 
Our minds were in need of a very quick re-focus as the UEA team attacked strongly in the opening few moments of the match and were awarded a short corner which was duly converted in a rather snazzy routine. I know we're usually known for our slow starts, but this was taking the mick ... 
 
We all had a quick moment of reflection and then it was back to business as almost from the restart where the City forwards broke through the UEA defence with some wonderful team play ending with Matilda Warde-Aldam driving from the wing, along the baseline and sending the ball across the mouth of goal where it was bundled in during a scramble. Parity was resumed and we could start again as if it was 0-0. City dominated possesion and territory throughout the remainder of the half with chances coming left, right and centre only to be thwarted by the assertive UEA keeper who was having a fantastic match. Numerous penalty corners were awarded showing our dominance and apparently one of these was converted by Leigh-Ann Worrall, although she is struggling to remember how this happened, but will take it for the fantasy points on offer 🙂 
 
With the score remaining at 1-2 for the half, we were able to kick on in the second half and play some lovely hockey. Hannah Jarvis got the second half off to a strong start having been on the end of a great pass and knocked the ball over the line to make it 1-3. With everybody starting to form a great understanding, play was flowing in the attacking third of the pitch and again we were dominating most aspects of the game. Milly was again outstanding on the right-hand side taking on defenders and changing points of attack where necessary with Kate Hartland and Hannah Jarvis running rings around the defenders. 
 
A wave of short corners came and went and we were unlucky to have the whistle go as a shot went goalward, and another goal chalked off after intervention from a City player owning up to the umpires that the ball was struck from outside the D, hence me writing the report and not someone else who shall remain nameless ... 
 
Ange Hindle was composed in the vital central midfield position with not much getting through and having the ability to switch play through the defenders of Ellie Pitcher, Karren Dagless, Alex Le Mesurier, Leigh-Ann Worrall and Becky Gaffney whilst also releasing the inside forwards of Rosie Humphrey, Emily Rash, Matilda Warde-Aldam and Annabelle Phoenix. The inside forwards were pressing high at regular intervals exposing gaps and the goals started to flow in such was the pressure being put on the UEA defence. With such a high press being carried out, the defence did not have a great deal to do, but didn't get distracted and kept to the task at hand of trying to prevent the UEA team from getting too near to Serena Scott in the City goal. 
 
There is only so much pressure a defence can hold out and further goals came in the second half with Milly Brown deflecting in on the right-hand post to continue her great start to the season following some great midfield work from Hannah Jarvis and Annabelle Phoenix after a timely interception and reverse-stick clearance from Alex Le Mesurier which left the UEA forward wrong-footed and on her backside. Captain Rosie found herself on the score sheet after sweeping in a well-directed cross before the UEA side scored quickly from the re-start. This was to be their last scoring opportunity, but unfortunately City were not quite finished and Kate Hartland was able to put in the 6th and final goal after Emily Rash had sent out a through ball to Rosie running up the right wing. She was able to send in a ball from the top-right of the D for Hartland to slot home on the post as reward for her constant running and determination. 
 
Thoroughly deserved Player of the Match went to Matilda Warde-Aldam who was first to every 50-50 ball and strong in everything she did. 

LADIES 3RD XI - 15/10/2016 VS DEREHAM 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 15/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 15/10/2016 
HEADLINE: A game of short corners 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: TAVERHAM RECREATION FACILITY 
RESULT: 4-4 (D) 
 
REPORT: 
NCHC Womens 3s were fired up and ready to take on Dereham 3s in a bid to secure a win and the 3 points they desired. Both teams started strongly, but Dereham earned an early short corner where the ball took a well rehearsed deflection into the top corner of the goal giving Dereham an early lead.  
 
City reacted quickly and fought hard to get back in the game so it wasn’t long before Mollae Scott scored a tap-in on the left post. 
 
Both teams managed to win several short corners, most of which were defended well, but eventually City managed to convert by Liv Greenway scoring from a rebound off the keepers pads. 
 
City seemed to have the upper hand moving in to the last 10 minutes of the first half, and when Grace Kidner passed in a ball from the right of the D, it found Liv Greenway on the P spot and she slapped the ball passed the keeper putting City 3-1 up at half time. 
 
City felt confident that they had this one in the bag so started the second half with determination, but Dereham ramped up the pressure and both teams defence were tested, with yet more short corners being awarded. Dereham managed to pull 2 more goals back, and with the score at 3-3 both teams were keen to take the upper hand. Dereham kept the pressure on the City defence and they eventually snuck in a 4th goal to take the lead.  
 
