Results

LADIES 3RD XI - 21/01/2017 VS UEA 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 21/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 21/01/2017 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT:2-2 
 
REPORT: 
 
After a cancelled match last week, City were raring to go. City started strong with a high tempo early on, passing well from the back through to mid-field by Gemma Sargent, Rachel Gregory, Megan Conway, Jenni Stanghan and Jenny Brine. City's forwards pressing and having most of the possession in the first half. This soon paid off with a well worked goal straight from the training ground, when Emily Greenway passed the ball to Caroline Illing who was unmarked in the circle, to sweep the ball into the net. 
 
City still had the edge over UEA, but with a slight lapse in concentration from City, UEA found themselves on the break and equalised. City soon picked themselves up, with an impressive goal from Phoebe York, who had a free run all the way from the half way line to UEAs circle taking a strike from the top of the circle making the score 2-1 to City just before half time. 
 
Second half was end to end, with both City and UEA having chances. Summer Haylock kept City ahead with some fine saves and hard work from Sabina Illing, Abi Bourne, Grace Kidner, Olivia Broadway and Olivia Greenway keeping UEA on their toes. Another break from UEA resulted in them equalising the match once again. The last 10 minutes of the game City had the upper hand, but just couldn't find the net. Leaving the final score 2-2. 
 
POTM Gemma Sargent for her hard work in defence. 
 
 
 
 
 

LADIES 4TH XI - 21/01/2017 VS DEREHAM 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 4th XI 
DATE: 21/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 4th XI VS 21/01/2017 
HEADLINE: Outstanding Team Performance ensures Victory for the Womens 4's 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE:TRF 
RESULT:3-2 
 
REPORT: 
City 4’s brief was to get the result they deserved this week, hosting Dereham Womens 3’s their previous encounter ending in a draw. We were also aware that Dereham were fielding a player of outstanding ability, returning from injury and had drawn to top of the table Broadland 1’s in their previous fixture. 
 
From the off, we took the game to them, the forward line looking very impressive, outpacing the opposition and it wasn’t long before debutante Sophia Basset took the ball wide of the goal, turned and netted the ball from what appeared an impossible angle. This did nothing to settle the nerves of the opposition, who were struggling with their composure to which we took full advantage. Holly Robinson then came close to scoring from some wonderful passing into the ‘D’, which was cleared by the Keeper into the path of Amelia Ellis-Baumber who with quick thinking, lifted the ball with force into the back of the net, kindly missing Holly who seemed to be wisely lying in aeroplane recovery mode. Dereham to their credit then fought back after some strong words from their Coach, Edie Mason coming to the rescue with a stand out save, strong on her feet and tipping the ball over the bar thwarting the efforts of the opposition. City 4’s were awarded a short corner, this unfortunately sailed passed the intended recipient and Dereham on the counter attack, took full advantage smashing the ball at height into the net, an unstoppable goal. Undeterred City scored another corker through another debutante and well deserved POTM Amelia Barclay, 3-1 leading into half time. 
 
The second half saw a very determined Dereham squad, who had clearly changed tactics and came back into the game. It was end to end and special mention to Edie Mason, Kim Lusher, Lydia Ellis-Baumber and Emily Spencer who worked tirelessly clearing advances but Dereham took advantage in an opportune moment and scored a smash and grab goal. Nail biting finish when the visitors looked to have scored just before the final whistle but were denied when it had come off a player’s body – phew! 
 
An outstanding all round team performance and hard fought result – well done Womens, you should all be very proud! 
 

LADIES 5TH XI - 21/01/2017 VS BRECKLAND (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 21/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 21/01/2017 
HEADLINE: Postponed! 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 2 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: Postponed! 
 
REPORT: 
Match Postponed due to Frozen Pitch! 
 

LADIES 6TH XI - 21/01/2017 VS NORTH NORFOLK 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 6th XI 
DATE: 21/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 6th XI VS 21/01/2017 
HEADLINE: Deadlock until the last 10 minutes 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 2 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Cromer High School 
RESULT: 
North Norfolk 2s nil - Norwich City 6s one 
REPORT: 
 
This was one of City 6s toughest games of the season. So many chances, so many short corners, so much action in the attacking 25 area – yet the score-line stayed at zero for the first half.  
 
The City defensive unit worked together to pick off some fast- paced breaks from a very youthful North Norfolk attacking line.  
 
Indeed, it seemed a more effective opposition attack-unit than the last time these two teams met right back at the beginning of the seasoned when North Norfolk were kept at bay relatively easily. But, apparently it was the same personnel and the result of vast improvements in skill and confidence in the North Norfolk youth players since last September. This looks like a team to watch in the future. 
 
But despite their opponent’s skill and blocking tactics, City’s signature team-work and positive attitude allowed them to still have everything to play for as they repeatedly threatened the home team’s goal.  
 
