Season 2008 / 09 Reports

SEASON REVIEW 2008-09
The season began with hopes high that we could bounce back and gain promotion after last seasons relegation. Seven players had left us during the summer and although we managed to get a good set of lads in to replace them you can never be sure if the squad would gel and start the season on a positive note. We needn't have worried though as we went to Whiston boys and thumped them 10.3,and two weeks later the same opponents visited Herdings park and were soundly beaten 7.0 with the norton boys playing some exceptional football throughout the side. The terrific start continued with an impressive 7.2 win over promotion rivals Birks Holt, again a fantastic goal-hungry display from a confident and organised Norton side. Hackenthorpe Warriors were next up and they so very nearly spoilt our perfect start to the season ,this time a narrow 4.3 last minute victory keeping the run going.Two cup games in successive weeks against Dinnington Town ,a side two divisions above=us would prove a difficult task, and although the score lines suggest differently (1.6 + 3.7) we really did give them a good game and only a cluster of quick and late goals put paid to a Norton cup-run. So as football sayings go "I suppose we will have to concentrate on the league" wasn't a bad consolation given our great start,and successive wins at Grenoside (with 10 men) and=then a resounding 13.0 against Brunsmeer would keep our march going.
Then out of the blue came our first defeat,a 2.3 reverse at home to Kingstone but a terrific response at Todwick with an 8.1 win saw confidenc restored and a commendable 3.3 draw at Birks Holt left us well placed for promotion at the turn of the year.
Hackenthorpe were looking for revenge in our first game of 2009 and=gave us a hard time before Norton rolled their sleeves up and gave a determined performance and ran out 6.2 winners. A narrow victory at Chapeltown Colts had us thinking that promotion was not far away,but a combination of awful weather and only 3 games in 7 weeks ,saw our charge checked ,with successive defeats against Millhouses,Grenoside and Chapeltown.The comfortable cushion we had gained had gone and suddenly promotion was not as certain as we had thought it was.
Did the boys have the desire and determination to bounce back ???
YOU BET THEY DID !!!
A fantastic display at Kingstone when they could have just given up as Kingstone applied wave after wave of pressure saw us go in at the break 1. 1 when if not for exceptional performances from all could have seen us dead and buried.We went on to win 4.2 and that set us up nicely for our next game against Todwick.An impressive and seasons best score line saw us comfortably win 17.3 .An outstanding performance against league winners Millhouses saw us narrowly edged out in a 7 goal thriller 4.3,and with 1 game to go the boys had achieved their goal -promotion ,and i am sure they will go out against Brunsmeer tomorrow looking to finish the season on a high.
Fantastic performance lads ,nothing in football is given - you have to take your chances,and you certainly did.
A big thank you to all that help throughout the year especially co-coaches Mal and Tan who work selflessly always and deserve as much credit as the=lads for what has been a thoroughly enjoyable and successful season.
Thank you all, Andy.

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SUNDAY, 15 MARCH 2009
NORTON LEES JUNIORS 17 - 3 Todwick Juniors
Sunday 15th March 2009
Todays opponents were already relegated Todwick and on paper should probably be an easy three points for us. After winning the toss Norton elected to kick downhill first and early on were frustrated by a spirited and determined defence. After 10 minutes we managed to make the breakthrough, Spiers netting to calm early nerves and with Todwick unable to keep possession more goals would surely follow. This proved to be the case as Gibbons doubled the lead and soon after Otter scored to make it three after 17 minutes. Gibbons had had a frustrating time when we played at Todwicks ground earlier in the season unable to convert any of his chances, but not in this game as he netted time after time to send Norton in at the break 8 up with 6 of them for Gibbo!
Half-Time NLJFC 8.0 Todwick.
The second half was much the same with Norton scoring at will, powering through a tiring Todwick defence and within 25 minutes we had added another 7 goals through Otter 3, Hewitt, Spiers 2 and Waby. Todwick finally got on the score sheet with 2 individual efforts to cut our lead before further goals from Parsisson and another from Hewitt put us 17.2 up ! A last minute effort for Todwick completed the game as the ref blew up to end Todwicks miserable morning. Full credit to the players of Todwick, despite the onslaught they never gave up and did themselves and their club proud , despite playing the entire match with a squad of only 10.
Full-Time NLJFC 17.3 Todwick.
Managers man of the match Kyle Hewitt.
Supporters man of the match Michael Gibbons.
A terrific goal scoring performance today lads, but Millhouses in 2 weeks time will prove a far more difficult match for us . I'm sure you will all be up for it , it's our chance to set the record straight and erase that defeat earlier in the season. COME ON NORTON !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers lads

