N&SA Junior Match Reports 4 February 2008

4:10pm Tuesday 5th February 2008

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In an eagerly awaited fixture NSA Under 9's A entertained Mount Pleasant in the Semi Final of the Under 9 Durham League Cup. The first half saw both teams battling in very cold and windy conditions with Mount Pleasant having the advantage of the wind in the first half. The game was an even contest until midway through the first half when Norton conceded a free kick mid way inside their half. Mount Pleasant struck the ball towards the goal which was deflected in to Norton's net. Norton were shook by the goal and started to play much better, creating plenty of chances but were unable to score. The closest opportunity fell to Harry Savage who snatched at the shot when time was on his side. The second half saw Norton dominate possession and eventually score an equaliser after Mount Pleasant's keeper was unable to hold a low corner drilled in to the box by Norton's Man of the Match, James Cartwright. Norton continued to push for the winner and in the last seconds of normal time an opportunity to win the game fell to Danny Pattison but he was unable to hit the target. As the game went into extra time Norton seemed the stronger of the two teams and started to pass the ball around creating the winning goal following hard work from Josh Birtles, James Cartwright and finally Harry Savage. Mount Pleasant pushed forward to score an equaliser and in the last dramatic twist of the game hit the post from a well struck shot that was deemed not to have crossed the line by the referee.

NASA U15's reached their 6th consecutive League Cup Final with a hard fought victory over a strong Coulby outfit on a poor surface. Tom Booth opened the scoring within 5 minutes with a great left foot shot into the bottom corner. Coulby came back strong and were close to equalising before NASA who had squandered several chances put together a fine move ending in Joe Minto crossing and Tom Booth converting the keepers fumble. Second half saw more NASA opportunities and Tom Booth completed his hat trick with another good finish. Coulby pulled one back as NASA switched off, this gave them new heart and with the wind behind them they stretched NASA. The ever willing Adam Todd whose strong running had caused problems all game latched onto a neat lay back and cracked a shot into the bottom corner. Still Coulby didn't give up and they converted again and kept making it difficult for NASA till the end. Coulby Newham 2 v Norton 4