Season 2007 / 08 Reports

Monday, 17 March 2008
Abbey Lane Vs Norton Lees (Friendly)

Sunday 16th March

Abbey Lane U9's 2 - 6 Norton Lees U9's

Man of the Match: Jack Levick and Anthony Everest

Scorers: Will Pattison, Kieran Tetzlaff-Deas, Harry Groombridge, Anthony Everest, Joel Hodgkiss, Mitchell French

MATCH REPORT:
Although Abbey Lane were 2 divisions below we knew that this meant little as they had already beaten Throstles this year and were promotion contenders in their division. This was going to be a tough game, particularly so as the pitch was an absolute quagmire. I have rarely seen a muddier bunch of players after a game as I did today! This friendly was also an opportunity to give debuts to 2 new players who are dropping down from the current under 10's to us for next season. So welcome to Liam Tarantini and Kieran Hunt. Both had excellent games today and will be big assets for us next year.

The first half of game 1 was a tight affair with no goals. Norton Lees had the majority of possession and the better chances but Abbey Lane were battling hard and it was difficult to play any sort of passing football on the mudbath. Team 1 started to take control of the game during their 2nd half. A free kick near the corner of the area was put across by Liam and Will jumped superbly to head it in. The pressure on the Abbey Lane team continued with Liam and Kieran tackling like tigers in midfield. James 'Maldini' Edwards and Jack Levick were solid in defence and clearing the ball upfield to our own players giving us yet more chances. Cyrdn came on in midfield and played a stormer, being very unlucky not to score at least once. Abbey Lane's keeper was having a very good game but could do little to stop 2 more goals taking the score at the dn of game 1 to 0-3.

Game 2 was also closely fought but Norton Lees were playing the better football. Anthony scored a lovely goal (tricking the keeper and going round him) after a great through ball from Joel. He was unlucky not to score more today. Abbey Lane grabbed one back after the Norton Lees defence stood off the attacking players, giving them too much room. A goal mouth scramble (one of a few) gave Norton Lees the lead and a good run and finish from Mitch put the game safe. Abbey Lane continued to look to get forward and were rewarded with another goal later in the game.

An enjoyable game for spectators and players alike. Well played boys.



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Hillsborough Pumas Vs Norton Lees

Sunday 9th March 2008

Hillsborough Pumas U9's 7 - 3 Norton Lees U9's

Man of the Match: Raph Plummer-Idundun and Kieran Tetzlaff-Deas

Scorers: Raph Plummer-Idundun, Harry Groombridge and Will Pattison

MATCH REPORT:
This match determined which team would finish in the bottom 3 and so both teams were obviously keen to avoid the chance of relegation.

Norton Lees took the early initiative and pressurised Pumas very well. This quickly paid off with Raph Plummer-Idundun opening the scoring with a cracking shot from the edge of the box. This gave the boys some confidence but Pumas responded positively and they enjoyed more of the play during game 1. Unfortunately, Alex Clayton fell awkwardly whilst challenging for the ball and had to come off injured. We later learnt that he had actually broken his wrist. Bad luck Alex. Everyone wishes you a speedy recovery. The rest of the lads battled hard and gave it their all but 3 goals from Pumas gave them a strong lead going into game 2.

Team 2 knew what they had to do and as with team 1 they started much the brighter. A great goal from Harry Groombridge gave us all hope and for the first few minutes Norton Lees were enjoying the lions share of the position. However, as in game 1, Pumas came back stronger and stronger and thanks to a dazzling performance from their number 9 began to dominate. Norton Lees pulled one back thank to Will Pattison's corner deflecting in off one of their players and the lads gave their all but found it difficult to cope against one or two skilful and strong players. Pumas eventually won game 2 by 4 goals to 2.

Many of the lads were clearly upset at the end but they deserve enormous credit for the way in which they have improved over the latter half of the season. Well done boys.



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Monday, 4 February 2008
Norton Lees Vs Worksop Town

Sunday 3rd February 2008

Norton Lees U9's 6 - 1 Worksop Town U9's

Man of the Match: Jack Pearson and James Stevens

Scorers: James Stevens (3), Harry Groombridge (2), Kieran Tetzlaff-Deas

MATCH REPORT:
Another 'have to win' relegation decider on a perishing day in Graves Park and another much needed win for the under 9's.

Worksop Town scored early on in game 1 and managed to hold on against the run of play. Mitchell French hit the bar from a free kick and we went close a number of times but despite constant Norton Lees pressure the Worksop lads battled tremendously hard, throwing themselves into every tackle to maintain their advantage. Joe Dineen made a good save to keep the score to 1 but other than that he had very little to do. This was largely thanks to 'big' Jack Pearson who dominated the defence and deserved his man of the match award. 1-0 to Worksop at the end of game 1 might have been a poor reflection of the balance of play but they deserve plenty of credit for their battling performance.

Worksop started game 2 with only 6 players and soon had to rely on just 4 outfield players after one of their boys couldn't continue. As a result they had to cope with constant attacks but deserve enormous praise for their tigerish tackling and 'never-say-die' attitude. James Stevens played out of position as a striker but revelled in this, scoring a hat-trick and winning a penalty that Will Pattison unfortunately missed. Despite missing an open goal, Harry Groombridge grabbed a couple of goals and Kieran Tetzlaff-Deas also kept up his recent impressive scoring streak. With a little more composure in front of goal it really could have been 12 but this was another very good win and the boys are giving it everything in their battle to avoid relegation.