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MONDAY, 9 MARCH 2009
Kingstone Juniors 2 - 4 NORTON LEES JUNIORS
Sunday 8th March 2009

With the title seemingly out of our reach, all was still to play for at Kingstone with the chasing pack breathing down our necks after three successive defeats. Playing against a very strong wind and a steady slope, we knew it was going to be hard going and our aim was to keep the game as tight as we could so we could claw it back in the second half. Kingstone had us penned back straight from the off but with resolute defending and a terrific team spirit we managed to keep out the early onslaught. That was until the tenth minute when an uncharacteristic mistake let Kingstone in and the forward raced away and finished well giving Stevenson no chance. Still we defended superbly with Stevenson keeping us in the game with a string of fine saves, Jack was certainly back to his best and we needed him to be as we repelled everything they could throw at us. Welcome relief came as we began to take a foot hold in the game and began to create chances, and seven minutes before half time we got an equalizer as Otter raced clear and slid the ball through the oncoming keepers legs to make it 1.1.

Half time Kingstone 1.1 NLJFC.

With belief firmly restored to the ranks we started the second half as they had started the first- in complete control. Just two minutes into the half we got our noses in front as this time Gibbons raced through and finished coolly with the outside of his right foot into the far corner. At this point the wind strangely virtually disappeared and this allowed Kingstone back into the game. We were still defending strongly though and the few efforts they managed were mopped up by the superb defence who would not allow them through. Wave after wave of Norton pressure saw us go 3.1 up on twenty minutes with a rare goal by defender Parsisson who gleefully smashed the ball home after a corner was not cleared. The Kingstone keeper was having a great game as time after time he saved when we looked certain to score but with five minutes remaining we wrapped up the points. This time Spiers netting after his first effort was saved. With barely a minute left Kingstone grabbed a consolation which was tough on Stevenson as he had produced a superb save to keep out the first effort only to see the ball rebound for a simple tap in.

Full time Kingstone 2.4 NLJFC.

Supporters man of the match Alex Spiers.
Managers man of the match Jack Stevenson.

What a fantastic response by everyone today, you really did us and yourselves proud with firstly a gritty backs to the wall performance and then a controlled second half.
Lets keep the same spirit and dedication for the remainder of the season and see us achieve our goal - promotion.
As I didn't write a report for last weeks match I would like to thank you all for the way you dealt with certain situations during the match.You did all you could to win the game but unfortunately could do nothing about others performance ( i think you know who i mean )
Thanks
Andy, Mal, Tan

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TUESDAY, 20 JANUARY 2009
NORTON LEES JFC 4 -5 Grenoside JFC
Sunday 18th January 2009

A windy and rain soaked Herdings Park welcomed ourselves and Grenoside and conditions suggested it would be a " game of 2 halves". Kicking against the wind and slope in the first half Grenoside had us pinned back as they made good use of the conditions. On 10 minutes Grenoside took the lead, again the strong wind made it difficult to clear and a simple chance was converted to put us 1 down. Pretty much one way traffic continued for most of the first half but on the stroke of half time we got an equaliser from Gibbons very much against the run of play.

Half-Time NLJFC 1.1 Grenoside.

A quick fire double blast from Grenoside put us on the back foot and the lads looked shell shocked as we battled to get back into the game. We pulled one back on 12 minutes, Stroud with a delightful lob from 25 yards. Three minutes later we were back on level terms, this time Gibbons with a neat finish to make it 3.3.
No sooner had we got ourselves back in the game,then we handed it straight back to Grenoside who again scored 2 quick fire goals to put us 3.5 down and with a mountain to climb. Uncharacteristic mistakes and maybe a touch of tiredness cost us dear and we just didn't have the energy and flair that makes us tick.
With 4 minutes to go we scored again through Spiers cool finish but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation.
A bit of a lacklustre performance today, we weren't at it and got punished. Every team has a blip and I am sure this WAS ours. We will bounce back and get our season back on track. Don't dwell on this result lads we will put it right next week.
Supporters M.O.M Tyler Stroud.
Managers M.O.M Ben Otter.
Andy,Mal+Tan.

