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Norwich United 3 CRC 0 – Ridgeons League Premier Division – Saturday 12 April 2008

Gary Butcher made three changes from Tuesday nights win at Swaffham Town, Paul Atkins Shaun Bammant and Jake Imrie all dropping to the bench with Rory French, Lloyd Greening and Adam Brock, making his full debut, all coming into the side with Butcher looking to examine options for next season.

The Planters were first to show a delightful ball from Nathan Page finding Steve Shipley whose cross to the near post was well cut out by Sam Beagle. CRC’s first shot came on 11 minutes but Hill held comfortably.

With the midfield crowded chances were few and far between and it wasn’t until the 27th minute that Greening and Page combined well to put Goulder through on the keeper, Beagle reacted well and smothered Goulder’s shot.

Five minutes before the break a good tackle by Page saw the youngster embark on a strong run down the right before he cut into the box and his cross to the far post was just beyond the stretching leg of French.

The Planters took the lead two minutes before the break when Smith’s pass put French beyond the defence and his well taken lob beat Beagle and nestled in the back of the CRC net.

Half Time: Norwich United 1 CRC 0

Greening and Shipley combined well to set up Brock whose shot was defelcted for a corner. From Shipley’s flag kick a melee in the CRC box ended with Craig Roberts’ header coming back off the face of the post.

Smith pulled his shot across the face of goal and wide of the far post.

A rare CRC attack saw a good jinking run into the area and a cross which flew across the face of goal. CRC were pressing and Hill had to react quickly when a ball spun up from a challenge but the keeper averted the danger by falling on the ball.

Goulder released sub Atkins with a crossfield ball and the strikers cross to the far post was turned wide by French.

CRC sub John Yambasu should have equalised with his first touch but didn’t connect properly and a follow up shot added to his discomfort by hitting the striker.

The Planters finally wrapped up the points in the 89th minute, a good move between Goulder and Atkins ended with Page calmly shooting home from inside the area.

Three minutes into injury time and Shaun Bammant found French who looked up and found the corner for his second goal of the game.

Final Score: Norwich United 3 CRC 0

Norwich United: Hill, Brock (Atkins 63), Greening (Jeal 75), Ferguson, Roberts, Revell, Page, Smith (Bammant 80), French, Shipley, Goulder. Unused subs: Ager, Imrie

CRC: Beagle, Bowe, Kirby, Carr, Costello, Cutler, Bussens, Ives, Wixon, Marriott (Yambasu 80), Patrick (Hunter 61). Unused subs: Parkinson, Paterson, Smith.

 

Swaffham Town 0  Norwich United 2 – Ridgeons League Premier Division – Tuesday 8 April 2008

Gary Butcher made two changes to the side that drew at Woodbridge, Tom Jeal missed out through illness so Jake Imrie was called up, while Robert Revell replaced Adrian Ager in central defence.

The Planters started the stronger and a good first touch from Paul Atkins took him past the defender and into the box but he hit his shot wide. Adam Smith’s free kick into the area caused the home defence problems before keeper David Potter eventually claimed and moments later Smith shot wide.

The Planters got the goal their first half play deserved in the 28th minute when Steve Shipley’s quick free kick released Smith down the left, his cut back found Craig Roberts on the edge of the area and the centre half curled a shot past Potter to put United ahead.

Less than two minutes later and the lead was doubled, Potter failed to deal with a backpass and his kick went straight to Atkins whose first shot was saved by the keeper but the striker made no mistake with the rebound calmly slotting home from 10 yards.

Matt Hill was finally put under pressure in the 34th minute when he had to come out quickly to close down Dean Symonds shot. The lanters were soon back on the attack and Shipley’s free kick found Adam Ferguson whose shot was held by Potter. Shaun Bammant then teed up Atkins who shot wide.

Half Time: Swaffham Town 0 Norwich United 2

Playing with the slope in the second half Swaffham applied more pressure and Hill had to tip over a Scott Voutt header seven minutes after the break.

The Planters were still causing the Pedlars problems at the back and Atkins fed Bammant whose shot on the turn was saved by Potter. On the hour a ball into the Swaffham area led to strong Planters appeals for a penalty which were turned down by referee Mr Watson.

Ricky Muggleton shot wide from the edge of the area for the Pedlars while at the other end Martin Goulder shot high. A good move on 74 minutes almost brought a further goal for the Planters Smith releasing Atkins on the right and his ball into the area found Bammant at the far post but his shot back across goal drifted wide of the post.

Muggleton did well to create an opening down the right and his shot was pushed wide by Hill.

In injury time Goulder’s header from a Shipley corner drifted wide.

Final Score: Swaffham Town 0 Norwich United 2

Swaffham Town: Potter, Palmer, Greenwood (Rasberry 55), Spalding, Setchell, Voutt, Doherty, King, Harper (Forshaw 55), Muggleton, Symonds. Unused subs: Reeve, Rowlings, Norris.

Norwich United: Hill, Shipley, Imrie, Ferguson, Roberts, Revell, Page, Smith, Atkins, Bammant (Durrant 85), Goulder. Unused subs: Ager, Deeley.

 

Woodbridge Town 2 Norwich United 2 – Ridgeons League Premier Division – Saturday 5 April 2008

Gary Butcher made just one change to the side defeated at Wroxham, Adam Mills was unavailable so Craig Roberts returned to the side.

The Planters took the lead after just 45 seconds after Steve Shipley played a one-two with Nathan Page, Shipley’s shot from just inside the area was goalbound but took a deflection off a defenders leg and ballooned over Woodbridge keeper Marcus Garnham.

Garnham had to come out quickly after 8 minutes to deny Paul Atkins after a through ball from Page. Woodbridge were hardly threatening but a misunderstanding between Adrian Ager and Matt Hill saw the keeper having to claw away a back header. The Planters were again denied by Garnham in the 27th minute, Atkins created a good shooting position for himself and Garnham did well to push the strikers shot onto the woodwork. Nathan Page was the next Planters player to be denied by Garnham, the midfielder played a one-two with Shaun Bammant only to see the keeper make another good save at the near post.

Half-Time: Woodbridge Town 0 Norwich United 1

Woodbridge equalised just 40 seconds after the interval when a Simon Peddie right wing cross was turned into his own net at the near post by Craig Roberts. Atkins had a shot turned behind for a corner and Adam Smith and Bammant were both off target while Alicion Balke’s 20 yard shot was pushed round by Hill. Woodbridge took the lead in the 57th minute when sub Paul Hart who had just been on for 6 minutes found space in the area after a missed header and angled a shot across Hill and inside the far post.

Shipley did well to intercept in midfield and crossed from the by-line but Bammant headed over. Woodbridge should have extended their lead in the 72nd minute when Hart beat Hill to a through ball but Blake failed to hit the target and hit the side netting. The scores were level after 83 minutes. Adam Ferguson released Page down the right and he put over an excellent cross to the far post where Atkins calmly slotted home.

Atkins almost snatched victory in the fourth minute of injury time when Ager flicked on Shipley’s corner but the strikers shot brought another good save from Garnham.

Full Time: Woodbridge Town 2 Norwich United 2

Woodbridge Town: M Garnham, Peddie, Monaghan, B Garnham, Roper, Miller, Nash, Bickers, Blake, O’Neill (Hart 51), Churchyard. Unused subs: Marsh, Rea, Sheppard, Scales.

Norwich United: Hill, Shipley, Jeal, Ferguson, Ager, Roberts (Revell 53), Page, Smith, Bammant (French 84), Atkins, Goulder. Unused subs: Sivell, Imrie.

 

Norwich United 2 Soham Town Rangers 2 – Ridgeons League Premier Division – Saturday 22 March 2008

For the second time in three weeks Soham grabbed a late goal to deny the Planters, this time it was a 92nd minute equaliser from the league leaders after tow second half goals from the Planters had seen them overturn a half time deficit.