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Sunday, 27 January 2008
Wasps Vs Norton Lees

Sunday 27th January 2008

Wasps under 9's 0 - 4 Norton Lees U9's

Man of the Match: Alex Clayton and Will Pattison

Scorers: Joel Hodgkiss, Raph Plummer-Idundun, Kieran Tetzlaff-Deas (2)

MATCH REPORT:
A fantastic battling performance by the under 9's in a 'must win' relegation battle.

Team 1 dominated their game and fully deserved the 2-0 scoreline. The midfield were tenacious throughout and not only looked like they were desperate to win every tackle but also put together some slick passing moves. A great move within 5 minutes saw the lads take the lead with Joel Hodgkiss finding the corner of the net after a wonderful flowing build up. Wasps pressured for an equaliser but Alex Clayton was playing the game of his life in defence and coped with everything that came his way. He thoroughly deserved his man of the match. Mitchell French made some great runs into space and was unlucky with a couple of efforts. The 2nd goal came from almost nothing and was just reward for the battling way in which Anthony Everest gave nothing up. Winning the ball on the edge of the area he passed across to Raph Plummer-Idundun who smashed it into the net.

Wasps started game 2 brightly playing some good football but although they very much the best of the first half they never really troubled Isaac Appleyard in goal. 0-0 at half time and the team were reminded that they needed to battle harder and try and put some early pressure on Wasps in the 2nd half. They certainly heeded the advice. The defence made no mistakes and Kieran Tetzlaff-Deas and, especially, Will Pattison worked hard up front. A surging run and powerful cross from Will gave the keeper no chance and Kieran was able to tap it in to an empty net. A great save from Wasps' keeper from Will's header denied him a deserved goal and with 5 minutes to go Kieran made the game safe with his 2nd of the match.

Really well played lads. Thats the 3rd excellent performance on the trot. Lets keep it up until the end of the season.

Rob



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Thursday, 17 January 2008
Rawmarsh St. Josephs Vs Norton Lees

Sunday 13th January 2008

Norton Lees Under 9s 5 - 6 Rawmarsh St. Josephs Under 9s

Man of the Match: Joel Hodgkiss and Cyrdn Read

Scorers: Kieran Tetzlaff-Deas, Raph Plummer-Idundun, Harry Groombridge, Anthony Everest, Will Pattison

MATCH REPORT: A very close game that swung this way and that. Rawmarsh won game 1 by 4 goals to 2 but we came back strongly in game 2 and scored 3 great goals without reply in the first half. Rawmarsh levelled the aggregate score with a good goal from a corner and we then spurned 2 or 3 good chances to make the game safe. Rawmarsh snatched the points in the last few minutes with a looping effort that just crept under the bar. A draw would have been a fair result but all credit to both teams for what was a great game.

Season 2008 / 09 Reports

Monday, 15 December 2008
Hoyland Town Vs. Norton Lees

Sunday 23rd November

Hoyland Town 4 - 2 Norton Lees

Man of the Match: James Stevens and Joel Hodgkiss

MATCH REPORT:

Illness and absenteeism meant that it was depleted squad that travelled to Hoyland for this fixture. With only twelve players available the Hoyland manager agreed to allow a couple of our boys to play in both games on the condition that we didn’t field our star players twice.

Team 1 began well and were held their own throughout the first half save for one lapse which allowed a Hoyland player to dribble past several weak tackles and squeeze the ball past Isaac at the near post. With no substitutes legs began to tire in the second half and midfielders unable to track back left the defence exposed more than once. Man of the Match James Stevens made several great defensive challenges despite playing up front. Eventually the pressure told and failure to get tackles in allowed to Hoyland to run out three nil winners.

Team 2 were on top from the start and had much the better of a goalless first half in which the referee awarded an indirect free kick inside the area after a foul on Anthony. How it wasn’t a penalty no-one could quite understand. James Edwards and Jack Levick were the players who played in both games and despite their exertions in game one for the most part held the opposition at bay. In the second half Joe took a ball in the face from close range and whilst lying injured on the ground Hoyland scored. The referee let the goal stand despite the protests from players and supporters. Joe had to leave the pitch looking decidedly unsteady and Isaac stepped in for the rest of the game in which he only had one serious save to make. Endless Norton Lees pressure resulted in chance after chance until at last Harry and Joel put team 2 into a deserved lead which they held on to until the final whistle.

Overall a hard match in which we perhaps deserved more, especially in game 2. A little more commitment in the tackles and an end to giving soft goals away and the results will improve.




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Tuesday, 18 November 2008
Abbey Lane Vs. Norton Lees (Cup - 2nd round)

Sunday, 16th November 2008

Abbey Lane U10's 2-1 Norton Lees U10's

Man of the Match: Liam Tarantini and Joel Hodgkiss

Scorers: Harry Groombridge 1

MATCH REPORT:
With the squad more or less back at full strength we went into our 2nd round tie against local rivals with high hopes. The venue was switched at the last minute to Graves Park as Abbey Lane's pitch was unplayable. We knew that both teams were closely matched and that we could perform better than our season opener against them. This week I decided, for a number of reasons, to get team 2 to play first. Here's how it went. I'll try and keep it brief.