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MONDAY, 12 JANUARY 2009
Chapletown Colts 1 - 2 NORTON LEES JFC
Sunday 11th January 2009

After a hard fought victory last week Chapeltown Colts were our next opponents, a team we had not played before but who had made a solid start to the season. The lads as usual were well up for it, the pitch was in good condition, a smaller pitch than we are used to but looked like it would let us play our normal passing game. Kicking against the slope in the first half Colts had us penned back for long periods and the few times we managed to break gave the lads at the back a much needed breather. We were forced to defend deeply and the defence had to be at their very best to keep the rampant Colts out. On 26 minutes Colts finally took the lead, the ball was cleared to the edge of the area and an unstoppable shot was despatched into the bottom corner. With half time approaching we got our opening goal. A great through ball fed Gibbons who finished at the second attempt after a great save by the keeper.

Half Time Chapeltown Colts 1.1 NLJFC.

The second half was a different affair with Norton the team doing most of the pressing and we were nearly rewarded after 10 minutes. A free kick was awarded 25 yards out and Waby hit a curling shot that missed by inches with the keeper well beaten. Five minutes later we did take the lead, again from a free kick this time down the left flank. A superb cross was met at the near post by the unmarked Otter who powered home the header. Colts came back at us again though and the defence and midfield had to be at their best to keep them at bay. One or two close shaves for both sides could have seen the score line change, but we managed to hold on to a very hard fought victory.

Full Time Chapeltown Colts 1.2 NLJFC.

Supporters man of the match Alex Waby.
Managers man of the match Bradley Parsisson.

Again an outstanding performance today lads against a very good and organised Colts side who really did push us all the way. All of you did us proud today rolling your sleeves up and refusing to give in. A year ago we would probably have been well beaten against a side like this but you have shown your character to claim another 3 vital points. Well done lads.
Andy, Mal +Tan.

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NORTON LEES JFC 6 - 2 Hackenthorpe Warriers
Sunday 4th January 2009

After last weeks hard fought draw we knew we were in for a tough match against a Warriors side that we beat earlier in the season with a last minute Spiers strike. We started fairly brightly but didn't seem to have an edge on our opponents and for most of the first half the game was a scrappy affair with chances at a premium. With half time approaching we finally got the breakthrough. Warriors failed to clear the corner and the ball fell to Smith on the edge of the area to smash into the far corner to put us 1.0 up. Four minutes later we doubled our lead this time Waby firing a shot that went in off the post.

Half Time NLJFC 2.0 H.Warriors.

We started the second half brightly again and scored a third goal this time Spiers getting his reward after a powerful run and shot into the far corner. This goal proved crucial as midway through the half Warriors scored 2 quick fire goals to reduce the deficit to one and from a fairly comfortable position we were now just one up and looking a little vulnerable. This seemed to spark us though and we quickly got some breathing space as Otter pounced to make it 4.2. For the remainder of the match we seemed in total control and increased our lead with two more goals, Phillips with a neat finish and Otter with a tap in to complete the scoring and the match.

Full Time NLJFC 6.2 H.Warriors.

Supporters man of the match Alex Waby.
Managers man of the match Josh Phillips.

We did enough today to deserve our victory and for short spells at various times during the match we played some excellent football, some of the best of the season and I'm sure that now we have got a consistent run of fixtures we will see the standard of football we are capable of more often. Well done lads enjoy the victory and look forward to our next game.
Cheers Andy,Mal +Tan.