Gary Butcher made one change to the side that won 2-0 at Ipswich Wanderers the week before, Shaun Bammant being returned to the strike force while Paul Atkins dropped to the bench. Adam Sivell returned to the bench after an injury lay-off and there was a call up for 16 year old Jack Deeley who had recently signed from Wroxham.

After a quiet opening Soham were the first to have a chance in the 10th minute when Darren Jimson shot over the bar. The Planters replied quickly when Shipley’s cross was well cushioned by Bammant into the path of Rory French whose shot lacked power and bobbled through to Martyn Margerson.

Chances were coming thick and fast, Jimson had a shot on the turn blocked by a defender and Shipley’s corner was headed over by Martin Goulder, and Back to the other end Matt Hill did well to save at close range from Jimson and from the resultant corner Jimson’s shot was cleared off the line by Tom Jeal.

Half way through the half Craig Roberts twice blocked long range shots from Scott Carter. On the half hour Bammant released French and the striker raced into the area but shot wide of the far post.

Lloyd Greening’s ball into the box was headed goalward by Nathan Page but Margerson held comfortably. Jimson had a shot well blocked by Roberts and as the ball fell to Carter Page was able to block his shot. Jeal was on hand to head away from Jones’ cross with Jimson poised.

Soham were finishing the half stronger and they took the lead three minutes before the break, Michael Simpson’s through ball putting Charles Libam behind the defence and the striker calmly slotted past the advancing Hill.

Half Time: Norwich United 0 Soham Town Rangers 1

Butcher made two changes at the break with Atkins and Sivell replacing French and Greening.

Soham had the first attempt after the break Jones flashing a shot wide of the far post from the corner of the penalty area.

The Planters started to take control and Page had a strong run down the right but Margerson held the shot comfortably.

Hill was called into action twice in quick succession firstly diving full length to tip round Andrew Furnell’s shot and then punching clear a Soham corner only for Martin Bromwich to send it back into the area but wide of the post.

Atkins forced a good save from Margerson when he latched onto a long ball forward and from the resultant corner Roberts lob was well tipped over by the keeper. A minute later Roberts and Atkins combined to set up Bammant whose shot on the turn was held by Margerson.

Simpson had the ball in the net in the 71st minute but the flag was already up for an offside infringement.

The Planters equalised two minutes later when a good move ended with Bammant switching the ball wide for Atkins and the strikers cross to the far post was met by the head of Sivell who planted the ball past Margerson.

Three minutes later and a lovely interchange of passes between Adam Smith and Atkins took them through the visitors defence and Bammant was on hand to net with a firm shot from close range to put the Planters in front.

Jones went close to equalising late on but hooked his shot wide of Hill’s right hand post.

Just as it looked as though the Planters would beat the league leaders a free kick in the 92nd minute was floated into the area by Simon Flanz and Stuart Williams was first to react to hit the ball home and rescue the visitors a point.

Full Time: Norwich United 2 Soham Town Rangers 2

Norwich United: Hill, Shipley, Jeal, Goulder (Deeley 85), Ferguson, Roberts, Page, Smith, French (Atkins 45), Bammant, Greening (Sivell 45). Unused Sub: Ager.

Soham Town Rangers: Margarson, Flanz, Johnson, McNeil (Jones 21), Williams, Simpson, Libam (Coleman 45), Carter, Furnell (Jordan 68), Jimson, Bromwich. Unused subs: Kearns, Turner.

 

Ipswich Wanderers 0 Norwich United 2 – Ridgeons League Premier Division – Saturday 15 March 2008

The Planters took a big step towards Premier Division safety with three points against relegation threatened Wanderers at Humber Doucy Lane.

Gary Butcher made three changes to the side which lost to Woodbridge, Adam Smith, Rory French and Lloyd Greening, who made his first start, replacing Adrian Ager, Shaun Bammant and Ryan Haynes.

French immediately got behind the home defence but lost control and the ball went through to keeper Gary Hammond. In the eighth minute French had the ball in the Ipswich net after a left wing cross from Greening but the referee had already blown for a free kick, with no one quite sure why.

This prompted a reply from Wanderers and Lee McGlone was well closed down as he prepared to shoot and minutes later Danny Smy headed wide from Bradley Barber’s corner.

Smith’s midfield dummy allowed Martin Goulder a shot from 25 yards which flew wide.

Just before the half hour mark Darren Mills let fly from long range but his shot flew over the bar.

An excellent free-kick routine saw Steve Shipley release Smith down the left and his cross from the byline found Craig Roberts who turned the ball over the bar from close range.

Roberts soon made amends as in the 34th minute a quick throw released Shipley down the right and as the cross came over the centre-half side footed in from close range to give the Planters the lead

Half-Time: Ipswich Wanderers 0 Norwich United 1

Roberts almost made an immediate impact at the start of the second half when Shipley’s corner was only half cleared, but his shot went wide.

Matt Hill was called into action twice in quick succession firstly when McGlone’s shot on the turn bobbled in front of the keeper but he deflected it over the bar. A minute later and the referee awarded Wanderers a penalty when Roberts handled a cross into the box, Hill read the kick well and dived low to his left to preserve the Planters lead.

The Planters effectively sealed the game after 69 minutes when good work down the left by Greening and Tom Jeal led to Jeal’s cross being hit firmly home at the far post by Nathan Page.

Roberts header from a free kick was comfortably held by Hammond while at the other end Danny Allen shot over the bar from just inside the area.

Owen Symmonds cleared well under pressure after good work down the left by Smith and Bammant and Goulder shot wide from the edge of the area.

Hill had the last say as he did well to tip Allen’s header over the bar.

Final Score: Ipswich Wanderers 0 Norwich United 2

Ipswich Wanderers: Hammond, Mills (Smythe 72), Haynes-Brown, Jennings (Allen 62), Buckle, Symmonds, Laws, Smy, Driver (Carnell 65), McGlone, Barber. Unused sub: Deller.

Norwich United: Hill, Shipley, Jeal, Goulder, Ferguson, Roberts, Page, Smith, French (Hayton 85), Atkins (Bammant 82), Greening. Unused subs: Ager, Revell.

 

Norwich United 0 Woodbridge Town 2 – Ridgeons League Premier Division – Saturday 8 March 2008

Gary Butcher was forced into one change from the side that had lost the last two games in the closing stages, Adam Smith was unavailable through work commitments, Martin Goulder came into the side.

Woodbridge were the first to show and Allicion Blake took the ball round Ryan Haynes, Matt Hill tipped away Blakes’ shot and Craig Roberts had to react quickly to clear the danger. The Planters immediately went close at the other end when Woodbridge keeper Marcus Garnham failed to connect with a kick and Adam Ferguson shot wide from an acute angle.

Chances were few and far between in the windy conditions and Paul Atkins had a shot blocked. Ferguson, Atkins and Nathan Page combined well and the ball broke for Ferguson who shot over from 25 yards. Shaun Bammant flicked a throw onto Atkins whose shot on the turn was held by Garnham. Martin Goulder’s shot from 25 yards went straight to Garnham.

Woodbridge had a rare threat on the Planters goal ten minutes before the break, Blake had a strong run across the face of the penalty area but Lee O’Neill shot high over the bar. Ferguson then fed Atkins with a good throughball but Garnham got enough on the strikers shot and grabbed the ball at the second attempt.

Half Time: Norwich United 0 Woodbridge Town 0

The Planters started the second half strongly and Page had a shot held by Garnham and a lovely team passing move ended with Tom Jeal shooting over the bar. Ben Miller then headed over for Woodbridge from a corner to the far post.

Woodbridge surprisingly took the lead on the hour, Blake latched onto a long ball forward and his shot was parried well by Hill but the ball was only cleared as far as Ben Seaman whose shot beat Hill and nestled inside the keeper’s left hand post.

Four minutes later and the Planters found their deficit doubled when a corner to the far post was half cleared as far as Paul Hart whose shot under the crossbar.

