Norwich Hotspur 6 - 3 Wymondham College Reserves
14/12/2008
As any football club manager will tell you the Christmas fixtures can make or break any clubs season. So after a 5 week break since our last game I had long been touting this match as a MUST WIN game. I was looking for a good performance and a good result. On paper we looked solid and based on previous home form I was feeling confident that we had enough in the tank to get all 3 points from this match.
During my usual pre-match cliche ridden speach, I warned the lads against complacency, told them we needed to be 'at it' right from the off. I had draughted in Brother Harvey and his special friend Simon for this match to add a bit of fire power up front in the absence of our rootin' tootin' shootin' yanky doodle dandy Guz being absent through injury. Big Ken Rooney was fit again and back in the starting line up, Big Nige having been fitted with a new high tensile steel piston that we had specially made in a Tokyo shipyard was also back in, add to that lots of quality elsewhere and a decent looking bench.
The game kicked off and we were immediately on top, in fact we were 2-0 up within 15 minutes and cruising. Then the wheels started to come off. First Wymondham scored a really jammy goal - a mishit shot from 25 yards seemed no threat at first, only for it to somehow find a way through a crowd of players, past an unsighted (well that's what he said) goalkeeper and into the corner of the net off the inside of the post, 2-1. Worse was to follow. Having missed a hat full of chances we conceded another after Big Nige managed to toe end a cross into his own net (Guz reckons you're now on -1 goals for the season by the way).
Half time 2-2.
Having dominated the first half I couldn't believe we were level. My half time team talk went along the lines of 'we dominated the first half I can't believe we are level' and something inspiring about 'keep it simple, take your time on the ball, pick the right pass and we will win this' - it was good stuff. Four pairs of fresh legs were brought on - Paul Tink, Glenn Brown, Mark Mann and Chris Oakley - hmmmm, perhaps fresh legs is not exactly the right phrase.
Wymondham kicked off. Shit, they scored again and we hadn't even touched the ball. Some dodgy marking at the back post shall not be mentioned. 2-3. This was not part of the plan, even Gazza Davies (my man of the match) was getting frustrated at this.
Thankfully, from there we steadied the ship and went on to score 4 quality goals and rightfully take all three points. Job done, must win game was won, good all round squad performance and 6 really high quality goals - so good in fact that I need to describe each one in detail for the record.
1. Lighting Strike (Gareth Davies)
Defending a corner, Cushy & Vince cleared, the ball was played quickly up to Brother Harvey who nipped in front of his marker and flicked the ball on. Gazza D had already started his run, Wymondham were like rabbits caught in the headlights as 'whoosh' Gazza tore past them onto the flick - he was gone! Harry Redknapp once said that Theo Walcott was so graceful that he could run through a puddle without making a splash, well the sight of Gazza at full tilt was nothing like that at all to be fair. He still had the whole of the opponents half to cover, but was looking in control. As he bore down on the keeper, he poised to pull the trigger, I remember at least 3 of us shouting that thing that all players love to hear when they are about to shoot - "FINISH". To his credit he managed to block out the primal screams and cooly 'slotted' the ball home under the keeper - nice. 1-0.
2. Le Tunnel (Jem Walters)
Some neat passing in midfield between myself, Cushy and Gazza D left me with the ball at my feet, I shrugged off one challenge and was moving at 'pace' towards the Wymondham penalty area. Their two centre halfs closed in, I managed to slip the ball through the legs of one of them (in the UK we refer to this as 'NUTS' or 'MEGS', however in France they call it 'LE TUNNEL') and burst into the box. His centre half partner came across to cover, but I managed to force the ball out to Gazza D on the edge of the box. Using my natural athleticism I sprang back onto my feet just in time to receive the ball back from Gazza after he cut it back from the by line. One touch, a quick look up and then BOOM, I smashed the ball into the back of the net off the underside of the bar - sweet. 2-0.
