Norton & Stockton Ancients
N&SA Junior Football Tournament Match Reports
Norton & Stockton Ancients vs Wearmouth 3-2 (U13 Girls)
An exciting match; Norton came from 2-0 down (after 20 minutes) to win 3-2. An excellent team performance; and played against one of the strongest teams in the division. The stand out performances coming from Eve Allen & Masterman in defence; goals scored by Thomas (2) & Naisbitt.
Following a humiliating 10-1 defeat in early February away at Wearmouth, there was a sense of foreboding coming from many of the girls prior to kick-off. However, in that defeat Norton only had 10 players, and had lost heart before the end of the match. It could have been a similar story yesterday, had Norton found a deeper resolve.
The early part of the match was very even, with neither side dominating the initial exchanges. Norton's early chances fell to the ever-willing Bell, who unfortunately was unable to convert either of them. Norton's first mistake came after 15 minutes when poor marking from a throw-in resulted in a simple scoring opportunity for Wearmouth that was gratefully accepted. Norton looked shaken but began to build once more, without really creating any clear chances. Wearmouth then began to press again, and from a corner the ball fell to a Wearmouth player only a few yards from goal, which produced an outstanding point blank save from Saunders in the Norton goal. Wearmouth were then on the defensive again as Norton looked for an opening with both Thomas and Naisbitt going close.
However, it was Wearmouth who were to score next, via a break away goal, which was once more well taken by Wearmouth. So, Norton found themselves 2-0 down with only 20 minutes played, would they collapse or fight back?
They chose to fight back, and dug deep. Norton then began their best spell of the game, passing and moving well, creating a number of half chances, putting the Wearmouth defence under constant pressure. Norton finally got on the score sheet after 30 minutes, forcing yet another corner. From a scramble in the Wearmouth penalty area, Thomas poked the ball, via the post, over the line. Wearmouth created several small opportunities, but most of their attacks broke down through the excellent defensive work of Draffan, Muirhead and Mason, and particularly Allen & Masterman.
Just before half-time Norton mounted another attack, this time Wearmouth failed to clear properly, the ball falling to Thomas, whose shot was cleverly placed wide of the diving desperate Wearmouth goalkeeper; 2-2 after almost 35 minutes. Norton again defended well, for the final few minutes of the half, but Wearmouth looked dispirited.
Norton made one change at half time, taking off the hardworking Nicol, for debutant Watson on the right of midfield. It was as different story in the second half, with Wearmouth dominating most of the possession. The half-time team talk had certainly put new life into a side, which is still chasing the league title. However, Norton continued to defend very well, not allowing many clear-cut chances to be created, with the exception of one shot that hit the top of the crossbar. Norton's midfield of Thomas, Basnett & Muirhead continued to work hard in front of a solid defence.
Nevertheless, despite all this pressure, Norton began to create some opportunities of their own. Norton were finally rewarded at the end of the move of the match. Eight passes, from the edge of their 18-yard box to just inside the Wearmouth penalty area, with no Wearmouth player touching the ball, great passing and movement and a confident finish from Naisbitt. There were still 20 minutes to go at this point, and Wearmouth spurred on via their vocal support on the touchline, were not going to give up easily. Norton continued to play some good football, and defend solidly. Norton made another substitution with 10 minutes to go, bringing on Amy Bell for her debut, in place of her sister Lorna.
Wearmouth continued to drive forward, and the Norton defence was put under constant pressure, but proved more than equal to everything Wearmouth could throw at them. Fine tackles, especially from Allen in defence, some excellent work in goal from Saunders kept Wearmouth at bay. Despite this fine work Wearmouth did hit the post late on, but it was not to be. Cheers and hearty applause from the watching parents at the final whistle, and a very proud Norton U13 girl's side, with smiles all round.
This was probably the best performance of the season, and the girls deserve high praise, in coming from 2 goals down to win well, against a side they have lost heavily too twice this season, and in the Norton Tournament last summer. It may not have been wholly comfortable at times, but they showed great character in keeping Wearmouth from scoring. It was pleasing to see Eve Allen play with a much greater degree of confidence in this match. Kayleigh Draffan too has improved throughout the year, and is almost unrecognisable from the player she was 12 months ago. Chelsea Saunders had another fine game in goal, and is one of the best keepers in this division and age group. Emma Masterman, who was captain for the day, was again superb, and is a top quality and confident player. All the other girls made notable contributions, and they all can be proud of what they achieved, and showed what they were capable of, yesterday.
A long report, but so many positives, and a close game, that it would be a shame not to share it all!
TJFA Challenge Cup Semi final
N&SA U11A v Great Ayton
Norton played host to Great Ayton in the semi final of the Challenge Cup.
Ayton started the better of the two sides and penned Norton back but it was
Norton that sprang forward and Harvey Swann with a cool finish gave them
the lead. A second goal followed before half time when Ben Kemp hit a free
kick from distance. Norton scored three further second half goals through
Josh Greenan, Michael Graham and a second from Swann. Credit to Ayton who
battled right till the end and showed why they have had such a good season
in the league. Best on the day for Norton where Harvey Swann, Michael
Graham and birthday boy Keelan Buckingham.
NASA U15's dominated their game from start to finish and only dogged defending and bad luck prevented a rout. Billingham showed early resistance and most of NASA's good work broke down in the final third. It took 30 minutes to break the deadlock when Adi Nicholson turned in a Ben Turner corner to make it 1-0 at halftime. Billingham showed a little spirit early in the second half but great work by John Allison put in Ged Livingstone to make it 2-0 and the result was never in doubt. Tom Hinchley's terrifically struck volley from 20 yards followed by another for the prolific Livingstone after Adam Todd's determined run was scant reward for the hard work put in on the day. Josh Sutcliffe & Jonny Lee were back to there dominant best,
Tom Hinchley showed his quality and Steve Curnow was impressive at the back for NASA. The game was marred by a nasty injury to Joe Minto and everyone wishes him a speedy recovery and back playing ASAP. Norton 4 Billingham 0
Under the Friday evening floodlights for this re-scheduled game Norton U10A's started with some good displays of football though there were times when Hardwick broke away but it was Norton who were the stronger team who showed they wanted to win the most. It was a fair game and both goalkeepers were on form with Matthew Bowman standing in for Callum Wilson. Half time 0-0. In the second half a tactical switch confused the Hardwick midfield, another not long after, soon got Norton in front with the ball trickling over the line from Cameron Wilson following excellent passing from the Norton Midfield with good runs down the left and right wings. Ben Jackson was as strong as ever winning his challenges and through balls to the centre. A much improved second half and three points deservedly with the Final Score Norton 1 Hardwick 0. Man of the match. Callum Brentley.
Team, Callum Brentley, Callum Wilson (GK) Cameron Wilson (Capt) Joe Thompson, Mathew Bowman, Mitchell Little, Callum Robinson, Ben Jackson and Michael Walls.
In the Friendly that followed Norton again came out on top with a 4-0 victory and new faces scoring goals after overpowering the tired legs of Hardwick.
3:13pm Tuesday 1st April 2008
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