Ferguson saw a glancing header go wide of the far post, and on 72 minutes the Planters were furious when Paul Atkins was fouled well inside the penalty area only for the referee Mr Sannerude to give a free kick on the edge of the area, the free kick ended with Jeal shooting high. The game petered out with the Planters only having a Ferguson shot from 30 yards which went over the bar.

The third consecutive defeat sees the Planters overtaken by their victors and once again looking over their shoulders.

Final Score: Norwich United 0 Woodbridge Town 2

Norwich United: Hill, Shipley, Haynes, Ferguson, Ager, Roberts, Page, Jeal, Atkins, Bammant (French 79), Goulder (Greening 83). Unused Sub: Revell.

Woodbridge Town: M Garnham, Churchyard, Monaghan, Rea, Marsh, Miller, O’Neill (Roper 83), Bickers, Blake (B Garnham 87), Hart, Seaman. Unused Subs: Sheppard, Read.

 

Norwich United 0 Stanway Rovers 1 – Ridgeons League Premier Division – Tuesday 4 March 2008

The Planters were able to name an unchanged side from the Soham defeat on Saturday.

In a quiet start the few chances fell to the visitors Ben Newson shooting wide early on and on the quarter hour mark Matt Hill did well to save a shot from outside the area that came through a sea of players after a corner had only been half cleared, Ryan Haynes was on hand to clear, as the ball came back in Mark Gaisford headed over from close range. Ray Turner then had a free kick on the edge of the area which drifted wide.

The Planters had there first chance halfway through the half when Ryan Haynes picked up the ball on the half-way line he took it to the area before forcing Michael Church into a diving save low to his left. The Planters held their breath in the 27th minute after the referee pointed to the penalty spot when Hill was harshly adjudged to have brought down a striker but the referees blushes were spared when the linesman was able to point out an earlier offside.

Stanway twice went close about the half-hour mark firstly Hill doing well to cut out a Sam Newson cut-back from the by-line and then Hill was again called into action as he tipped over a Ben Newson free-kick. The Planters finished the half strongly Nathan Page’s cross hitting the face of Stanway’s bar, Page and Steve Shipley then combined well down the right to provide Paul Atkins with a shotting chance but the shot was blocked. Haynes was next to have a shot blocked after a Adam Smith pass and Smith then shot over when Haynes returned the favour.

Half-Time: Norwich United 0 Stanway Rovers 0

Churhc was soon in action after the break and did well to hold a Page cross from the right. Stanway went close when Rob Thorne hit wide from distance. The Planters had a nice passing move ten minutes after the break which ended with Adam Ferguson’s shot held by Church.

The Planters had their best chance in the 58th minute, Shipley’s corner was headed goalward by Craig Roberts only for Church to make a good reaction save, as the ball came out it hit Adrian Ager abd went tantalising wide of the post. Stanway began to gain a slight ascendency and Thorne headed wide after a spell of pressure following a corner. Ben Newson then had a shot blocked after a good passing move down the left wing.

Shaun Bammant had the ball in the Stanway net in the 72nd minute but the referee had spotted his use of the hand. Hill then saved low down to his left from a Turner shot. Ferguson shot wide from 30 yards after good work by Atkins and Haynes, Smith then put Atkins away but the striker was forced wide and shot wide from an acute angle.

Keith Emerson glanced a header across the face of goal and wide of the far post. Substitute Martin Goulder released Atkins whose shot was blocked.

Just as the game seemed to be drifting to a goalless draw a long ball forward found Thorne who lobbed the advancing Hill and the ball found the top corner to give the visitors an unexpected victory.

Final Score: Norwich United 0 Stanway Rovers 1

Norwich United: Hill, Shipley, Ferguson (Goulder 83), Ager, Jeal, Roberts, Page, Smith, Atkins, Bammant, Haynes. Unused Subs: French, Hardy.

Stanway Rovers: Church, Curtis, Emerson, Crouch, Gaisford, Burch (Harewood 45), B Newson, Harrop, Turner, Thorne, S Newson. Unused Subs: Skeggs, Brennan.

 

Soham Town Rangers 2 Norwich United 1 – Ridgeons League Premier Division – Saturday 1 March 2008

The Planters lost out to a spectacular winner from Soham substitute Scott Carter just four minutes from time after coming back against the league leaders who were reduced to ten men shortly before the break.

Gary Butcher was forced into two changes from the side that beat Swaffham, Adam Sivell and Rob Revell both missing out through injury, Adam Smith, returning from illness and Craig Roberts came in, while Shaun Bammant also returning from illness replaced Rory French who dropped to the bench.

The Planters were first to show after five minutes, Adam Smith’s goal-bound shot was deflected over for a corner. Soham were soon pressing and Matt Hill had to punch away a corner but when Paul Jones returned the ball in Charles Libam headed wide. Paul Atkins then had a shot on the turn blocked after a good attack down the Planters right wing. Soham gradually gained the ascendancy and Libam’s cross was headed wide by Darren Jimson and Ryan Haynes did well to cut out a Scott Johnson cross.

Soham took the lead in the 15th minute Libam’s ball into the area was touched on by Jimson into the path of Aaron Turner who poked the ball past Hill.

Hill comfortably held a shot from Jones and at the other end the Planters started to cause the home defence problems and there were loud appeals for a penalty when Atkins cross from the left struck a defenders arm. Good work from Smith and Nathan Page set up Haynes who shot wide and moments later Steve Shipley’s ball forward was layed off by Atkins to Bammant who shot over. Libam with a shot on the turn was denied by Hill and the keeper was again in action soon after when he tipped over a Michael Simpson shot.

The hosts were reduced to ten men just a minute before the break when following a free kick awarded to the Planters Peter Hinde was shown a straight red for an off the ball incident.

Half-Time: Soham Town Rangers 1 Norwich United 0

With an extra man advantage the Planters were soon on the attack and Page had a shot well tipped over by home keeper Lea Jordan. Page was again causing the home defence problems with a strong run down the left which led to a corner, Haynes headed over from the flag kick. Adam Ferguson then had a shot from the edge of the area blocked and Page cut in from the left and drifted a shot just wide of the far post.

Soham had a rare attack when Jimson managed to get behind Hill and he flashed a cross across the face of goal but Libam’s return shot was blocked. The Planters were soon on the attack again and Tom Jeal’s cross was deflected high and Ferguson’s header was held by Jordan.

The Planters finally got a deserved equailser in the 73rd minute, a free kick awarded on the right wing saw Shipley deliver an excellent ball to the far post where Roberts headed home from close range.

Two minutes later and Jordan kept the hosts level with an excellent save low down to his left after Adie Ager had guided Atkins’ cross toward the bottom corner. Moments later Ager found himself on the end of a free kick beyond the far post but his cross was blocked.

The hosts finally upped their game and Libam’s cross was headed goalward by Simpson but he was denied by a good save from Hill who just a minute later had to save a good shot on the turn from Jimson. The Planters struck back and a lovely one-two between Smith and Atkins saw the midfielder shoot narrowly over. Another Shipley free kick found the head of Roberts but this time the centre-half headed over.

Soham regained the lead just four minutes from the end, Libam’s cross from the right was met with a spectacular overhead kick from Carter which flew past Hill into the net.

The Planters still had a chance to equalise and Smith’s shot from outside the area was well held by Jordan to see the leaders hold onto the three points and see the Planters head home empty handed after giving a good account of themselves and deserving at least a share of the spoils.

Full-Time: Soham Town Rangers 2 Norwich United 1

Soham Town Rangers: Jordan, Flanz, Johnson, McNeil, Williams, Simpson, Turner (Carter 58), Hinde, Libam, Jimson, Jones (Kearns 82). Unused subs, Bromwich, Coleman.

Norwich United: Hill, Jeal, Haynes, Ferguson, Ager, Roberts, Page, Shipley, Atkins, Bammant, Smith. Unused subs, French, Lewis, Hayton.

