TEAM: MENS 1ST XI 
DATE: 04 FEBRUARY 2012 
FIXTURE: HAVERING v NORWICH CITY  
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION A 
VENUE: CAMPION SCHOOL 
RESULT: HAVERING 1 NORWICH CITY 2 
 
REPORT: 
with the cold and frosty weather prevalent City were surprised that the call came through that the pitch at Campion School was playable and it was with a degree of retiscence that City set off on the long journey to Hornchurch. Jim Pallister particularly enjoyed his journey with the effervescent Pete Morgan. 
 
On arrival at Campion School City were pleasantly surprised that the pitch was in such good condition. As this was the basement battle City were looking to maintain the level of performance they had shown against the top teams in the hope of securing a victory.  
 
The initial exchanges were scrappy, City were guilty of some poor ball pace and decision making with basics not up to the usual standard. Fortunately for City the home team were in generous mood gifting the ball back to City on numerous occasions. City's much changed back line of Alex Scott, Chris Perry back after a lengthy spell out through injury, George Anthony and Nick Jones plus keeper Tom Franks comfortably dealt with most of the Havering attacks. Jim Pallister was using all of his experience to nullify Paul Dover the Havering playmaker. The City attack were creating openings with their pace and intelligent leads but found it difficult to find the final pass. 
 
Midway through the half left defender Nick Jones played the ball into midfield which was then played out to Jez Elliott on the right. His cross into the circle was met by Ollie Boesen who touched the ball past the goalkeeper to find an unmarked Nick Jones who had continued his run from deep in his own half and converted to put City ahead. City then missed another good chance when three against one with the last defender. 
 
Ten minutes later City went two ahead, a hit in on the right ten metres into the Havering half was smashed into the circle by Ollie Boesen to find the incoming Chris Wardale whose attempt to control the ball failed, but his touch completely deceived the home keeper who could only watch the ball travel into the far corner. 
 
Despite a below par performace City were two ahead at the break as a Havering player said the next goal was vital. After the break City stopped passing the ball, instead running with it and losing it. City then temporarily went down to ten and Havering capitalised on this breaking to reduce the arrears with twenty minutes to go. 
 
This set up a nail biting finish. City were still creating chances and with more composure could have scored several more, but Havering gained several short corners, City being thankful to their defence and the poor Havering routines to prevent further goals.  
 
The final whistle went with no further score and a result that lifted City off the bottom and keeps their survival chances alive. 
 
Ali Wardale 
07798 862956 
 
POTM: Nick Jones