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FRIDAY, 2 JANUARY 2009
Birks Holt JFC 3 - 3 NORTON LEES JFC
Sunday 28th December 2008

A month without a game seemed more like an eternity as we arrived at Birks Holt for what we felt would be a big test for us. As always though the lads seemed well up for it and the game started with both sides guilty of losing possession easily. Norton took control though and we took the lead as Gibbons was sent clear and slid the ball into the far corner to put us 1.0 up. For long periods midfield battled for possession and there wasn't any chances for either team until Birks Holt equalised with their first effort of the match.The ball broke and from the edge of the area the big number 5 hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner, giving the keeper no chance. We quickly took charge after the goal and but for excellent saves and defending we could have gone in at half time 2 or 3 up.

Half Time Birks Holt 1.1 NLJFC.

More midfield battles at the start of the second half as we tried to regain the lead but the B Holt rearguard was well organised and when we did get through their keeper was in great form and dealt with everything we threw at him. After 20 minutes we took the lead, Gibbons again applying the finish to excellent approach play. The lead lasted only 2 minutes though as we conceded a sloppy goal, and then again just 3 minutes later another conceded to put us 2.3 behind with only 5 minutes to play. Did we have the character to bounce back ? You bet we did! With 2 minutes remaining we were awarded a penalty. Phillips went on a mazy run and as he entered the box he was deliberately blocked and the ref had no hesitation in awarding the spot kick. Captain Otter stepped forward to take the kick and put it into the bottom corner giving the keeper no chance to make it 3.3. We nearly nicked it in the last minute, but it was not to be.

Full Time Birks Holt 3.3 NLJFC.

Supporters man of the match Bradley Parsisson.
Managers man of the match Jake Santos-Bostock.

Excellent performance and result lads, and if we hadn't come up against an excellent goalkeeper I am sure we would have won it.

Cheers Andy.
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!!!



SUNDAY, 30 NOVEMBER 2008
Todwick Juniors 1 - 8 NORTON LEES JUNIORS
Sunday 30th November 2008

After suffering our first defeat of the season the lads couldn't wait for this match to prove themselves and return to winning ways. Although Todwick were second bottom going into the fixture, nothing could be taken for granted as they had won well last week 7.1. Norton set about Todwick straight away and the game was only 5 minutes old when Otter found space in the box and finished easily to make it 1.0. We continued to dominate and for long periods the ball didn't even make it to halfway as we threatened to run away with it. Neat play and terrific movement saw us create countless opportunities, and it seemed only a matter of time until the floodgates opened .The goals didn't come though and as half time approached we began to wonder if those missed opportunities would cost us, but we need not have worried. Great work by Gibbons down the right and a neat cross saw Phillips prod the ball home at the back stick. Just before half time we scored again and it was Otter who claimed his second and Norton's third to send us into half time in a commanding position.

Half Time
Todwick 0.3 NLJFC.

We started the second half strongly again although we were kicking against the slope and soon went 4 up after Otter again tapped in to claim his hat -trick. More great play as the midfield powered through Todwicks ranks time after time and duly added a fifth on 6 minutes, Otter again profiting from excellent approach play. A deserved mention for the defence who when called upon dealt with everything and didn't allow Todwick any chances and played the ball out to a motoring midfield who just kept on piling forward terrorising the Todwick rearguard.
On 16 minutes we got our sixth goal. After another goal mouth scramble the ball was cleared to the edge of the area where Hodges playing in only his second game lobbed the ball into the top corner.
Number seven arrived two minutes later as Waby picked up the ball and ran at the defence, beating three players before coolly finishing into the bottom corner. With five minutes to go we scored our eighth and final goal. Spiers picked the ball up and powered away from defenders before smashing the ball home from close range. With only seconds remaining Todwick claimed a consolation, Parsisson harshly penalised in the area. Jack got a good hand to the penalty but was unable to keep it out.

Full-Time Todwick 1.8 NLJFC.

Supporters man of the match Josh Phillips
Managers man of the match Alex Spiers.

We were looking for a reaction from last weeks defeat and the lads certainly gave us one ! Well done lads keep up the good work.
Andy, Mal and Tan.

