Norwich City 2 v London Hibs 4

A thoroughly encouraging start to the season as we outplayed one of our main challengers more comprehensively than the score line would suggest.  From the outset we moved the ball quickly and precisely helping to overcome a sweltering afternoon.  With the defence looking solid, the midfield all movement and intricate passes and the forwards a constant menace chances were being created almost at will. 

Adam flashed a volley from 20 yards a foot the wrong side of the post and Neil & Lee worked good opportunities from the flanks.  When the breakthrough came on 20 minutes though it was the result of a set piece.  Adam swung over a free kick from from the left which Bryn nodded home after it eluded their keeper.  Our domination was such that John hadn't had to make a save however Norwich equalised 10 minutes later with their first serious attack.  Their pacey right winger got to the byline and pulled it back where it was side footed home by an unmarked player.  Our only sloppy piece of defending cost us but we were soon back into our stride.

We took the lead again with a very well worked goal.  John, distributing the ball well throughout, threw to James at full back.  James then carried the ball forward 20 yards before picking Bryn's run out with a peach of a pass. The finish was equally exquisite, Bryn rifling the ball across the 'keeper and into the top corner from 20 yards.  2-1 soon became 3-1 and a personal triumph for Bryn as he nodded home a corner for his hat-trick. Three goals should have been four by half time as Adam sent Bryn clear again but a good save denied him this time.  Half time came with the Hibees rampant and Norwich desperate.

The second half saw the heat take it's toll with the pace slowing noticeably.  However we were still creating good chances and the defence, superbly marshaled by Jim (doubly impressive after a severe lack of sleep), never looked like conceding.  Simon had replaced Dave at half time and immediately impressed with some surging runs down the left.  Leon defended impeccably, never diving in, and always willing to bring the ball into midfield ensuring possession wasn't lost cheaply.  James had a superb match, strong in the challenge and always assured on the ball.  Leigh provided the engine in the midfield, winning most challenges and playing the simple passes.  Lee, Neil & Adam added subtlety and improvisation which was made easier through the non stop movement of Gerry V and Bryn who complimented each other well.

John sloped off to present the beauty awards and so Bryn went in goals and John Stevenson came on at the back.  The fourth goal arrived courtesy of a solo effort from Adam and numerous chances were squandered to make this 5. Norwich pulled one back with the last header of the match and if there was one criticism of our play it was that our finishing didn't do justice to some fantastic build up play and that 5-1 and not 4-2 would have been a fairer reflection of the match.

All in all some very encouraging signs with Leigh, Bryn & Simon making very impressive debuts.  However it is only one result and harder games await us.

Team: John Leslie (sub: John Stevenson), James Allen, David Lawlor (sub:
Simon Hibbitt), Jim McPherson, Leon Ashford, Lee Steer, Adam Pomaro, Leigh
Everett, Neil Henty, Bryn Thomas, Gerry Vavasour.

Goals: Bryn (3), Adam

MOM: Bryn

Cheers

Adam