 

Norwich United 3 Swaffham Town 2 – Ridgeons League Premier Division Saturday 23 February 2008

The Planters recorded back-to-back league wins for the first time this season in overcoming Swaffham Town by the odd goal in five.

Gary Butcher was forced into three changes from last weeks stunning victory at Haverhill, Nicki Young, injured and Adam Smith and Shaun Bammant were both absent through illness, Nathan Page, Adam Sivell were recalled to the starting line-up and Rory French was called up for his first start.

The Planters attacked from the kick-off, Steve Shipley and French combining to set up Page who shot wide after just seventeen seconds. Paul Atkins made his presence felt in the fourth minute when he charged down a Steven Norris clearance but his shot went wide. Swaffham had their first chance after 16 minutes when Matt Hill’s kick went straight to Rory Harper, but Hill made ground to comfortably save Harper’s shot. French and Page then combined to give Atkins a shooting chance and the strikers shot drifted wide of the far post.

Swaffham took the lead in the 29th minute, a free kick wide on the left wing was well struck by Aarran Butcher and deceived Hill in the wind and dipped under the bar. Shipley’s free kick to the far post eluded everyone and as Sivell crossed it back in Norris held comfortably. Norris was soon in action again saving well at the feet of French. For the Pedlars Ashley St John shot wide from long distance, the Planters were soon attacking again Ryan Haynes and Page working well down the left wing and Adam Ferguson shot wide from outside the penalty area.

The Planters leveled three minutes before the break, Haynes had another strong run down the left and this time crossed to the far post where Atkins did well to calmly slot past Norris.

Half Time: Norwich United 1 Swaffham Town 1

The second half started quietly, Haynes free kick comfortably held by Norris the only real chance. Ferguson then had to produce a well-timed tackle to deny Tomasz Barkowski in the area and moments later the Polish striker shot wide from just outside the area. Page had a strong run down the left but as he entered the area a strong touch took the ball through to Norris. A long throw deep into the Planters area caused problems for the home defence but a good block denied Swaffham a shot and eventually the ball was cleared.

In the 70th minute the Planters took the lead with a wonderful strike from Page, out wide on the left wing well around 40 yards from goal he struck a shot which curled round Norris and dipped into the top corner. Five minutes later and the lead was doubled following good work between Martin Goulder and Atkins down the right wing, Atkins shot was deflected to French who marked his full debut with his first goal when he headed home from close range.

Swaffham were not going to lie down easily and Hill had to come out quickly to save at the feet of Harper. Anthony Reeve shot over from the edge of the area and Harper shot wide from just inside the box. With just one minute of normal time left Ricky Muggleton reduced the arrears when he robbed Haynes on the halfway line took the ball into the Planters area avoiding challenges on the way and slotted past Hill to set up a tense last few minutes, despite an unlikely three minutes added time the Planters held on to earn three valuable points.

Full Time: Norwich United 3 Swaffham Town 2

Norwich United: Hill, Jeal, Haynes, Ferguson, Ager, Revell, Page, Shipley, Atkins, French (Hayton 84), Sivell (Goulder 45) Unused Subs: Roberts, Lewis.

Swaffham Town: Norris, Rowlings (Greenwood 45), Palmer, Reeve, Spalding, Voutt, Rasberry, Butcher, Harper, Barkowski (Muggleton 79), St John (Kenny 57).

 

Haverhill Rovers 0 Norwich United 5 - Ridgeons League Premier Division - Saturday 16 February 2008

Just seven days after the five goal home reversal at the hands of Kings Lynn Reserves the Planters bounced back with a five goal haul of their own, shattering Haverhill's twelve game unbeaten home run on the way and opened up a 12 point game over the relegation zone.

Manager Gary Butcher made four changes Matt Hill replacing James Scott in goal, Adam Ferguson returned from suspension and there were recalls for Ryan Haynes and Robert Revell, Adam Sivell and Nathan Page dropped to the bench and Craig Roberts was given a run out in the Reserves. There were positional changes too with Steve Shipley and Adam Ferguson pairing up in central midfield.

Haverhill had the early pressure but were unable to create chances from early corners and Wayne Goddard's long throw. The Planters threatened after 9 minutes, Haynes and Shipley combining well down the left but Shaun Bammant's long ball just eluded Nicki Young. Young then tried to release Paul Atkins but once again it ran away from the striker. After a quarter of an hour Adam Ben-Saud got a shot on target but Hill held comfortably. Hill was in action soon after coming out quickly to save at the feet of Martin Westoctt. Nicki Young was struggling with an injury and was replaced by Adam Sivell after just 25 minutes.

The Planters took the lead in the 26th minute, Sivell exchanged passes with Bammant and Sivell's cross was dropped by Aaron Benstead and Paul Atkins was first to react and netted from close range. Haverhill were still pressuring the United area and a Ben-Saud shot was once again held by Hill and moments later the striker had a cross which flew across the face of Hill's goal. Sivell then released Atkins wide on the right and the strikers ball into the middle hit the face of Benstead's crossbar. Hill was twice called into action in the 36th minute firstly having to punch away Goddard's free kick whilst under pressure from two strikers and then moving out quickly to block Ben-Saud's shot.

Half-Time: Haverhill Rovers 0 Norwich United 1

Haynes was called into action early in the second period having to produce a good tackle to prevent the well placed Joe Harvey from shooting. Bammant did well to pressure the home defence and Benstead kicked the ball straight to Sivell but the ball bounced back to Bammant who was given offside.

The Planters doubled their lead in the 58th minute, Bammants excellent through ball and Atkins well timed run saw the striker beat the offside just inside the Haverhill half, he took the ball into the area and calmly slotted past Benstead. Hill was immediately in action at the other end when from one of Goddard's numerous long throws the keeper tipped Vowden's header over the bar.

It wasn't long before the Planters opened up a three-goal cushion as in the 63rd minute Sivell robbed Dan Pilcher and crossed for Atkins whose shot was blocked by Benstead but Bammant was quick to react and shot the ball past the keeper for his first goal for the Planters. Goddard's long throws were Rovers cheif weapon and when one was cleared as far as Martin Westcott he sent the ball back into the danger zone and it hit the outside of Hill's right hand upright. With ten minutes to go Adam Smith intercepted a through ball and he hit a shot which seemed destined for the top corner but Benstead did well to tip over.

Smith wasn't to be denied though as in the 83rd minute a superb cross-field ball from Sivell found Smith in space on the left, he cut in took the ball to the edge of the area and hit past Benstead to open a four goal lead. Haverhill were still trying to get a goal themselves and Hill had to react well to push Harvey's header onto the bar. Sub Rory French did well to rob a defender but Bammant's ball was too strong for his colleague.

The Planters completed their five goal haul in the 90th minute, a good run into the box by Bammant was brought to a premature end by Marcus Hunt's foul and Haynes sent Benstead the wrong way from the spot.

Full Time: Haverhill Rovers 0 Norwich United 5

Haverhill Rovers: Benstead, Pilcher, Thurlbourne (Holder 72), Goddard, Vowden, Harvey, Abbott, Hunt, Ben-Saud (Hallas 72), Westcott, Heller. Unused Subs: Impey.

Norwich United: Hill, Jeal, Haynes, Ferguson, Ager, Revell, Young (Sivell 25), Shipley, Atkins (French 80), Bammant, Smith (Goulder 84): Unused Subs: Page, Lewis.

 

Norwich United 0 Kings Lynn Reserves 5 - Ridgeons League Premier Division - Saturday 9 February 2008

The Planters crashed to their heaviest home defeat this season with a poor display, conceding four second half goals and once again left the club looking over their shoulders at the relegation pack below.

Gary Butcher made five changes to the side that lost the Norfolk Senior Cup semifinal at Wroxham on Tuesday. Out went Francis Kumbur, Matt Hill and Andrew Fulcher, who was sold to Diss Town this week, while Martin Goulder and Ryan Haynes dropped to the bench. In came new signing James Scott, signed from St Ives, Tom Jeal, Craig Roberts, Adam Sivell and Shaun Bammant, while new signing Rory French was on the bench.

