Results

MENS 2ND XI - 25/03/2017 VS EAST LONDON (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 25/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 25/03/2017 
HEADLINE: Mens 2s finish off season with 3-2 win at Lee Valley 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis centre 
RESULT:Won 3-2 
 
REPORT:The 2s rounded off their season with a win as they beat East London 3-2 at Lee Valley. The game started well with Hindle rounding the Keeper early to score and celebrated to the 0 fans in the stand behind the goal. A couple of minutes later it was 2-0 when George gave Silvy a tap in. East London came out strong second half, forcing Millett into a number of good saves, however this wasn't enough as a low shot from London make it 2-1, Stu's deflection midway into the 2nd half sealed the win, London then scored a deflection late on and missed a flick to make the final score 3-2.  
 
 
 

MENS 2ND XI - 18/03/2017 VS LONG SUTTON (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 18/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 18/03/2017 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: Norwich City 2-3 Long Sutton 
 
REPORT: 
 
With a player pulling out early in the morning, City matched Long Sutton with a bare 11.  
 
City started the first half slow compared to Sutton causing them to ship two early goals. However this soon started to change, ending the first half 0-2. 
 
The second half started with City becoming the better team. This caused the score to quickly change with a goal from Pete Morgan after he was slipped the ball at a short corner, 1-2.  
City kept pressing Sutton and eventually another goal came from Richard Silvester after he finished a wonderful half volley into the corner of the goal, 2-2. 
However as much as City applied the press, Sutton finished the game with a deflection into the goal finishing the game at 2-3. 
 

MENS 2ND XI - 11/03/2017 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 11/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 11/03/2017 
HEADLINE: 2-2 Loss 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE:Harleston  
RESULT:2-2 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City 2's had to win to stand any chance of staying in Div 1 
An inspiring team talk on how to treat this as a cup game, seemed to fire everyone up. 
City were pegged back for the first 10 mins Harleston with a high press restricting city's defence from distributing the ball out. 
Along ball up to halfway line to Silvester who released Gill to out pace the Harleston defence & go one on one with the goalkeeper only for his fierce shot to be saved. City's confidence started to build Duffy battling well in centre of the park, some great movement down the right from the ever dependable Bingham. Crichton & Pallister shepherding the back four with great calmness.  
A move down the right from Bingham who released The pacey Gill who in turn drove to the ball to the byline & pulled the ball back to the p-spot, Harleston struggled to clear this & Hindle took full advantage as he picked the ball up to unleash a ferocious (back stick) reverse stick shot to Draw level 1-1.  
It looked like all this hard work was about to be undone. A penalty flick awarded to Harleston for Pallisters heroics on the goal line keeping out a short corner strike with his bare hand. 
City's goalkeeper pulled off an amazing save to his right to keep out the flick. 
Harleston's high press seemed to deteriorate & allowed City to stretch them Plumb & Morgan getting more of the ball in the middle & in turn Bingham being used as a wide outlet. Link up play between Bingham & Silvester was causing several problems for Harleston. Frustrations were shown & green cards were issued after some wild stick swipes on Silvester in full flow on a charging run. 
Ingham on the left started to have some space on the left & made full advantage on several occasions. The left & right outlets being used well, City on top Duffy with some great stick skills pressing forward. 
A move on the right with Bingham who linked up with Silvester again to fire the ball just outside the right post for Silvester to latch on to & sweep the ball into the far left corner. 
Game on 2-1. City were still in control, great calmness at the back from Pallister & Crichton. 
With 2 minutes to go city tried to keep the ball high in the corners. 
The ball was then intercepted on the Harleston left a hopeful ball played into the top of the D for a Harleston player to touch the ball towards the goal to his surprise & everyone else this trickled into the right corner of the goal. 
2-2 and a minute to go as much as City tried there just wasn't enough time to go get another goal. 
Yet again a great entertaining game for the spectators but a sad day as City looked to be relegated after another hard fought performance  
Didn't seem to go City's way. 
Player of the match: 
Richard Silvester 
 

