Grand’s leaders face a major test of character
After making a great start to their first ever season in senior football, Reepham Sunday face their first big test as leaders this weekend when they travel to second-placed North Walsham.
Manager Stuart Grand is in his second season in the job and led the side to the runners-up spot in 2A last season behind Aslacton.
“I think we have a good enough squad to go up but it’s early days yet,” he said.
“Mark Gaskin and James Page amongst others have been outstanding this season and Bo Howard should be back after missing the Senior Cup game against Marlborough.”
Grand felt last week’s 4-0 defeat to Marlborough was harsh, but took heart from the positive comments the visitors made. “They seemed to think that we could do well in the top flight which is encouraging.”
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Opponents North Walsham could possibly lay claim to having one of the longest serving managers in the league. Matthew Lorn or “Luggy” as his secretary calls him, has held the post for eight years.
“If we could improve our away form we would be laughing,” said the man who also assists with the North Walsham Saturday first team.
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“We don’t fear anybody at home, we just need to get it into the players’ heads that they can do it away from Greens Road.”
Centre back Dan Tindall has had an outstanding season as has Colm McGilway up front.
The game is at Greens Road, North Walsham on Sunday, kick-off 10.30am.
Due to County Cup fixtures, only six games were played in the league this weekend.
Briston started the better side and had a couple of decent chances to take the lead, but after 36 minutes Nuno Da Cruz put the home side in front, slamming the ball home from close range after the ball had rebounded from the crossbar.
On the stroke of half time, the same player made it 2-0 with a neat header.
Briston started the second half brightly and again had chances, but substitute Joe Baptiste made the game safe when he scored from 12 yards.
The game was played in good spirit by two sides who are a useful acquisition to the league.
In 1A, Hellesdon Athletic moved up to fourth spot after a good 3-2 win at Fiveways, whilst in 1B; Hillside OB grabbed their first victory of the season, thumping Prince of Denmark 6-1, Daniel Jervis scoring an outstanding five times whilst Adam Howes also found the net.
Earlham United won 4-2 at Sprowston Wanderers thanks to goals from Daniel Childerhouse, Liam Brown, Damon Brown and Andy Thorpe. In 2A, The Griffin made it three wins in a row, winning 4-1 (Will Layton, Carl Henry, Osa Odeh, Julian Denton) after going behind at Upton, and in 4A well done to Silver Fox Reserves who got their first points onto the board when they defeated DEF FC 3-2, Robert Olah and Tom Back scoring for DEF FC.