The visitors started stronger and Adrian Ager had to tackle strongly to deny Seamus Kelleher after a good one two between the winger and Mark Heath-Preston. The Linnets weren't to be denied however, and they took the lead after 6 minutes when a free kick from the left was swung in by Kelleher and with Scott caught flat footed by Stephen Harvey's run the ball crept in at the far post. It was 18 minutes before the Planters caused problems for the visitors defence, keeper Duncan McAnally doing well to claim Nicki Young's far post cross with Paul Atkins pressuring. Just one minute later at the other end and Roberts headed clear but Heath-Preston capitalised to shoot over from an acute angle. Atkins combined well with Adam Sivell and the striker was denied again by McAnally. Half way through the first half and once again McAnally denied Atkins this time he was out quickly when Nathan Page had battled hard to win the ball and played it through. The Linnets were still causing the home defence problems and Kelleher's corner to the near post was flicked across the face of goal by Heath-Preston's near post header. Heath-Preston twice went close before the break, firstly when he got the better of Ager but shot weakly and then with a shot on the turn which went over the bar.

Half-time: Norwich United 0 King's Lynn Reserves 1

The Planters started the second half strongly and a good period of possesion was ended when Bammant shot wide from the edge of the box. Six minutes after the break and the Linnets doubled their lead, Joe Woods wrong footing the keeper and calmly slotting the ball home. United could have grabbed a goal back when Tom Jeal crossed for Ager but his header went wide at the far post. Two goals just after the hour finished the Planters chances, both came through quick breaks the first saw Kelleher in space 30 yards from goal and his shot dipped over Scott and just under the bar, the second came when Heath-Preston lobbed the on-rushing Scott from just outside the area. McAnally again denied the Planters when Page headed a Scott drop-kick into the path of Bammant but the keeper did well to smother the shot. The Planters misery was compounded on 78 minutes when a seemingly harmless cross from the right wing by Elliott Fiddy was dropped into his near post by Scott. The Planters failed to get a consolation, Ager's header from a Page cross was held by McAnally and sub Rory French failed to mark his debut with a goal shooting over from 20 yards and heading over a Haynes cross.

Full-Time: Norwich United 0 Kings Lynn Reserves 5

Norwich United: Scott, Shipley, Jeal, Smith, Roberts (Revell 68), Ager, Page, Sivell, Bammant, Atkins (French 68), Young (Haynes 68).

Kings Lynn Reserves: McAnally, Gilchrist, Lake, Buhlemann, Miller, Harvey, Shaddrack (Mowbray 64), Carey, Heath-Preston, Woods (Fiddy 64), Kelleher (Parkinson 73).

 

Wroxham 3 Norwich United 2 - Norfolk Senior Cup Semi-Final - Tuesday 5 February 2008

The Planters were knocked out of the Senior Cup losing by the odd goal in five after taking the lead in the first half. Gary Butcher was forced into changes with Adam Ferguson unavailable through suspension added to Adam Sivell, Shaun Bammant, Craig Roberts, Tom Jeal and Will Lewis who were all cup-tied. Nathan Page and Nicki Young returned to the side after unavailability and there was a return from a two month injury lay-off for Ryan Haynes, Paul Atkins and Martin Goulder were elevated from the bench.

Despite the upheaval it was the Planters who started strongly and they could have taken the lead in the 7th minute when a good interception in midfield sent Nicki Young racing down the right wing, he crossed from the by-line but Francis Kumbur's shot was blocked. Young was causing the home defence problems and two minutes later he got away down the right but Robert Woodcock cut out his cross. The home keeper was in action soon after having to tip over a Nathan Page shot from the edge of the area. A good combination between Goulder and Young anded with Young shooting wide. After 19 minutes Page broke down the left found Atkinswho slipped two challenges before finding Kumbur whose shot was deflected wide with the Planters players strongly appealing for handball. From the corner Haynes near post header was blocked on the line.

United weren't to be denied and got the goal their early dominance justified on 20 minutes, Page again releasing Atkins this time the striker unleashed a good shot past Woodcock just inside the post. Wroxham were stung into action and Andy Key's shot from an acute angle was deflected over the bar. Adie Ager then released Atkins with a long ball forward but with Woodcock advancing the striker failed to lift over the keeper. The Yachtsmen were starting to come into the game and Key once more caused problems crossing for Danny White who headed weakly to Matt Hill. Gavin Lemmon then had a free kick headed clear and Lee Gilman's follow up shot was blocked. Atkins was once again denied by Woodcock when he turned a left wing cross goalward. Six minutes before the break and the Planters were ruiing the missed chances when Gilman's long distance shot was pushed away by Hill but White was on hand to net from close distance. The Planters still had a chance to regain the lead before the break but Kumbur shot straight at Woodcock.

Half-Time: Wroxham 1 Norwich United 1

Wroxham started the second half stronger buoyed by their equaliser and Hill had to dive full length to save from Gary Gilmore. Ten minutes after the break and the home side took the lead, Key's free kick from the right went through a cluster of players and crept inside the far post. The Planters were struggling to get back into the game but a good run and cross from Steve Shipley just eluded the stretching Atkins. On 72 minutes the Planters hopes seemed over when Wroxham stretched their lead, Matt Hill failed to gather a ball into the area and as the ball slipped wide a Wroxham striker was on hand to net. United weren't laying down though and a strong run by Adam Smith released Atkins who couldn't get a shot in from an acute angle. Goulder then returned a Woodcock punch into the area and substitute Jody Cork glanced a header wide. There was still time for drama as the game went into injury time, firstly White headed straight at Hill, before Atkins shot was held by Woodcock. In the second minute of stoppage time Atkins was sent tumbling in the box, but Woodcock dived full length to his right to save Atkins spot kick. The Planters still kept pressing and reduced the arrears when a horrible sliced clearance by a Wroxham defender fell to Atkins and this time the striker made no mistake with a firm shot past Woodcock.

Full-Time: Wroxham 3 Norwich United 2

Wroxham: Woodcock, Pauling, Howes, Miller, Carus, Key, White, Lemmon, Cook, Gilman, Gilmore. Subs Furlong, Atkins, Harley, Hilton, Jackson

Norwich United: Hill, Shipley, Haynes, Fulcher, Ager, Goulder, Page, Smith, Atkins, Kumbur (Cork 60), Young (Imrie 79). Unused subs: Durrant, Hardy, Revell.

 

Histon Reserves 3 Norwich United 2 - Saturday 26 January 2008

The Planters crashed to a disappointing defeat at the Glass World Stadium, losing by the odd goal in five to a strengthened Histon side. The home clubs first team not having a game meant they included five first team fringe players in the team. The Planters should not use this as an excuse however as a combination of poor defending of set pieces and missed chances cost them a victory.

With Nathan Page unavailable there was a full first team debut for Jake Imrie, whilst Tom Jeal signed on the morning of the game from Ryman League Bury Town came in to midfield with Martin Goulder dropping to the bench.

The game started with chances at either end, Roscoe Hipperson heading a second minute corner wide for Histon whilst a good long ball from Andrew Fulcher found Jake Imrie wide on the right but his shot on the stretch only found the side netting. Steve Shipley found Shaun Bammant with another long ball forward but the striker was denied by good defensive work by Adam Dolby.

In the seventh minute Histon took the lead, from a left wing corner Histon were able to head the ball on twice before Neil Kennedy netted with a looping header back over Matt Hill and inside the far post. The Planters almost equalised immediately as Adam Smith flashed a shot inches wide of the far post. On 16 minutes Hill saved well from Sparks downward header.

The Planters equalised after 17 minutes, a good combination between Francis Kumbur and Smith saw the midfielder lay it back for Jeal who celebrated his debut with a lovely strike into the bottom corner from 25 yards. Hill was again in action soon after saving a weak shot from Anthony Blandford, and minutes later he tipped a David Chick cross over the bar.