MENS 2ND XI - 04/03/2017 VS BLUEHARTS 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 04/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 04/03/2017 
HEADLINE: Crowd Pleaser! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 4-4 
 
The pre-match talk involved a Hindle white board session a rare occurrence which motivated the 2's A must win game in their relegation fight. 
Norwich were straight out of the blocks closing blueharts down giving them no time & space. Norwich enjoyed a good spell of possession Youngsters Bingham & Ingham intercepting passes & both being used well as wide outlets. Rob Duffy with some driving runs & composed possession in the centre half role. Unfortunately Blueharts took the lead against the run of play, city were 1-0 down. Gill, Silvester & Cox pressurising the blueharts back 4 well. 
A ball into the D from Gill was pounced on by Silvester to sweep it through the legs of the goalkeeper & what looked like into the goal apart from a blueharts clowns foot on the goaline prevented this & a penalty flick was awarded. Up stepped Hindle to dispatch the P. flick straight down the middle. 1-1 Game on City back on level terms & deservedly so. City looked to be on top again some great energy. Yet again city found themselves a goal down 2-1 blueharts. Anyone who watches the 2's regularly knows that entertainment is always guaranteed & what a crowd pleaser this game was! 
2-1 down but not out of it at all. An aerial ball played to Brine who's shot with some blueharts assistance made it 2-2 only 3 mins until half time & city make it hard work again by conceding a goal with a minute until half time 3-2 down. Some Inspiring & positive words from captain Hindle. Still showing great solidarity the city team came straight back at blueharts  
An interception from Silvester which fell to plumb who played Silvester in only for the blueharts goalkeeper to make a wild lunge & forgetting to go for the ball. A penalty flick awarded & lunging goalkeeper waved goodbye with a yellow card. The blueharts team took a while to decide what to do & who should go in goal. At this point Plumb points out that this flick is a make break for the season! 
Hindle requests Cox to step up for the flick (No Pressure) thankfully Cox dispatches & city go 3-3 some great pacey runs from Gill (Unsure where the pitch ends) Bingham being used well down the right. City looking on top with hard work in the middle from Hindle & Morgan. A driving run from Gill on the right is played into the D for Silvester only for him to be pushed by a blueharts player, short corner awarded & blueharts player waved off with a yellow card much to his appeals of innocence. 
Hindle steps up to lash his short corner in the right corner 4-3 up  
This game looked to be heading City's way. The usually assured Crichton at the back made an exceptional interception only for him to uncharacteristically give the ball straight back to blueharts. 
Crichton then slipped in a Gerrard style manner & lost his player blueharts took full advantage & finished to make it 4-4.  
The final score 4-4 the disappoint on citys players very apparent. The spectators got the best deal out of this game great entertainment but not the result the 2's needed 
Bring on Harleston next week! 
WARNING Watching City 2's increases blood pressure & all kinds of emotions, but above all Great Entertainment! 

MENS 2ND XI - 25/02/2017 VS WAPPING 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 25/02/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 25/02/2017 
HEADLINE: City 2's lose to top of the table Wapping 2's 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Lee valley Hockey and Tennis Centre 
RESULT: 6-0 Wapping win 
 
REPORT: 
City travelled away to the Lee Valley hockey centre this weekend to face top of the league side Wapping 2's. Pre match photos were taken by many of the players, but most notably by Richard Silvester who was loving the occasion taking snaps at every opportunity. The facilities were excellent. 
 
The game began and City found themselves being put under a lot of pressure for the first 10 minutes. The well drilled opposition caught City off guard twice during this period, leading to City finding themselves 2-0 down early on in the game. However, as the half went on City found their feet and starting playing the hockey they know they can. This late spell of good play led to a short corner for City, which unfortunately wasn't converted. Half time 2-0 Wapping. 
 