City had to double their efforts and fight off a ring of opposition pink and blue challenging each player when they won the ball. It was tough to keep the ball and do anything meaningful with it - and it was tough to get it through to the attacking zone.  
 
The defensive unit also had to work extra hard to clear the ball safely as they were presented with an intensive press at every 16. The right side of the pitch was particularly hard to breach. Right full-back Emma Guyton had to dig deep as she was heavily pressurized by a wall of opposition players forcing her out to the side-line. Several times a skillful, small lift to Lucy McNarry was the only way through.  
 
Player of the match Annabelle Conway made some notable tackles and stayed strong on the left. Meanwhile, her back-row teammate, defender Annette Peters, also made some great clearances that defused several dangerous attacks and sent the ball powering off the sidelines to buy City some crucial breathing space.  
 
A half-time talk from captain Julia Marchant encouraged the team to play the ball safely, keep pressing and stay tough on the ball, which they duly did – only to face deadlock again for the next 20 minutes.  
 
The team also had to stay strong after they went down to 10 players for two minutes after midfielder Josine Van den Berg was green carded – for querying what seemed to be a highly controversial umpiring call and rather too much input from the home team's spectators!  
 
Finally, Fran Cooke broke the deadlock with just 10 minutes of play left with another of her goal-scoring signature specials. Bringing much relief among the City ranks, she netted at close range with a slightly lifted ball after a scramble in the D.  
 
The home-team pressed hard again, noisily encouraging each other to get one back against City in the remaining few minutes. But City stayed strong and positive and kept the ball mostly in their opponent’s half – breathing a sigh of relief at the final whistle and their hard-fought one-goal-to-nil victory.  
 
POM Annabelle Conway 

LADIES DEVELOPMENT XI - 21/01/2017 VS WATTON (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens Development XI 
DATE: 21/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens Development XI VS 21/01/2017 
HEADLINE: VICTORY PUTS CITY GIRLS 2nd IN LEAGUE TABLE 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 7:0 
 
REPORT: 
 
City dominated this match from the start. 
 
Kate Houldey controlled the centre of the midfield providing great balls out to the sides. 
Her partnership with Matilda Butterworth produced some fine runs up the right wing from Matilda & perfect crosses into the D to provide scoring opportunities for Abi Flatt & Evie Thorpe to put the ball in the net. 
 
Matilda herself scored 3 goals from her speedy running up the wing & fully deserved her player of the match award 
 
The defence of Lottie Smith, Maggie Mayo & Sabina Baker hardly let Watton through & Lottie made a couple of strong runs form the back to just narrowly miss scoring herself. 
When Watton did break through Grace thrower in goal deftly kept them off the score sheet. 
 
The midfield of Kate, Frances Underhill & Maddie Smith got stuck in tackling & getting the balls through for the forwards. Frances just missed out on a goal at the end of the first quarter. 
 
Millie Wimhurst was great up front on the L side & she & Grace Adams on the right narrowly missed out on goals as well. 
 
All in all a fantastic performance from this young team who seem to go from strength to strength 
Well played everyone !! 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 21/01/2017 VS WISBECH TOWN (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 21/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 21/01/2017 
HEADLINE: Norwich City keep pressure on league leaders 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: Wisbech 
RESULT: 5-2 win 
 
REPORT: 
 
Norwich City got their campaign back underway with Wisbech away – their match last week having been postponed. City perhaps started a little slowly with Wisbech having the early play, but Norwich soon played their way into the match putting together some good passing moves. Two goals in quick succession saw Norwich take an early lead. The first from Dave Skinner and the second from George Anthony with a reverse stick strike. A third was added by Dave Skinner before Wisbech got one back from a penalty corner, the initial shot being saved but the rebound went back to a Wisbech player for him to score past the onrushing Ali Cooke in goal. Right on the half time whistle Norwich restored their three goal lead from a penalty corner when Nick Jones slipped the ball to Jeremy Elliott to drag flick into the side netting. 
 
Norwich got a bit too comfortable in the second half, with Wisbech never providing any great threat with their half court press, meaning a lower scoring second period. However, Norwich did add another when Chris Wardale found the goal after a good team move. Norwich would have converted more off their chances had it not been for the Wisbech goalkeeper who pulled off two remarkable saves from Chris Wardale and Gabriel Marchant. The latter had a great chance to grab a goal as the second half progressed, but could only find the crossbar after deflecting a cross from little more than a yard or two out! Towards the end Wisbech converted another penalty corner with a drag flick off the top to make the final score 5-2 to City. 
 

