What a game! What a comeback! It’s the Norton way!
A thrilling game that saw Birmingham Tigers host Norton Canes in a top of the table clash!
Birmingham started the much brighter team and moved the ball around quickly with such precision. Norton couldn’t cope! They look disorganised, out of shape and management outlined this as the worst Norton start in the two years since taking the team on. Birmingham found themselves two up within the first 20 minutes. The game plan was swiftly falling apart. To make matters worse, Tigers grabbed a third, smashing the ball into the top of the net. If Norton was the salvage anything from the game they needed something special.
A glimmer of hope! Mr Limelight himself Brad Grice stepped up with the ball at the half way line, made an advancing run into the Birmingham half, taking 1,2,3 & 4 players on in succession to strike the ball past the Tiger’s keeper. This spurred Norton on to close the gap further. It was Grice again, who gained possession of the ball on the right hand side. The power of Norton’s number 10 was to much to handle for the Tigers. Grice took another 3 defenders on to smash home a second goal for Norton before the break. The comeback was on!
With Norton still trailing behind in the second half, they pushed men further forward. Blue shirts pilled into the box in an attempt to grab the equaliser. It was Tom Chuchra, who tried to get a shot on target, before getting swiped down by the Birmingham number 5. Grice stepped up from the penalty spot to complete his hat trick. Birmingham 3-3 Norton Canes.
The momentum was now with Norton and they looked to gain control of the game. The Canes were back to playing the confident, attractive football they have displayed in previous fixtures. Lee Warren somehow found himself on the left hand side, to create space beyond the defender to run into. It was on an incredibly tight angle 1on1 with the keeper, but he managed to place the ball with such precision, it gave the keeper no chance of saving it. 4-3 to Norton Canes!
The rain continued to hammer down, it was getting scrappy and fatigue was starting to show. Norton made several changes in an attempt to provide fresh legs. The Tigers put pressure on Norton, but the Canes defence stood strong. Birmingham had attempts from corners and set pieces, but once again Norton cleared their lines. A Birmingham throw in was met by their number 9, nearly finding its way into the Norton net. However, James Faherty with his bright pink boots, made an important clearance off the line. A huge moment in the game!
With minutes left, Birmingham had another corner. They pushed all men forward (including their GK). Luckily, Norton defended well and went onto the counter attack. A ball was played forward to Brandon Parkes, who took his time before placing the ball into an open net. 5-3 Norton Canes!
An inspiring result in what proved to be such an excellent game of football for the neutral. Management couldn’t be anymore disappointed with the horrendous start, but also couldn’t be anymore prouder of how the team showed fight, character and passion to claim the comeback. Blood, sweat and tears was left on the pitch, by every player in a Norton shirt. A huge victory for Norton Canes and one that could prove to be the most important 3 points this season. We will only know at the end of the season! For now, Norton remain focused on their next game, who host North Solihull on the famous Yates turf.
Goals: X3 Brad Grice, X1 Lee Warren and X1 Brandon Parkes. M.O.T.M: Sergio, for his individual brilliance ?? ??????