City didn't have the best start to the second half either, conceding two early goals . With Jim Pallister off injured City were limited to one sub. This showed, as the fresh legs of the Wapping players led to them breezing past the tired City players. The game finished 6-0. 
 
City will have to keep their heads up as the relegation battle isn't over yet, good results in the coming weeks could be the turning point in their season. They were outplayed by a very good side in Wapping 2's and will have to forget about this fixture going into next week's game. 
 
MOTM: Sam Bingham  
DOTD: Tom Hindle 

MENS 2ND XI - 11/02/2017 VS UPMINSTER (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 11/02/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 11/02/2017 
HEADLINE: City louse out in must win encounter 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Taverham High School 
RESULT: 3-2 LOSS 
 
REPORT: 
City 2s were left rueing there second half display as they lost a key game in the battle for survival in Division 1. Upminster started the game really well and opened the scoring with about a minute gone. City fought back however and equalised from Pete Morgan before Tom Hindle reverse stick short following a short corner gave the 2s a deserved lead into the break.  
 
City however never got going in the 2nd half and really struggled to keep hold of the ball for long periods of the game, but once again they were done by set pieces as Upminster scored from both a PC and PF to take the lead 3-2, City created a couple half chances but missed out on what was some valuable points on offer.  
 

MENS 2ND XI - 04/02/2017 VS SHEFFORD & SANDY (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 04/02/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 04/02/2017 
HEADLINE: City pick up a bitter-sweet point against high flying Shefford. 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Home 
RESULT: 3-3 
 
REPORT: 
 
The City seconds faced Shefford and Sandy at TRF on Saturday. Having lost the return fixture heavily in the first half of the season, Norwich were keen to show how much they had improved over the season. 
 
The game got off to a quick start with Shefford having the best of the opening minutes and deserved their early goal. Norwich soon found their form and the back of the net through Tom Cox. Shefford added another as did Norwich from George Brine; both goals came from well worked penalty corners. 
 
The second half continued in the same vein as the first with chances at both ends as well as a number of cards for both teams in a very frantic, end to end game. The score finished 3-3 with Harry Gill bagging the third of city's goals. City pushed for a 4th and match winner but were unable to convert chances against a side reduced to 10 men. 
 
Pre-match, Captain Hindle, would have taken a draw against 3rd from top but in his post match interview, having played so well, Skipper Tom was left with a feeling that it may have been two points dropped. But a much improved performance will certainly help him sleep soundly tonight and lots of positives to take in to next weeks match. 

MENS 2ND XI - 28/01/2017 VS CITY OF PETERBOROUGH 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 28/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 28/01/2017 
HEADLINE: MOTM Duffy is fined heavily for forgetting the match report 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Peterborough HC 
RESULT: 1-2 City Win 
 
REPORT: 
City took the long trip along the A47 to Peterborough in good spirits. Last week’s performance against top of the table Bourne Deeping had given them confidence going into this weeks must win, season defining, cant loose, at all costs, 6 pointer.  
Unfortunately whilst city started the stronger, it was the officials who stole the show in the first 20 mins when a clear clown sized foot stopped plumbs goal bound effort from crossing the goal line. 
City and especially captain Hindle were left spitting feathers and to compound their frustration they then conceded against the run of play. 
What then followed was a complete collapse in standard and concentration. City played arguably their worst 10 mins of hockey all season, and were lucky to reach the break only 1 goal down. 
At half time captain Hindle had to rally the troops and, as mentioned earlier, this was a season defining moment. City simply had to win.  
City started the second half brightly but still looked nervous. Ainsthorpe in goal had to make one or two saves whilst city slowly found their feet. After 15 mins city found a goal. A well worked short corner found Cox at the top of the D and he duly placed the ball through the advancing keepers legs. City erupted in relief… game on!  
As the confidence grew and the need for the second intensified city got the winner. A scrappy goal that found Cheesman trying to pass across the goal line only for the Peterborough defender to smash in a great finish past his own goal keeper. Now we know that there are no such things as own goals in hockey but if there was… this would be one!  
City then had to hang on for their lives and put their bodies (or sticks) on the line. Corden taking a nasty hit to the foot and Hindle seeing Green for an unlucky (and spectacular all at the same time) stick tackle on the half way line. The final whistle blew and city’s season goes on… Not the best day at the office but an important one.  
City play at home next and face Shefford and Sandy.  
 

