Norton and Stockton 7 - 1 Darlington Spraire Lads

SpraireUnder 11,s had their cup run ended in some style by Norton and Stockton but the result should not of been so one sided and wouldn’t of been had Spraire kept their composure and shape. The game started off as a scrappy midfield battle for possession which was ironic due to the immaculate playing surface. Both side shared turns in playing balls over the backs of the other teams defence but these balls were easily cleared. It was Norton and Stockton who would get the break through however, the ball was spread to the right wing from the centre of midfield and on receiving the ball the winger cut inside and made a driving run for the box where he unleashed a powerful shot to the near post that managed to squirm its way under goalkeeper Owen. Minutes later, however, Spraire were back on level terms. After a good move down the left hand side gained the away side a corner, George provided a great in swinging corner which was helped on at the front post by Nathan and was bundled over the line by a defender. The midfield battle continued between the two sides where Norton were looking to work the wings where as Spraire were looking for the early through ball. It was the Norton tactic which would give them the next goal. With the ball near the right corner flag a cross was whipped in, but headed away only to the right winger who hit the ball on the half volley sending it over the keeper to find the net on the inside of the back post. Spraire then took the match back to Norton with Lee playing in George who, through some nice foot work, fashioned himself some space and had his shot saved by the keeper. But it was Norton who again were on hand to take their chances. D diagonal ball from the left wing opened up the Spraire defence and left the striker clear to run though on goal. A good save from Owen prevent the striker his goal but he could do nothing as the ball rebounded to the second striker who stroked it home from the edge of the 6 yard box. The second half saw any hard work from the first half undone, Spraire lost their shape and Norton took full advantage. Spraire gave them far too much time on the ball so Norton could knock the ball around and build attacks from the back. Continuing with their wing work that had served them well in the first half Norton sent the majority of their play down the right wing and it paid off as a ball into the box wasn’t cleared properly by Spraire it fell to the striker on the edge who found the bottom right hand corner with a placed shot. The 5th goal also was a product of work from the right as a ball was crossed it was met by a spectacular over head kick which sent the ball skyward only for it to be met by a Norton attacker who turned it into the net. Spraire rarely threatened in the second half, but Noah was unlucky to see his long range placed effort roll wide of the target with the keeper bearing down on him. It was Norton who would show of the reason they’ve made it this far, more work down the right hand side saw the Spraire team sucked to the right hand side of the pitch and as the ball was crossed across the box there were two attackers waiting on the back post to tap it home. For the 7th and final goal Spraire will be claiming déjà vue as the exact same move saw Spraire all drawn towards the ball on the right hand side just for the ball to be crossed into the box and met by the two players queuing up on the back post. A disappointing exit to a promising cup run for Spraire