Eventually managed to get to play Norton on their home pitch. We started late as both sides were short.
We had our youngest player in Jamie Shaw partnering Lakhan up front. As we had 11 to Norton’s 9 we gave them Brucey and Tim when they finally arrived. At which point the score was 1-1. Derek had opened the scoring with a firm strike from the top of the D. Norton replied with a tap in, after we slowed the ball down just enough.
The second was a misplaced cross to Jamie from his Dad that squeezed in the far corner. Lakhan said Jamie should claim he touched it, but he has been brought up right. Lakhan put in the third after a waltzing run by Derek. 3-1 at halftime is a luxury.
Lakhan got his second after Jamie had put Derek through and he crossed. There was a hint of jug avoidance as Geoff encouraged Lak to take a penalty. The stroke was aptly named as it barely reached, but it was not for want of effort as Lak was thrown off his feet by the exertion. Despite numerous penalty corners we failed to hit the backboards, and it was left to our gifted subs to show how it should be done. Tim injected to Brucey who struck the ball under Mally. 4-2 and Norton were coming back into the game.
Once again our fitness told and following a weighted pass from Jamie, Geoff scored the final goal of a successful season.
Teessiders winning 5-2 and finishing third in the league.
Thanks to all for making the season so enjoyable.
Winning is a pleasant pastime