Histon regained the lead after 28 minutes, Kennedy receiving the ball with his back to goal turning and shooting home into the bottom corner to net his second. Just two minutes later and Roscoe Hipperson missed a good chance to stretch the home sides lead when he blazed over from close range. The Planters went close to equalising in the 35th minute, firstly appeals for a penalty for handball were turned down by the referee and moments later Bammant fired over from an acute angle.

Three minutes later and Histon opened up a two goal lead when Matty Haniver let loose from 30 yards with a shot which nestled just inside the upright. Hill prevented a further Histon goal two minutes before the break when he dived to his left to make a good one handed save from Rob Nightingale's header.

Half Time: Histon Reserves 3 Norwich United 1

Histon had the first chance after the break when Hipperson shot wide from the edge of the area. The Planters were having more of the second half but it was the hour mark before they caused problems for the home defense, Kumbur heading on for Bammant who headed wide under pressure.

A minute later and the Planters reduced the arrears when Smith fed Bammant down the left wing, the striker then curled a lovely cross into the danger zone where Kumbur had the simplest of chances to side foot home.

On 70 minutes Blandford recovered a Hill kick wide on the right and sent in a cross which Kennedy headed goal-ward only for Hill to produce a good save to deny the striker his hat trick. Three minutes later and Kennedy beat the offisde trap but this time shot wide of the target.

Substitute Martin Goulder twice went close with a quarter of an hour to go, firstly shooting wide from 25 yards and then bringing a save out of the advancing Lance Key after Smith had sent in another good cross from the left.

With ten minutes to go Adam Sivell found Smith but his first touch let him down and allowed the defense to scramble the ball wide for a corner. With just two minutes left Bammant released substitute Paul Atkins down the left, the striker with his first touch took the ball wide before providing a good cross to the far post where Sivell headed over.

Full Time: Histon Reserves 3 Norwich United 2

 

Dereham Town 1 Norwich United 2 - Saturday 12 January 2008

The Planters secured their third league away win of the season in front of Dereham's biggest league crowd of the season, first half goals from Martin Goulder and Nathan Page helping Gary Butcher's team to a thoroughly deserved victory.

United made two changes from the Norfolk Senior Cup semi-final sucess at Hempnall, Adam Sivell who was cup tied returning to the centre of midfield and Shaun Bammant returning from injury up front replacing Paul Atkins who was on the bench. Andrew Fulcher moved in to left back while Gennaro Romano was left out. Criag Roberts returned to the bench.

The Planters started on the back foot, Robbie Harris having a shot blocked and Graham Barrett heading over from Craig Terrington's cross. The Planters soon gained control when a delightful through ball from Adam Smith put Martin Goulder away down the right hand side and the midfielder calmly slipped past keeper Shaun Marshall before slotting home to give United the lead in the 11th minute.

The early goal gave the Planters confidence and Francis Kumbur went close with a header from Steve Shipley's free kick just going wide. Minutes later Bammant put Nathan Page in and his shot was parried by Marshall. At the other end Dereham went close when Nicky Howell's shot was deflected for a corner.

The Planters were playing some lovely football and Sivell was causing the Magpies real problems, firstly shooting wide after a Bammant flick on and then sliding a pass in for Page who tucked it past Marshall from the edge of the area to extend the Planters lead after 28 minutes.

Page turned provider two minutes later when a superb crossfield ball put Bammant in on goal but the strikers shot was blocked by Marshall. Goulder was also denied by the Magpies keeper and a cross from Shipley was laid off by Bammant for Sivell to shoot wide as the Planters finished the half looking much the stronger.

Half Time: Dereham Town 0 Norwich United 2

Any thoughts of an away victory were put on hold as the Magpies started the second half much stronger, and with the impressive Bammant having to be replaced 7 minutes in, the Magpies were back in the game a minute later when Harris' cross from the right was headed in at the far post by Terrington to cut the Planters lead in half.

Just a minute later Nicky Howell shot over the top after a one-two, another minute on and the referee baffled spectators booking Sivell for an innocuous challenge having let more physical incidents go earlier. Kumbur went in the book soon after with what seemed another harsh decision.

Kumbur could have restored the Planters two goal advantage when Atkins set him away but the striker fired wide, while at the other end substitute Andy Moddy's header hit his own player. Kumbur laid off for Sivell but the midfielder shot narrowly wide. Adam Ferguson was next to be shown a yellow card as the referee seemed to be losing control of the game.

Dereham were going all out for an equaliser and thought they had it when the ball crossed the line, but the whistle had already gone for a foul. Moments later there was another scramble in the Planters box and after the ball had gone dead Matt Hill was kicked by a Dereham player while lying on the floor, Ferguson was shown a second yellow for rushing to Hill's defence while Foley escaped with just a yellow. The Planters managed to survive the barrage and a mysterious five minutes added time to clinch the victory they deseved.

Full Time: Dereham Town 1 Norwich United 2

Dereham Town: Marshall, O Willis, Garner (Beaumont 82), Gusterson, Foley, Hayes (Moody 75), Howell, Harris, Anselin (S Willis 71), Barrett, Terrington. Unused subs: Wilson, Boyce.

Norwich United: Hill, Shipley, Fulcher, Ferguson, Ager, Smith, Page, Sivell, Bammant (Atkins 52 (Roberts 93)), Kumbur, Goulder. Unused subs: Hardy, Lewis.

 

Hempnall 1 Norwich United 2 - January 5 2008

The Planters squeezed through their Norfolk Senior Cup quarter final tie thanks to an extra time winner from Adrian Ager, after the Anglain Combinatio Premier Division side had equalised in the 89th minute.

Gary Butcher had to make three changes from the side that lost at Lowestoft on New Years Day, Adam Sivell, Will Lewis and Craig Roberts were all ineligible in came Gennaro Romano, Martin Goulder and fit again Adrian Ager.

The Planters were quick to settle and after five minutes Francis Kumbur flicked on for Adam Smith who touched it wide of the near post. Kumbur got free on the left six minutes later and a good run took him to the byline, his cross was cleared only as far as Adam Ferguson who shot straight at Hemnall keeper Ben Cudden. Steve Shipley's corner was helped on by Ferguson but Smith hit over.

After a quarter of an hour Hempnall threatened for the first time James Spurgeon's shot on the turn was blocked. The Planters were soon on the attack again Shipley's 30 yard shot going wide and moments later Nathan's Page's cross to the near post was headed goalward by Kumbur only for Cudden to save well. Half way through the half Shipley's corner flew across the face of goal just eluding Smith. A quiet spell ensued with the Planters still in the ascendency but unable to create chances. With 37 minutes on the clock a Shipley throw was flicked on by Kumbur to Atkins at the far post but his overhead kick flew inches wide. Two minutes later Rob Browne's shot was comfortably held by Matt Hill. At the other end Atkins found Kumbur but the striker shot straight at Cudden, in the closing minute of the first half Ager had to head away a corner from under his own bar Martin Addison hit his shot over the bar.

Half Time: Hempnall 0 Norwich United 0.

Hempnall started the second half strongly and an early free kick was headed goalward by Adam Solley and Hill had to save well. The Planters were still going forward themselves and Shipley's cross found Atkins whose firm shot was straight at Cudden. With 51 minutes on the clock the Planters took the lead Page cutting in from the left and hitting a good shot past Cudden. Rather than settle the Planters, Hempnall upped their game and Ben Player shot over the bar and Tim Downes tested Hill with a shot bound for the top corner before Hill dived full length to tip the ball over. On the hour mark Hill was once again in the action this time coming out quickly to save at the feet of Browne. The Planters started to get back on top Ager's header from Shipley's corner bringing a good save low down by Cudden. On 70 minutes Atkins took the ball into the area before finding Kumbur, Cudden did well to rob the striker. A minute later and Kumbur returned the favour, Atkins shot being well saved by the keeper. A delightful one-two between Smith and Atkins put the winger through but Smith's shot went across the face of goal. With ten minutes to go Shipley's free kick was headed wide by Atkins.

