Roehampton Athletic FC 0 - 0 Norton
Saturday 6th September 2008
Surrey southern combination league – Junior Division 2 – Match 1
Conditions – Driving wind and rain
Considering that we started the match with 10 players, 0-0 score line might seem like a descent result, but in fact it opens up old wounds.
The first 15-20 minutes, Norton looked in control zipping the ball effortlessly from left to right. The movement of the midfield was second to none, defence stood firm in the horrible conditions and the lone striker did as much as he could.
Norton looked like a team hungry for success. But as the saying goes “with success comes responsibility”. Norton as a team were responsible for not testing out Roehampton’s keeper for the entire first half. Fair enough, Norton started with 10 players (15-20mins) but Norton had enough of the ball and the movement to cause the opposition’s keeper to flex his muscles at least once. At the other end Norton’s keeper kept them in the game with a string of notably stops. Following the arrivals of the late comers and their subsequent inclusion at half-time Norton looked comfortable. However it would be fair to say the away side lacked the penetrative thrust to turn their drive into a goal advantage.
Would this have been the manager’s starting 11 had the selection been available at the beginning of the game? And if so would the result had been different? Having weathered a Norton onslaught, Roehampton began to rally and by this time came forward with purpose. Their playmaker started to dictate the play; drawing fouls, dribbling at pace, causing problem to the midfielders and defence of Norton.
Norton’s offensive play was limited to central movement and right wing cunningness. Sam Dady's long range effort crashed of the crossbar, further efforts were cleared of the line as the post and a busy Roehampton defence denied Norton victory. At the other end, Roehampton created 2-3 half chances but also lacked the killer edge.
The Full time whistle blew and Norton looked disappointed and frustrated. Not with the result, but with the failed opportunities to put Roehampton to bed. Weather conditions affected the general play of both teams, epspecially that of ten man Norton before the break. Nevertheless, with no disrespect intended, Roehampton are neither a Supercala nor a Trinity. This is a team that Norton should have beaten hands down. Am I being over critical? We will soon see
MAN OF THE MATCH: Howard Lewis
Dear reader, thank you for visit our blog, we operate four amateur football teams. Each team has its own brand of individualism however very much subcribes to the club motto of 'All in One Hundred Percent". We welcome assistance, investment or new players.
For more information on club activities please contact Howard Lewis on 07951 022060 or Trevor Bryan on 07831 276411 or visit:
- www.nortonmedia.blogspot.com
- http://www.team-norton.blogspot.com/
- www.norton-obc.com
- www.nortonfc.co.uk (Club main website under construction)
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