N&SA Junior Match Reports 19 February 2008
2:42pm Wednesday 20th February 2008
This top of the table clash was a bad tempered affair littered with yellow cards NASA U15's always looked more likely to win the game and tried to play football. NASA had several opportunities but Redcar's defence stood firm throughout, particularly with the amazing amount of corners NASA forced. It was one of few errors made by the Redcar defence which allowed Tom Hinchley to force the ball home from close range to secure the points. Ben Turner was outstanding for NASA and went close to breaking the deadlock on several occasions. Final score 1-1.
Norton Ladies dominated the first half but only had one goal to show for it. After Larissa Burkinshaw scored from close range. The second half saw strong pressure from Norton in which Larissa Burkinshaw completed her hat-trick. Stephanie Field and Rachel Horsley each got a brace with Rebecca McPhillips and Helen McCamccy getting one goal a Piece. Helen McCamccy was awarded with Manger's Man of The Match.
Norton & Stockton Ancients v Middlesbrough Girls 0-3 16th February 2008 A spirited performance, and a vast improvement on last week's defeat; however, Norton lost to a superior Middlesbrough side. There were some good individual performances to note, particularly Saunders in goal, and Draffan at right back.
Norton started brightly enough and for the first 15 minutes matched Middlesbrough at every turn. Norton created the first clear chance, but unfortunately a snatched shot from Basnett meant the ball trickled wide. Norton continued to work hard, but were slowly pushed back, and following some good work from the Middlesbrough midfield, a shot from the edge of the area resulted in the opening goal. Although Norton did not capitulate, there were now on the back foot for the rest of the half. Saunders making several fine saves in the Norton goal to keep the score to 1-0.
Unfortunately an error, due to in experience, form Allen led to the second goal. A need less throe-in, and the Middlesbrough team again scored from the edge of the area with a fine finish from Sophie Matthews.
Norton started the second half well, but could not turn possession into chances. Again several good saves from Saunders kept the scoreline to just 2-0. Draffan at right back made some crucial tackles to disrupt the Middlesbrough attacks. However, another goal always looked likely, and following the breakdown of a Norton attack, which found Mason out of position, one of the Middlesbrough midfielders raced away to score a fine individual goal; 3-0 Middlesbrough.
With Basnett feeling ill, and not having any substitutes available, Norton effectively played most of the second half with 10 men. So despite the lack of chances, to keep the scoreline 3-0 was a good effort. Norton still need more desire, and willingness to get stuck in, but this performance was still level up from the previous week.