Norman travelled to Dereham for another lunch time kick off. Maybe the police expect trouble from the Norman fans and insist on earlier kick offs prior to alcohol being available? I dont know lol.
Norman started brightly but an earlt Dereham attack down their right, the tall right sided player lofted a high, hopeful ball into the box, looking more like a cross, but it dropped and fell into the back of the Norman net on 4mins. 3mins later a replica goal was scored in the same manner suggesting it was not a fluke. Norman rolled up their sleeves and started to battle. But not happy with just competing, they began playing some really good football. Flowing passes to feet, getting the ball wide and they were having agreat deal of luck down their right hand side through the lively Shane E. Liam M was commanding in midfield along side Isaac M who seemed to be winning every high ball thus snuffing out any potential Dereham attack. Connor S was running his socks off, living upto his nickname of "Gearbox" Half time Dereham 2 Norman 0.
The second half began and the third goal arrived, unfortunately scored by Dereham. There was no doubt bout this 1, nothing more than a hopeful, speculative effort, the ball launched into the Norman box from way out wide on the right, in full flight of the sun, wrong footing the reliable Euan S who could do nothing but to take the pace of the ball allowing it to drop into the goal behind him. This did not deter Norman who continued to trouble Dereham every time Norman had the ball. Playing some really fine football which was a pleasure to watch. Harley G running himself into the ground on his own up front in the 4-5-1 formation. Then it looked all ends up that Norman were bout to get their just deserts at least of 1 goal, but the Dereham keeper made the save of the match, finger-tipping away a Jack E drive from outside the box which seemed destined for the back of the net from the moment it was struck. Dereham scored a 4th with 5 mins to go. Norman still had time to score and they did have the ball in the net, A good flowing, passing Noman move, a great thru ball from Shane E from the right into the feet of Harley G who had pulled intelligently away from his marker, he then slid a 20yd effort into the bottom corner past the Dereham keeper for the goal of the match. Only for the Dereham players to appeal offside as Norman celebrated, a belated flag was incorrectly raised and the goal was over-ruled. Full time Dereham 4 Norman 0.
Probably the best performance, football wise from the lads this season. A real delight to watch. Well done boys. I and the parents constantly praise the boys but credit takes another form when it comes from the other teams manager who praised the whole team, saying how well the team is developing year after year, how good the football is, that the team plays and the ultimate, admitting it was the hardest game they have had this season-although the scoreline far from reflected that. Taking into account how the goals were scored and the disallowed goal, it could easily of been 1-1. Well done boys, full of admiration for you all, keep it up. Come on Norman!!!
