Norfolk got off to a bright start in their third league game of the season against Hertfordshire. After two minutes Joel Brien cut inside from the left to fire a shot just over, and then a good move involving Lewis Wallace, Brien and Sam Page created an opening for George Wilson whose shot was deflected for a corner that was headed over by Ollie Thompson. Jordan Rocastle and Brien combined to create a chance for Page that was saved by the visiting keeper as Norfolk had comfortably the best of the opening exchanges. A good run by Wallace led to the home side gaining a corner which was headed clear as far as Sam Goff whose ball back into the area was forced home by Rocastle from close range.
From the restart, Hertfordshire produced their first effort on goal as Rowe volleyed over, but it was mainly one way traffic and it came as no surprise when the home side increased their lead. Sam Applegate produced some fine work on the right flank and his cross into the box produced a goalmouth scramble which resulted in Ben Latimer scoring from close range. There was an “illuminating” moment in the 30th minute as Jacob Maitland needed treatment from Norfolk physio Avril Soards who sprinted on to the pitch sporting a “bright scarlet” hairdo which produced a few remarks, all polite of course. When the game restarted, Wilson was unlucky to see a twenty five yard effort flash just wide and Page headed over a Brien cross. A one sided first half came to a close with Latimer having to be replaced by Gino Livoti after twisting an ankle.
Half Time Norfolk 2 Hertfordshire 0
Substitute Livoti made his presence felt straight from the restart as he capitalised on an error by visiting keeper Smith and chipped the ball to the far post for Brien to score with ease. The visitors were in disarray and almost presented Norfolk with another gift as a free kick on the edge of their own area smacked Rocastle on the back of the head and fell to Page who set up a chance for Brien who hit the ball high and wide of the goal. Rocastle was the next person to clear the crossbar, a feat he achieved twice in a matter of minutes after good work again by Page, who himself had a shot on the turn, well saved by Smith.
A fourth goal was always likely and duly arrived when Rocastle broke through to shoot, and although Smith got down to push the ball away, Page was on hand to tap the ball home. After seventy minutes the visitor’s best player, Max Evans, was sent off after receiving a second yellow card and then George Wilson was harshly yellow carded after what seemed like a good solid challenge. The visitors enjoyed their best spell of the game and after 80 minutes Kia Hewitt had his first save of note to make when he pushed a shot from Rowe around the post. Norfolk continued to create chances, and the best goal of the match was scored in the 86th minute when full back Wallace burst into the area to curl a superb shot inside the far post to give a scoreline that was no more than the home side deserved.
The Representative Committee voted George Wilson as their Player of the Match
Final Score Norfolk 5 Hertfordshire 0
The U18's next game is against Cambridgeshire FA on Wednesday 24 February 2010, KO 7.45pm at Cambridge FC.