3. Perfect Simplicity (Paul Cushion)
Despite going 2-3 down straight after the kick off for the 2nd half, I was still confident that we could turn it round if we kept it simple. This goal was perfection in terms of its simple execution. Nige picked up the ball just inside our half. Good first touch, he looked up and picked out his target. Having tamed his new piston, he pulled back this right foot (pishhhed teecuff) and floated a lovely ball forward 20 yards upto Mark Mann. Normally this would have been a ball to feet but our diminutive 2nd half sub brought it down on his chest and in then laid off a delightful square pass across the edge of the box for the on rushing Cushy, whose even more delightful first touch took him between two defenders and into the box. The finish was never in doubt and he stroked the ball into the back of the net - lush. 3-3.
4. Der Hammer (Gareth Davies)
Now then, this goal was all about one man. Gazza D take a bow son. Receiving the ball wide right a few yards inside the Wymondham half Gazza set off on another run, skipping past now flagging opponents he approached the penalty area. No one expected what happened next, I suspect even Gazza himself may even have been a little surprised. It was 3-3 and things were getting tense, things were also getting dark as we entered the last 15 minutes of the game. Without breaking his stride Gazza let fly and the ball flashed at chest height towards the goal. I think their keeper sensed the shot, but he certainly didn't see it and the ball flew into the top corner burning the keepers finger tips on the way. What a goal, Gazza wheeled away arms aloft still going like the clappers, I might have celebrated with him if only I could have caught him - superb. 4-3.
5. Timeless (Mark Mann)
I probably would have taken 4-3 at that stage. But the boys weren't finished yet. Some intricate passing across the front of the Wymondham box between Brother Harvey, Glenn Brown and special friend Simon resulted in Mark Mann receiving the ball with his back to goal about 20 yards out. A sharp turn and quick look up was followed with what can only be described as pure class, a timeless gem. From where I was standing, on the sidelines I could see the keeper was off his line and I remember thinking - an international superstar player would chip the keeper from there. Can you guess what happened next? He only went and did it. Sheringham, Hoddle, Beardsley, Brooking, Mann - massive. 5-3.
6. Just Deserts (Harvey Walters)
The final goal came in the dying seconds from Brother Harvey, who worked really hard all game and was unlucky not to have been on the score sheet having missed a load of sitters and been victim of a couple of dodgy offsides given by the long lost member of the Jackson Five. Cushy broke free in midfield, Brother Harvey's natural striking instinct saw him drift left off the last defenders shoulder. A quality ball into his run was followed by a quality first time finish across the keeper into the far corner of the net - delicious. 6-3.
So we end 2008 with a perfect home record in the league played 2, won 2 and are back in the title race. With the addition of new corner flags in club colours we can now officially call our home ground "Fortress Thorpe St. Andrew High School Last Pitch Past The Tennis Courts".
Anyway, have a great Xmas and New Year and see you all in January for the start of the 'run in'.
Come on you Spurs!
Jem
Head Coach Director of Football Manager
Norwich Hotspur
Tuesday 16 December 2008
Tuesday 11 November 2008
We got a Black Hawk down!
Aylsham Blackboys 3 - 1 Norwich Hotspur
09/11/2008
I think we were very unlucky not to come away with at least a point from a hard fought match against Aylsham Blackboys last Sunday. They are clearly a good side and are deservedly top of the league. However, I think we competed really well despite losing top scorer Guz early on when one of his telescopic legs got twisted in a figure of eight and messed up his knee, in fact for the first ten minutes we were all over them like the proverbial cheap fur coat.
The pitch was more Old Macdonalds Farm than Wembley and a strong cross wind made conditions tricky - too tricky in fact for some, but more on that later!
Defensively the new look line up looked pretty solid with Coxy rolling back the years and putting in a fine performance between the sticks as an emergency fill in for Ian, the laid back gazelle that is Chris Manley and I enjoyed plodding around in the mud hoofing it as hard as we could at every opportunity and both fullbacks Tim and Kitty looked comfortable and controlled on the ball, although Kitty did have a phase slicing it out into touch rugby style, until he got his boots on the right feet and then all was well.
