Dominant Dersingham Win County Cup Opener

Dersingham Rovers Reserves lifted the first Norfolk County Cup trophy of the season after a convincing performance against a hard-working Shrublands Reserves side.

The deadlock was broken after ten minutes when a corner was delivered into the six yard area from Dane Schmuda. Despite winning the initial header, Shrublands were unable to clear their lines. The ball then fell to Ahmed Rhaouti, whose deflected shot fell perfectly into the path of Luke Gooding at the far post who headed the ball home from four yards out.

Shrublands came close to equalising midway through the half when Taiven Hannah struck a venomous free kick from 25 yards out, which rattled the crossbar of the Dersingham goal. The effort had goalkeeper, Hayden Neave scrambling to his right, unsure if the ball was dipping below the upright.

Shrublands then unlocked the Dersingham defense when Tyler Horwood crossed the ball to the chest of teammate Ben Wood, who’s cushioned touch allowed Billy Gallant and effort on goal. However, he couldn’t make a proper contact as his effort squirmed harmlessly wide.

Dersingham’s lead was doubled in the 40th minute after some good work from Ben Welch on the right allowed a perfectly timed pass to reach Ruben Dores on the edge of the box. Dores latched onto the pass and rifled it straight past the Shrublands goalkeeper into the bottom corner.

Half time: Dersingham Rovers Reserves 2 – 0 Shrublands Reserves

Shrublands made a promising start to the second half when Brandon Smith delivered a delightful through ball to Sam Bryant four minutes into the period. Causing problems for their opposition, the ball was cut back across the six-yard box and just out of the reach of the rampaging Ross Smith at the far post.

Dersingham were presented with a golden opportunity to extend their lead as Welch whipped the ball into a dangerous area to Schmuda who struck his effort goalbound. However, a great save from the Shrublands goalkeeper, Henry Thompson prevented it from crossing the line with an outstretched limb.

Despite Shrublands continuing to push forward for reason to trouble the scoresheet, some great footwork on the edge of the box from Dersingham’s Ahmed Rhaouti, created space to Dores on the right of the box. He put the game beyond doubt as he comfortably slotted his second in the back of the net, tallying up a third for the West Norfolk side.

Final Score: Dersingham Rovers Reserves 3 – 0 Shrublands Reserves

Line ups:

Dersingham Rovers Reserves: Hayden Neave, Josh Seal, Todd Lembutis, Luke Gooding, Joe Ellis, Andy Stables, Ben Welch, Connor Mcquaid ©, Ahmed Rhaouti, Ruben Dores & Dane Schmuda.

Subs: Cameron Seal, Evan Matthews, Nathan Mitchell, Chay Sharpin & Kris Smith.

Shrublands Reserves: Henry Thompson, Oliver Hannah, Ross Smith, Tyler Horwood, Ben Wood, Kyle Gallant, Billy Gallant, Taiven Hannah, Brandon Smith, Kyle Block © & Matthew Butcher.

Subs: Jason Smith, Sam Bryant, Patrick Lochrie, Jordan Reed & Philip Watkins.

Match Photo Album

Referee: Samuel Gasson-Cox

Assistant Referees: Chris Steele & James Durham

Fourth Official: Andrew Crawford

Attendance: 315

Player of the Match: Ruben Dores, Dersingham Rovers Reserves

Photography: Ben Cunningham