City kicked it up a gear, launching numerous attacks, and gaining numerous fruitless short corners. The minutes were ticking away and it seemed like City would end up defeated, until the dying seconds of the game when Anna Brook drove the ball round the right hand side and found a foot in the D. A short corner was awarded as the final whistle blew, so City all piled forward in a last ditch attempt to secure a point. Sabina Illing stepped up and took an almighty straight-strike which flew straight past the Dereham keeper and smashed against the backboard, leaving the closing score at 4-4. 
 
Player of the Match was awarded to Sabina Illing. 
 

LADIES 4TH XI - 15/10/2016 VS EVERGREENS 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 4th XI 
DATE: 15/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Womens 4th XI VS 15/10/2016 
HEADLINE: City fight back for a draw 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 1 - 1 
 
REPORT:After two tough inter-club fixtures and a well-earned draw at Dereham, the womens 4s were eager to get a win against Evergreens under their belts. Following an inspiring team talk and huddle, there was one thing City’s minds – victory. We started off well with some great inter-linking play and threatened the Evergreens goal a couple of times in the opening minutes. However, we then got caught out a number of times from an occasional counter-attack. Our defence was strong enough and fought them off, matching the relentless physical strength of the opposition. Sadly, a powerful strike from just inside the D meant that City were on the back foot. 
 
We came back in the second half fighting with great passages of play. We became stronger as a team and matched the Evergreen aggression. After playing some great hockey, we really put the pressure on Evergreens, and eventually forced them into two green cards for reckless tackles. 
 
With time running out, we were determined to equalize. We got several short corners but struggled to convert them into goals. Luckily, Olivia Broadway managed to fire the ball into the backboard after a recycled short.  
 
City were unlucky not to get a win, but they should be proud of the amazing team effort that went into the match. 
 
Ellyn Roberts - POTM 
 
 

LADIES 5TH XI - 15/10/2016 VS NORTH NORFOLK 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 15/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 15/10/2016 
HEADLINE: City remain top in style! 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 2 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Cromer 
RESULT: 8-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
Nowich City 5th team took a squad of 15 to Cromer to play North Norfolk 2nd team. Norwich City took a while to get going and look any kind of threat to North Norfolk. North Norfolk took some early attacks but were prevented in scoring due to the solid mature defence of Norwich City including Karen Hobden and Allison Mcllenan. Norwich City soon found their rhythm and by half time both Sophia and Amelia had scored making the the half time score 2-0.  
  
The second half saw Sophia Bassett score 3 further goals together with Amelia Barclay scoring a further 2 and Emily Spencer scoring a deflected straight strike shot from a short corner. The end score was an amazing 8-0 win to Norwich City. Charlotte Gundry had a great game today attacking skilfully down the right side together with Ellie Hobden they supported the goalscorers passing particularly well around the attacking circle.  
  
Another great win keeping the womens 5th team top of the league.  
  
  

LADIES 6TH XI - 15/10/2016 VS HERLINGS (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 6th XI 
DATE: 15/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Womens 6th XI VS 15/10/2016 
HEADLINE: The challenge of grass! 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 2 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: East Harling Recreational Ground 
RESULT: 1-1 (draw) 
 
REPORT: 
This week was ‘grass week’ as Norwich 6s travelled to Herlings. The East Harling team is the last remaining squad in any of the Norfolk leagues to play on grass so it is an annual one-off for the 6s. This meant that, inevitably, it took five to ten minutes of slightly nail-biting play before the Norwich team adjusted to the surface. Balls bobbled, sticks had to be more upright and 3D skills didn’t really work but eventually they settled and began to have the best of the play persistently threatening Herlings goal. It was impressive work from the Norwich team who dominated the first half. Eventually, Lucy McNarry netted the ball after a goal mouth scramble. 
 
Herlings pressed harder in the second half, breaking frequently but kept at bay by Carey Briggs and the midfield and the defensive unit Jane Loughridge, Emma Guyton, Netty Peters and Clair Richardson with some vital sweeping up work by captain Julia Marchant. The D team gave it everything working with Carol McNarry, playing in goal for the first time. Herlings, used to grass, had some heavy hitting defenders who powered the ball to high players in what looked like a well-rehearsed routine. Norwich defeated most of the attacks but unfortunately one bobbled ball slipped past the keeper just inside the right post. 
 