Game 1:
Very closely fought for the whole 40 minutes with neither team taking a real hold on the game. Abbey Lane were perhaps shading it in the first half largely through their strength and willingness to get to the ball first. The Norton midfield didn't seem prepared to challenge for headers and all too often let the ball bounce giving the opposition too much time. It really is something we have to work on. Having said that, chances were few and far between for both sides and neither keeper was troubled in the first 20 mins. 0-0 at half time.

The second half carried on in more or less the same vein. Liam and Kieran T-D were beginning to show promise as an attacking midfield combination and it was reassuring to see them pass the ball around to each other rather than try to run past the opposition. James and Jack were performing well at the back but James in particular seemed to be wanting to make it difficult for himself by letting their forwards get goalside on too many ocassions. Abbey Lane got the breakthrough when a good passing movement saw their striker beat Joe at his near post. Norton fought back but failed to get the equaliser that an improved showing probably deserved. 0-1 after game 1.

Game 2:
Another very close game with this time Norton Lees shading the balance of play and looking the more accomplished. Harry, Joel and Anthony linking up well as usual with Joel in particular having a stormer of a game throwing himself into challenges and winning every header. Norton took a first half lead when Harry Groombridge found half a yard and put the ball into the corner. The lead could have been extended with Anthony having a number of half chances but 1-0 at half time and everything to play for.

The 2nd half was again very even. Abbey Lane were creating more chances but Isaac was able to make a number of good saves to maintain the Norton Lees advantage. However a late corner saw the Norton defence fall asleep totally and Abbey were allowed to walk the ball into the area and power it home. A sloppy defensive mistake that ultimately cost us the game. No individuals to blame but the team as a whole lost concentration for 5 seconds and that was enough. In the final minute Joel looked like he'd sent the game into extra time when his edge of the area piledriver half-volley looked destined for the top corner. However, their keeper pulled off a tremendous save and game 2 finished 1-1.

Overall - a much better performance from team 2 (playing first today) and everyone gave their all. That is all we can ask. It was a great game to watch with plenty of action and both teams playing in the right spirit. Its coming together but lets work on that aggression and concentration.

Rob




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Monday, 10 November 2008
Norton Lees Vs. Swallownest

Sunday, 9th November 2008

Norton Lees U10's 3-7 Swallownest U10's

Man of the Match: Harry Groombridge and Joe Dineen

Scorers: Anthony Everest 2, Jack Price 1

MATCH REPORT:
After the disappointing showing in team 2 last week we decided to try and shuffle things around. It was a difficult decision but something had to be done, especially as 3 strong team 2 regulars were missing this week. Did it work? Well, not really!! However, if it wasn't for lots of Swallownest wasted chances and a string of fine saves from Joe Dineen in team 2 we could have been looking at a much more embarrassing scoreline! To be fair Swallownest fielded a strong team 2 and the wind and rain didn't help but we can't use that as an excuse as the opposition contended with the elements very well. Anyway, here's how the games went:

Game 1:
After a 2-minute Remembrance Day silence the first match began (and continued) in horrible conditions. Not quite the Somme but cold, wet, muddy and very windy. Team 1 gritted their teeth and played some good football and it was nice to see the players shouting plenty of encouragement to each other. As usual, Harry, Joel and Anthony were linking up well together and Jack Price put in one of his best performances for the club so far. Norton goals came from 2 set pieces and a bit of a goalmouth scramble with Anthony and Jack finding the net (twice in the first half and once in the second). Kieran and Cyrdn battled well in defence with 'Lofty' Hunt regularly finding himself marking the big Swallownest number 10. It might have been a mismatch in terms of size but he handled the task well! Cyrdn managed a spectacular goal line clearance and Isaac came back from a poor 1st half to pull off a number of good saves to help maintain Norton's slim advantage after game 1. 3-2 after game 1 and although certainly not the best that team 1 have played they got the result and it was very entertaining. It easily could have been 8-8!!

Game 2:
James 'Maldini' Edwards and Jack Levick were bought into team 2 to shore up the defence and were constantly up against fast surging runs from the Swallownest forwards. Norton managed an early chance on goal but Swallownest soon bought the match back to all square with an excellent solo goal from their number 9. Norton had the wind advantage in the first half but failed to make it count with relatively few efforts troubling the opposition keeper. James and Jack were beginning to look a bit more secure although they had plenty to do. James Stevens was holding the ball well up front but was often isolated and then quickly outnumbered by the defence. Raph, Mitch and James 'Mini' Myers were working hard but struggling to control the midfield. As the game progressed and the opposition started to look more comfortable the heads started to drop and the team began to lose its shape. When possession did come the way of the Norton midfield it was regularly squandered. Far, far too many aimless passes and too little bite in the tackles resulted in Swallownest taking complete control and as mentioned in the introduction if it wasn't for an excellent performance from Joe in goal we could have been battered. Game 2: 0-5.

In summary we missed some key players but the result was a fair one and we have to take it on the chin. We know we can play good football but it just wasn't there today. It must be very disheartening for the lads to contend with a string of losses like this (it certainly is for the coaches) but all we can do is encourage, move on to next week and look for that confidence boosting win. Hard luck boys. Lets work hard at training and come back stronger next time.

Rob




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Sunday, 2 November 2008
Manton Athletic Vs. Norton Lees

Sunday, 2nd November 2008

Manton Athletic U10's 3-0 Norton Lees U10's

Man of the Match: James Edwards and Joe Dineen

Scorers: None!!

