Sprowston Under 12's v Gorleston Rangers

Saturday 3rd March 2012

Norfolk Girls League Under 12’s

Sprowston 4v0 Gorleston Rangers

On murky morning, Sprowston were looking to continue their march towards a second consecutive title. They had been in good form with a series of comfortable victories, Gorleston Rangers were the latest to try their luck. However, for the second year running, they visited Sprowston with injury problems. At one stage they only had 6 girls but a 7th arrived.

The game started at a cracking pace. the home side looked very confident and sprayed the ball about. Rangers defended stoutly, they were no push overs. The visiting keeper was in top form, with a series of fine saves. But it wasn’t all one way traffic, as Rangers looked to push forward at every opportunity. They nearly took a shock lead, as a break resulted in a blistering shot, that was well held by the home keeper.

Halfway through the first half the deadlock was finally broken. A spell of Sprowston pressure ended up with home side taking the lead. Moments later saw the goal of the season at Sprowston. A quick fire series of short passes, stretched the away defence and a cool finish made it 2-0. Rangers hadn’t done much wrong to this point, but an error at the back made it 3 goals in a 5 minute spell.

There were no more goals up to the break, but there was another set back for Gorleston. Injury meant they had to restart with just 6 players, a repeat of last year. Inspired by their keeper, Rangers kept the home side at bay. The visitors made the odd break but found the home defence in a mean mood.

Rangers were back to 7 players and another fine cross saw Sprowston make it 4-0. The game started to die now and there were few chances at either end.

4-0 was probably a fair score, in a competitive but sporting encounter. Rangers had battled hard against an in form home team. Player of the match has to be the Rangers keeper.