With both sides on a good run of form something had to give in our visit to Hindringham, and unfortunately for us, it was our poor away form that returned to haunt us.
With Adam Solley suspended, and Mark Way unavailable, Tom Halliwell returned to the starting line up, with Danny Shanks taking a place on the bench after putting in some good performances in the Reserves.
From the word go, the home side were more hungry, working harder, and after a couple of earlier warnings, they did take the lead when keeper Cuddden made a rare mistake, leaving Betts the easiest of tap ins, (the ball ‘spilled’ out of the keeper’s normally safe hands).
This should have been the wake up call, but for some unknown reason, we just never got going, touches were poor, and our play over-complicated.
We fortunately made it to half time with no further damage, and attempts were made at half time to get ourselves back on track.
For a while this seemed to be working, as we did finally begin to test the home keeper, but this resurgence slowly began to falter.
The pack was then reshuffled, with Sam Wenham entering the fray, and a 3 man forward line introduced.
This brought dividends and the equaliser, lifting our play before we again switched off as a ball fell loose in our box, allowing Belton to smash home a shot into the bottom corner of the net.
On a day when our customary passion and desire deserted so many players on the same day, it came as no surprise when Hindringham added a third .
They thoroughly deserved their victory, and on this form, may yet save their Premier status if they can win their two remaining games against Sheringham and Lowestoft away. Good luck to Marcus and the boys.
For our part it is one to quickly forget and not repeat, on a day of so few performances it was difficult to find a man of the match, but skipper Ben Player did get the honours for his normal graft and endeavour.
On Tuesday night we travel to champions elect, Wroxham, and will be looking for better things.
On a brighter and more serious note, it was good to hear from Ray Youngman that Jill has taken her first steps outdoors following her problems.
The boys and I wish her a speedy recovery, and it would be fantastic if her ‘fitness’ returns in time for the cup final.
I would also like to add a thank you for Ian Shurmer who does a fantastic job with our website and his efforts are much appreciated.