Hellesdon faced Long Stratton on another raw afternoon at the Rec with new signing Callum Morris making his debut in central defence. Other changes saw keeper Louis Bond returning to the team and Joe Keeley came into the line up with Kegan Charlesworth out injured.
The Lions made a great start when Keeley fired them ahead after 3 minutes with a clinical finish from inside the box after link up play between Ben Hughes and Kane Moore in the build up down the right. The visitors had their share of possession before Jack Hurrell was off target with an effort over the bar around 15 minutes and then Hellesdon had a let off when the referee ignored offside appeals but a visiting player shot tamely at Bond.
The only other alarm for the Lions in the first half came when Josh Morley prevented an equaliser by heading off the line whilst at the other end keeper Bilham kept out an effort by Keeley and then two follow up attempts by Tom Blake. But the main talking point at the break centred on a knee high two footed assault on Moore inside the penalty area which left the striker in agony but was somehow deemed worthy of only a yellow card by the official. When Keeley did finally step up to take the spot kick he saw his shot at a comfortable height parried away by Bilham and a good first half display saw the Lions only one goal to the good. After briefly returning to the pitch Moore limped off to be replaced by Ross Pantry up top.

Half time: Hellesdon 1 Long Stratton 0

Within 10 minutes of the restart the Lions extended their lead with a great finish by Pantry who despatched a right foot shot past Bilham from an angle on the right of the box after his initial driven cross had come back to him at pace off a defender. Mac Gee was the provider with an excellent defence splitting pass.
Following this setback the visitors applied periods of pressure but the whole team battled hard to deny them a way back into the game and both Keeley and Blake were close to stretching the home advantage.
Confidence has returned with five wins from the last six games and with new players adding to a highly competitive and happy squad the signs are encouraging again after the autumn wobble.
It was a fine team effort with Morris settling in well but mention must be made of Lewis Wardale who continues to impress. The "babe"of the team but a mature performer on the field he has been a model of consistency since making his debut last season and as his display again showed is a key member of the Lions line up.

Result: Hellesdon 2 Long Stratton 0

Team: Louis Bond, Ben Hughes, Callum Morris, Josh Morley, Jack Love (c), Lewis Wardale, Mac Gee, Joe Keeley, Jack Hurrell, Tom Blake (Connor Simpson), Kane Moore (Ross Pantry).