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 2ND XI - 14/01/2017 VS CAMBRIDGE CITY 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 14/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 14/01/2017 
HEADLINE: Norwich return from Cambridge with a point. 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 3-3 
 
REPORT: 
City had a sad start to the day after finding themselves in the world's smallest changing room, however their mood soon changed once the game had started and Cambridge were struggling to keep up with Norwich's quick tempo. Despite this Cambridge managed to get 2 goals against the run of play making it an unlucky 0-2. Norwich quickly obtained their first goal after captain Tom Hindle comfortably hit home a penalty corner. 1-2. This was followed by plenty of chances from Norwich, but it was Cambridge who went into the half time break 1 goal up. 
 
Once the break was over Norwich soon had Cambridge panicked as they managed to level the scoreline with a class finish from Pete Morgan. 2-2. Promptly, Cambridge responded and again managed to take the lead. 2-3. Norwich had not given up yet and with a fantastic piece of team play the ball was played to Dan Cheesman on the back post who slotted it home. 3-3. Cambridge were then rightfully denied a goal after it was finished with a back stick.  
 
Norwich returned from Cambridge with a point hopefully cheering up Hindle after losing to petrol previously. 

MENS 2ND XI - 07/01/2017 VS NORWICH CITY 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 07/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 07/01/2017 
HEADLINE: A decent performance and fitness test! 
PRE - SEASON FRIENDLY 
VENUE: Taverham High School 
RESULT: 6-2 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
In this run around game versus the 1s after Christmas, the 2s took the lead from Tom Hindle but fell behind soon after the clinical finishing from the 1s was hard to compete against at City 2s could only manage 1 more from Pete Morgan. FT: 6-2 to the 1s 

MENS 2ND XI - 10/12/2016 VS BISHOPS STORTFORD (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 10/12/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 10/12/2016 
HEADLINE: Xmas party hangovers leave city frustrated  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT 1-0 Loss 
 
Report: 
 
City welcomed Bishop Stortford to the Taverham H2O. 
Going into the game City knew that 3 points was there for the taking. City started slowly, with the early attacks from Bishop Stortford causing City problems and leading to short corners. However, 
City's defence held strong. Nearing the end of the half, City started to play their usual free flowing hockey, which was rewarded with a few short corners. The short corners brought out some fine saves from the Bishop Stortford keeper. Notably, Tom Hindle's reverse stick rocket ,which brought a great save from the Bishop Stortford keeper. Also late in the first half, Luke Corden was put through after a brilliant aerial from Tom Cox. His improvised chip was agonisingly close, but grazed the side netting. Half time 0-0. 
 
City started the second half well. Bishop Stortford gave City very little to worry about in the early stages of the second half. City made the most of this and won more short corners. However, City lacked the finishing touches and failed to get the goal that would have put them in front. This came back to haunt City, as the half went on Bishop Stortford seemed to pick up the pace, winning short corners of their own. It was from a fluffed Bishop Stortford corner that City painfully conceded the first goal of the game. From this point on the game was end to end with both sides coming very close to scoring. Late short corners for City just wouldn't find the target. The game finished 1-0. 
 
This loss will be a hard one to take, as the opposition were there for the taking. City will need to start converting good hockey and chances into goals when they return in the new year, if they want to start climbing the league table. 
 
MOTM-Sam Bingham 
TYFC- Luke Corden 
Have a good Christmas everyone. 

