Norwich United 1 CRC 3
Following another two week lay-off because of the weather, we couldn't have started this game better. Norwich United are always difficult opponents, who usually set up with a formation that makes them difficult to beat, but we blew them away with three goals in a whirlwind first fifteen minutes. We take some stopping when we can create this tempo and the pace and precision of our football in this opening spell, on a difficult pitch, was very pleasing.
We opened the scoring with our near post corner routine. Jack Eades delivered the perfect ball, Liam Hughes flicked on and JP added the finishing touch at the far post to vindicate our training ground rehearsals 24 hours earlier. By this stage we were rampant and whilst Norwich kept players behind the ball, they allowed us too much time and space at the back to pick our passes.
Blaine Hudson especially initiated several attacks making it difficult for the spectators to decide whether he is left or right footed. Our second goal came through a good build up on the right which allowed Jack Eades the opportunity to show his crossing ability from open play. His ball into the box evaded everyone as it flashed across the face of the goal but was returned with interest by JP for Jack Bailey to power a downward header beyond the recovering keeper. The best was still to come though as Maz showed his class with a superb one touch finish using the outside of his right foot over the keeper into the far corner.
Everyone at Blofield was then able to catch their breath as we slightly took our foot of the pedal and the home side responded well to this initial onslaught to gain a foothold in the game. We still looked the more dangerous but were relieved to see a free kick loop over the bar following the slightest touch from Martin Davies that went undetected by the official. The latter part of that comment could be said on a number of occasions throughout the afternoon as JT particularly was on the end of some robust treatment.
We knew that we had more work to do in the second half as the home side were bound to pressurise us by going direct to their big no.9 with the elements in their favour. The fact that a back four comprising of three first year scholars stood up to the test so resolutely is testament to their progress and mental strength. One of this quartet, Alex Bevan, was arguably our best player which was a great effort considering this was his comeback game after injury following just two training sessions. We need Alex to kick on now and nail down a place because without doubt he has the ability to follow in the footsteps of Coulson and Hudson.
The only disappointing aspect of our play was that too often we chose the wrong option in midfield and complicated the game despite our clear instructions at half time. All we needed to do was to put the ball in behind their full backs but too many touches and playing backwards when we could have played forward contributed to the pressure the home side were able to exert. It was also the cause of the goal that gave our hosts some encouragement and handed them a lifeline.
Jack Eades was dispossessed in midfield and as we recovered from this initial mistake, Liam Hughes made a rash challenge from behind to leave the referee with no option but to point to the spot. Paul Atkins sent Martin Davies the wrong way to reduce the deficit. It was crucial that we didn't concede again in the next ten minutes and we saw out this spell without too many scares.
Joe Bennett and Jack Igglesden gave us some added impetus from the bench, as substitutes should, and in the closing stages we became the team creating the clear cut chances. Maz twice headed wide from right wing crosses and JP was denied by a full length save from Ben Nower in the home goal.
The time added on was negotiated comfortably and we came through a tough examination reasonably unscathed. It was a good test for us physically and not the sort of game that we have experienced for some time. With trips to Leiston, Needham, Dereham, Wroxham and Wisbech to come it was a timely reminder to our players as to what we need to do away from home to get results. Apart from a one sided affair at Harwich, this was our first away match in almost three months and at this time of the year, the qualities needed on our travels can be quite different to how we can play on our own pitch.
Next up are FA Vase semi finalists, Wroxham, who if they were not so far behind in their league programme due to their cup exploits would be in the top four. They will be very difficult opponents and with so much quality and experience in their starting XI, it will be another fantastic test for our youngsters.
Team: Davies, Thorpe, Brighton, Bevan, Hudson, Hughes, Eades (Bennett 65), Berry, Bailey (Igglesden 65), Marriott (Tonks 90), Patrick