POM went to Carey Briggs again for fantastic workrate in mid and defence. 
 

LADIES DEVELOPMENT XI - 15/10/2016 VS PELICANS (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens Development XI 
DATE: 15/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Womens Development XI VS 15/10/2016 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City girls' development team beat Pelicans on their new astro 
pitch by two goals to nil despite being reduced to ten players by late 
illness. 
 
The first goal came in the first quarter from attacker Abigail Flatt 
who eliminated a group of defenders surrounding her in the D and found 
enough space to hit the ball hard past the keeper. Norwich continued to 
have the best of the play in the second quarter and increased their 
score sheet with a second goal from Sabina Baker, who netted a cross. 
 
After the half-time break,  it appeared likely that Norwich would 
overwhelm Pelicans and add to their tally. 
 
However, Pelicans recognised this and firmed up their defence by 
bringing on two adult players at the back. The changes had the desired 
effect and Norwich were unable to add to their scoresheet throughout 
the rest of the game despite coming close on several occasions and 
remaining in the ascendancy in general play. 
 
Pelicans tried hard and rotated their substitutes well, an option not 
open to the Norwich team. However, most of their attacks foundered on 
the rock-like presence of Lottie Smith at the back who made some 
important interceptions and tackles. 
 
This was a day when the Norwich team won in convincing fashion. Every 
player contributed to a fantastic team performance. 
 
Player of the Match: Lottie Smith. 

MENS 1ST XI - 15/10/2016 VS CITY OF PETERBOROUGH 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 15/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 15/10/2016 
HEADLINE: City beaten at home 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 0-3 
 
REPORT: 
 
Ed Sutton got through the warm-up unscathed after an injury scare at the end of the week, and Gabs Inch was welcomed back to boost numbers. 
 
CoP began the game well, having the majority of the possession. This was somewhat aided by Norwich, who did not seem to have the same defensive intensity as last week. However the first quarter of the match did not see too many chances for either side. The deadlock was broken however when CoP managed to convert a penalty corner to the bottom left corner with a low flick. This was followed up moments later when a CoP forward found the far corner with a low backhand strike after a cheap, but costly, turnover in City’s own defensive third. CoP managed to add another just before half time and City found themselves in unfamiliar territory at the break at 0-3 down. 
 
City tried to raise their game in the second half, and despite a barrage of attacking penalty corners in the second half, failed to make any headway to get a foothold back in the match. The press was higher and a more chances were created, but ultimately the damage had already been done before the break. Throughout the match Ali Cooke managed to pull off a few good saves to limit the score to three, one of particular note where he came sliding out and cleanly took the ball in a one on one situation. 
 
City will look forward to turning in an improved performance when they welcome IES to TRF in a weeks time. 
 
 

MENS 2ND XI - 15/10/2016 VS SHEFFORD & SANDY 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 15/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 15/10/2016 
HEADLINE: Another tough day for City's 2s 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Shefford and Sandy HC 
RESULT: 5-1 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
Once again City started the game with hope despite playing the league leaders and despite playing some very nice passing hockey they still found themselves a goal down from a PC, which highlights the importance a good routine in this division. City were 2-0 down not long after after a mis-communication let a S&S striker with a simple finish. Despite going 2-0 down City continued to work hard, and a good move from Ling, Fretwell and Plumb was finished well. 2-1 at the break and City had hope.  
 
Sadly in the 2nd half City played no where near as well as they did in the 1st and Sandy ran riot racking up three goals past Aisthorpe. 5-1 Loss a tough defeat to take but there were certainly positives in the 1st half to take from the game. Upminster away next.  

