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
Friday 31 October 2008
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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