Comfortable Two One

Norwich Hotspur 2 - 1 Norwich Rovers
(Baylis, Cox)
13/09/2009

We're off to a winning start with a comfortable 2-1 win over new boys Norwich Rovers.

Baylis lost the toss, very strong wind against and bobbly pitch.

Debuts for Miller, Jennings and Bird.

Experimental new 4-3-3 formation, ala Chelsea.


First half.

Lots of early pressure with no end product, in fact lots of airy fairy swing and a miss shooting in front of goal.

Horrible Kitson mistake, 1-0 down.

More pressure, long throws and whipped corners but no goal.

Abandoned experimental formation for the traditional 4-4-2, much better.

Equaliser - good wriggly work from Guzewich and a great cross, eyes closed point blank header from Baylis 1-1.

Second half.

Now we have the wind.

Even more pressure. Bombarding the Rovers goal.

At last 2-1, toe poke from Cox after a goal mouth mely.

Horrible Culling mistake, let Rovers in but fortunately they didn't capitalise.

More Hotspur pressure but no more goals.

Result never really in doubt, great to start with a win. Happy days.

Ratings
Doy (6) - fairly solid, some dodgy handling, kicks interesting
Bird (7) - very good debut, long throw will be a real asset
Walters (6) - steady, showed good pace at times
Tink (7) - comanding performance, unlucky not to score thanks to Millers goolies
Kitson (5) - one horrible error led to Rovers goal
Baylis (6) - looked heavy legged, took goal well considering eyes closed
Death (7) - very solid in every way
Miller (7) - good energy, driving force going forward
Miles (6) - showed nice touches, but struggled to make an impact
Guzewich* (8) - some great work around the box, a constant threat, lacked the finishing touch
Jennings (6) - caused problems in the air, another solid debut, more to come
Oakley (6) - struggled with conditions early on then settled into a steady performance
Culling (5) - left back in tricky conditions does play to his strengths
Cox (7) - imposing and Johnny on the spot for the winner
Manley (6) - effective, the archetypal stopper
Newman (6) - lots of energy and commitment

Overall Team Rating (7)

Lack of the killer instinct in front of goal could have been costly and spoilt an otherwise solid team performance - win was well deserved.

Jem
Head Coach Director of Football Manager
Norwich Hotspur