MATCH REPORT:

We knew that this was going to be a tough game. Manton have a good set of players and have had a good start to their season but it was about time that we started showing some of these better teams that we do not deserve to be in the bottom 3. My recent match reports have been a bit long so I'll try and keep this relatively short ...

Team 1 played as well as we have seen in 3 years. Some excellent interplay between Anthony, Harry and Joel in particular and a superb performance by James 'Maldini' Edwards in defence. So good in fact that Jack and Isaac had virtually nothing to do in 40 minutes. If it wasn't for some excellent last ditch defending from Manton plus the (all to regular) intervention of the post then we could have taken a 3 or 4 goal lead in to game 2. As it was this was one of the most entertaining 0-0's anyone could wish to see. It was nice of the Manton manager to comment that that was the best performance that he had seen from any team so far this year.

Team 2 knew what they had to do! We were missing Raph and Will but still had very strong midfielders in Kieran T-D and Liam T. Anyway, maybe it was the freezing rain, maybe it was just one of those days but team 2 never seemed to switch on and were under constant pressure from a well organised Manton team. The defence weren't picking up loose players and the midfield weren't offering any help by not tracking back and looking totally out of sorts. Balls played forward were aimless and simply gifted possession back to the opposition. Manton took a one goal lead into the half time break and carried on playing good football in the second half. Joe was kept busy in goal and made a magnificent penalty save but couldn't really be blamed for the other goals, especially as the ball was probably like a bar of soap in the wet weather. Use this as an excuse to get some new gloves mate!! So ... 3-0 and to be fair that was a very fair result. This was a disappointing 2nd team show and some of the lads need to remember that this is a TEAM game. Whilst some of the lads out there were trying their best its infuriating to see some players moan and lose focus in they way they did. Come on boys, listen to the advice we give and lets do better next time. You know you can do it.

Rob




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Sunday, 26 October 2008
Norton Lees Vs. Maltby

Sunday, 26th October 2008

Norton Lees U10's 4-7 Maltby U10's

Man of the Match: Anthony Everest and Will Pattison

Scorers: Harry Groombridge, James Stevens 2, Will Pattison

MATCH REPORT:

It was one of those days!!! A good performance from the lads but some avoidable errors and a number of decisions going against us meant Maltby took all 3 points.

Team 1 didn't need reminding about getting stuck in but we did insist that they try and use the wings. In particular Anthony Everest was told to not wait for ball coming down the middle of the pitch but to play wide left whenever he could.

Early on in game one it was clear that this was going to be a close contest. Norton were shading the midfield battles but there was nothing in it. Norton took the lead when a good ball found Anthony on the left and after taking it forward he was able to look up and see Harry Groombridge unmarked at the back post. A pinpoint cross found him and he was able to step forward and side foot the ball home. A well worked goal and rewarding to the see the boys heed the advice they had been given. 5 minutes later though Maltby were level when good play down their left led to one of their strikers finding enough space to get away a powerful shot that hit the bottom corner. Further Maltby pressure saw them go ahead a few minutes later. A corner was unfortunately headed into his own net by James Stevens. 2-1 to Maltby at half time.

Norton definitely looked the stronger in the second half more excellent build up play from Anthony Everest released James Stevens on the edge of the area who coolly put the ball past the Maltby keeper. Norton were now looking comfortable but had to be careful of the strong Matlby players who were looking to break whenever they could. However, the defence were solid and Maltby seemed to waste the few chances they did get. Norton took a deserved lead when James Stevens was able to bundle the ball home for his second. Things were looking very positive. Unfortunately, in the dying seconds, Maltby got a lifeline. Instead of passing to a player in space the Maltby forward tried to dribble past 4 defenders. As the ball got stuck under his feet he fell whilst under no pressure from a Norton defender and Norton cleared. However, inexpicably the referee blew and awarded a penalty which, although Isaac was able to get a hand to, was struck firmly enough to score. 3-3 after game 1 and overall, an excellent match for the spectators.

Team 2 knew they had every opportunity to take this and started off better than they did last week but Maltby were strong and seemed to be winning the majority of tackles. Norton were now struggling to get a foothold and soon found themselves a goal down. A further goal looked certain as the ball was headed towards an open net but somehow Kieran Hunt appeared from nowhere to clear off the line. The Maltby lead was extended following another very debatable decision. After stopping a powerful shot Joe Dineen fell to the floor injured and had no hope of recovering quickly in order to pick up the loose ball. Unbelievably, play was allowed to continue whilst the Norton keeper lay prostrate and, although Mitch tried in vain to get back, a Maltby striker was able to trot forward and tap the ball in to the empty net. Angry shouts from the touchline were not going to change the referee's mind and, in hindsight, were uncalled for but to lose a goal like that when play should have been stopped to allow treatment was galling to say the least. As a result of all this the Norton heads dropped and the team began to lose their shape. The normally tenacious Liam Tarantini was finding it difficult to get into the game and Norton attacks were few and far between. However, the lads gave themselves a much needed boost with a typical Will Pattison goal, almost identical in nature to the one he scored last week. Clearly bouyed by this the lads gained confidence with Will, in particular getting more possession. Just before half time Norton looked to have won themselves a free-kick near the edge of the Maltby area when Will was pole-axed by a clearly mis-timed (but certainly not malicious) tackle. However, nothing doing and play carried on! 1-2 at half time. The half-time team talk was all about getting the lads heads' straight and not letting them focus on what had happened in the first half. The second half was well contested and the lads gave their all but, to be fair, Maltby were looking increasingly comfortable. A defensive mistake and a goalkeeping error led to 2 further Maltby goals and in the end Maltby ran out comfortable winners but it could have been so, so different.

