Wroxham FC

On an emotional night at Trafford Park a large crowed gathered in tribute to two Wroxham players.
Liam Still who sadly passed away following a motoring accident last May and Gavin Pauling for his
20-plus years service as a Yachtsman.
Earlier in the evening partner club Old Catton Juniors had demonstrated their skills on the pitch
and Radio's Nick Bowler along with Scott Howie hosted a QandA Forum for the youngsters.

Tonights opponents Norwich City brought an U21 side to Trafford Park with new City boss
Chris Houghton on the sidelines to cast an eye on his young starlets.
A minutes silence was well observed and a presentation of a signed Wroxham fc shirt
was made in the center circle to Liam Still's family by Chairman Martin Roberts.

The game kicked off at a brisk pace with both sides playing neat passing football but it was
City who created the first opening on 3 minutes when a cross from the right was met with a
firm headed effort which was comfortably saved by new Wroxham number 1 Andrew Plummer.
Play continued to ebb and flow with chances for both sides at a premium.
On 15 minutes good Wroxham pressure fashioned a corner which came to nothing and 6 minutes
later Halliday was unlucky to see his headed effort saved from another corner kick.

At the other end Norwich put together a nice move which resulted in a goal bound shot well
blocked by Josh Carus.
Wroxham were more than matching City's young pro's throughout the 1st half with White and
Eastaugh always prominent in mid-field.

On the stroke of half-time more good movement with the ball from Norwich ended with a
well hit strike on goal but was again foiled by the impressive Plummer.
H-T Wroxham 0 Norwich 0

At half-time Matt Blake replaced Langlois and Carus gave way to Martin Mcneil
who's heavy challenge just outside the box gave Norwich a free kick but the
Wroxham wall stood firm,deflecting the ball away for a corner which was
eventually well cleared.
As of the first half chances were few and far between.
However play was now becoming patchy as Wroxham started to ring the
changes with what appeared to be a "roll on" roll off" substitution system
in place.

With this, City began to take some hold on the game playing neat
interchange passing at tempo and the Yachtsmen, by now,were virtually a
different 11 to those who started the game were having to play "chase ball"
for much of the time though all of City's possession was bringing little
reward of scoring chances.

On 80 minutes a rare Wroxham attack saw Ben Jones race down the right
handside before playing the ball to Blake who shot narrowly wide.
However, it was all City now and after a string of corners the Norwch no'9
was unlucky with a long range effort and would prove to be again moments
later as his rasping drive thumped the base of Plummers left-hand post right
on full time.

All in all, a good game to watch and a useful run out for both sets of players
played in a manner to suit the occassion.
But the night will be remembered by all as a fitting tribute to the Wroxham
career of Gavin Pauling(who kindly donated all proceeds from the evening
to the Liam Still Foundation)but even more so...................
........to the Life of LIAM STILL.