Results

MENS 4TH XI - 14/03/2020 VS NORTH NORFOLK 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 14/03/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 14/03/2020 
HEADLINE: A Day Out to Cromer 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Cromer High School 
RESULT: 
NCHC 4's 1 - 7 North Norfolk 1's 
REPORT: 
City arrived expecting a tough game against top of the league North Norfolk 1’s, yet helped by an inspirational team talk about damage limitation before the game, they held their own and went in at halftime 2-0 down. Two relatively early goals in the second half put our opponents 4-0 up before City hit back with a delightful p-flick from Jags. We were stretched for the remainder of the game and apart from a few chances in the second half, ended up conceding a further 3 goals resulting in a scoreline that maybe flattered the home side. A valiant effort but city lose 7-1.  

MENS 4TH XI - 29/02/2020 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 29/02/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 29/02/2020 
HEADLINE: A game of two halves 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Dragon's Den 
RESULT: Lost 1-8 
 
REPORT: 
The least said about this one the better! 
On the back of some heavy recent defeats, and City's M4's firmly rooted to the bottom of the table, it was no surprise that a tough day at the office was to be expected at their City rivals 
City had only a bare 11 as sick-note Holden failed to report for duty due to an overnight bug! Debutante Cameron Hancell stepped up to the task and never looked out of place 
Anyway, to the gory details; 
City's first half performance was one of resilience, commitment & desire. Tom Cooper converted between 2 Dragon's goals to see the score 1-2 at the break.  
The second half was a totally different story with Dragon's raising their level and City succumbing to the pressure. Six Dragon's goals resulted and City were on the wrong end of a 1-8 loss and confirmation of next season's hockey to be played one league lower! 
Special mention to Seb Kimber in goal, who showed a special level of confidence and promise for one so young 

MENS 4TH XI - 01/02/2020 VS BURY ST EDMUNDS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 01/02/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 01/02/2020 
HEADLINE: The Search for Points Continues 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Culford School 
RESULT:  
NCHC 4s 1 - 7 Bury St Edmunds 2s 
REPORT: 
A nine-man City travelled to Bury lacking players but not lacking spirit. The first half started well with Jagdev Saran making a goal line clearance. Half time came with City behind 2-0, feeling confident that the scoreline could be kept low.  
In the second half Bury managed to transfer the ball well and capitalise on their chances.  
Norwich pulled one back through Matthew Brine putting the ball in the net after a sublime ball from Krishna Patel.  
Taking the positives from the game NCHC hope to pick up the points next week away against Pelicans 2s.  
Man of the Match - Luke Elwes  

MENS 4TH XI - 16/11/2019 VS IPSWICH EAST SUFFOLK 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 16/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 16/11/2019 
HEADLINE: Birthday Boy Blues 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Ipswich school sports centre 
RESULT: Loss 
IES 2s 5 - 1 NCHC 4s 
REPORT: 
4's travelled to Ipswich on Saturday the 16th of November, the first half was unfortunate and we were incapable keeping the ball for more than 5-6 passes. We conceded 3 goals with a spell of poor man-marking. Towards the latter part of the first half Joe gathered the ball on the edge of the D and crossed it to Ethan Rushton who reversed it into the bottom right corner. In the second half we greatly stepped up the performance and hit them hard in the first 20 minutes, unfortunate to find the second goal we conceded 2 more goals, one of which was a good long ball through the middle for their winger to deflect it in.  
Special shoutout to the birthday boy Joe Konieczny, who was unlucky(ish) to convert his penalty flick hit straight at the keeper. 
The game ended 5-1 but was a close game in terms of effort and possession. 

MENS 4TH XI - 02/11/2019 VS UEA 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 02/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 02/11/2019 
HEADLINE: Blown Away? 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: UEA 
RESULT: 3-1 
 
REPORT: City travelled to a blustery UEA hoping to pick up points against a UEA team short of form. UEA probably hoped for similar against a struggling City side who, despite strong performances, don’t seep to be able to take the three points of late. This week, however, the City team look a little light. Injuries other absences and poor-quality administration skills left City fielding a bare 11 and a one-handed Adie Land still suffering from a wrist injury that isn’t getting better despite all the “rest” it’s getting). 
 
It was UEA who started the brighter forcing several saves from Anderson in the City goal, but as the half progressed it was City who edged their way back in to the game. Unfortunately it was not a thick enough wedge and the blue wall could not be breached despite some good work but the younger members of the team including Ward McCall and Patterson. City even employed a cameo from Land but his clearance from the D clearly causing pain and he left the pitch. Eventually it was City who showed their crack first, with the UEA bundling in at the second attempt. 1- 0 at half time, but City still very much in the game. 
 
City continued to pressure in the second half with strong running by Pryatt, Cooper and Hooper as well as the aforementioned youngsters. City continued to pressure and when Singh was forced off to engage in some amature cobbling, Land made his second cameo as short corner striker. A slip to the stopper saw Hooper finding the side netting in a carbon copy of the goal a fortnight ago. One all. Game on. 
 
