Norreys were in Berks & Bucks Cup action at home against Div 1 rivals Shefford.
Norreys started the game well and were enjoying all the early possession and territory and were unlucky not to take the lead within the first few minutes of the game.
However it did not take Norreys long to capitalise on the good early pressure when Ali was player in by Tam who neatly finished past the Shefford keeper for a 1-0 lead on 5 minutes.
Things got even better for Norreys and Ali when only four minutes later he was able to sprint clear of the Shefford defence and again neatly finish past the on-rushing keeper for 2-0 after 9 minutes.
The confidence was there to see and Norreys were pretty much camped in the Shefford half for the next 10 minutes but were unable to add to their goal tally with Andy enjoying the best of the chances before blasting over from close range.
Shefford were however awarded a way back into the game when a flick on into the Norreys box was deemed to have struck the hand of Tam with the referee awarding a somewaht harsh penalty to Shefford on 23 minutes. Shefford took full advantage and blasted in the penalty for a 2-1 score line well against the run of play.
Not to be out done Norreys were still pressing well but were struggling to find the killer blow and came close on numerous occasions within the box but without being able to properly connect with the ball with opportunities for Ali, Tam & Joao.
Luckily for Norreys the defence were holding out well and were keeping out the threat of any Shefford attack.
The break though finally came when a ball from Brad at the back gave Ali the chance to run on and complete his hat-trick on 40 minutes again with a neat finish. It was all Norreys and it appeared to be just a matter of time before further goals came, but were finding it difficult to strike the ball when it counted within the area and so some long range efforts were tried from Ali and Wilkesy.
The first half finished 3-1 and Shefford were keen on trying to get something out of the game with a re-shuffle at the start of the second half. But as per the first hal the Norreys defence was holding on well and it was Norreys again enjoying the majority of the possession.
For all the Norreys good work they were finding the usual curse of being able to put the ball in the back of the net a hinderence although were easily dealing with the threats at the other end of pitch so creating a bit of a stale mate. Redders came on for Andy with Karl moving up front which almost paid off straight away with Karl coming close only to be flagged offside. Only a few minutes later Matt came even closer when his deft header looped over the Shefford keeper into the goal only to be ruled out for offside.
Norreys then had a great chance for a 4th when Tam was awarded a penalty in the 67 minute. Tam got up and placed the ball himself but was denied by the Shefford keeper who guessed correctly to keep out Tam's effort.
Stoney came on for Ali and Niko on for Joao to try to change things round and despite the continued good approach play were unable to find a 4th. Norreys looked like they might come unstuck when against the run of play Shefford got a 2nd on 84 minutes but the team held on well together to see the result through to the final whistle for a 3-2 victory.
Managers man of the match was Ali Shambrook.
