Norreys were back in league action this Sunday away to The Lion and looking to build on their recent good performances, with the only real change coming in midfield with Wilkesy replacing the absent Tam.
Norreys got off to the best possible start when from the kick-off, Ali received the ball and ran through The Lion defence to neatly slot past the keeper after only 11 seconds on the clock and taking over the crown from Tyrone for the faster Norreys goal.
This immediately gave Norreys control of the game and were enjoying all of the early possession and pressure.
Then against the run of play, some in-decision at the back for Norreys allowed The Lion to equalise on 7 minutes. The Lion got more into the game following their equaliser although resorting to the long ball approach.
Whilst The Lion were enjoying more of the possession, they were struggling to find a way past the Norreys defence.
Norreys were still looking dangerous on the break, and on 11 minutes were awarded for their efforts after a corner from the right hand side was well met by Ali, who was unlucky to hit the cross bar however the ball fell kindly for Wilkesy to put away from close range for a 1-2 Norreys lead.
The Lion were struggling to get hold of the game and the ball in midfield and were resorting to the ball over the top where they were having some joy at winning the first ball however could not find a way past the Norreys defence or keeper.
The first half continued with Norreys looking to extend their lead with efforts from Ali, Andy, Joao and Karl all not quite able to find the target. The Lion were holding the ball up well up front, but again could not find a way to goal and the first half finished 1-2.
The second half saw The Lion trying harder to find an equaliser but Norreys were defending well as a team and were closing the space down well. The first 20 minutes of the second half was pretty even, with neither side able to find a way to goal.
After 72 minutes Norreys were forced into a change with Matt coming off with a hamstring tweak, with Wilkesy dropping to centre back and Stoney going into the middle. Following some good pressure from The Lion, they had a penalty appeal turned down after the ball bounced off a boot onto an arm following a Lion corner. To rub it in, following the clearance from the box Ali was played through by Stoney who outpaced The Lion defence rounded the keeper then after the third or fourth attempt managed to bundle the ball over the line despite some last ditch defending by The Lion for a 1-3 Norreys lead.
Norreys were now well on top and nearly extended their lead when after a goal mouth scramble Andy was unable to keep his effort from going over the bar.
There was even time for the manager to get on for the last 6 minutes replacing Niko at left back.
Managers man of the match was Wilkesy.