Then game off again. UEA upped their intensity and broke back within a minute. This time a neat deflected goal beating the City stopper. Minutes later the UEA were two up when McCall was mugged on the half way line and the free hit inextricably given the other way. With City caught on the hop, the UEA took advantage of superior numbers and made it 3-1. 
 
City fought hard to regain some control on the game, with Hooper even pulling out the under used tactic of Jedi mind control. “You are not the 5m from my self pass you think you are”…. But despite Jedi powers, a succession of cards for the UEA and a further goal for the UEA being rightly disallowed for a foot, City couldn’t get themselves on the score sheet again. A succession of substitutions from a large UEA squad kept the energy high and although City’s mix of youth and age kept pace, the much needed goals would not come. 
 
A frustrating afternoon and another game that City could have taken points goes sailing into history. Well played to all those who braved the weather and worked so hard against a large UEA squad. 
 

MENS 4TH XI - 26/10/2019 VS PELICANS 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 26/10/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 26/10/2019 
HEADLINE: City regret missed chances against the Pelicans 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: 
RESULT: NCHC 4s 2 - 3 Pelicans 2s 
 
REPORT: 
The Pelicans set the tempo at the start, pressuring City and keeping them largely pinned back in their own half with high pressing. However, City started to take control of the game. Against the run of play Pelicans scored, frustrating for City who had built up some good moment and were pressuring the Pelican goal. City kept their heads up and continued the attack and were rewarded with an equaliser going into half time.  
 
City came out strong in the second half, energised by the first half performance, but once again Pelicans struck with speed to score minutes into the second half. City dug deep and kept going and were rewarded by a great solo goal by Armstrong, who dribbled the ball through several defenders and scored from an acute angle. City rode the momentum and created chances, but were punished in the dying minutes, dropping what would have been otherwise a very deserved point.  

MENS 4TH XI - 19/10/2019 VS BURY ST EDMUNDS 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 19/10/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 19/10/2019 
HEADLINE: Konciecnzy Hat Trick gets City 4's season going 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 4-0 win 
 
REPORT: 
City's M4's finally got their season underway and moved off out of the relegation zone with a 4-0 home victory over Bury 2's 
 
Bury started the better of the two teams, and but for good defending and a fantastic game from Thrower in goal, City held firm. 
 
with 10 minutes gone, it was City who broke the deadlock at a short corner. Saran injected to Land, who slapped to Konieczny outside the post, who coolly deflected at goal, 1-0 
City's second came from a similar short corner routine, Saran to Land, who played a one-two and then found Konieczny to slot home and double City's lead, 2-0 
 
Half time 
 
Much of the same in the second half and the vital third goal of the game went City's way and with it the result, from (yes you've guessed it) another short corner. This time the routine broke down, but Hooper found himself on the ball with time and space to flick the ball high into the top left hand corner, 3-0 
 
Then drama for City as the always dangerous Brine suffered a freak accident after accidentally colliding with fellow team mate Paterson ending up with a dislocated little finger. The drama was averted when on hand medic (and father of Rob) Mr McCall put it back in place, not without some pain for Brine judging by the noises he was making! 
 
The best was saved to last when, late in the game, Land picked up the ball in defence and quickly moved the ball left to Paterson, who in turn crashed the ball forward to Konieczny to round the keeper and complete his deserved hattrick and Player Of The Match award  
 
Final score: NCHC M4’s 4 : 0 Bury M2’s 
Player of the Match: Joe Konieczny 
 

MENS 4TH XI - 12/10/2019 VS IPSWICH 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 12/10/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 12/10/2019 
HEADLINE: Troublesome Travels for City 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Tuddenham Road 
RESULT: NCHC 4s 0 - 4 Ipswich 2s 
 
REPORT: 
A depleted City team made the trip to Tuddenham Road to face a well numbered Ipswich team.  
 
The high work rate of the 11-man City team was commended by the opposition, spectators and teammates at the full time whistle, but Ipswich used the extra subs to maintain a higher tempo of hockey.  
 
Some great saves from Luke Elwes in goal kept the scoreline down, rightly earning Man of the Match in the process. 

MENS 4TH XI - 05/10/2019 VS IPSWICH EAST SUFFOLK 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 05/10/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 05/10/2019 
HEADLINE: City take positives from close defeat 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham  
RESULT: NCHC 4's 2 - £ IES 3's 
 