Cushy and Steve battled hard in central midfield against both the conditions and opposition and came away with a lot of credit. The wind in the first half made it difficult for Gazza D and he did his best work when he came inside off the wing very nearly breaking through a couple of times. Robinho Baylis also had some success on the left particularly early on, less so later.
At this point I must mention the highlight of the game, a moment of pure entertainment that transcended mere sporting achievement and can only be described as, priceless. Robinho Baylis found himself in a tight situation, surrounded by Aylsham players, a bouncing ball, the crowd looking on expectantly. A good first touch, he didn't have too many during the game, but this was a good one, moved the ball away from the opposing players into space. From there we all expected him to hit the turbo and see him gracefully glide away like Thiery Henry off on one of those maisy runs we know he can produce. However, as the engine started to rev and he slipped into gear, the wheels began to spin but he wasn't moving. The world seemed to stop for a moment, the legs were pumping but he wasn't going anywhere - what was happening? Then the problems started. In that brief split second between sending a message from his brain to his legs to start running and realising that all was not well, he forgot to tell his top half to stop. From here onwards things got bad. He was in what is technically described as a 'flat spin', he was going down and going down hard. It wouldn't have been so bad, if he had remembered to tell his arms to break his fall, but as they lay limply by his side poor Baylis slammed face and chest first into the mud with a resounding thud.
For the benefit of those not present, at this point I refer to the excellent film directed by Ridley Scott called Black Hawk Down and the crash scene as the Delta Force Apache attack helicopter goes down in Mogadishu - it was brutal!
At this point both the home and away spectators, players and even the ref burst into raucous laughter and applause, this was a special moment and we all appreciated it, however this applause and gaiety only seemed to encourage Mr Baylis to continue the show. Most people would probably have cut their losses at this stage and conceded the moment to one of life's unfortunate mishaps. Not so for our Chris, he's a pro. I suppose the fact that he actually fell on or at least very close to the ball meant that something deep inside him suggested that he might be able to recover the situation. However, he no longer had the use of his arms or legs, so using only his head and body he started to, well um, writhe I suppose towards the ball. I don't really know how to describe it to be honest but a sort of primal 1980's body popping break dance isn't far off the mark. Thank goodness that at this point, the ref realised that enough was enough and put an end to his suffering by blowing the whistle for obstruction. As I said - PRICELESS.
Anyway back to the game. Jason Priest and Jason Pilbrow worked extremely hard up front and were rightly rewarded with a goal after 15 mins. A searing laser like 40 yard pass forward from the boy Walters at the back dropped onto the rampaging Priests foot as he burst into the box, cut inside and placed a pinpoint cross onto the head of the flying Pilbrow who buried a bullet of a header into the net via the right hand post (well that's how I remember it), 1-0 to the Hotspurs - back o' the net! After that we came under a bit of pressure but were looking reasonably comfortable, Coxy pulling off a couple of great saves. However, 5 mins before half time it was 1-1 after a good finish from their right winger who managed to nip in between the Chris and Kitty.
We slugged it out in the 2nd half and were unfortunate to find ourselves 2-1 down with about 20 mins to go, when Aylsham scored with a mishit shot and then hit us on the break close to the end as we were committing players forward chasing an equaliser. Final score 3-1. Once again this game highlighted the value of having a full match day squad as injuries and old bones kicked in during the game with good contributions from Glenn, Big Kev and Paul Tink in the 2nd half.
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable game, with some memories I shall have for a long time (thanks Baylis) and I can't wait until the next chapter of the Norwich Hotspur story, which will be the friendly on the 23rd Nov as previously advised.
Come on you Spurs!
Jem
Head Coach Director of Football Manager
NHFC
09/11/2008
I think we were very unlucky not to come away with at least a point from a hard fought match against Aylsham Blackboys last Sunday. They are clearly a good side and are deservedly top of the league. However, I think we competed really well despite losing top scorer Guz early on when one of his telescopic legs got twisted in a figure of eight and messed up his knee, in fact for the first ten minutes we were all over them like the proverbial cheap fur coat.