MENS 3RD XI - 15/10/2016 VS SUDBURY (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 15/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 15/10/2016 
HEADLINE: Well battled point taken from the top of the league team... 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH 
VENUE: Taverham High School  
RESULT: Norwich City 3s: 1 - 1 : Sudbury 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich started the game strong once again playing with passion and determination and took the game to top of the league Sudbury. Sudbury had a clean record up to the weekend before and Norwich knew they would want to stamp their authority back on the league, however Norwich had other intentions. 
The early chances of the game fell to Norwich with some great attacking moves but sadly with no goals to show for them. Cooke, Brine and Konieczny all finding their way into and around the circle but all attempts were seen away by an inform Sudbury defence. Sudbury also had their chances in the first half but a strong defensive unit of Leonard and Scott saw off any possible chances that fell to oncoming Sudbury forwards. Sudbury were clearly having problems adapting to the pitch at Norwich which was working very well in the favour of the home team, but even so the half ended 0-0 in what was quite an even half. 
The second half started as the first ended with the Norwich midfield team of Perry, Bingham, Jackman, Antony, Patterson and Taylor all working hard to keep the ball in Norwich’ possession and keep the attacking moves flowing. Norwich’ hopes grew with the possibility of being able to take all 3 points from this game but with 10 to 15 mins to go the quick Sudbury attackers managed to sneak a goal against the run of play. A stray through ball from the Sudbury defence was tipped over Perry’ stick leaving Scott to deal with a 2 on 1 and even though the attackers were pushed wide by the defensive unit the resulting shot snuck into the far corner leaving Norwich with a mountain to climb in the last portion of the game. Sudbury were spurred on with their late goal and goal keeper Millet showed his class with some late saves to keep Norwich’ hopes of a point alive. Norwich dug deep with only 5 mins to go and kept their attacking moves going. A quick taken foul by Cooke on the edge of the circle to Anthony who then tried to feed the ball into the circle which was miss trapped by a Sudbury defender fell generously to Jackman who pounced with a well timed slap to put the ball in the bottom corner past a disappointed Sudbury Keeper. Norwich were able to keep their composure for the remained of the game and walked away with a point from the top of league Sudbury team. 
Norwich once again showed their passion and determination and a lot of class to walk away with a draw from the game. Norwich need to keep this mentality going into each game if they want to keep earning points from each game and remain in this league.  
Player of the match was awarded to Ralph Jackman. 
Norwich entertain UEA 1s in the next game at home where Norwich will look to build more on the league table to take them out of the danger zone. 
 

MENS 4TH XI - 15/10/2016 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 15/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 15/10/2016 
HEADLINE: City 4's hold on for valuable point 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 1-1 Draw 
 
REPORT: 
 

MENS 5TH XI - 15/10/2016 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 15/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 15/10/2016 
HEADLINE: Narrow loss 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: away 
RESULT: 3-2 lost 
 
REPORT: 
With a number of players dropping out prior to the start of the match and several helping out the 6s, unsurprisingly, the start was a little disjointed. At the half time break, City found themselves 3-0 and facing a moutain to climb. In the second half the team found their feet. Youngster, Louis Hart was inspirational out on the wing and scored the opening goal of the second half. City then pushed and pushed. The 2nd goal then came from a short corner - debatable as to whether it was a poor shot or a superb pass, but either way, Jason linked with the ever present, John Grange to slide in the second. Although the average age of the opposition was considerably younger, it was City who did all of the running in the final parts of the game. Several close chances were spurned before Magpies managed to close out the result. 
 

MENS 6TH XI - 15/10/2016 VS SUDBURY 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 6th XI 
DATE: 15/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 6th XI VS 15/10/2016 
HEADLINE: 88 players and still we ended up with 10 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE:Sudbury 
RESULT:Lost 0-3 
 
REPORT: 88 players and still we had to rely on Mrs Allsop to drive Lee to the game, on Broaders, Playford and Bailey to help get a team together. Unfortunatley, Coupland got the TYFNC when he broke down on the way. Fortunately, Sudbury lent us one of their 16 players so we at least had 11 for the game. 
1-0 down at half time turned to 3-0 at the end of the game with Deakin getting POTM 
This report has been written twice but for some reason hasn't saved so apologies for its briefness. The clutch was whether we are a club or a bunch of individual teams with the 6th and 7th team not getting any players from the teams above despite themselves going out of their way to help the club. 
 

MENS 7TH XI - 15/10/2016 VS IES 6 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 15/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 15/10/2016 
HEADLINE: Points on the board 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham High School 
RESULT: NORWICH CITY 7 6 IPSWICH & ES 6 2 
 
REPORT: 
City welcomed their new Australian import Charles Anderson for his debut along with a 7's debut for Harry Basset. City were soon into their swing moving the ball well and making inroads down the flanks. Chances were converted and City were 4 up at the break through a Declan Ordish penalty stroke that deceived the keeper, two from Harry Basset and a further from Declan Ordish. The City defence of James Dorling, Charles Anderson, Kurtis Reynolds, Christian Hughes and Joby Castlo-Hall kept the IES forwards at bay and keeper Paul Hewett was untroubled. Although City kept up the pressure after the break IES defended deeper making scoring more difficult. However, Ordish converted a further penalty stroke and Nathan Dixon scored his first goal for the club. IES did score a consolation goal much to the home teams surprise. 
 