MENS 2ND XI - 26/11/2016 VS EAST LONDON (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 26/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 26/11/2016 
HEADLINE: City's unbeaten run comes to an end!  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 0-2 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
City welcomed East London to the Taverham H2O. In the early stages City had to stay patient with East London applying a half court press in the first half. However, City never fell into the trap. It took patients from Alex Scott and Jim Pallister at the back to ensure city maintained possession. As the first half went on, City started to break through the opposition defence. A great spell of attacking play from Richard Silvester and Matt Fretwell lead to short corners for city. However, the ball never seemed to find the target. Half time, 0-0. 
 
 
 
In the second half East London stepped up the tempo pressing City higher up the pitch. This caught City by surprise and lead to the City defensive line coming under heavy pressure. It took solid defending from Sam Bingham, Clive, Alex Scott and Jim Pallister to keep East London at bay. However, half way through the second half City conceded their first short corner and painfully for City, East London capitalised. Just 5 minutes later another short corner was conceded. Despite the fast running of Ali Shearer, who was able to stop the initial shot from the top of the circle, the ball fell to a East London player who made it 2-0. City battled on in the last 10 minutes winning two short corners and hitting the post, but the score remained and finished 2-0, the ball just simply wouldn't go in. 
 
 
 
Overall, a disappointing result for City as they had the majority of the chances and probably should have gone into half time leading. The halfway stage to the season has arrived and on reflection, City will be happy with the way they ended the first half of the season and will be looking to pick up points in the early stages of the second half, by carrying on their recent run of good form. 

MENS 2ND XI - 19/11/2016 VS LONG SUTTON (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 19/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 19/11/2016 
HEADLINE: Ainsthorpe stepps up  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Peele Leisure Centre 
RESULT: 1-1 Draw 
 
REPORT: 
City travelled away to Long Sutton knowing anything less than a draw would be disappointing given they'd taken 5 points from their last 3 games. The flat, icy pitch was difficult to contend with, with one entire left flank frozen and lifeless. The first half was slow to start with neither team getting a grip on the game. A lot of play going through the middle 3 of Pallister, Fretwell and Morgan as Long Sutton looked to break quickly when the city attacks broke down. They had a few opportunities however these were well dealt with, with the back four and Aisthorpe in goal communicating well to limit Long Sutton possession in the 23. After several warnings across the team, it was Captain Hindle who picked up the first green card of the game, due to swearing amongst certain members of the team. In fact it was Hindle who caused the majority of the action in the first half, with the first of his ambitious shots flying just over the crossbar having been hit on the volley from the top of the D. The second of these speculative shots hit Long Suttons captain just above the eye causing a nasty injury requiring him to go to hospital whilst unknowingly taking with him the key to the clubhouse. After a fairly lengthy delay, City started slowly ‘not for the first time this season’ and conceded from Long Suttons first attack after the pause, despite having the majority of possession city went into the break 1-0 down. 
City again, were slow to start the second half and the first 5 minutes were the liveliest of the game with Long Sutton having come out hard and forcing Aisthorpe into 2 successive reflex saves before the defence could get the ball clear and City could counter bringing their first short corner of the game. With Hindle on the bench, Cheeseman stepped up and converted the short corner at the first time of asking. The game was very much back and forth with Long Sutton pressing for a second goal and having scored a hatful at home on previous occasion’s city were wary in defence. Long Sutton picked up a number of short corners all of which were dealt with, the most notable a powerful drag-flick into the bottom right corner. As Long Sutton wheeled away to celebrate prematurely Ainsthorpe got down low and deflected the ball past the post with his stick. The game ebbed away with no one really taking a claim through the final 20 minutes. Morgan got a green card as the game drew to a close forcing a little added pressure on city but the game was seen out meaning City claimed another point away from home. 
MOTM: Jake Aisthorpe 
TYFC: Tom 'Fatan' Hindle 
 

