League Play-Off

Great Staughton Stad
Spectators: 35 (Terracing: 27, Seating: 8, VIP seats: 0) Todd Reid started the match with the kick off in front of an excited audience. In the 2nd match minute, Great Staughton AFC was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Gareth Barker to maneuver through the defense. An unexpectedly hard shot by Todd Reid in the 6th minute of play forced Great Staughton AFC's goalkeeper Eddy Burns to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Eddy Burns came out of the goal in the 7th minute to try and stop a shot by Norwich's Todd Reid. But to his dismay, Todd Reid quickly shot the ball in between his legs and into the goal making it 0-1. Nigel Leslie made an important save on a dangerous shot by Damian Rowe in the 17th minute. In the 21st minute Todd Reid shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Eddy Burns saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. In the 25th minute, Sonny Corbridge hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Antony Arrowsmith struck a weak shot in the 26th minute. Eddy Burns didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Norwich. An unexpectedly hard shot by Gareth Barker in the 27th minute of play forced Norwich's goalkeeper Nigel Leslie to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. 30 minutes into the game, Gareth Barker recieved a splendid long ball, split the defenders, and gently placed the ball to the left of Nigel Leslie. Gareth Barker showed that you don't have to tear a hole in the net to score, 1-1. Antony Arrowsmith received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 35th minute. Eddy Burns tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. Antony Arrowsmith struck a weak shot in the 38th minute. Eddy Burns didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Norwich. In the 43rd minute, Bradley Mansell hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. After fighting hard for a draw in the first half, the players were able to take a much needed rest.

The wind increased when Gareth Barker made the kick off in the second half. 53 minutes into the match, Norwich's goal looked a bit too open when Damian Rowe came free, but Nigel Leslie reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. The supporters of Norwich booed when Great Staughton AFC was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 54 match minutes in a wonderful position. Donny Wilkinson didn't get a good kick on the ball. Todd Reid was extremely unlucky when he, in the 55th minute, took a shot that hit the right post and went out. Sonny Corbridge recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 58th minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. After 67 played minutes Great Staughton AFC got a freekick which was hit by Sonny Corbridge. Sonny Corbridge hit a great freekick 73 minutes into the match. In the 78th minute Todd Reid suffered a knee injury and had to be helped off the field. Donny Wilkinson charged in rather forcefully in the 78th minute of the match, and managed to knock his opponent down. The referee showed Donny Wilkinson the yellow card, and asked the players to shake hands before continuing play. Jonathon Bentham sent away a hard shot on goal in the 84th minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. A very good chance for a goal. After 85 minutes, Joey Beecham mouthed his way into the referee's book. The tension between the Great Staughton AFC and the Norwich players grew even worse after the yellow card. A collision led to Great Staughton AFC getting a freekick after 85 minutes play. Joey Beecham hit a great ball. With a little luck, Great Staughton AFC's Eddy Burns got control of the ball when Antony Arrowsmith tried to sneak it across the goal line. Jonathon Bentham sent away a hard shot on goal in the 90th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. Antony Arrowsmith kicked well hit freekick during the 91st minute of the match. Nigel Leslie made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Damian Rowe in the 98th minute of play. Norwich played a much better game than Great Staughton AFC and deserved their victory. The Great Staughton AFC players were clearly disappointed as they left the ground.