Division Two Cup: Wensum Albion 0, Homecare United 2

Wensum entertained Homecare United in the second round of the Division Two Cup. Following the defeat in the Shoetrades Cup the week before, the home side were keen to progress in the final opportunity of the season to win silverware.

Homecare were positive from the whistle and started with a number of creative passing moves. The possession resulted in an early goal, as on 14 minutes the away side’s centre midfielder evaded a number of challenges before taking a 20-yard pop at goal. The shot escaped the outstretched hand of keeper Chard, and clipped the inside of the post to give Homecare the advantage.

With Homecare playing some neat football, Wensum stepped up their game and started to ask questions themselves of the opposition’s defence. A flurry of Leeper corners gave Albion a number of opportunities to equalise but none were taken. Half-time resulted in a change in both formation and personnel for Wensum, as the home side were happy to finally hand Jack Himpleman his debut after signing in the latter stages of last year. The changes had a positive effect on Wensum as they saw more of the ball and prevented Homecare’s midfield from influencing the game.

However, against the run of play, a harshly awarded free-kick on Wensum’s right side saw the ball crossed in. The off-target headed effort hit Cooper on the knee and bounced behind him to see the ball hit the back of the net to double Homecare’s goal tally. The goal really epitomising Wensum’s season, but just in traditional Wensum style, heads did not go down.

Good link up play from the re-positioned Gorbould upfront and Taylor, resulted in a well hit effort from Cooper, however, the away side’s keeper matched it with a good save. Further good chances fell to the Albion forward line but all were saved or hit the woodwork. With the away side’s keeper being the busiest, Chard in the Wensum goal did well to keep alert and on his toes as a counter attacking break saw him deal with a race to the ball with the opposing striker.

With time running out, Wensum continued to push forward and a chance to grab a goal fell to newly introduced Allison who’s effort saw the side netting. Despite failing to progress, Albion should take encouragement that they provided a test for the fifth-placed side, which should help in the final push to avoid relegation.