|
The first XI rolled on to the Holly Lane Sports ground for the big 'Old' derby, Old Nortonians against Old Wulfrunians. This ground must be the hottest place on earth because on the two occasions we have played there in recent weeks, temperatures have soared to a typically tropical 100°.
As well as the weather conditions, the start that Wulfs made could also be described a 'blistering'. Sporting a slightly unusual 4-3-3 formation, Wulfs tore in to their opponents and almost took the lead just three minutes in when Dean Wright reached the by-line before cutting back to Tony Morrison whose shot was well saved by the home keeper.
The relief lasted only two further minutes for Norts as Wulfs took a deserved lead. After months of moaning about the movement at corners, they finally got one right. Jason Scott's corner was fired goalwards by Dean Wright and helped on its way by Tony Morrison. His effort was well saved but Nik Wooldridge, patrolling around the back of the area, crossed back in for Simon Hardle to drive a shot into the ground and up and over the despairing keeper and defenders on the line.
Two minutes later Wulfs were foraging for more. Neat work between Liam Evans, Simon Hardle and Jason Scott released Tony Morrison but his shot across the keeper was well saved.
An amusing incident, for all bar Jon Hart and Jason Scott, came on twenty minutes when Hart almost had his leg broken by a crude challenge which the referee not only decided wasn't a foul, but also opted to book Scott for trying to point out that Harty's leg had been ripped at the seams.
Norts gradually worked their way into the game and created a couple of chances around the half hour mark. Firstly a break down the Wulfs right ended with Tim Tipton getting down well to smother a low hard shot and then the legendary keeper responded brilliantly to tip a dipping shot over the crossbar.
Wulfs almost extended their lead with a double attack on the stroke of half time. Firstly an excellent turn and threaded pass by Simon Hardle set Tony Morrison free but his shot was well saved by the onrushing goalkeeper. Then, from the resulting corner, Myles Fenn's attempted shot fell to the feet of Nathan Watkins but his shot was cleared off the line.
The second half belonged entirely to Wulfs, thanks mainly to the rock solid defending of Nathan Watkins and Nik Wooldridge and the industrious work rate of Chip Southern, Jon Hart and Tony Morrison.
Morrison's hard work almost bought him a deserved goal following a neat one-two with Jason Scott but his shot was tipped around the post.
The lead should most definitely have been extended in the fifty-third minute. Tony Morrison released Jon Hart down the left flank and his low hard cross was met by Jason Scott three yards out but he somehow managed to screw his shot wide of an open goal.
Myles Fenn was the next to trouble the Norts goal when he found a bit of space twelve yards out but his dipping shot crashed against the top of the crossbar.
It took until the eighty-sixth minute for Wulfs to finally make the game safe. Tony Morrison pulled down a high ball before threading a pass for Jon Hart to carry forward and cut across the front of his marker before delightfully lifting the ball over the advancing keeper.
The icing on the cake was almost provided in the final minute. Jason Scott took a quick free kick to Jon Hart. He in turn laid it back to Liam Evans who hit a rasping drive that flew just over the bar with the keeper stranded.
Three games left, two points required to secure the league championship.
Final score: Old Nortonians 0 Wulfrunians 2.
|
|
