Gritty Performance Earns Promotion

On a blistery, cold and wet February afternoon North Norfolk welcomed Harleston Magpies to the Cromer fortress, knowing that a win would more than likely seal promotion back to Div 3NE (pending the result of the Norwich City fixture).

The warm up was slow and the men realised the pace needed to be picked up if the unbeaten streak was to continue.

The first half was competitively fought albeit with a slightly lethargic North Norfolk start. Little chances were created throughout the half and it was a half of battles all over the park. North Norfolk would have thought they were about to take the lead when Farmer-Wright broke through the last line of defence and drew the keeper for an onward charging Henry Sayer who swiped the ball into the side of a gaping goal.

The teams went in level at half time 0-0, with the onus on the second half being about wanting the win more, winning 50/50s and cutting out silly errors.

It was however Harleston Magpies that broke the deadlock after somehow availing a tight North Norfolk defence and nutmegging the best keeper in the league.

The game began to open up more suiting the North Norfolk style of play, with the defence of Jim Barker, Ollie Whitwood and Kevin Hart calmly and patiently switching the play and the midfield of Eddie Sadler-Barker, Thomas Sands and Henry Sayer continuously moving to make the space for Callum Gibson and Ash Green to utilise down the flanks.

The hard work paid off and a run from Alex Robinson shook up the defence, a sloppy tackle left the ball teed up for Mark Farmer-Wright to sweep home for 1-1 and for Samba De Janiero to ring out across Cromer for the first time.

The goal and the music combined were enough to entice Harleston Magpies into a frenzy and the game stretched further. A level battle all over looked like the game was set for a draw, if it wasn't for a bit of magic from Ash Green, having received the ball on the side line of the 23 yard line looked up towards the goal to see an onward rushing Henry Sayer. Green unleashed a pin point bullet pass to Sayer to finish with his trademark slide.

The remaining 10 minutes needed North Norfolk to dig deep, but with some grit and determination the men saw it out to the final whistle.

A draw between Norwich City and Lowestoft was enough to seal promotion with 6 games to spare. A well earned victory proved that with grit and desire a win can be earned even on an off day.

Congratulations to the Men's 1st Team, they now go on in pursuit of winning the league title and achieving an unbeaten season.