EAST COAST WARRIORS U9 played in the semi-finals of the NENYL Cup in a game brimming with end-to-end action.

The first half saw both teams deliver strong, determined play but it was EC who found themselves with the majority of possession. The second half saw an early break for EC, who took the lead with a well-struck goal. With nothing to really split these two teams the pressure was on Hindolveston who answered with a cracking long-range shot that thundered into the netting. With the final whistle about to blow it was Hindolveston who earned the victory with another impressive goal. Both teams produced an evenly-matched nail-biting semi-final, a great show for the many spectators. Full-time score: 2-1, scorer Barrell.

NORTH WALSHAM ANGELS U14 girls visited Norwich City and were again hit by call-offs and had no substitutes. Emily had a great game in goal, pulling off a string of fine saves, whilst Angels’ mini-defence of Lucy, Sophie H and Jess F acquitted themselves well. Izzy, Charlotte and Robyn tried hard in midfield but could not break through the home defence. Sophie S was not fully fit but played the whole match in an unfamiliar striker’s role alongside Olivia. Norwich led 1-0 at half-time, and although Angels forced many corners they were unable to find the net. Norwich did most of the attacking in the second half but resolute defending kept them at bay until the final 10 minutes when a shot across goal went in off a post. The final score of 3-0 came when the home side scored with the last kick of the match.

NORTH WALSHAM U14 opened the scoring with a great strike from Jackson, and a few minutes later Cresswell made it two after Salhouse were unable to clear a corner. Salhouse pulled a good goal back, before Jackson headed a third for North Walsham. After the break, Jackson added another, before North Walsham’s Hall received a yellow card. Wright persevered and challenged the keeper, crossing for Cresswell to tap home. Copeman was red-carded late on. Salhouse converted the resulting penalty with the last action of the match. Final score: 5-2 to North Walsham.

CROMER U11 entertained Mundesley U11, winning 6-1. Cromer went 1-0 down to a determined Mundesley. Harry Catton equalised for Cromer and Aaron Bunting put them 2-1 up just before half-time. The second half saw Cromer take control with goals from Thomas Secker, Ben Grand and Mathew Catton. Mundesley had two penalty chances, one easily saved by Maciek Grabowski, another going wide. The final 10 minutes saw Cromer awarded a penalty, with Tom Hooker scoring Cromer’s sixth of the day. MoM: Mathew Catton.

EAST COAST WARRIORS U12 went to North Walsham, taking on Hindolveston in a NENYL U12 Cup semi-final, the only side to outclass Coast all season. For the first quarter play was very even, Hindolveston edging the balance of possession, but Coast defending strongly and putting in promising forays. Hindolveston forced hard work from Coast stopper Baker, who made brave and skilful saves throughout, and the starting back four of Smith, Reid, Wilkinson and Lee. Too many balls were put beyond the reach of Brown and Sadler. All changed when Buxton opened Hindolveston’s account with a lob over defence and keeper that rebounded in off a post. This rattled Coast and Hindolveston’s Smith capitalised a couple of minutes later, steering a superb cross into Coast’s net.

It was soon followed by a similar effort by Gill C. A very strong effort hammered home by Gill G left Coast trailing 4-0 at half-time. Undaunted, second half Coast came out battling, captain Lubbock leading the fray with good work in midfield backed up by Askew, Lozeau and Howell. Appearances by Richardson in attack and Paterson in central defence, replacing the injured Smith, also played their part. Despite spirited resistance, 10 minutes in Buxton increased the lead with a cracking volley that sliced clean through both teams past an unsighted Baker. Coast rarely looked like penetrating the quality Hindolveston defence, Shergold rubbing salt in grabbing a late brace to make it 7-0 to Hindolveston. Coast never let the heads drop and battled till the end. There is no shame in being well beaten by a better side and East Coast congratulated Hindolveston on their league championship, and wished them well for the final against Old Catton.