MENS 2ND XI - 12/11/2016 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 12/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 12/11/2016 
HEADLINE: Convincing win over local rivals  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: TRF (Taverham) 
RESULT: 5-2 Win 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich city 2s went into this weekend’s fixture over local rival’s warranted nothing more than 3 points. With Harleston 2s only one place ahead in the table, City knew a win would earn them a much needed lift in the league table.  
City started brightly, and were rewarded when forward Silvester slotted in from close range to take the lead. Magpies then converted from a penalty corner to draw level. The game remained a tight affair but city managed to retake the lead 5 minutes before half time when Captain Hindle (Fatan) flicked the ball into the side netting following the breakdown of another city short corner. 
City went into the break 2-1 ahead. 
City started the second half well but where under attack from a more offensive magpies. City were able to withstand the pressure and with a quick break manage to get their third. This time it was Shearer who found the back of the net with a clever through the legs tap in.  
The two goal lead didn’t last too long as magpies pressuring finally paid off. A penalty corner drag flick beating Ainsthorpe in the city goal.  
City continued to create chances and where rewarded with a couple of their own penalty corners. This time it was Anthony’s turn to return the favour and fire his own drag flick into the roof of the magpies’ goal.  
City then wrapped up a fine performance with 10 minutes to spare. A good press from the forward line winning the ball on the edge of the circle created a chance for eventual man of the match Cheeseman who fired home into the bottom corner.  
All in all a great performance from city who seem to be finding their feet in what is still a very tough division 1.  
Next week… Long Sutton Away!  
 

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 2ND XI - 29/10/2016 VS WAPPING 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 29/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 29/10/2016 
HEADLINE: City Come Close.... Again!  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: DRAW 
 
REPORT: 
City welcomed top of the league side Wapping 2s. City were on the front foot from the start with captain Tom Hindle throwing some brilliant aerials through to the lightning quick Ali Shearer who came very close to converting them into a goal. City managed to win a few short corners but nothing came of them. The half was end to end with neither side able to grab the opener. City went into the break level, the score 0-0.  
 
After a very positive half time team talk, City came out of the blocks firing. Ali Shearer, once again using his pace to get around the back of the Wapping defence, he squared a bouncing pass to Ben Plumb who, unfortunately for City, couldn’t find the back of the net. Dan Cheeseman also had his fair share of chances in front of goal, however, luck wasn't on his side. High pressure from the City forward line finally paid off. Ali Shearer made a great tackle in the attacking 23, leading to a cross (from Shearer) going in after hitting a Wapping player's stick. Shearer will claim it and it was just the bit of luck City needed.  
 
Wapping put on the pressure in the last 15 minutes of the game. This showed when Ben Plumb and Rob Duffy received yellow cards late in the second half. It took resilient defending from Alex Scott, Tom Ling, Jim Pallister and Sam Bingham to keep City ahead. With 5 minutes to go City conceded a penalty corner, which proved costly as the ball went rolling into the bottom left hand corner of the goal. Final score 1-1. 
 
Overall, City will be disappointed with the result as a win was there for the taking against a good side. However, performances like this in coming weeks will pay off for City and get them moving up the league table. 
 
MOTM: Sam Bingham  
TYFC: Ben Plumb  
 

MENS 2ND XI - 22/10/2016 VS UPMINSTER (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 22/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 22/10/2016 
HEADLINE: City have a Downer in Upminster 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Coopers Company & Coborn School, Upminster 
RESULT: Norwich 1-2 Upminster 
 
 
REPORT: 
City travelled to Upminster with a bare 11 and soon found the quicker starting Upminster difficult to contend with. CIty soon got going and were unlucky not to take the lead with Cheeseman, Silvester and Shearer causing havoc amongst Upminster's defence. It was however Upminster who took the lead after a rebounded shot meant their striker could walk it in. 
 
 
Chances came and went for both sides, but the defences held strong and it was Upminster who went into the half time break 1 goal up. 
 