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SUNDAY, 23 NOVEMBER 2008
NORTON LEES JFC 2 - 3 Kingstone JFC
Sunday 23rd November 2008
After not playing in the last 2 weeks we were itching to get back into it and hopefully continue our fine form. We started the game fairly brightly, going forward we created a few half chances but there didn't seem to be the spark we usually have and we allowed Kingstone into the game. After 10 minutes we conceded a poor penalty, the ball hitting the defender on the hand when perhaps he could have cleared without handling. We were let off as their player fired wide, we didn't heed the warning however and fell behind to a goal that really should have been cleared. More uncharacteristic lapses allowed Kingstone to score another 2 goals and to be honest we were getting what we deserved from a very poor performance.

H.T NLJFC 0.3 Kingstone.

We started the second half slightly better, the defence were on top but the spark was still not there, it was as if we were waiting to score without wanting to do the work to get back into the game. Eventually we got a goal back with 10 minutes to go. As Otter raced through his shot rebounded off the keeper to the edge of the area where Phillips coolly lobbed the ball into the empty net. At last some belief for us to get us going! From that moment on we were playing as we know we can and it looked like we might just get back into it. With 2 minutes to go we got another goal, Otter applying the finish to what proved to be a consolation.
F-T NLJFC 2.3 Kingstone.
Supporters man of the match Jake Santos-Bostock.
Managers man of the match Bradley Parsisson.

For the first time this season we turned in a poor performance,and I'm sure all the players are as disappointed as we are but we will pick ourselves up and put it right at our next game. We have made such a good start to the season playing good attractive passing football we have to make sure we don't undo our good work. Heads up lads lets put this performance behind us and get back to winning ways.
Andy.

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SUNDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 2008
NORTON LEES JFC 13 - 0 Brunsmeer Athletic
Sunday 2nd November 2008

I have a problem in writing the match report for todays match against Brunsmeer. We scored so many goals, played fantastic football throughout, if i was to detail everything about the match I would probably be writing all night! Week on week we just seem to get better and this game was no exception. Right from the first kick we were in control, quality passing and the ability to move into space were giving Brunsmeer all kinds of problems, and the game was only 3 minutes old when we took the lead through Alex Waby. Further goals from Ben Otter, Michael Gibbons 2, Alex Spiers and Kyle Hewitt saw us go into the break 6.0 up.

Half Time NLJFC 6.0 Brunsmeer Athletic.

Into the second half and we were kicking against the slope and with the wind in our faces you would think that we would be under a little more pressure, but we just seemed to step up a gear and just as in the first half Brunsmeer just couldn't cope with us. A lot of praise goes to the goal scorers but i really have to praise our defence today, Jake Cowlishaw, Nathan Symonds, Bradley Parsisson, Jake Santos-Bostock and Jack Kirk were all absolutely fantastic today. They covered for each other and didn't allow a single shot on our goal throughout the match, poor Jack in goal must have been freezing ! The midfield were a well oiled machine, George Bucknall-Smith, Alex Waby, Alex Spiers, Josh Phillips and Kyle Hewitt were carving through Brunsmeer with ease, creating chances for themselves and the front two Michael Gibbons and captain Ben Otter. Seven more goals came in the second half from Smith 2, Otter, Phillips 2,Spiers and Gibbons and if it hadn't been for Brunsmeer's keeper who was their man of the match the score would have been even bigger.
Well done lads another fantastic performance, you're playing some great football and just like you I can't wait for our next game ,away at rivals Millhouses.

Full Time NLJFC 13.0 Brunsmeer Athletic.

Supporters man of the match Michael Gibbons.
Managers man of the match George Bucknall-Smith.

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SUNDAY, 26 OCTOBER 2008
Grenoside JFC 1 - 3 NORTON LEES JFC
Sunday 26th October 2008

After our 2 weeks of cup and trophy games it was Grenoside who provided the opposition for our return to league action. With half term holidays starting we only had 10 players available for the game, so regardless of the opposition we were in for a hard time. The game started and it seemed that Grenoside were waiting for us to impose ourselves on them and after the opening minutes we did. Time after time we created openings and try as he might it seemed that Michael Gibbons had left his shooting boots at home and the ball just wouldn't go in for us. On 30 minutes however he did score, a neat through ball allowed him to race clear and finish to put us 1-0 up. It was just reward for a tremendous first half, kicking against the wind and the slope the lads had shown great character and thoroughly deserved their half time lead.

Half Time : Grenoside 0.1 NLJFC.