The pitch was more Old Macdonalds Farm than Wembley and a strong cross wind made conditions tricky - too tricky in fact for some, but more on that later!
Defensively the new look line up looked pretty solid with Coxy rolling back the years and putting in a fine performance between the sticks as an emergency fill in for Ian, the laid back gazelle that is Chris Manley and I enjoyed plodding around in the mud hoofing it as hard as we could at every opportunity and both fullbacks Tim and Kitty looked comfortable and controlled on the ball, although Kitty did have a phase slicing it out into touch rugby style, until he got his boots on the right feet and then all was well.
Cushy and Steve battled hard in central midfield against both the conditions and opposition and came away with a lot of credit. The wind in the first half made it difficult for Gazza D and he did his best work when he came inside off the wing very nearly breaking through a couple of times. Robinho Baylis also had some success on the left particularly early on, less so later.
At this point I must mention the highlight of the game, a moment of pure entertainment that transcended mere sporting achievement and can only be described as, priceless. Robinho Baylis found himself in a tight situation, surrounded by Aylsham players, a bouncing ball, the crowd looking on expectantly. A good first touch, he didn't have too many during the game, but this was a good one, moved the ball away from the opposing players into space. From there we all expected him to hit the turbo and see him gracefully glide away like Thiery Henry off on one of those maisy runs we know he can produce. However, as the engine started to rev and he slipped into gear, the wheels began to spin but he wasn't moving. The world seemed to stop for a moment, the legs were pumping but he wasn't going anywhere - what was happening? Then the problems started. In that brief split second between sending a message from his brain to his legs to start running and realising that all was not well, he forgot to tell his top half to stop. From here onwards things got bad. He was in what is technically described as a 'flat spin', he was going down and going down hard. It wouldn't have been so bad, if he had remembered to tell his arms to break his fall, but as they lay limply by his side poor Baylis slammed face and chest first into the mud with a resounding thud.
For the benefit of those not present, at this point I refer to the excellent film directed by Ridley Scott called Black Hawk Down and the crash scene as the Delta Force Apache attack helicopter goes down in Mogadishu - it was brutal!
At this point both the home and away spectators, players and even the ref burst into raucous laughter and applause, this was a special moment and we all appreciated it, however this applause and gaiety only seemed to encourage Mr Baylis to continue the show. Most people would probably have cut their losses at this stage and conceded the moment to one of life's unfortunate mishaps. Not so for our Chris, he's a pro. I suppose the fact that he actually fell on or at least very close to the ball meant that something deep inside him suggested that he might be able to recover the situation. However, he no longer had the use of his arms or legs, so using only his head and body he started to, well um, writhe I suppose towards the ball. I don't really know how to describe it to be honest but a sort of primal 1980's body popping break dance isn't far off the mark. Thank goodness that at this point, the ref realised that enough was enough and put an end to his suffering by blowing the whistle for obstruction. As I said - PRICELESS.
Anyway back to the game. Jason Priest and Jason Pilbrow worked extremely hard up front and were rightly rewarded with a goal after 15 mins. A searing laser like 40 yard pass forward from the boy Walters at the back dropped onto the rampaging Priests foot as he burst into the box, cut inside and placed a pinpoint cross onto the head of the flying Pilbrow who buried a bullet of a header into the net via the right hand post (well that's how I remember it), 1-0 to the Hotspurs - back o' the net! After that we came under a bit of pressure but were looking reasonably comfortable, Coxy pulling off a couple of great saves. However, 5 mins before half time it was 1-1 after a good finish from their right winger who managed to nip in between the Chris and Kitty.
We slugged it out in the 2nd half and were unfortunate to find ourselves 2-1 down with about 20 mins to go, when Aylsham scored with a mishit shot and then hit us on the break close to the end as we were committing players forward chasing an equaliser. Final score 3-1. Once again this game highlighted the value of having a full match day squad as injuries and old bones kicked in during the game with good contributions from Glenn, Big Kev and Paul Tink in the 2nd half.
