Our Jekyll & Hyde form of late continued as we bounced back from the 5 - 1 defeat at Dersingham the previous week to produce a brilliantly disciplined performance from all to secure a 2 - 1 victory over Ridgeons Division one high flyers Downham Town.
The formation was again disrupted, when last weeks man of the match, Sam Wenham, picked up Tonsillitis, but fortunately skipper Ben Player declared himself fit for a start for the first time in several weeks. A further plus occurred late on Friday when experienced striker Mark Way declared himself for enough for the squad, his first appearance since 22nd September.
The early exchanges saw us looking sharper, picking up most of the second balls and dominating play. This pattern continued throughout most of the first half with good chances coming and going, but some fine goalkeeping from the visitors custodian looked to be keeping things all square.
That is until the final minute of the first half when a looping header from player manager Franklin ended up in the back of the net.
As we entered the second half, most of the break talk had been around bracing ourselves for a storm from a team only beaten once this season in the league. But surprisingly the visitors didn’t enter another gear which their results show they clearly have. This enabled us to continue to possess the "Lions share" of the play, and following a pull back in the area against Paul Franklin a penalty was awarded .The same player calmly stroked home the penalty for his and the teams second goal of the game.
Rob Browne had earlier in the first half twisted an ankle, despite his perseverance, this eventually caught up with him after 60 minutes and he had to leave the field of play to be replaced by promising youngster Tom Amis.
With 15 minutes to go, Downham did rally, when they finished well after we had given possession away needlessly. This resulted in some nervous final moments as Downham started to knock the ball about creating the odd chance but the lads dug in well to secure a well deserved (all be it biased view ) victory.
I feel I would like to comment on the magnanimous way in which Downham accepted defeat. Their players and officials alike were very graceful in defeat and their good luck wishes earned a lot of respect in my book. Their attitude was first class, and I hope they go on to achieve their promotion goal.
All ears on Friday will now be turned to my old mate Mr Bowler on Radio Norfolk to see what reward this victory brings. The possibilities are Kings Lynn or Dereham, Cromer, Diss, Gorleston, Wroxham and Mattishall or Wroxham.
On the squad front, the injury list seems to be finally relenting (touch wood!). Long term absentee Rob Connolly returns to training this week, Steve Barnes will not hopefully be to far behind him and Matt Sewell returns from holiday. The expectancy is that Sam Wenham and Rob Browne will have recovered.
What with Mark Way back on the bench last Saturday this leaves only the promising Iain Mills on the long term injury list. Two more players have been approached but are currently remaining loyal to their clubs which is a trait understood and respected.
Also on Saturday the club had two other good news stories;
- Firstly, the Reserves containing six of our teenagers, came back with a good 5- 0 victory away at South Walsham.
- Secondly, well done to all involved in the organising, supporting and the Page / Oakley family for taking the Lion’s share of the nights coordination. It was a very successful night both financially and socially.
The next lads’ night out is planned for December 8th, sort your moustache (the nights theme) out !! Meet 7.00 PM ish in the "Unthank Arms", our latest sponsors. All players new old and future (!) welcome.