U16 BOYS - 16/10/2016 VS PELICANS U16B (A) 
 
TEAM: U16 Boys 
DATE: 16/10/2016 
FIXTURE: U16 Boys VS 16/10/2016 
HEADLINE: City U16 Boys Win in Style at Pelicans 
LEAGUE: EH Boys U16 Cup 
VENUE: Pelicans HC 
RESULT: Pelicans 1 - Norwich City 13 
 
REPORT: 
 
The City U16 Boys left Norwich early on Sunday Morning for the first match of this season’s campaign, away to Pelicans in rain soaked King’s Lynn. From the first forays of the match it became clear that City were significantly stronger than their opposition and it wasn’t long before all the City players, bar goalie Ben Millett, were stationed well inside the Pelicans half. 
 
In the first half of the match, City tried to bludgeon the Pelicans into submission by going straight through the middle in all out attack. Some great goalkeeping from Pelicans and some profligate finishing by City meant that a 5-0 half time score was somewhat disappointing! 
 
Instructions at half time were to keep our structure, spread play wide and move the ball quickly. By and large it worked, although not before City had conceded a sloppy goal from one of Pelicans’ rare attacks. City then started to attack at pace, scoring eight times in the half, for a final 13-1 scoreline. Although the first half was a little pedestrian at times, the second half was a thing of beauty, keeping the City supporters in good spirits. 
 
There were some very classy goals in the 13 scored. Goal of the match winner was awarded to one which started in defence: Harry Paterson tussled hard to win the ball just inside the City half and, after beating a player, passed a good ball into George Harrad in space on the left. George got his feet round and smashed the ball diagonally across the Pelicans D where Ben Chapman at full stretch deflected the ball high into the back of the net. Fantastic Hockey! 
 
In terms of scorers, Cameron Cooke got his standard 5 goals, one of which was an absolute scorcher into the net. Harry Bassett also scored a hat-trick, coming in off the left wing to slot the ball home on three separate occasions. Chapman scored two, with one apiece for Paterson, Harrad and the effervescent Daniel Phillips.  
 
However, it wasn’t all about the scorers and there were strong performances across the pitch. Of note, Tom Bailey was majestic at the back, supported by Alex Merron and Jack Watling, Sam Bingham played the captain’s role with aplomb and Fitz Hornor played a confident game at right midfield. Man of the Match could have gone to almost any of the players, but it was awarded to Doug Tomlinson for a very mature performance where he played deep and laid the ball off sensibly throughout the game. 
 
The remaining fixtures in a tough Group are likely to be much harder, but we are looking forward to the challenge, with the next match being at home to Bishop’s Stortford on 4 November. 
 
 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 15/10/2016 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 15/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 15/10/2016 
HEADLINE: City edged out in local derby 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE:Harleston 
RESULT:Magpies 1-0 City 
 
REPORT: City started slowly and fell behind to a somewhat scrappy but well placed short corner that eluded keeper Ethan Rushton midway through the first quarter. After a quick team talk City then started to take control with Jonty Black's skill and Joseph Roy's mature reading of the game being the decking factor in a tight midfield battle. 
 
As the game developed both teams played some eye-catching hockey with Reuben Cooke and Cameron Husband intelligently moving the ball back and around the defence to set up marauding attacks down both flanks thanks Oliver Moore's, Alex Tomkinson's and Robert McCall's tireless running. These attacks created a number of half chances but nothing clear cut.  
 
A tactical switch at half time saw Freddie Paterson move to inside forward and Richie Mann to a very high attacking role. This switch seemed to get the best out of both players with Paterson's selfless play matched by Mann's energy quite literally wearing out one Magpie defender in particular who looked very relieved when he was substituted...well done Richie. City's best chance when a delightful ball from Cameron Tasker unlocked the home defence to find Mann running at pace into the D at which point he chose to pass (accurately to McCallat the far post) rather than shoot.McCall's reverse stick effort being wellsaved. 
 
The final quarter was virtually one way traffic with City pressing for the equaliser - Roy, Sam Hyatt, Cooke and Husband thwarting Magpie breakaways. In the end this was a tale of fantastic endeavour by two evenly matched teams which the visitors should have salvaged a draw from but it just wasn't to be.