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable game, with some memories I shall have for a long time (thanks Baylis) and I can't wait until the next chapter of the Norwich Hotspur story, which will be the friendly on the 23rd Nov as previously advised.
Come on you Spurs!
Jem
Head Coach Director of Football Manager
NHFC
Friday 31 October 2008
Beaten but not defeated
Cromer Crabs 5 - 4 Norwich Hotspur (aet)
26/10/08
Despite losing 5-4 aet to Cromer Crabs on Sunday and despite being gutted that the league and cup double will now have to wait until next season, I thoroughly enjoyed the game even after being called a "cheating filthy c**t" by their centre half while he foamed at the mouth with rage. It was a definite penalty but I admit might have emphasised my fall in a Ronaldoesque way a bit to make sure the ref was in no doubt about blowing his whistle, after all we were 4-3 down in extra time. Guz duely converted with what I can only describe as the worst penalty that I have ever seen scored - but they all count.
I thought we were unlucky with injuries during the game which meant the remaining 11 players standing had to battle on manfully on a heavy pitch. Credit to Ian Doy for carrying on with a crocked knee. At 2-1 up before Gary Eversons hamstring went 'ping' in spectacular fashion, we looked comfortable and I expected us to go on and win easily from there having started the 2nd half on fire with goals from Cushy's free kick (Nigel please take note how it's done) and yours truly with burst of pace into the box and a left foot thunderbolt following an eye of the needle pass from man of match Cushy.
The other big blow was losing Nigel just before half time. The injury occurred after Nigel put his full weight into a goal kick, which to be fair went miles. However, strangely enough there was a couple of minutes delayed effect before the injury brought big Nige down, and with the ball
at his feet he literally froze on the spot, much to the confusion and then hilarity of those around him. If you have ever seen one of those David Attenborough documentaries when they shoot a rampant bull elephant with a big tranquiliser dart and then stand back for 10 minutes before it finally hits the deck then you will know what I mean.
What followed is probably best described as a series of missed chances and missed tackles that ultimately resulted in our exit from the competition. But on the whole it was a really enjoyable game and good effort from everyone. Tinky as both games you have played resulted in extra time, you can take comfort from the fact that it's 90 mins only from now onwards.
Next game is Aylsham away on 9th Nov. Let me know if you are not available or injured asap, I will be sending out a text over the weekend to confirm selection.
One consequence of us getting knocked out of the cup is that we have a 5 week gap after the Aylsham game before our next league game on the 14th Dec. Some of the young whipper snappers (i.e. < 35s) at Virgin Money would like a friendly and the proposed date is Sun 23rd Nov. Let me know if you are interested and available - we'll probably charge each player £10 and donate the proceeds to a charity of Virgin Money's choice and as thankyou
for the kit sponsorship.
Finally, it has been suggested (by me mostly) that we should have a team night out which Baylis was supposed to organise, but as he has done naff all about it then I will. Proposed date is Fri 14th Nov venue to be decided but will be some where in the city, so put that in your diary.
Come on you Spurs!
Jem
Head Coach Director of Football Manager
NHFC
26/10/08
Despite losing 5-4 aet to Cromer Crabs on Sunday and despite being gutted that the league and cup double will now have to wait until next season, I thoroughly enjoyed the game even after being called a "cheating filthy c**t" by their centre half while he foamed at the mouth with rage. It was a definite penalty but I admit might have emphasised my fall in a Ronaldoesque way a bit to make sure the ref was in no doubt about blowing his whistle, after all we were 4-3 down in extra time. Guz duely converted with what I can only describe as the worst penalty that I have ever seen scored - but they all count.
I thought we were unlucky with injuries during the game which meant the remaining 11 players standing had to battle on manfully on a heavy pitch. Credit to Ian Doy for carrying on with a crocked knee. At 2-1 up before Gary Eversons hamstring went 'ping' in spectacular fashion, we looked comfortable and I expected us to go on and win easily from there having started the 2nd half on fire with goals from Cushy's free kick (Nigel please take note how it's done) and yours truly with burst of pace into the box and a left foot thunderbolt following an eye of the needle pass from man of match Cushy.