MENS 2ND XI - 21/01/2017 VS BOURNE DEEPING (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 21/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 21/01/2017 
HEADLINE: Small margins cost City in narrow defeat  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Taverham High School  
RESULT: 2-3 
 
REPORT: 
City started the match slowly and were immediately on the back foot as Bourne Deeping came forward with some skilful dribbling causing the City defence significant trouble. It was not a surprise then when Bourne Deepings opened the scoring after a couple of missed tackles by City resulting in a shot from the right hand side of the D. Unfortunately Ainsthorpe was unsighted and unable to save the low shot which found the bottom right corner of the goal. A second goal for Bourne Deeping came soon after, when some more sloppy tackling by city again resulted in a shot from the right hand side of the D. This time the shot rifled into the top left hand corner of the goal to give Bourne Deeping a two goal lead.  
 
City finally came into the game with some menacing runs in wide positions from the half-backs Ingham and Corden. The success in wide positions allowed City to start to build up pressure on Bourne Deepings defence, with Plumb just failing to finish a slick passing move which had left him one on one with the keeper. City’s pressure finally told when a scrappy short corner move was finished off with Plumb slotting home from short range.  
 
City now had momentum and when Silvester turned a Bourne defender on the right wing, he was able to get a shot off from a narrow angle. The rebound off the goalkeepers’ helmet fell to Fretwell who was able to poke the ball in from half metre. Captain Hindle could be seen erupting with joy at the quick turnaround in the match. Norwich continued to press but were unable to make it tell before an eventful half came to an end with the scores level at two a piece. 
 
Bourne Deeping we’re evidently rattled but came out the second half strongly with some strong runs at the Norwich defence. However, chances were kept to a minimum with solid defending by Crichton and Pallister. At the other end Norwich continued to create numerous chances, and will feel disappointed that a Cheeseman shot, which found the back of the goal, was adjudged to have been hit from outside the D.  
 
With the game in the balance and both teams creating chances Bourne won a very contentious short corner. Unfortunately for City, the resultant short corner found the bottom right corner of the goal with Ainsthorpe just unable to reach with his right foot. City continued to battle with Gill and Cox each creating shots on their reverse sticks, both shots just going inches wide of the Bourne goal. Despite numerous chances created, City could not find the back of the net and the game finished in a narrow 3-2 loss. 
 
With Bourne Deeping now top of Division 1, City were left to rue a slow start and a number of missed half chances, and will feel they really should have got something from the match. Next week City face a crucial game against bottom of the table Peterborough. 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 21/01/2017 VS DEREHAM 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 21/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 21/01/2017 
HEADLINE: Valuable 3 points dropped by City.... 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH 
VENUE: Dereham HC 
RESULT: Norwich 2 : 3 Dereham 
 
REPORT: 
This was the first game back after a long festive break for Norwich City following a cancelled match the week before. 
 
City started on the back foot having to soak up a lot early pressure from Dereham who were playing a different formation and it took a while for the City side to adjust. Dereham came close a few times in the opening exchanges to opening the scoring but City were able to survive. Half way through the half City started to assert themselves on the game and started to build some attacks one of which ended with Armstrong on the ball wide in the circle who delivered a cross at waist height across the circle for Konieczny to get on the end of it and deflect it in from close range. City’s lead was short lived when Dereham began to push forward and won a series of short corners, they were able to capitalise from one these when the initial shot was blocked by Thrower in the goal only for it to fall straight to the Dereham forward who was able to flick it home. Dereham carried on their attacking form and with a speculative cross through very crowed area the ball took a favourable deflection for Dereham, Perry was unable to reach the ball as it fell to the Dereham attacker who hit a reverse strike into the bottom corner leaving Thrower little chance. A further series of short corners for Dereham were handled with confidence from the defensive unit of Perry, Duffy, Anthony, Spencer and Hingginbotham. The half ended with Dereham narrowly in the lead. 
 
City started the 2nd half with a formation change to help crowd out the midfield unit of Dereham which worked and City were able to play more freely. City began to have some more meaningful attacks but the forward line of Brine, Konieczny, Armstrong and Fletcher just could not find the ball in the circle to get any meaningful shots off to test the keeper. City were able to win some short corners but were unable take these chances. Against the run of play Dereham were able to win another short corner which they were able to finish putting even more strain on the City side to come back in to the game. Chasing the game Ling was beginning to show some positive moves down the left hand side of the pitch resulting in another corner for City. This time City were able to score with a well timed 1:2 between Perry and Duffy to beat the keeper. City had a glimmer of hope in the last 5 mins after scoring late to try and get a point from this fixture but were unable to capitalise on the few chances they had. The game ended 3:2 in favour of the home side, leaving City feeling deflated knowing they needed to take some point away from this fixture if they wanted to stay challenging for a place in this league. 
 
Man of the match was award to Geoff Spencer who had an outstanding game at full back. 
 
Next week see City taking on IES in what is again a must win game. 
 