In fairness, Maltby were also harshly done by on one or two occasions but when the decisions went our way we were not in a position to take a scoring advantage. Still, thats football. The boys will learn that you take the rough with the smooth and just have to get on with it. Maybe next time the luck will be with us. Hard luck boys. You gave it your all and thats all we can ask for.

Rob




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Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Charnock Ridgeway Vs. Norton Lees (Cup)

Saturday, 18th October 2008

Charnock Ridgeway U10's 2 - 3 Norton Lees U10's

Man of the Match: Anthony Everest and Kieran Hunt

Scorers: Anthony Everest, Will Pattison, Raph Plummer-Idundun

MATCH REPORT:

Phew! We really should have won this much more comfortably and at times (particularly throughout the first half of game 2) we all thought that it was going to be one of those days but in the end the lads got the victory they deserved against local opposition.

The Charnock pitch was one of the biggest our lads have ever played on and before kick-off we made it clear that we expected them to take advantage of this by using the space, making runs down the wings and not getting too close to each other. Did they heed this advice? Did they heck! Right from the off we were winning the midfield battles but playing as if the pitch was only 10 yards wide! It was difficult to convey any tactics to the boys during the game and so we stood, a little frustrated, on the sidelines hoping that they'd gradually get the message. Norton were having the lions share of the possession but were unable to create many clear cut chances in the early stages. The first chance came from one of our rare excursions down the wing and a great cross to Harry Groombridge who got underneath the ball and sent it well over. Never mind, that was a promising effort from some good build up play. Shortly afterwards Anthony Everest latched on to a good through ball but in trying to nip it past the keeper he accidentally caught the brave goalie in the face. After a long delay for treatment the lad was unable to continue. We all hope he recovers quickly. We allowed Charnock to play their team 2 keeper in his place and he was soon under pressure when Anthony found himself one on one but skewed his shot wide. 0-0 at half time and an easy team talk.

The second half saw us continue to dominate, helped by a slight slope and tail wind. The Norton defence were mopping up everything and Isaac Appleyard was rarely, if ever, troubled in goal. However, the Charnock midfield and defence were working hard and it was looking like they might keep the scores level. The break came though, through an excellent Anthony Everest finish. Kieran Tetzlaff-Deas played a high ball down the left channel that Anthony let drop over his shoulder before hitting a powerful low volley into the bottom corner. We continued to pressure and looked to extend the lead but managed to hit the post 3 times rather than finding the back of the net. Still - at least we put in a battling performance and had a lead to take into game 2.

The pre-game team talk to team 2 was simple enough. Follow team 1's good example, battle hard, don't get pushed around and keep your shape. Did they heed this advice? Did they heck!!!! Immediately it looked like they'd hardly ever played football before. Three midfielders all stood within a few yards of each other, poor passing, weak tackling and an almost total lack of belief. Charnock quickly punished this and took an early lead with a ball that somehow found its way past Joe Dineen at his near post. Very soon after we were behind overall when a very weak, bobbling long range effort crept under Joe's body. This was looking bad. Very bad. Regular substitutions were made in an effort to get messages and encouragement to players who were starting to look very down indeed. It could have easily been 3 when the defence and keeper stood ball watching instead of clearing it upfield. Just a few minutes before half-time things started to turn. Joe turned from villian to hero with 2 outstanding stops that everyone (home and away) applauded. Had he kept this alive for us? Yes! Will Pattison picked the ballup on halfway and ran with speed and purpose past the Charnock left back. A powerful shot from the corner of the area gave the Charnock keeper no chance and we were back on level terms overall. Half time in game 2: 2:1 to Charnock.

I think its fair to say that what myself and Jason wanted to do at half-time was to give them all a Neil Warnock style monstering but, of course, we had to hold back and try and encourage. We made it very clear that that was probably the worst 20 minutes of football we'd ever seen them play but that we'd given ourselves a lifeline and needed to grasp it. We also had the slope and wind with us in the second half. What was needed was to go out all guns blazing early on. Did they heed this advice? Yes!!! After no more than a minute, a strong mazy run from Raph Plummer-Idundun took him past 3 defenders and he was able poke it into the corner to send the Norton contingent wild. The Charnock heads seemed to drop a little and from then on in we never looked in trouble. The lads won their midfield battles and although we didn't create many more chances ourselves we didn't give Charnock one further chance on goal. A much, much, much better performance in the second half. Very pleasing.

So, the lads gain some confidence with a win and we look forward to a 2nd round tie. Well done lads but lets make sure that we play for 40 minutes a game instead of 20 next time.

Rob




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Monday, 6 October 2008
Norton Lees Vs. Stocksbridge Park Steels

Sunday, 5th October 2008



Norton Lees 1 - 6 Stocksbridge Park Steels



Man of the Match: Isaac Appleyard and Kieran Tetzlaff-Deas



Scorers: Harry Groombridge



MATCH REPORT:

After last weeks easy victory we were bought back down to Earth by a skilful and very well organised Stocksbridge side. Nevertheless, this was a good performance against a team who had scored 35 goals in their first 4 games.

Although we knew what Stocksbridge were capable of we also knew they weren't the biggest bunch of lads and the game plan was to play an extra man at the back, make sure we didn't give away corners, throw everything into the midfield battles and attack on the break whenever we could.

