Dragons Slayed at Cromer Fortress

The men’s first team returned home to Cromer on yet another sunny October day hoping to entertain the club faithful watching on the side lines. The delights came even before the first whistle, with Withers and Bowden returning to the fold, whilst Tom Whitwood answered positively to (rumoured) calls for “one more game!”

Push Back, thankfully Sayer opting for the more traditional pass to a teammate as opposed to the audacious bunt to the opposition centre-back as was witnessed in the week prior. Much of the early pressure came from the Dragons who successfully obtained a number of short corners. However, as is well known on the circuit now North Norfolk’s defence is hard to beat. This week with Hart and Ollie Whitwood out of action duties fell to Sands, Bowden, Green and Barker who duly provided a solid wall in front of the towering Bartram.

North Norfolk looked dangerous breaking quickly from the back, through runs from Whitby, Barker and Sadler-Barker. Whilst Miles proved too much to handle for his former club. Sayer began working the Dragon’s defence early, showing them what a difficult afternoon they would have ahead. Eventually breaking through the line into the D, and successfully finding Farmer-Wright at the far post with a reverse stick pass which rendered the goalkeeper useless.

With confidence brewing North Norfolk settled into the game, creating further chances and being rewarded with upgrades to short corners. On a sunny day, and with wife in tow, Jimmy didn’t disappoint yet again by unleashing Jimmy’s Balls yet again something that is yet to be handled by an opposing side. North Norfolk went 2-0 up as Jimmy’s Balls loudly smacked the backboard.

However, the game wasn’t done for Dragon’s yet who responded positively with a goal of their own before the half was up to give them a glimmer of hope. However, North Norfolk were unrelenting in their attack, and with another short corner awarded Dragon’s had to be blown away by Hendo’s Nose. Sayer somehow squeezing into the finest of spaces between defenders at the far post to get a glancing touch to send the ball goalwards, an exceptional effort of sheer drive illustrating just why Hendo’s Nose is not a routine to be sniffed at.

3-1 going into the break. Miles again asking for more with Dragon’s tiring quickly in the heat and ready for a beasting. Dragons however remained defiant and were able to make it difficult for North Norfolk to finish moves and by cutting out last passes which would ultimately have ended in goals.

Dragons really had to pull out all the stops to prevent moves from prevailing. Ben Miles unravelled his previous clubmate with some silky skill only to find the opposition block the ball with a foot. An early free hit was prevented as the player writhed and wriggled over the ball making the ball disappear as if by magic, Miles clearly undone by this trickery began soothing the player. Massaging his shoulders, stroking him delicately and some say even provided a loving peck on the cheek. Mike Bartram clearly taken-a-back by this rare showing of affection on the pitch decided against pulling out the green card, instead opting to let this re-enactment of Brokeback Mountain play out.

More chances were created, with a fantastic quick passage of play between Sadler-Barker, Miles and Sayer before the ball ending with Withers who flashed wide. With the pressure mounting and percentage of play rising in the oppositions D it was clear a goal was coming. Miles, somehow managed to pull off a squeeze shot that evaded the defence and found the far corner whilst the goalkeeper was nowhere to be seen, perhaps unpadding at the end of a long game.

Final score, 4-1, a result that could have seen more goals but was comfortable and an important 3 points nonetheless. North Norfolk are now 5 points clear in second place ahead of Ipswich who visit Cromer this weekend for an important fixture in the early part of this season’s story line.

A great performance all round, it was great to see Bowden and his trademark tackles and feet, as well as welcoming Gibbo back from his break and of course the infamous Tom Whitwood and a welcome appearance from Withers.

Keep it up North Norfolk!