REPORT:  
City 4’s wanted to put the previous week behind them and start against Ipswich and East Suffolk 3’s with a positive attitude and confident game play. 
From the start it was obvious that IES wanted to play the long ball through the middle and place pressure directly onto the City defence. 
City held firm after some early pressure and with a few saves from the keeper City managed to start to work forward and create attacking chances which led to the first goal scored by Joe Konieczny. 
IES then started to create more and more chances which were scuppered by a well oiled defence of Jag and Frosty but in the end the constant pressure paid off for IES with a cruel deflection past the City keeper to make it 1-1. 
City worked hard to try and gel together through playing attacking hockey and making the most of the limited chances they could get due to a solid IES defence picking off the attack’s or just missed shots going wide. 
The limited chances unfortunately went against City and the pressure continued towards the City midfield and defence which led to IES second goal which was scored through an unlucky mishap in the defensive area and jumped on by their striker 1-2. 
After a good half time team talk it was clear that our aim was to strengthen the midfield due to an overload from IES in this area and work on simple effective hockey, which is what happened as City worked hard to get the ball moving and push for an equaliser. 
Unfortunately IES got a penalty corner and after it broke down they managed to get a shot on goal that lacked speed but not accuracy and went inside the right post leaving a very annoyed City keeper 1-3. 
City spurred on by this really started to play their best hockey of the game placing IES under continued pressure and yet only working with limited chances but doing the best they could considering and winning a penalty corner which led to City’s second goal via Mr Circuit 2-3. 
Leading on from City’s second goal it was clear that an equaliser was on the cards as they pushed relentlessly through the last quarter of the game trying their best to get that needed goal but to no avail as IES held on to win 2-3. Even though it was a loss City should take a positive attitude into the next game.  

MENS 4TH XI - 28/09/2019 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 28/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 28/09/2019 
HEADLINE: A Tough Day at the Office for City 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Dragons Den 
RESULT:  
1-7  
REPORT: 
City 4s experienced a tough day at the office away to Dragons 3s, ending up on the wrong side of a somewhat harsh scoreline. City started well and took the lead early on with Adie Land poaching a goal in broken play. However, the lead did not last long and, when City switched off briefly, they were punished by some clinical finishing from Dragons. Unfortunately this was the pattern for the rest of the half and, despite the game being relatively even and having much of the play, City went in 3-1 down. 
 
City pushed forward in the second half, clearly looking to get back in the game. Sadly, this adventurous play backfired, leaving Dragons with more space to counterattack at pace, particularly as City tired. Add to this some bits of luck and some good finishing, and Dragons were to score four more times in the second half. City had their own chances but somehow could not scramble the ball home. 
 
The game finished 7-1, which was really not reflective of the balance between the sides. It was a harsh lesson, but hockey is sometimes like this; the most important thing for City is to bounce back with a good performance next week. I am pleased to say that this improvement was already evident in the post-match tea, where City, working as a team, put away three large pizzas without breaking a sweat and demonstrated a marked superiority over Dragons in this area of the match.  
 

MENS 4TH XI - 21/09/2019 VS NEWMARKET 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Last minute disappointment  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham  
RESULT: NCHC 4s 3: 4 Newmarket 1s 
 
REPORT: 
Optimism started high with the City side keen to carry on the form from last year into the league above, and looking across at what seemed a depleted Newmarket team it looked like 3 points were coming our way.  
 
Unfortunately City couldn't seem to find their feet in the first 10 minutes, and with Newmarket taking advantage of this struck with a long ball forwards to their forward lurking in the D. Their second followed a similar long ball tactic, but with the committed Mally in goal "tripped" the Newmarket player, the penalty flick was converted.  
 
City were revitalised after this, with more pressure put onto the Newmarket but no chances were finding the back of the opposition goal. 2-0 down going into the second half.  
 
Following a boost from Pies joining the team at half time, and a slight formation change, City were back on the front foot again. A a nicely timed finish from Gautham in front of the goal gave us the reward we deserved.  
 
Newmarket struck back with a very unmemorable goal (apologies for forgetting), restoring the 2 goal cushion. 3-1 
 
Following this City were very much on top of the opposition with chances coming thick and fast, with the second goal bound to come soon. The half time acquisition of Pies came as a benefit on the score sheet with a cross/ shot setting up Ben Chapman nicely on the back post with a cross/ shot. 3-2. 
 
City continued to press and cause issues with for the Newmarket back line, Rafe Lochore got his reward for his persistent running in the midfield with a lovely Tomahawk finish into the bottom left hand corner. The onlooking crowd couldn't believe the comeback, 3-3! 
 
City were then caught in two minds, whether to push for the 4th goal which seemed certain or to hold out for the draw. Unfortunately the first option was the decision this week, and Newmarket's long ball tactic was the undoing of the hard work. A 3 on 1 situation at the back against Jags, the crowd held their breath. The subsequent short corner falling to the Newmarket forward who miss hit the ball, sending it bobbling past the defence.  
Seconds later the full time whistle went and Newmarket stole away with the 3 points.  
 
Man of the Match - Ben Chapman.  
 

MENS 4TH XI - 14/09/2019 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 14/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 14/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Hot Day brings defeat! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Dragons Den  
RESULT: 2-1 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
In a very hot day with a bare 11 City struggled in the first half with Dragons taking a 1-0 lead with City's only really chances coming from penalty corners with Tom Ling coming closest. Dragons made it 2-0 in a more even second half City finally scored through Dragons loanee Will Kirby scoring. City had some great chances to equalise but just couldn't quite manage it as we lost out 2-1.  

MENS 4TH XI - 07/09/2019 VS EAST COAST 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 07/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 07/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Cancellation 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
Due to early season unavailability the 4th XI conceded their game at Lowestoft.