Norman entertained League leaders Taverham on a chilly but overcast Sunday afternoon. The pitch was looking immaculate, and the conditions were ideal for playing football. Norman started with a 4-5-1 formation with 1 change from last week, Ashley M starting in a holding midfiled role, with Jordan L dropping down to the bench.
Norman kicked off and held their own in the early exchanges. They had settled immediately into their 4-5-1 formation and looked to build on the platform they had built. Shane E played a fine ball forward and Jake G raced onto it like a Gazelle. Jake G looked sharp and slotted it past the advancing keeper for Norman to take a 9th minute lead. Norman won possession from the kick off and tried to attack again but the move broke down. Taverhams half attempted attack was thwarted and the ball ran through to the Norman keeper. Joe P launched the ball almost the length of the pitch, Jake G reacted first and after once bounce he got to the ball first, whilst under pressure from a defender, and headed the ball over the advancing keeper from 15yards into an empty net to send Norman into raptures in the 11th minute, 2 goals in 3 very fine minutes. Taverham flooded forward and the Norman back 4 held firm, with Declan B, Fred G-S and Damon P all playing their part alongside Billy D who was again outstanding. Billy D was making crucial challenges, tackles and interceptions. And the few times the defence was breached, Joe P stood firm and made some fine saves. Isaac M was in good form in the midfiled. But with Norman playing a high line, Taverham broke through and pulled one back. Norman immediately responded with both Jake G, Connor S, Thomas C, Isaac M and Shane E all going close to extending their lead. Norman had shaken the league leaders and this was displayed with poor sportsmanship, kicking the ball away, arguing with themselves and the Ref, not traits you usually associate with Taverham. But that is more a testament to Norman's positive play than anything else. Taverham equalised just before half time with only their third attempt of a one-sided first half. Half Time Norman 2 Taverham 2.
During the break Norman made substitutions and began the 2nd half. Shortly after the restart, Taverham struck the post, the ball rebound into Joe P, blindsided and bounced into the back of the goal. The luck and the tide was changing. Taverham had began to dominate possession and that showed by the increase in chances they created. Taverham were more clinical in front of goal, converting at regular 2nd half intervals. Norman continued to battle and compete but knew they were facing an uphill battle now. Shane E was in fine form and always looking to start forward play for Norman, running the Taverham full back ragged all afternoon. Joe P, once again, was exceptional in goal for Norman. But it seemed in vain as Taverham continued to take their chances despite resistance from Billy D and Joe P in particular. Jake G continued to battle away up front but it was obviously taking its toll playing a lone furrow up front. As the game neared its end, Taverham netted 3 more to finish off the game. Man of the Match Billy D, for another outstanding never say die performance. Billy D is consistently playing on top of his game and epitimises the Norman spirit. Full Time Norman 2 Taverham 9.
Heads may of dropped slightly in the second half but Norman should take a great deal of pride from the way the pushed Taverham all the way in the first half, who would be first to acknowledge they were lucky to be level at half time. But goals win matches and Norman failed to score in the second half whilst conceeding. A very solid all round first half display from all concerned and despite effort levels being there in the second half, Norman just couldnt stem Taverham attacks as they did in the first half. Take heart and take pride Lads, you deserved much better than the scoreline suggests. C'mon Norman!!!
