Norwich Utd Game
So the Carrow Road dream is over for another year, after a 2-1 (aet) defeat against a side 2 divisions above us.
On paper this looks, and was, a creditable performance, and in truth we couldn’t have worked any harder. However, I did leave the ground with an element of disappointment, as I felt we could have done better.
Our overall ball retention (always our Achilles’ heel) was the worst it has been, and it frustrates me when I see the lads working so hard only to give possession away so cheaply. This situation was heightened by the extra fitness/sharpness of the opposition.
Although there was bags of effort, I didn’t think either side played well, but overall I think Norwich United deserved to win and I wish them well in the next round.
Upon reflection the other worrying aspect was that without Franky (suspended) and Baz (injured), we effectively had 60% of our scoring ability and 50% of our creation missing.
This I feel is a problem for us and needs to be rectified as we go forward.
The first half was a relatively equal affair, mostly played in the middle of the park, with neither side creating an on target effort that fully tested the keepers. From our point of view this was a satisfactory position as we went out to stifle our more illustrious opponents, so again credit to the players who again worked to a game plan well.
Having started the second half well, creating one or two good openings, we then defended poorly to concede a poor goal from a defensive point of view.
Page picked the ball up in his own half when possession was given away cheaply, he was then allowed to travel at least half the pitch before cracking a shot past Cuddy.
Our response was admirable, digging in and pushing hard for an equaliser, the best effort a rasping drive from Downsy that stretched Matt Hill to the limit and he tipped the shot round the corner.
Rob Connolly and Mark Way were introduced showing show nice touches.
However, Norwich looked to have ridden our storm, taking control of the game again, creating several chances only to find Cuddy continuing his top form of late.
With only seconds remaining we produced arguably our best move of the game when Mark Way and Browny combined to open up the visitors down their right flank, and from the cross, Mark Whitmore popped up from nowhere to carefully slide home the equaliser with Matt Hill stranded on the near post.
So to extra time, with us feeling that mentally we were in the ascendancy, only to defend poorly again and leave Ager with a free header from a corner.
The lads dug deep again to continue to work hard but our over all ball retention did not improve as heads and limbs tired, which allowed Norwich United to progress to the next round where they will play Wroxham, Dereham or, (and well done) to Anglian Combination colleagues ‘Sheringham’.
Looking on the positive side, it is January, and this is our first omission to a competition, which reflects how far we have come. We still have the challenges of trying to catch hot pace setters Wroxham Reserves, who beat second place Norwich Union 3-0 on Saturday, and a League cup semi final against Dersingham who drew 4-4 in the league with Acle on Saturday. This was a positive result for us, and sees us still sitting in 3rd place in the League.
On the transfer front, I am pleased to announce that Lee Massey placed pen to paper after watching the game on Saturday. Lee is a mobile wide or front player, and gives us much needed competition/cover in these areas.
Lee has recently been with Attleborough, and I am sure he will prove to be a valuable signing as we enter the most crucial part of the season.