MENS 4TH XI - 21/01/2017 VS LOWESTOFT RAILWAY (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 21/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 21/01/2017 
HEADLINE: Sweet Revenge 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: East Point Academy, Lowestoft 
RESULT: Won 3-2 
 
REPORT: 
City 4's avenged their early season home loss to Lowestoft with a convincing 3-2 away win. 
 
City started well on the infamous 'beach' and dominated the first half with Jack Ingham and Josh Bailey running riot on the left side. However, against the run of play it was Lowestoft who took the lead when an unlucky deflection in the 'D' allowed an easy finish past Jewers in City's goal. 
 
City then quickly capitalised on their dominance with a close range tap in from Will Kidner followed by a brace from the free scoring Rees Leonard. The first coming from a deflection off a defenders foot and the second an unstoppable drag flick at a penalty corner 
 
Half Time 3-1 to City 
 
Chances came and went in the second half, with MOTM Jake Cushion and Joe Cowan dominating in the midfield. With 5 minutes of the match to go, Lowestoft scored a break away concellation but City held on to take a deserved 3 points 
 
Final Score: 3-2 City 
MOTM: Jake Cushion 

MENS 5TH XI - 21/01/2017 VS LOWESTOFT RAILWAY 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 21/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 21/01/2017 
HEADLINE: Lack of legs! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: home 
RESULT: lost 1-2 
 
REPORT: After the fireworks of the 'friendly' two weeks ago, a large crowd came to see if there would be a second helping of entertainment. City started off the more positive with some excellent interplay with the forwards. Ali Clabburn and Ash Bird were constant threats. It was Ash Bird who broke the deadlock with a goal which took place in slow motion - there was a biblical moment with the parting of the Red Sea as Ash gave City the lead. City remained positive and had the majority of the possession. In the second half the City legs went as they started to fade. The opposition capitalised with two late goals. It was interesting to see that a number of the opposition team then jumped in cars to race back for their 1st team game v our 4s - fortunately, our 4s were too good for them! Our game was disappointing but lots of positives to take.  
 

MENS 7TH XI - 21/01/2017 VS IPSWICH 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 21/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 21/01/2017 
HEADLINE: Crucial victory 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: IPSWICH SPORTS CLUB 
RESULT: IPSWICH 4 1 NORWICHCITY 7 2 
 
REPORT: 
A hard fought victory over Ipswich 4 who were a place above City leapfrog their Suffolk opponents on goal difference and move out of the bottom 2. 
City welcomed Christian Hughes back to the squad and debutant Simon Cottingham returning to the game after a few years absence. Ipswich asserted the early pressure, but then City started to find their feet and moved the game into the Ipswich half. City were undone when Ipswich won a short corner and early break found the defence a man down which Ipswich capitalised upon to open the scoring. It was long before City equalised a through ball from Simon Cottingham finding Gautham Narayanan who converted. 
After the break the game became end to end and City were grateful to the steel that Simon Cottingham brought to the team in thwarting the Ipswich danger man, though he was ably supported by the whole defence and particularly man of the match Christian Hughes. Midway through the half another surging run to the top of the circle resulted in the ball falling to Luke Keeley who slotted home. Ipswich then piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser but City held out for a crucial victory in their fight for survival. 
 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 21/01/2017 VS DEREHAM (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 21/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 21/01/2017 
HEADLINE: Oh so close 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Harleston 
RESULT: Magpies 4 - 2 Norwich City 
 
REPORT: 
Having lost their last fixture against Magpies convincingly City were looking for a much better collective team effort and that is exactly what they got. Whilst the home side started well and went ahead inside 10 minutes despite a number of excellent saves by Will Farrow. City then rallied and forced their hosts onto the back foot with a 15 minute period of sustained pressure. Whilst Reuben Cooke and Cameron Husband were emmence in defence the midfield of man of the match Sam Hyatt, Joseph Roy, Cameron Tasker and Rocco Iaccarino kept their shape beautifully to enable wave after wave of attack at the same time thwarting desperate Magpies clearances. Freddie Paterson's and Robert McCall's running on and off the ball on the front line was a source of constant threat. A neat penalty corner move nearly levelled the score. Somewhat against the run of play Magpies broke and scored one of those annoying slow motion into the bottom corner goals to go in at half time 2-0 up. 
 
The second half was a fantastic advertisement of youth hockey, with first one side then the other in the ascendency. Jonty Black and Monty Platt controlled City's attacks linking up with Alex Tomkinson, Oliver Moore and Freddie Paterson to create numerous attacks. As in the first half Magpies slightly against the run of play extended their lead however, City responded immediately, a neat penalty corner (Roy injection for a Black stick stop and a Hyatt thunderbolt). 3-1 and game on! Five minutes later and a slightly less clinical Hyatt penalty corner strike somehow beat the keeper. 3-2. 
 
Now it was real end-to-end stuff with the home side scoring their 4th in the dying moments.