2011/12 - Match Report & Photos

Fixture: 4/12/2011

Score: Taverham Youth U14s 7-1 Drayton Youth U14s

Report:

After an arduous journey up the hill to the cold and windswept heights of Hinks Meadow, Drayton faced a determined Taverham side in the Last 16 of the Norfolk Minor Cup.

With around 5 players in the Drayton squad having played for Taverham at one stage of their careers, this was always going to be testing game for both sides, and so it proved. The opening salvos were very scrappy, with neither side being able to string passes together.

The Taverham pitch did not help – message to the Committee – any chance it can be rolled to flatten out the bumps and divots ? Gradually, Taverham began to get on top with Lewis working very hard in midfield, pushing Drayton back. Despite some pressure, very few opportunities were being created with the Drayton defence holding firm. What was needed were successful set-pieces, and eventually these produced goals. Taverham won a corner, and, very astutely, Tom persuaded Toby to move forward from his defensive duties. As if by magic, the corner was cleared straight to Toby, who thundered a drive through the crowded area to open the scoring. Not long after, Taverham won a free kick in midfield. Harley, having had a sighter not long before, judged the kick beautifully, floating it into the top corner.

Half Time 2 – 0.

Taverham opened the Second Half confidently and began to play flowing football, creating opportunities. Following another corner, Nathan was on hand to react quickly and ‘Aguero-esque’ roll the ball between Drayton defenders to snaffle a third goal. Taylor had a good claim for the fourth goal, after his powerful shot hit the bar and bounced into the net. Sadly, the Parental Dubious Goals Committee had to have a quick meeting on the touchline, and ruled that the more likely reason the ball crossed the line was the deflection off the back of the Drayton goal-keeper – sorry Taylor.

Joey then decided to turn on the style with a 20 minute cameo performance at centre forward to delight the crowd. This included hitting the post, shots well saved by the Drayton keeper, a couple pulled wide, the full range of anguished expressions and two well taken goals, but a deserved hat-trick eluded him, again. With Taverham cruising comfortably, Drayton restored some pride pulling a goal back from a corner despite a balletic effort from Rob on the line. Unfortunately the eagle-eyed Assistant Referee was well placed and signaled the ball had crossed the line, notwithstanding the Taverham defence’s slow motion re-enactment to try demonstrate the opposite.

Stung into action, a posse of Taverham players rushed forward en-masse direct from the kick-off, with Harley driving in a long distance shot, which seemed to catch the Drayton keeper by surprise. A second look revealed the visiting Jacob leaning against an upright, offering kind words of advice to said keeper, who may have been distracted.

Full Time 7 – 1, with Taverham progressing into the Last 8, with yet another home draw, this time against more ‘friends’ - Old Catton.

 

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