The other big blow was losing Nigel just before half time. The injury occurred after Nigel put his full weight into a goal kick, which to be fair went miles. However, strangely enough there was a couple of minutes delayed effect before the injury brought big Nige down, and with the ball
at his feet he literally froze on the spot, much to the confusion and then hilarity of those around him. If you have ever seen one of those David Attenborough documentaries when they shoot a rampant bull elephant with a big tranquiliser dart and then stand back for 10 minutes before it finally hits the deck then you will know what I mean.
What followed is probably best described as a series of missed chances and missed tackles that ultimately resulted in our exit from the competition. But on the whole it was a really enjoyable game and good effort from everyone. Tinky as both games you have played resulted in extra time, you can take comfort from the fact that it's 90 mins only from now onwards.
Next game is Aylsham away on 9th Nov. Let me know if you are not available or injured asap, I will be sending out a text over the weekend to confirm selection.
One consequence of us getting knocked out of the cup is that we have a 5 week gap after the Aylsham game before our next league game on the 14th Dec. Some of the young whipper snappers (i.e. < 35s) at Virgin Money would like a friendly and the proposed date is Sun 23rd Nov. Let me know if you are interested and available - we'll probably charge each player £10 and donate the proceeds to a charity of Virgin Money's choice and as thankyou
for the kit sponsorship.
Finally, it has been suggested (by me mostly) that we should have a team night out which Baylis was supposed to organise, but as he has done naff all about it then I will. Proposed date is Fri 14th Nov venue to be decided but will be some where in the city, so put that in your diary.
Come on you Spurs!
Jem
Head Coach Director of Football Manager
NHFC
Hotspur too warm for Watton
Norwich Hotspur 9 - 0 Watton United
12/10/08
We're up and running with 3 points on the board after a crushing defeat of (ex) league leaders Watton Utd. The league website has the following headline and report.
"Hotspur too warm for Watton
Norwich Hotspur inflicted a heavy 9-0 defeat on visitors Watton United. Paul Cushion led the way with a hat trick, Paul Guzewich netted twice and one each from Chris Baylis, Tim Culling, Steve Newman and Ken Blazer."
What a great result, an excellent performance to match and even a clean sheet as the icing on the cake. I think justice was done after they missed, what can only be described as, a dubiously awarded penalty (ahem) at the start of the 2nd half. Other than that travesty of a decision I
thought young Luke Winter did an excellent job as ref also.
What was also pleasing was that everyone in the squad of 16 made a real contribution to game. First mention must go to Big Ken Blazer for opening the score after I asked him to go and do a Rooney for us. The Watton defence didn't have a clue how to handle him with the unusual positions he was occupying for the first 25 minutes, after which they realised that they
probably didn't need to - but the damage was done by then and all credit to him for being in the right place at the right time to flick in the opener with a deft Rooney like header following some great work down the right by Gaz and Guz.
Defensively, we looked very solid with great performances from Larry K, Gaz E and Deathy in the first half with the Chris twins Oakley and Manley picking up the mantra of 'none shall pass' in the 2nd half. Ian as usual commanded the penalty area with authority and was on hand with a couple of 'saves for the camera' when needed. I think Deathy's motivational speeches and quiet positive encouragement certainly help us defenders stay focused - Laurence you were certainly focused on something there for a minute or two in the first half.
Midfield was where the battle was really won. Our wide boys Gazza D and Robinho Baylis ripped Watton to shreds throughout the game and if Guzzy could finish like Big Ken Blazer then the game would have been won long before half time. Robinho even scored with a header (no really), luck truely was on our side. Cushy, Steve and Mark (yes Deathy it's Mark, not Mick. Micky was their No.6) were busy in the middle and covered alot of ground shutting down Watton and getting forward to support the attack with Cushy chipping in with a hat-trick of quality finishes and Steve also showing Gerrard like energy to burst into the area late on with a calm
finish. Mention also to Tim for saving Robinho's embarrassment by doing what all great wide players do and getting in on the back post to 'shin in' a crossshot from our fleet footed Brazilianesque wingmaster.