With confidence high we started the second half very brightly and were soon peppering the Grenoside goal.
5 minutes into the second half we got our second goal. Michael again raced clear but was this time pushed in the back as he shaped to shoot and the ref didn't hesitate in awarding the penalty. Alex Waby stepped up to take the penalty, and although the keeper went the right way, the placement gave him no chance.
We continued to press and create chances but as the game wore on we began to tire and Grenoside created some decent chances and were making the lads work extremely hard to keep it at 2-0. With 8 minutes to go we made the game safe, fine work down the right created space for George Bucknall -Smith to smash it home and make it 3-0.In the closing stages Grenoside grabbed a consolation, a shot into the roof of the net giving Jack no chance.

Full Time Grenoside 1.3 NLJFC.

Managers man of the match Jake Cowlishaw.
Supporters man of the match Alex Waby.

An absolutely fantastic effort on a difficult pitch today lads, you all stood up to be counted and did everyone proud.

Captain Ben, Jack, Jake, Bradley, Nathan, Jake, George, Alex.S, Alex.W and Michael you were all superstars today.

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MONDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2008
NORTON LEES JFC 3 - 7 Dinnington Town
Again we were drawn against a very good Dinnington team who we played last week in the Tesco cup. Looking to acquit ourselves better this time around we started brightly again and were unfortunate not to take the lead as we pressed and pushed back a very strong and organised Town defence. The breakthrough came for Town completely against the run of play, an unstoppable shot into the top corner. The lads responded well and almost hit back immediately, a ball over the top fell for Michael Gibbons but as he finished the flag went up for a marginal offside. Undeterred we continued to press and were rewarded on 15 minutes with the equaliser , again Michael finishing coolly to make it 1.1. More Norton pressure saw us almost take the lead, a corner swung in from the left appeared to go straight in but with a penalty box full of bodies the ref was unable to tell for sure that all of the ball had crossed the line. We were rewarded on 26 minutes with another goal for Michael following great work down the right and again from the restart we nearly increased the lead but were thwarted by some great defending. With the last kick of the half Town got an undeserved equaliser which sent us into the break level at 2.2.
H.T NLJFC 2.2 Dinnington Town.
That last gasp equaliser gave Town renewed confidence and they quickly took advantage with 2 goals in the space of 5 minutes. This knocked us back a little and we struggled to find our form and rhythm and in the next 6 minutes as Town punished us with another 3 goals. 7.2 down ! we could hardly believe it . We managed to settle ourselves down and started playing the football we are capable of and were duly rewarded in the 22nd minute with a terrific solo effort from Josh Phillips. The remaining 12 minutes were spent in the opponents half and although we created several good chances with our luck on the day it was not meant to be.
F.T NLJFC 3.7 Dinnington Town.
Supporters man of the match Nathan Symonds.
Managers man of the match Jack Kirk.
Good effort again today lads ,Town's manager told me that this was the first time that they had conceded more than 1 goal in a match and that we had given their defenders their hardest game of the season to date.

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TUESDAY, 14 OCTOBER 2008
Dinnington Town 6 - 1 NORTON LEESJFC
After our tremendous start to the season it was time to turn our attentions to the Tesco cup. We were drawn away to Dinnington Town, a team from D division who have also had a great start to the season winning all their fixtures to date.
After a cautious start from both teams it was NLJFC who settled the quicker and created a few early chances before eventually taking the lead through Michael Gibbons in the 17th minute. Good approach play provided an opening and Michael finished at the second attempt despite the attentions of 2 defenders and the keeper. Although we continued to push forward, a resolute Town defence stood firm and kept us at bay for the remainder of the half.
HALF-TIME DINNINGTON TOWN 0.1 NLJFC.
Dinnington started the second half very brightly and had us penned in our half for long periods. Time after time Jack Stevenson kept us in the lead and the defence in front of him were working their socks off. A counter attack saw Josh Phillips play a wonderful ball through to Michael before being fouled by the defender, and as Michael ran clear play was brought back for the foul when maybe an advantage may have served us better. Dinnington continued to put us under pressure and finally got their equaliser with just 10 minutes to go. We regrouped and tried to get back in front, but as we pressed, Town broke clear and scored a crucial second goal. The lads were totally deflated and Town went on to score 4 more in the final 4 minutes. It was a very harsh score-line, no way were they worth 5 more goals than us, but that's football and the first round of the trophy sees us drawn against the same team again. A chance for revenge ? maybe , but if the lads show the same effort and commitment we can't help but be proud of them.
Chin up lads lets see how we do at our place next week.
Supporters Man Of The Match JACK STEVENSON.
Managers Man Of The Match NATHAN SYMONDS.