Much of game 1 was about repelling the Stocksbridge attacks. Jack Levick in defence and Isaac Appleyard in goal were on top of their game but the constant pressure led to Stocksbridge goals. However, heads didn't drop. Recent hard work in training on how to defend corners was paying dividends and the few that were conceded were confidently dealt with. Joel Hodgkiss (who played despite being ill during the night) and Raph Plummer Idundun were tireless in midfield and Anthony Everest and Liam Tarantini both hit the bar and Mithc French the post but sadly the lads efforts came to nought. 0-4 after game 1 flattered Stocksbridge but the Norton defence, as a unit, do need to learn when not to take chances and clear the ball upfield!

Game 2 was very different with Norton Lees clearly on top for most of the time but unable to hammer home their possessional advantage. Chances for both sides were rare and against the run of play Stocksbridge had the first shot on goal that Joe Dineen somehow managed to claw away from the top corner of his goal. As the 2nd half progressed Norton took a deserved lead with another superb long range effort from Harry Groombridge. The need to protect Alex Clayton's weak ankle meant having to play players out of position and probably as a result of this the defence switched off completely for a couple of minutes allowing Stocksbridge to score twice. This was disappointing and highlighted the need for players to work on concentration and versatility.

Overall, another enjoyable game played in the right spirit. 6-1 is an unfair reflection of how well the lads played and we can take a lot of positive things from this performance. We can also learn that its important to maintain concentration, communicate effectively and defend in numbers when we need to.

Rob




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Sunday, 28 September 2008
Junior Tykes Vs Norton Lees

Sunday, 28th September 2008

Junior Tykes 0 - 10 Norton Lees

Man of the Match: Raph Plummer-Idundun and Harry Groombridge

Scorers: James Stevens, Anthony Everest (2), Liam Tarantini, Harry Groombridge (3), James Myers, Jack Price, Kieran Tetzlaf-Deas

MATCH REPORT:

Off the mark at last and a very good performance from all 16 players today.

Team 1 took heed of the pre-match team talk and looked organised and hungry right from the whistle. Joel Hodgkiss and Raph Plummer-Idundun in particular were playing with both confidence and aggression and, as always, Liam Tarantini was throwing himself into everything. The midfield were making surging runs down both wings and this tactic was looking to be very promising. Norton Lees's first goal came from just such play with the ball finding James Stevens who was able to steer the ball into the net. Another deep cross was well headed by Anthony Everest who was unlucky to miss the target. However, Anthony soon made amends as he hammered home a loose ball. Within a few seconds of the sstart of the second half Liam Tarantini hit a low powerful shot into the bottom corner and Norton Lees were looking comfortable. Junior Tykes kept plugging away but James Edwards and Jack Levick were solid in defence. Isaac Appleyard was able to parry away one goalbound shot but otherwise was very much a spectator. Anthony scored his second tapping in a Raphael effort that may or may not have been going in anyway.

Score after game one: 0-4 but plenty of credit to the Junior Tykes keeper who played very well indeed to keep the scoreline respectable.

Junior Tykes started game 2 strongly and had the best of the early exchanges. However, they rarely troubled Kieran Hunt in goal who, like Isaac in game 1, was only called on once or twice. James Myers in midfield was tackling like someone a foot taller and 2 stone heavier than he is and Kieran Tetzlaff-Deas was running into spaces and linking up well with Harry. Norton Lees weathered the early Tykes pressure and, to be fair, against the run of play took a 1-0 lead into their half time with Harry Groombridge finding the bottom corner from the edge of the area. Looking to extend the lead we made a few changes at half-time by switching Cyrdn Read from defence to up front again, putting Mitchell French back alongside Alex Clayton at the back. Mitch showed tremendous spirit in this role and didn't put a foot (or head) wrong. Well done to him for showing us that he CAN head the ball!!! Norton Lees were looking to walk the ball into the net but played their best football when the ball was coming from wide and we encouraged them to take advantage of this. A cross found James Myers surrounded by players but he somehow managed to squeeze the ball over the line and then 2 good corners were volleyed home by Jack Price and Harry Groombridge respectively. Kieran Tetzlaff-Deas was tripped just inside the area and although his penalty was well saved he powered home the rebound. By now Junior Tykes were looking to keep the score reasonable but desperate to get a goal or two. They deserve lots of praise for the way they kept trying to work the ball forward but this left plenty of space at the back and towards the end Harry Groombridge was able to complete a very well deserved hat-trick.

Overall, this was a comfortable win and just the sort of confidence the boys need ahead of two very tough games against Stocksbridge Park Steels and Sheffield 6's. Well played lads. Lets keep going.

