Season 2010 / 11 Reports

Sunday 24th October 2010

Going into the match with Birley, Norton had injury worries with Smith and Saleh definately out and Huckstepp carrying an ankle injury and Waby not fully match fit. It was a fairly even contest in the opening stages,as both sides looked for an opening to take the lead. And it was Birley with the clearer chances hitting the woodwork twice before Stevenson produced a fantastic double save to keep it at 0.0. Norton too went close in an entertaining game but were unable to score and at half time it was still 0.0.
HT Birley 0.0 NLJFC.
A great start to the second half saw Norton take the lead when the keeper was unable to hold Huckstepp's free kick and debutant Mcilvanney pounced to give us the advantage. And on 10 minutes Norton made it 2.0 with a close range finish from Otter. The Norton boys were playing with flair and confidence as they looked to make the game safe and duly added to the score on 13 as C.Dawson blasted in from the edge of the area to make it 3.0. Birley pulled one back midway through the half, but never looked like getting back into the game as Norton continued to control. With 5 minutes to go Birley hit the bar again,and as time ran out they grabbed what proved to be a consolation.
FT Birley 2.3 NLJFC.
An excellent victory especially taking into account the injuries, and that Birley were 2 divisions higher than us last season.
This proved to be our first win of the league campaign as we later found out that our record win against Owls Trust was wiped as they have sadly withdrawn because of insufficient players.
Supporters man of the match. JACK MYCROFT.
Managers man of the match. TOM HUCKSTEPP.