Windemere Field (London): Under warm and humid conditions Norfolk met GOLS in a hard-fought Saturday evening contest.

 

Coming into the game one might have assumed that the high scoring GOLS squad (17 for & 9 against this season) would overrun Norfolk and take the game early.  This was definitely not the case.  Although Norfolk came out a little slow and GOLS showed just how rapidly they could move the ball upfield, the team in orange gradually implemented tight one-on-one defensive coverage and began working the ball with confidence into their offensive zone. 

 

 

GOLS did manage a few decent shots on net but they had to be taken quickly and were often outside the box.  At 5 minutes Norfolk earned a corner kick on the left side of the GOLS net.  #11 (Orange) took the kick and placed it neatly in the far side of the goal - apparently without the ball even being touched.  This made it 1-nil for Norfolk and it was a lead that they would work hard to protect. 

 

 

GOLS continued to pressure nonetheless, yet the quickness of Norfolk's defensive corps broke up nearly all of their efforts once they came into their zone.  #17 (Orange) was particularly effective in doing just this as he showcased his speed throughout the game - and stopped a what would have been a sure goal that had beaten his keeper at the 42 minute mark.

 

 

The second half saw Norfolk coming out a little slow again.  GOLS spent a good portion of the half in Norfolk's end - yet Norfolk kept nearly every man back.  Again GOLS had difficulty generating quality scoring chances, even though they were awarded many free kicks just outside the Norfolk 18 yd. line.

 

 

When they finally appeared to have beaten the keeper and scored, at least two Norfolk defenders stepped in to make the save.  GOLS began to perhaps become a little frustrated with their failure to connect and the ensuing play began to get rough.  The referee awarded many free kicks in the second half throughout the midfield areas in an attempt to calm the play down - yet by this time Norfolk again began to penetrate their offensive zone.

 

 

On a quick move inside the GOLS box by one of Norfolk's strikers (#9 Orange) at the 84 minute mark, an offense was made by a GOLS defender as he was beaten on the play.  Norfolk was awarded a penalty kick (taken by #9) and it was successful.  The score was now 2-nil and that is how the game would end.  GOLS kept pressuring until the closing whistle, but the stingy Norfolk defense continued to protect their shutout.  JHS