Match Report - Under 9's, Hawkers, Sun 27th January 2008 at Hillside
Published date - Sun 03/02/08

Norwich Utd ? - ? Bressingham
Hillside(A) 3 - 2 Norwich Utd
Bressingham 0 - 2 Hillside(A)

Hillside was the home venue for today’s fixtures. The weather was fine the sun was out, our spirits were up and we wanted to beat Norwich United!

Hillside Rovers v Norwich Utd.

The first fixture saw Norwich United comprehensively beat Bressingham and I am sure they were looking forward to a second win against us. That was not in our game plan. The squad included, Mathew M, Matty C, Marley, Connor, Caleb, Brandon R, Harry, James TJ and Paul. We started as we meant to go on with solid tackling and passing the ball as we had done in training! Connor had an excellent shot tipped wide of the post for a corner. Norwich United replied in their own way and Mathew in goal mad a couple of great saves to keep us in the game. Harry won the ball in midfield and then forged his way into a shooting position and had a terrific shot fizz past the post. We could sense it was only a matter of time before we would score. James TJ took a brilliant curling corner which wrong footed the keeper and the ball ended in the back of the net. There was an almighty cheer from the home fans as we took a deserved lead. We held the advantage until halftime. HT 1-0

The coaches decided not to make any changes at half time as the team had gelled so well and every player was playing out of their skins. The tempo remained high during the second half. A great goal kick from led to an opportunity for Harry to run onto and another great strike just missed the target. In the next attack Brandon was in possession of the ball and a terrific shot flew over the keeper into the back of the net. A really great goal. Norwich United were not yet beaten and they came back very strongly and intercepted a goal kick to score their first goal. There was life in the game yet and Norwich United scored to equalize with minutes to go. The boys has worked so hard and we could see a memorable victory disappearing until Brandon once again found the magic touch with another long range shot which put us ahead again. As the final whistle approached the game got more and more frantic. At last the final whistle went and the boys had achieved a truly magnificent win. WELL DONE. This was truly a complete team performance with Paul and Marley proving to be a truly solid defence. FT 3-2.

Hillside Rovers v Bressingham

The second fixture was against Bressingham and it was time to give Matty and Caleb a game.

The team started confidently and passed the ball well but as Bressingham were not as tenacious as Norwich United and we needed to step up a gear to ensure we took maximum points from the morning. We soon were ahead after Harry went on a run down to the right hand side then cut inside and drove a shot wide and low into the corner. The game was less frantic than the Norwich United encounter and we were two up at half time after another great strike from Harry. Matty came on at half time for Harry. The team continued to play well and dealt well with Bressingham counter attacks. The legs were now getting tired but another victory was in sight and only for the second time this season we had taken maximum points.

Today’s choice for Man of the Match was extremely difficult as the entire squad had played so well. Matthew had displayed some brave goal keeping in the first game. Marley and Paul kept us in the first game and had less to do in the second fixture. James TJ, Caleb and Connor had all played their part in the crucial midfield battles. Matty came on and was tenacious and put in maximum effort for the team. Brandon and Harry finished with two goals each. The coaches had to get the parents to decide on the MoM which this week went to Brandon. What a great morning.

Richard Pace and David Cox