 
After Captain Hindle’s half time words of wisdom, City started the second half the better team. Their high tempo play was soon rewarded when Ingham ran onto a superb through ball from Hindle, a short pass later to Cheeseman who calmly reversed the ball past the oncoming keeper. 1-1. 
 
 
As the game wore on, City’s lack of substitutes began to tell and Upminster were able to take advantage with a counter attack when poor defending lead to Aisthorpe being disappointed to let in the winner. 1-2. 
 
 
MOTM: Harry Ingham 
TYFC: Jake Aisthorpe 

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 2ND XI - 08/10/2016 VS CITY OF PETERBOROUGH 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 08/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 08/10/2016 
HEADLINE: Cheesman brace seals first league win of season 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Taveham 
RESULT:2-1 
 
REPORT: 
 
The game was decided in the first few minutes of the second half. City found themselves a goal down to a first half flick; Peterborough with their direct physical style pushed for a second. City's defence and goalkeeper held firm; there classical passing and movement started to bare fruit. A Ben Plum shot (going wide) deflected into the roof of the net by Dan Cheesman. Minutes later an Adie Land short (not going wide) touched in by A sprawling Dan. Game over! 
 

MENS 2ND XI - 01/10/2016 VS BOURNE DEEPING (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 01/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 01/10/2016 
HEADLINE: Did anything go well today? 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Somewhere millions of miles away! 
RESULT: Not worth mentioning 
 
REPORT: 
This was not a good day for City 2s, travelling millions of miles to somewhere in Lincolnshire with the Mc D's stop on the way one of the only highlights of the day as City despite having several great chances in the first 10 minuets of the game were completely out-played in the rest as they eventually went down 7-0, although the score line was a little harsh it certainly summed up how City played.  
POTM: Ben Plumb 

MENS 2ND XI - 24/09/2016 VS CAMBRIDGE CITY 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 24/09/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 24/09/2016 
HEADLINE: Norwich City 2’s vs Cambridge City 3’s 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: NCHC 3-6 CCHC  
 
 
 
 
REPORT: 
City lined up for their first home game of the season after a baptism of fire away at Bishop Stortford on their return to division 1. With greater availability this week the side bore more resemblance to the squad that won division 2 so dramatically on the last game of the season six months ago. Crichton, Pallister, Duffy and Plumb returned whilst Millett stepped in to make his league debut in goal. Playford and Ingham Jr dropped down whilst Marshall starts a fresh period of recovery with his back injury. Shearer and Silvester dropped to the bench whilst the pack reshuffled and captain Hindle moved into a centre forward role. This coincided with the launch of the nickname ‘Fatan’ although it is unknown whether that was anything to do with his position on the pitch….. 
In hot conditions the game was played at a frantic pace throughout with City making use of frequent substitutions and trying to spread the play across the pitch. Unfortunately whilst that strategy worked well throughout the game City were outclassed for the second week in a row on short corners and would go on to concede five in the match whilst scoring none themselves. Both first half goals came from the same script with the one short corner finding the top corner and the next being deflected in off Shearer’s stick as he attempted to charge it down. City replied through their captain as Hindle smashed the ball home from the right hand side of the D after good work from Plumb and Silvster.  
Spirits were high at half time as City realised how well they had played through large patches of the first half and had created much the better of the chances. Shearer in particular was finding space to overlap from right half with good movement from all of the forwards. That enthusiasm was damped as Cambridge extended their lead early in the second half through another familiar short corner set up as city were caught out defensively after positive attacks. Those attacks brought several chances for city and some players were guilty of poor decision making in the final third. City persisted however and were quickly back into the game through another well taken Hindle goal, this time from the left hand side of the D. At this point City looked strong and well on track to take something from the game but a cruel sequence of events took the game out of the reach of City.  
With City down to 10 temporarily after a green card for Scott, Shearer inadvertently deflected the ball towards his own goal after the Cambridge forward had miscued his own shot at the back post. Millett seemingly perplexed by the double deflection froze as the ball slowly rolled into the far corner as defender and keeper starred motionless at each other. After that another clinical short corner finish and a second via another deflection took the game out of the reach of city. Scott compounded his thanks for coming vote by upgrading his green card to a yellow card as city toiled away without any help from the officials. Ben Plumb did pick up a consolation goal for city in the final minutes but despite matching their opponents throughout, City came away with nothing on a 6-3 loss.  
A disappointing result but a positive performance for the second week in a row with six goals to show from two matches but eight conceded from short corners. Shearer picked up the man of the match award after a typically energetic display, playing like a man with a point to prove.  
Next up: a trip to Bourne Deeping 
 