Rob




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Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Norton Lees Vs. Wasps

Sunday, 21st September 2008

Norton Lees 4 - 9 Wasps

Man of the Match: James Edwards and Cyrdn Read

Scorers: Liam Tarantini, Anthony Everest, Raph Plummer-Idundun, Cyrdn Read

MATCH REPORT:

Having played Wasps 4 times over the last 2 seasons we knew that both teams were closely matched and that we were in for a good game. Some of the opposition players looked big and strong and this quickly proved to be the case with our boys under early pressure. However, it was Norton Lees that took the lead with a speculative shot from Liam Tarantini that the otherwise excellent Wasps keeper helped over the line. Wasps soon drew level and then extended their lead with combinations of quick, incisive counter-attacking and clinical finishing from corners. The boys seemed to be struggling to pass the ball smoothly in the long grass and had to battle hard against a strong, physical Wasps side. Norton Lees gradually came back into it during the early part of the 2nd half. A long range effort from Liam Tarantini was parried away by the keeper but only into the path of Anthony Everest who finished coolly. Then a bit of a goalmouth scramble saw Raph Plummer-Idundun find some space to score from 6 yards out. Joel Hodgkiss almost managed to score the goal of the century with a run that involved 3 dinks over defenders heads followed by a thunderbolt that narrowly missed the top corner. However, Wasps didn't panic and were able to put game 1 beyond doubt with more excellent finishing. Score at the end of game 1: 3-6

Game 2 started with Wasps, again, showing that size and strength coupled with a desire to win every ball is a fantastic asset at this level. We were soon under pressure again and having to work hard to find time and space on the ball. The Wasps pressure paid and they were able to score first. With a couple of players missing through injury and holiday we had to shuffle the pack and try something different in an effort to get something out of the game as Wasps were looking increasingly comfortable. Switching Cyrdn Read from defence to up front looked a worthwhile gamble as our attacks started to look more dangerous and this did pay off with Cyrdn scoring his first goal for the club with a powerful shot in to the roof of the net from the corner of the area. Unfortunately further chances were few and far between as the superb Wasps defence let virtually nothing past. A further goal from the opposition helped them to a 3-1 win and a comfortable victory overall. Special mention to Kieran Hunt who came out of the net to play in defence and had an excellent game. He might be small but he's fearless and his attitude was spot on for 40 minutes.

This was a very enjoyable game to watch (even as a manager!!) and there can be no complaints about the result. Today Wasps were organised, strong in the tackle and their defence was particularly solid. These are just the sort of attributes that we know we need to carry on developing but its great to see the lads giving their all and battling hard. Hard luck boys. Lets look for that confidence boosting victory next time.

Rob




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Worksop Town Vs. Norton Lees

Sept 14th 2008

Worksop Town Under 10s 4 - 2 Norton Lees Under 10s

Numerous absentees meant we played with no substitutes against a big Worksop Town side. Team 1 were quickly under constant pressure and the woodwork as well as a string of fine saves from Isaac Appleyard restricted Worksop to a single goal. Every one of the lads on the pitch gave their all and a special mention goes to Mitchell French who showed terrific attitude in continuing despite a cut lip as a result of a stray boot from a team mate! A free kick just outside the box was awarded late on and Anthony Everest’s dipping shot dropped down off the Worksop crossbar and was poked home by Joel Hodgkiss. The boys held on despite further pressure to gain a highly deserved 1-1 draw.

Man of the match – James Myers

Team 2 began their match strongly and were on top in the early exchanges but Worksop scored first against the run of play. Will Pattison soon equalised and hopes were high of pushing on for a win. However, chances were squandered with players trying to get the ball onto their stronger foot rather than shooting when the opportunity was there and a lack of strength and commitment in the tackle allowed Worksop a number of opportunities. Worksop scored twice more and though the boys tried hard they couldn’t find a way back into the game which finished 3-1 to the opposition.

Man of the match – Joe Dineen




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Sunday, 7 September 2008
Norton Lees Vs Abbey Lane

Sunday, 7th September 2008 Norton Lees Vs Abbey Lane (League)

Norton Lees 2 - 7 Abbey Lane

Man of the Match: Jack Levick and Harry Groombridge

Scorers: Anthony Everest, Harry Groombridge

MATCH REPORT:
Not the best start to a season but definitely some positives to take from today's match. Abbey Lane were a strong, physical side who won many of the tackles but the lads battled hard and had plenty of chances.

The first 10 minutes of game 1 was closely contested with few chances to speak of. Abbey Lane began to pressurise more and this told with a couple of goals. Jack Levick and James Edwards were playing confidently in defence but could do little to stop the goals going in. The midfield were working hard but were finding it difficult to break down a resolute Abbey Lane defence. In their second half the lads went a further goal behind but didn't give up. Liam ran strongly into space down the right and a cross/shot was tapped in by Anthony Everest at the back post. Another goal by Abbey Lane saw a 4-1 advantage for them after game 1.

Game 2 was very closely fought. The Norton Lees midfield had a number of chances but couldn't find the net. Two excellent long range efforts from James Stevens and Jack Price were superbly saved by Abbey Lane's keeper. Norton Lees were looking like they could get back into this. Abbey Lane started the 2nd half really well and took an early lead but Norton Lees soon levelled with Harry Groombridge scoring from the edge of the area after a spell of pressure. As the game progressed the long grass and high pace of the game began to tell and Abbey Lane managed to scramble 2 more goals to build up an unassailable lead. The torrential rain at the end would have cooled everyone down but thankfully we didn't have to play the whole match in that!

Overall, a disappointing result but a reasonably close game. We can learn lessons from Abbey Lane's approach to today's match but we should go into next week's game with Worksop with optimism and look for a confidence boosting win. Good effort boys.