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SUNDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2008
HACKENTHORPE WARRIERS 3 - 4 NORTON LEES JFC
Sunday 05 October Hackenthorpe Warriors v NLJFC Kick off 2pm

We arrived at Hackenthorpe still brim full of confidence and ready for anything and everything that could be thrown at us, or so we thought. After the heavy rain over the last 24 hours the pitch was very heavy, and with it being a small pitch and with a severe slope we thought it might stop us playing our normal passing game.
This proved to be the case as a stubborn and well organised Warriors side kept us at bay and frustrated us with numerous last ditch tackles and desperate clearances. All credit to the lads though they kept going and were rewarded after 30 minutes, this time excellent play down the left saw the ball fall to Michael Gibbons who gleefully smashed the ball home to make it 1.0. We continued to press forward for the remainder of the half but the second goal did not come.
H-T Hackenthorpe Warriors 0.1 NLJFC.

During half time the lads felt they perhaps hadn't taken full advantage of kicking down hill in the first half but remained confident that the ball would hold up in the second half and would allow them to get in and behind the defence.
Just 2 minutes into the second half Hackenthorpe drew level, a scrambled effort that gave Jack Stevenson no chance. We rallied but the confidence Hackenthorpe gained from their goal was there for all to see and for the first time this season we found ourselves behind. Hackenthorpe were by-passing the midfield and with three big lads playing up front they were putting our defence under extreme pressure. What a battle we were in and as we tried to get the ball away they almost grabbed a third, excellent last ditch defending and a willingness to roll up our sleeves and battle gave us the belief to get back into the game. On 15 minutes we drew level, the ball broke nicely and a through ball to Ben Otter was well measured and he ran clear to score.
More pressure from Hackenthorpe, they were really putting us on the back foot and after 25 minutes they again took the lead. The look on our players faces was determination not disappointment, they knew they had to do the job again but this time with only 9 minutes left and time was against us. With 7 minutes to go we drew level and again Ben was the scorer following great play by Kyle Hewitt down the left. Hackenthorpe had their chances but with a resolute defence we kept them at bay and with just 3 minutes left on the clock we broke away and scored what proved to be the winner. Again great work down the left and an excellent cross for Alex Spiers to fire home and send the Norton contingent wild !
Full Time Hackenthorpe Warriors 3.4 NLJFC.

Supporters man of the match Josh Phillips.
Managers man of the match Alex Waby.
An incredible battling performance by every single player, they gave their all and got their reward.
WELL DONE LADS .

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SUNDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2008
NORTON LEES JUNIORS 7 - 2 BIRKS HOLT SPORTS CLUB
Sunday 28th September 2008

After our opening 2 fixtures both against the same team, we were facing Birks Holt, a team we played in a tournament during the summer but not in 11 a side football. We started very brightly and took the lead after 2 minutes through Ben Otter, and another high scoring game seemed in the offering when we made it 2 after just 7 minutes. We were playing some really excellent football and after 25 minutes we were 5 up. Ben added another and Michael Gibbons scored his third hat-trick of the season to date. The passing, movement and finishing was probably the best stuff we have played this year and Birks Holt simply couldn't live with us.

H-T NLJFC 5-0 BIRKS HOLT.

The second half was more evenly contested and straight from the kick off they managed to pull one back. Any thought of a comeback was quickly snuffed out though, Ben Otter racing clear to claim his second hat-trick in as many games. We continued to create many chances but were denied by an excellent second half performance by their goalkeeper. Goal number 7 came with 5 minutes left, Michael rounding the keeper to complete the scoring for us. With virtually the last kick of the game Birks Holt claimed a consolation.
What a marvellous start to the season for us, and after all the struggles and heartache of previous campaigns we are beginning to see potential fulfilled. Keep up the good work lads .
Cheers Andy, Mal + Tan.