MENS 2ND XI - 17/09/2016 VS BISHOPS STORTFORD (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 17/09/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 17/09/2016 
HEADLINE: Show promise in opening day defeat in Division 1 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Hockerill College 
RESULT: 5-3 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
City 2s had a tough day as they took on Bishops Stortford 1st XI away in their 1st game in Division 1 having achieved promotion last season. Stortford started the game fast and hard and pressed City early on as City struggled to get the ball out from the back, they soon fell 2 goals behind. Dan Cheesman worked hard for City upfront and through this managed to pull a goal back for City, however the scoreline of 2-1 at the break could of been worse had it not been for a post. 
 
City started better in the 2nd half but were undone by a well placed drag flick from a Stortford PC. At 3-1 City kept on going and one a PC which after originally breaking down fell to Alex Scott who slapped it high into the net. 3-2 and City had belief but it was short lived as once again Stortford converted another well placed flick. Stortford then really applied the pressure and hit the post once more before adding a 5th, with the game gone, Dan Cheesman managed to do another bit of magic and scored a consolation goal for the 2s. A tough day but lessons learned, POTM: Dan Cheesman 

MENS 2ND XI - 10/09/2016 VS DEREHAM 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 10/09/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 10/09/2016 
HEADLINE: City run riot in pre-season friendly 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 8-1  
 
REPORT: 
City were 2-0 up by half time and completely bossed the game with goals from Silvester and Cheesman seperating the teams at the break.  
 
After the break the game opended up completely City scored goals for fun with Cheesman scoring two, meanwhile Silvester, Land, Plumb and Fretwell also scored 1 each. City had Millett in goal to thank for only conceding the solitary goal as the game finished 8-1.  

MENS 2ND XI - 03/09/2016 VS HARLESTON 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 03/09/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 03/09/2016 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Magpies 
RESULT: 3-3 Draw 
 
REPORT: 
First proper pre-season game and the squad this week was more like a Mens 2nd XI. The 2s started well and managed to score a well worked penalty corner goal with Duffy squaring the ball to Morgan for a neat finish at the far post, City held their lead until half time. With some strong saves from Steve Playford and a nice miss from skipper Hindle ensuring the scoreline remained at 1-0.  
 
In the 2nd half Magpies legend Toby Price walked through and scored two world class goals before a short corner added a third for Magpies as they looked to off killed the game shortly after half time but City hit back and scored through an excellent finish from Ben Plumb. At 3-2 City pressed for an equaliser and when Dan Cheesman was brought down going through on goal, skipper Hindle stepped up to convert the resulting flick. 3-3 Draw, great comeback roll on next week.  

MENS 2ND XI - 27/08/2016 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 27/08/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 27/08/2016 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
Not so good.  
Report Over. 

MENS 2ND XI - 27/08/2016 VS HC ISSELJOEVER (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 27/08/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 27/08/2016 
HEADLINE: 1st Win 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
Nice win over the Dutch.  
Goal from Cheesman was decent.  
Although Lingy was even better! 

MENS 2ND XI - 27/08/2016 VS NORTH NORFOLK 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 27/08/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 27/08/2016 
HEADLINE: 1st game and we got a point 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
Nice goal from Adie Land from a PASS from Dan Cheesman.  
They scored, 1-1