Rob

Season 2009 / 10 Reports

Thursday, 11 February 2010
NORTON LEES 3 -5 Stocksbridge

30Th January
after last weeks very disappointing result i thought we would have bounced back, but once again it was a repeat of last weeks game, first game we played very well, with one player in particular standing out and that was Joseph n.b- not only his defending but getting forward in support of the striker and it was joseph who scored first with a well driven shot that gave the keeper no chance, and with more pressure coming from Norton up popped little SAM(Rooney) who battled away up front to make it two nil,
in the second half we still tried to pass the ball about even though the pitch was frozen solid and when charlie turner broke away he tucked the ball away with ease but late in the game we conceded a late goal and it finished 3 - 1
the second game was once again about not playing as a team and more about playing as individuals. saying that Alex kappas had a very good game in midfield and osian m.t had his best game of the season so far , but what is more worrying is that some players in both teams are getting knocks and wanting to come off and can't cope with the physical side of the game and come next year where it will be more demanding in eleven a side along with a possible step up to a higher division its putting question marks against some players and like i have told my own son its not about playing well for two,three or four games you and every one have to do it every week , (the second game ended up with us losing 4 - 0 so we lost 5 - 3 and if we hadn't have dropped those six points from our last two games which we shouldn't have really we would be joint top on 30 points along with stocksbridge) a very gutted manager




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Charnock 6 - 4 Norton Lees

charnock 6 - 4 Norton lees , not the result we wanted and should have done much better especially the first team saying that Lewis
and Ellis were fantastic its a pity the rest of the team let them down a bit , the second game was much better every player ran there socks off and charnock never troubled us, Joseph NB pulled two goals back to make it 5 - 3 and when jack whinfrey scored his first goal of the season that made it 5-4, it looked like a fantastic come back, Davidson hit the post twice other chances missed , but with time running out charnock cleared there lines only for a mix up that allowed charnock to score and claim all the points, final thought remember lads you have to work harder playing as a team what ever side your in




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Norton Lees 3 v 0 Middlewood Rovers

in a very hard fought game Norton came out on top with a 3 - 0 win, a fine hat trick by declan Davidson and a fantastic team performance keeps us in second place what a Christmas present well done to every one.



Sunday, 29 November 2009
Porter 3 - 8 NORTON LEES JFC

Saturday 28th November 2009

Porter 3 - 8 Norton Lees, we bounced back really well after last weeks defeat and played some very good football on a pitch that looked more like a paddy field. This result lifted us back to second in the league. The first game was a little tighter ending 2 - 2 with goals from Ellis and Thomas K and once again some fine saves from the new Schmeicel (Thomas Wordsworth ) but all the lads dug in and gave another team performance.

Game two was a little easier and the lads got to grips with the pitch quicker than Porter did. Joseph NB thrived in the mud and hit 4 and his partner in midfield, Declan, hit 2. Once again Ridley the terrier (Josh) had a splendid game in defence as did Alex. I know I have named one or two players but I would like to say all the kids in both teams played very well. Mums and Dads have played a big part this season up to now with their support so thanks a lot

Manager
Wayne Davidson (DAVO)




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Tuesday, 17 November 2009
NORTON LEES JUNIORS 0 - 5 Oxspring JFC

Sunday 8th November 2009

Norton Lees U10s played Oxspring on Sunday the first team lost 1-0 and in the second game lost 4-0 the first game was a very hard fought performance Oxspring were the best
team we have played so far. We didn't create that many chances but what we did is defend very well and as I have said to parents as long as all the players pull together as a team it goes a long way in games, but in the second game we didn't pull together and that meant our more gifted players had to do more work and eventually they grew more tired and we got punished. The score line did flatter them a bit but some players do need to work a little bit harder but saying that when you take a step back and think how far the kids have come from last season to be 3rd in the table is a tremendous achievement even my critics should be able to see that.




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Chaplettown 3 - 4 NORTON LEES JUNIORS

Sunday 15th November 2009

Today we were away at Chapeltown, once again it took far too long for some players to get into gear, our passing was very poor especially in the first half and it wasnt long before we got punished. The half time whistle couldn't come quickly enough, and when it finally came we were 2-0 down and it was time for good cop bad cop routine from Paul and myself - you can decide who was who! But it did the job cos we went 3-0 down, but from that 3rd goal going in we started to get our act together and battled for every tackle,got back to our passing game and it wasn't long before we got a goal back from Joseph NB and 3 - 1 soon turned into 3 - 2 with a good shot come cross from Declan to be turned in by Charlie, we just couldn't get the 3rd. The kids came off at full time gutted but like I told them they gave 100% in the second half and the two goals they got back gave us a good chance in the second game. And in the second game it showed how important the 2 goals were. The lads in game two got to grips right away closing down, passing and moving it showed how dominant they were. Our keeper Thomas W kept saying he was bored - that means the outfield players were doing a good job. We could have scored more goals in the game but two was enough. A goal each from Thomas K and Ellis sealed a well deserved victory to win 4 - 3 over all. Just a final note - sorry some kids don't get as long as others but remember you all played your part in todays win so well done lads




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Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Ecclesall Juniors 3 - 12 NORTON LEES JUNIORS

Sunday 11th October 2009

Once again a very good display by Norton. At the moment we are playing some very good football, but its not just our passing game that has improved so much, its the determination to win the ball back after losing it. It's so important that you get the kids to work just as hard when not in possession and they are doing that at every opportunity.The first team won 8 - 1 with goals from Callum Riley 2, Ellis Quinn 1, Kane Ardron 1, Joseph Newman Billington 3 and 1 og. In the second game we won 4 - 2. Goals from Declan Davidson 1, Thomas Kerry 1, Jake Groom bridge 1, Charlie Turner 1
Finally I would like to say its the performance and confidence shown in the team that has shot us up to 3rd place in the league FINAL SCORE WON 12 - 3