Despite not wearing his 'made in the USA rootin tootin shootin boots', Guz caused them lots of problems up-front as usual and still managed to bag a couple to remain leading goalscorer. Jason came on in the 2nd half with the impossible task of filling Big Ken Rooney's boots, but worked really hard and was unlucky not to find himself on the scoresheet.
Overall a thoroughly enjoyable afternoons work, that will strike fear into the rest of the division, with this and the last game proving that we are a match for anyone.
Next we turn our attention to the cup with an away trip to Cromer on the 26th. Despite Deathy's excellent suggestion of going up the night before, I think the likelihood will be that we need to be meeting up and getting away by 12.15pm as it is a 2pm kickoff.
Come on you Spurs!
Jem
Head Coach Director of Football Manager
Norwich Hotspur
12/10/08
We're up and running with 3 points on the board after a crushing defeat of (ex) league leaders Watton Utd. The league website has the following headline and report.
"Hotspur too warm for Watton
Norwich Hotspur inflicted a heavy 9-0 defeat on visitors Watton United. Paul Cushion led the way with a hat trick, Paul Guzewich netted twice and one each from Chris Baylis, Tim Culling, Steve Newman and Ken Blazer."
What a great result, an excellent performance to match and even a clean sheet as the icing on the cake. I think justice was done after they missed, what can only be described as, a dubiously awarded penalty (ahem) at the start of the 2nd half. Other than that travesty of a decision I
thought young Luke Winter did an excellent job as ref also.
What was also pleasing was that everyone in the squad of 16 made a real contribution to game. First mention must go to Big Ken Blazer for opening the score after I asked him to go and do a Rooney for us. The Watton defence didn't have a clue how to handle him with the unusual positions he was occupying for the first 25 minutes, after which they realised that they
probably didn't need to - but the damage was done by then and all credit to him for being in the right place at the right time to flick in the opener with a deft Rooney like header following some great work down the right by Gaz and Guz.
Defensively, we looked very solid with great performances from Larry K, Gaz E and Deathy in the first half with the Chris twins Oakley and Manley picking up the mantra of 'none shall pass' in the 2nd half. Ian as usual commanded the penalty area with authority and was on hand with a couple of 'saves for the camera' when needed. I think Deathy's motivational speeches and quiet positive encouragement certainly help us defenders stay focused - Laurence you were certainly focused on something there for a minute or two in the first half.
Midfield was where the battle was really won. Our wide boys Gazza D and Robinho Baylis ripped Watton to shreds throughout the game and if Guzzy could finish like Big Ken Blazer then the game would have been won long before half time. Robinho even scored with a header (no really), luck truely was on our side. Cushy, Steve and Mark (yes Deathy it's Mark, not Mick. Micky was their No.6) were busy in the middle and covered alot of ground shutting down Watton and getting forward to support the attack with Cushy chipping in with a hat-trick of quality finishes and Steve also showing Gerrard like energy to burst into the area late on with a calm
finish. Mention also to Tim for saving Robinho's embarrassment by doing what all great wide players do and getting in on the back post to 'shin in' a crossshot from our fleet footed Brazilianesque wingmaster.
Despite not wearing his 'made in the USA rootin tootin shootin boots', Guz caused them lots of problems up-front as usual and still managed to bag a couple to remain leading goalscorer. Jason came on in the 2nd half with the impossible task of filling Big Ken Rooney's boots, but worked really hard and was unlucky not to find himself on the scoresheet.
Overall a thoroughly enjoyable afternoons work, that will strike fear into the rest of the division, with this and the last game proving that we are a match for anyone.
Next we turn our attention to the cup with an away trip to Cromer on the 26th. Despite Deathy's excellent suggestion of going up the night before, I think the likelihood will be that we need to be meeting up and getting away by 12.15pm as it is a 2pm kickoff.
Come on you Spurs!
Jem
Head Coach Director of Football Manager
Norwich Hotspur
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