The Planters were left to rue their missed chances in the 89th minute, Browne found space on the left and his cross was touched home from close range by Mark Whitmore.

Full Time: Hempnall 1 Norwich United 1

The Planters regained the lead three minutes into extra time Adrain Ager rising highest to head Steve Shipley's corner and plant it firmly past Cudden. Hempnall weren't going to lay down and two minutes later Browne shot wide from Halliwell's cross, while on the stroke of half time Goulder's shot was tipped wide by Cudden.

The Planters had further chances in the second period of extra time Page shooting straight at Cudden, Kumbur shooting wide from Hardy's cross and Hardy failing to turn home a Page cross.

A deserved win for the Planters who through a combination of missed chances, good goalkeeping and good team defending failed to make things easy for themselves. Credit to Hempnall who acquitted themselves well and Adam Ferguson, Adrian Ager and Matt Hill had a strong game at the back.

After Extra Time: Hempnall 1 Norwich United 2

Hempnall: Cudden, Downes (Barnes 78), Wenham, Whitmore, Addison, Webb, Halliwell, Player, Spurgeon (Connolly 57), Browne, Solley (Way 57). Unused subs: Amis, Leathers.

Norwich United: Hill, Shipley, Romano, Ferguson, Ager, Page, Fulcher, Goulder, Atkins (Imrie 95), Kumbur, Smith (Hardy 78). Unused subs: York, Edwards.

 

Lowestoft Town 1 Norwich United 0 - January 1st 2008

The Planters were forced into two changes from Saturday's victory over Leiston with Nicki Young and Martin Goulder both unavailable, Adam Smith returned from injury and new signing Adam Sivell came straight in on his return to the club from Beccles Town.

A dour start matched the weather conditions as both sides failed to penetrate and it was 15 minutes before Daniel Mitchell's header was comfortably held by Matt Hill. Nathan Page was causing Lowestoft problems down the right and one strong run forced a corner, at the other end Mitchell shot well wide from distance. Francis Kumbur got free down the right but his chip to the far post was to strong for Adam Smith. The Planters were starting to get more of the possession but were unable to create many chances. Steve Shipley's corner was headed wide at the far post by Craig Roberts and a firm shot from Will Lewis was well held by Andrew Reynolds on the half hour.

Just before the break Paul Atkins seized on a defensive mistake but shot wide. Just as it looked like the first half would be goalless as it deserved the game was turned on it's head, Ross King got in behind the Planters defence and as he shaped to shoot he was pulled back by Roberts, the referee pointed to the spot and shew Roberts the red card, Gary Williams netted from the spot.

Half Time: Lowestoft Town 1 Norwich United 0

With a man advantage Lowestoft started the second period strongly Hill having to save from Mitchell, Andrew Fulcher produced a well timed tackle to deny Bradley Hough and Mitchell shot wide in the eight minutes after the break. On the hour mark Hough chipped over the bar and ten minutes later Hill again saved from Mitchell. Fifteen minutes from time the Planters began to believe they could get a share of the points and Smith slipped in Atkins but the striker couldn't get a shot in before Marcus Saunders was able to clear and moments later Adam Ferguson fed Kumbur who shot over from inside the area, Fegruson then shot wide from distance. This stung the home side into life and substitute Daniel Scriven had a goal chalked off for offside, while the Planters still weren't finished, Atkins' header from Sivell's cross lacked direction and Fulcher had a shot saved by Reynolds. In the closing minutes Jamie Godbold's shot was well tipped over by Hill and Shipley was forced into a good tackel to deny Reece Hunn.

A disappointing performance from the Planters against a weakened Lowestoft Town side, they deserved a draw on the balance of play, but could have won it with more application in the final third.

Final Score: Lowestoft Town 1 Norwich United 0

Lowestoft Town: Reynolds, Poppy, Bloomfield, Hunn, Saunders, Plaskett, Godbold, Williams, King (Wyndham 88), Mitchell (Scriven 78), Hough. Unused subs: Herbert, McKenna, Rix.

Norwich United: Hill, Shipley, Fulcher, Ferguson, Roberts, Page, Lewis, Sivell, Atkins, Kumbur, Smith. Subs: Romano, Revell, Hardy, Ager, York.

 

Norwich United 1 Leiston 0 - 29 December 2007

The Planters finished the year with three much needed points thanks to a 47th minute goal from the returning Nicki Young as well as a much better all round performance after the disappointment of Boxing Day.

Gary Butcher made two changes from the derby defeat, fit again Paul Atkins and Nicki Young both returning to the side, Samuel Taubman was dropped and Adam Smith was injured pre-match, Andrew Fulcher dropped in to left back and Will Lewis was moved into central midfield.

The first half wasn't the most memorable but was most notable for the improvement on the Planters previous outing, both sides did have chances and Craig Roberts headed wide from Steve Shipley's 4th minute free kick, while Judd Chenery beat Matt Hill to the ball but headed wide at the other end. Francis Kumbur's distance shot lacked power and was comfortably fielded by Jamie Stannard on the quarter hour mark before the game drifted into a stalemate with defences well and truly on top as both sides failed to master the difficult conditions porvided by the bobbly pitch and the stiff wind. Martin Goulder brought the game back to life just after the half hour mark when he struck a firm left foot shot from the edge of the area which Stannard did well to tip over and from the resultant corner Lewis headed wide at the near post. Leiston then finished the half strongly Marc Lowe's shot was blocked on the line after a defensive mix up had led to a good chance, Judd Chenery also had a shot blocked and Lowe hit high over the bar whilst Luke Eagle shot straight at Hill.

Half Time: Norwich United 0 Leiston 0.

The break had come at a good time for the Planters as within two minutes they had taken the lead after some excellent work down the right wing found Atkins who immediately released Kumbur who looked to have missed his opportunity only to play in Young coming in from the left and he calmly curled it round Stannard into the far top corner. Atkins marginally failed to get his head to a good right wing cross minutes later, but Leiston weren't finished and Dany George had a good strong run into the box and his shot was deflected wide for a corner. Roberts headed over from another Shipley free kick on the hour, while Eagle forced Hill into a blocking save with a good shot from the edge of the area. The Planters while not safe had the better of the finishing stages, Goulder with a long range shot going wide, Roberts had a strong run from his own half before shooting wide and in injury time Young had a strong run down the left before finding Nathan Page whose shot was blocked.

A much better performance from the Planters, the defence holding firm and giving little away to a neat passing Leiston side, while the returning Young and Atkins both worked hard to help gain a deserved victory and complete the Planters first double of the season.

Full Time: Norwich United 1 Leiston 0.

Norwich United: Hill, Shipley, Fulcher, Ferguson, Roberts, Page, Young, Goulder, Atkins (Hardy 69), Kumbur (Bammant 70), Lewis (Revell 87).

Leiston: Stannard, Saker, Boyland, Smith, Goldfinch, Lowe, Cunningham, Manning (C Chenery 30), J Chenery, Eagle (Trotter 75), George. Unused sub: Button.

 

Norwich United 0 Wroxham 3 - December 26

Recent performances from both sides had suggested an entertaining encounter at Plantation Park for this festive local derby, but any hopes were soon brushed aside as a distinctly lackluster performance from the Planters meant Wroxham were able to take full advantage without playing well themselves.

The Planters made just one change from the side that drew at Stanway, Martin Goulder replacing the injured Jody Cork, Andrew Fulcher moving into the forward line. Wroxham took the lead in the third minute, after Matt Hill tipping Gary Gilmour's shot wide from the resultant corner Josh Carus had a free header at the near post. The Planters had plenty of possession but failed to create anything mainly through poor passing whilst the visitors whilst below they're expected tempo created the better chances, ex-Planter Paul Cook with the best when he beat Hill to the ball but headed over. Leighton Miller and Andy Key both had chances before the Yachtsmen scored their second nine minutes before the break, Gavin Lemmon's driven cross eluded Hill's grasp and Cook's touch saw it bobble into the net. Four minutes later the Planters when a lovely through ball by Samuel Taubman put Adam Smith away but the youngsters shot was high and wide.

