Results

MENS 7TH XI - 16/12/2017 VS NORFOLK NOMADS 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 16/12/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 16/12/2017 
HEADLINE: City edge close encounter 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TAVERHAM RECREATION FACILITY 
RESULT: NORWICH CITY 7 2 NORFOLK NOMADS 1 1 
 
REPORT: 
City came out on top in this close encounter against second placed Norfok Nomads. All the goals came in the first half. City took the lead with a move down the left that ended with Lee Allsop receiving the ball in front of goal with only the keeper to beat, his first shot was straight at the keeper but he slotted home th rebound. The returning Rich Sparrow then increased the lead with a short corner strike. Nomads pulled one back before the break.  
City played some nice hockey using the wings to good effect. The defence of keeper Ben Millett, man of the match Cameron Husband, Ali Wardale, Malachy McDonnell and Reuben Cooke dealt well with the majority of the Nomads attacks. 
 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 16/12/2017 VS NORWICH DRAGONS B (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 16/12/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 16/12/2017 
HEADLINE: Bitter sweet 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 0-1 
 
REPORT: 
For half this game the deliberate plan to play one senior (based on age as well as ability) development player with our younger development players alongside the up and coming U12 players looked to be a fantastic decision. Their passing and movement was at times a joy to behold against a Dragons B team materially fortified by A team players. 
 
Jack Whitlam and Archie Ward played intelligently as inside forwards and delivered precisely the leadership roles I had hoped to see. Krishna Patel yet again showed maturity and skill allayed with calmness on the ball at the back to enable our very young forward line to roam freely and with purpose. One delightful Oliver Millett clearance down the line was met by Kit Palllister who ran a delightful diagonal line from left to right wing leaving a hapless defender bemused. Sadly we just couldn't find the killer pass for a shot on goal. 
 
The second half started Ina some what stuttering style and as the quarter wore on more and more players reverted to dribbling rather than passing - a sure sign of tiredness and probably an indication that the coach (me) should have changed something...I didn't. In a somewhat comedic moment Dragons scored thanks to an own goal by Joseph Roy as he tried to clear the ball away from goal. (Some days things just go that way!) Whilst Dragons' chances were few and far between one awesome one handed tackle by Cameron Hansell definitely averted a golden opportunity. 
 
In an attempt to freshen up tired legs I put all our stellar bench all on for the final quarter. Sadly they chose this game to play far too much as individuals and despite being asked to pass and move they caught the dribbling infection!!! Yes we did have chances with Freddie, Jonty and Toby all coming close.  
 
So, sweet because we have a great crop of fantastic youngsters coming through the club who will provide the backbone for next year's team and bitter because we forgot that the best way to beat teams is to pass and move. 
 
Special shout out to Sam Hyatt who stepped up to play in goal and despite my slightly "downbeat" reflection on the final quarter I have been genuinely enthused by some of the hockey the squad have played and I look forward the their continued development after the festive break.