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