Mens 2s vs Norwich City M2

Harleston Magpies made the long trip to Norwich on the back of their fourth win in a row against last week’s opponents City Of Peterborough 2s. The dramatic late win from a goal behind was inspired by club stalwarts, or should it be said legends, Bedwell & Sitch. This result left Magpies sat top of the table alongside Cambridge Uni 1s, although a touch adrift on goal difference.

Unfortunately, due to absences in the 1st team and some unavailability in the 2nds the 2s could only field a 12 man squad for this local derby. However, congratulations must go to Billy Flat who stepped up to make his National League debut for the 1st team away at Banbury on the Sunday.

The game started at a high pace with the youthful Norwich front line looking to hassle and harry the “experienced” second team back line. Simon Hipwell was however in good for taking a key role in receiving the ball in the pocket and getting Magpies on the attack. Both teams enjoyed spells of possession and created some attacking openings without forcing a meaningful save from either keeper.

Unfortunately, the fist mistake came from the Magpies backline when a quick Norwich counter saw the Magpies defence overcommit in the tackle allowing some smart passing interplay to leave a Norwich forward free in the D. A calm finish put the home team 1 nil up.

The second half saw Magpies enjoy some good passing moves however bar a few short corners and a few half chances they never fully tested the Norwich goalkeeper. Norwich enjoyed their own possession of the ball but always looked most dangerous on the counter. The best chance of the half came from such a counter with an attack down the Magpies right hand sign. Some smart passing interplay left the Norwich forward with the goal at his mercy but an incredible last ditch reverse stick block on the line from Dickon Taylor prevented the powerful shot from doubling the lead.

Second half proceeded similar to the first. Both teams had possession and chances but it was Norwich that took theirs first. Reports are hazy but a Magpies player (most likely one of the lazy forwards it is assumed) carelessly gave the ball away to a Norwich player deep in their defensive half from which a quick passing interchange led to a neatly taken goal.

Magpies proceeded to battle but with just the one sub they tired against a youthful Norwich team. Despite their efforts, once they went 2 goals down, not a single other decent chance was created. There was simply no opportunity to scored at all, even from a set play, and so the team suffered their first defeat of the season.

The team will however be pleased with their performances so far and can go into the stupid early season break happy with their results. They return after the slip date welcoming top of the table Cambridge University 1s fresh off their 9-0 win over Spalding. Rumours are that Tommy Sumner and Andy Hipwell are already fighting over who gets to man marking Raunaq for this one.