Half Time: Norwich United 0 Wroxham 2

The second half started in the same vein as the first and Key had two early chances. The Planters started to apply some pressure and good work down the right by Nathan Page saw the youngster get to the byline and put a good cross to the far post where Francis Kumbur headed wide under pressure from Robert Woodcock. Three minutes later and the Planters were appealing for a penalty as Smith was sent crashing in the box after a good ball from Kumbur, but the referee declined to give the Planters the lifeline and a Nathan Ferguson header from a Steve Shipley cross which went wide was the only further chance as the Planters failed to impose their recent upturn in form on the reigning Ridgeons League champions. In fact it was the Yachtsmen who increased the score line in the last minute with Gilmour netting from an acute angle on the right.

Final Score: Norwich United 0 Wroxham 3

Norwich United: Hill, Shipley, Lewis (Atkins 61), Goulder, Roberts, Ferguson, Page, Taubman, Fulcher, Kumbur, Smith. Unused subs: Revell, York, Hardy

Wroxham: Woodcock, Pauling, Howes, Miller, Carus, Key, White (Gilman 69), Lemmon, Cook (Thompson 69), Harley (Fox 61), Gilmour. Unused subs: Notman, Self.

 

Stanway Rovers 2 Norwich United 2

The Planters had to twice come from behind to take their first away point since September with an impressive display at Hawthorns. Francis Kumbur netted both goals to continue his recent goalscoring run and take his total to six goals in four starts.

Gary Butcher was once again forced into changes with loan striker Shaun Bammant out injured, Martin Goulder unavailable due to work commitments, while Gennaro Romano dropped down to the reserves. Jody Cork, Andrew Fulcher and new signing Samuel Taubman came into the side, while Robert Revell returned to the bench.

Stanway announced their intentions straight from the kick off with Martin Curtis driving into the area but Steve Shipley was on hand to break things up. The Planters were soon into action themselves, Will Lewis' long ball forward put Kumbur away but he failed to get in a shot and Criag Roberts shot wide from Shipley's cross.

The hosts were pressing the United defence but they were holding firm whilst the Planters were looking more likely on the break and the Planters could have taken the lead on 20 minutes when Shipley's cross was headed goalward by Roberts only to hit Cork on the line. Three minutes later and Stanway had the lead, Ray Turner's run into the box was ended by Roberts mistimed tackle and Angelo Harrop scored from the spot despite Matt Hill's best efforts.

The Planters did not lie down though and Adam Ferguson went close with a shot from the edge of the box, and within four minutes of going behind the Planters were level, Shipley's corner to the near post was headed home by Kumbur. It was an end to end game now and Keith Emmerson tested Hill with a long range shot, the Planters keeper saving well low to his right, while Fulcher shot wide after good work by Shipley and Nathan Page.

Stanway finished the half strongly Sam Newson's shot being blocked by a defender and Hill saving comfortably from his brother Ben. Right on 45 minutes and Stanway took the lead once more Turner heading goalwards and the ball was touched home by Luke Callander who was clearly in an offside position but despite the Planters protestations the goal was awarded. Stanway could have extended their lead in injury time but Hill saved well at point blank range from Sam Newson.

Half Time: Stanway Rovers 2 Norwich United 1

Stanway had the first real chance after the break Ben Newson chipped in for Turner to head over Hill but Ferguson was on hand to clear. After 53 minutes and the Planters were back on level terms, Taubman closed down a defender stole the ball and took it to the byline where he crossed for Kumbur to head home for his second of the game.

Substitute Revell hit over from a Shipley corner and good work from Ferguson and Fulcher set up Smith who shot wide, whilst at the other end Emmerson shot over and Turner laid it back for a Ben Newson shot on the turn which was saved by Hill.

The game was still end to end Revell setting up Page who shot wide from 20 yards, while Shipley did well with a great blocking tackle to deny Turner a shot. A good combination between Page and Fulcher took the ball into the hosts box, but the ball just wouldn't come down and Stanway were able to clear. The Planters could have taken all three points in the final minutes when Revell found Fulcher who beat one challenge and took the ball into the box but his shot went inches over the bar. A good hard fought contest between two good sides therefore ended honours even, which was probably a fair result

Full Time: Stanway Rovers 2 Norwich United 2

Stanway Rovers: Church, Curtis, Emmerson, Howard (Dennis 38), Gaisford, Callender (Burch 63), B Newson, Harrop, Turner, S Newson, Harewood. Unused Subs: Skeggs, Bate.

Norwich United: Hill, Shipley, Lewis, Ferguson, Roberts, Fulcher (Hardy 92), Page, Taubman, Cork (Revell 52), Kumbur, Smith. Unused Subs: York, Bates.

 

Norwich United 3 Kings Lynn Reserves 0 (Abandoned after 54 minutes)

The Planters produced an excellent display for no reward in the wet and difficult conditions at Plantation Park on Saturday, moments after taking a surely decisive 3-0 lead the floodlights went out and left everyone associated with the club frustrated at not picking up the three points the performance deserved.

With three changes from the side beaten at Walsham-le-Willows the previous Saturday, Adam Ferguson and Craig Roberts both came into the centre of defence following one match suspensions and Will Lewis signed during the week from Yarmouth Town came into the centre of midfield. They replaced the injured Ryan Haynes and Paul Atkins, while Andrew Fulcher was missing for personal reasons.

The Planters started the stronger Shaun Bammant hitting the top of the bar in the fifith minute. Bammant continued to cause the Linnets defence problems, firstly his cross being cut out at the expense of a corner, and moments later heading wide. Adam Smith then shot over from Martin Goulder's cross. After 18 minutes McAnaaly had to be quick off his line to prevent Bammant from reaching Francis Kumbur's pass. Kumbur then went close heading wide from Steve Shipley's corner.

After 22 minutes the Linnets had their first real chance when Adam Ferguson's back pass fell short and Matt Hill had to dive at the feet of Alex Vincent to deny the young striker. The Planters had the ball in the net when Shipley's corner caused panic in the home defence, the referee however had blown for an infringement.

The hosts were soon in the ascendency when a long ball forward was deflected into the path of Kumbur, the striker took it into the box and calmly slotted past McAnally to net his third goal in three games for the Planters in the 28th minute.

United were really putting the pressure on the visitors goal and Kumbur twice went close to doubling the lead on the half hour, firstly shooting over from an acute angle and moments later bringing an excellent full length save from McAnally to deny his shot nestling in the top corner.

Shipley's cross just eluded the diving head of Bammant, and Smith's shot was tipped over by McAnally, before United finally got a deserved second three minutes before the break, Nathan Page played the ball to Bammant who failed to get a shot in, but the ball broke for Kumbur who netted his second from close range.
Half Time: Norwich United 2 Kings Lynn Reserves 0

The Planters had to make an early substituion, Bammant limping off three minutes after the interval to be replaced by Jody Cork. Cork was soon in the action squaring for Will Lewis who shot wide. Goulder's cross shot was then tipped over by McAnally. From the corner the Planters extended their lead, Shipley's excellent flag kick to the near post was flicked home by the head of Cork. Before the players had finished their celebrations the floodlights failed and despite efforts to restore power the game had to be abandoned when they proved ineffective. The game has been re-arranged for Saturday 9 February.

Norwich United: Hill, Shipley, Romano, Ferguson, Roberts, Lewis, Page, Goulder, Bammant (Cork 48), Kumbur, Smith. Unused subs: York, Brock, Imrie.

Kings Lynn Reserves: McAnally, Gilchrist, Spittlehouse, Fiddy, Miller, Keegan, Spriggs, Harvey, Woods, Vincent, Nicholls. Unused subs: Kelleher, Heath-Preston, Setch