0 COACH FEEDBACK ARTICLE(S)
MONDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2008
NORTON LEES JFC 7- 0 WHISTON BOYS
SUN SEPT 21 2008
After our first game, a comprehensive 10-3 win at Whiston, confidence was high for the return fixture and we had no problem getting the boys up for it. Right from the start we showed our promise and with Whiston opting to play 5 at the back to try and contain us we would spend long spells in their half. The breakthrough came after only 5 mins, good work down the left and a great cross saw the ball fall to Michael Gibbons to coolly finish to put us 1 up. We continued to apply pressure but with Whiston defending in numbers we had to wait until the 24th minute to extend the lead, this time George Bucknall-Smith with the finish. Just before the break we got our third goal, with Whiston unable to clear a corner the ball fell to Jake SB in the crowded area and he finished well, passing the ball into the corner .

H-T NLJFC 3.0 WHISTON BOYS.
The second half started with us enjoying good spells of possession and although Whiston started to press forward they would be kept out by a strong, organised defence and were limited to only 1 or 2 half chances which Jack Stevenson dealt with comfortably. After 9 mins we got our fourth goal, a close range effort on his debut for Alex Spiers. The warm sunshine ! and long grass was making it hard for both sides and it wasn't until the 20th minute that we got our fifth. After a fine run Michael beat the keeper with a neat finish and then added another five mins later for our sixth and his second hat-trick of the season. With four mins to go we scored our seventh and final goal of the game, this time Kyle Hewitt finishing well after a good move.
FULL TIME NLJFC 7.0 WHISTON BOYS.
Well done lads, another excellent victory with plenty of goals and a clean sheet. Keep up the good work !
Managers m.o.m Jake Santos-Bostock.
Supporters m.o.m Jake Santos-Bostock.

0 COACH FEEDBACK ARTICLE(S)
SUNDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER 2008
Whiston Boys 3 - 10 Norton Lees Juniors
Whiston Boys V NLJFC 7 Sept 08 Kick Off 11.00
At last the new season arrived and with a good pre-season behind us,confidence was high and the lads couldn't wait to get going.
That showed from early on with us having a lot of possession ,and our movement off the ball was causing Whiston all kinds of problems.In the sixth minute we deservedly took the lead.Good work down the left saw the ball fall to Josh Phillips to score easily.And again two minutes latera carbon copy with George Bucknall Smith this time the scorer. Our midfield clearly had the upper hand and our defence was untroubled, passing and moving and creating space for others.On 13 minutes an excellent through ball saw Ben Otter race clear and finish clinically to make it 3-0. On 24 minutes Michael Gibbons turned his marker then beat another defender before coolly finishing to make it 4.0. Seven minutes later Michael made it 5.0 with a neat pass into the far corner. Just before half time Whiston had their only chance,but failed to trouble Jack in goal.
Half Time Whiston Boys 0-5 NLJFC.
Clearly buoyed on by their chance at the end of the first half ,Whiston started brightly and were awarded a free kick on the edge if the area.It was a great finish into the top corner giving Jack no chance.Two minutes later we were awarded a penalty. Great work down the left saw Josh race clear into the area only to be clipped by the right back.Ben took the penalty and finished with ease,but was ordered to retake for encroachment,however he held his nerve and put it in the same spot to make it 6.1. Two quick goals , a neat finish by Josh after good work by Kyle and a sublime chip by Michael saw us ease clear.
We seemed to relax a little and allowed Whiston to score a couple of consolation goals and pull the score back to 8.3. Entering the last five minutes we perked up again and Michael again beat two defenders,then rolled the ball into the far corner.Two minutes later we were awarded another penalty after Michael was fouled in the box.Ben took the penalty which was well saved ,but he managed to slam home the rebound.
This was a marvelous performance ,our established players were excellent and the new lads fitted in well too.
Full Time Whiston Boys 3-10 NLJFC.

Managers man of the match Michael Gibbons
Supporters man of the match Ben Otter.

WELL DONE EVERYONE !