Norman travelled to Little Melton to play Hethersett in Norman's penultimate league match of the season, on a dull Sunday morning, still in search of their first points of the season. Norman kept an unchanged team in a 4-5-1 formation. Hethersett were playing their final match of the season and maybe hoping Norman were low on confidence, they were keen to get started and suggested an early kick off time than previously agreed. How wrong can you be!
Hethersett kicked off and found Norman in resilient mood. The early exchanges were well contested by both sides. Hethersett were looking threatening when breaking forward but Normans back line held firm. In the 9th minute the Norman back 4 switched off as a run from deep elluded the midfield and broke through allowing Hethersett to take the lead against the run of play. Norman were unpurturbed and began to get a foot hold in midfiled and on the match. Thomas C and Jake G going close. Isaac M began to command the aerial side of midfield, Connor S was providing energetic runs forward whilst Ashley M supported the midfield and defence equally well, making timely challenges. Billy D was immense at the heart of the Norman defence as was well supported by the consistence of Fred G-S. Damon P and Dec B were defending very well and making good balls into forward positions. On the few times Hethersett broke through, wayward finishing and the imposing frame of Joe P and his handling kept them at bay. Norman finished strongly with corners, free kicks around the penalty area and half chances, Jake G was posing a big threat to Hethersetts back 4. Half Time Hethersett 1 Norman 0.
Jordan L came on for Ashley M at half time with Norman reverting to a 4-4-2 formation. Norman began and forced an early corner which resulted in another corner. Isaac M floated a dangerous ball into the box, half cleared under pressure and after a touch from Billy D, Thomas C gleefully toe poked the ball home from close range on 38mins. Norman won the ball from kick off and built another attacking move. Shane E was almost unplayable and continuing his fine recent form, Shane E got to the byline after a 1-2 with Connor S, Shane E pulled the ball back for Jake G to smash home from close range, 40mins. Jake ed the ball from the net and returned it to the centre spot along with the celebrating Norman team. Norman were looking rampant and sensing Hethersett were there for the taking, were raring to go. Norman raced forward straight from the off winning possession and pushing forward. Hethersett frantically smashed the ball upfield where it was won by Isaac M who squared to Shane E who lofted a pass forward, centrally where Connor S raced onto it and lobbed the advancing keeper from 20yards on 42mins. 3 goals in 5 second half minutes sent the Norman parents into delirium. The boys were enjoying themselves and a very composed, mature second half performance, Norman saw the game out whilst still going close on a number of occassions, whilst the back 4 led by Billy D, backed up soundly by Joe P were defying any Hethersett threat. The game finished with the whole Norman team defending as a unit, soaking up the vital last few minutes of time. Full Time Hethersett 1 Norman 3.
There was nothing dull about this Sunday morning, nor were there anything like low confidence amongst the Norman lads. Heart, pride, effort, commitment and energy and belief won today. A great togetherness and spirit exists amongst the lads and to have that still after the season they lads have had, speaks volumes about them individually and as a team. There is a never-say-die attitude about the lads of late. I saw a tide of change happen today, good times are here again! It was poetic that I was back on the right side of the pitch in a match that was originally postponed after my accident in January. Well done lads, I am so proud of you all, well done and thank you. C'mon Norman!!!
