LOYAL STEVE GETS HIS REWARD Steve and son Callum recieve his long service award from Norfolk FA Chairman Ian Bishop at Carrow Rd
PINK UN SUNDAY LEAGUE CUP FINAL
LATE DRAMA AS GROVE LIFT TROPHY
A crowd of well over 350 saw a dramatic Sunday League Cup Final at Wroxham this morning. The Grove and Acle Rangers were both appearing in the final for the first time and both gave a good account of themselves. In a tight first half, The Grove probably just had the edge and only good goalkeeping from Scott Foreman in the Acle goal prevented Farin Deeba and Sam Mallett from hitting the net. The second half saw a much improved Acle and a superb free kick by Daniel Foreman almost gave his side the lead. Two minutes later Julian Bussell produced an overhead kick that brought a great save from Grove keeper Blaine Lowthorpe whilst at the other end Foreman pushed a Deeba effort around the post. With extra time looking likely, Acle took the lead with only eight minutes left, after a goalmouth scramble saw Andy Hayton's effort eventually cross the line. The Grove then made a double substitution, and it was a decision that changed the course of the match. With a minute left on the clock one of those substitutes, Marco Feavyer was fouled in the Acle area. Referee Phil Edwards, who had an excellent game, had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. With the pressure on him, Sam Mallett remained calm to score and take the game into extra time. The Grove began the first period with renewed enthusiasm and took the lead just before the break when a knock down on the edge of the area fell to substitute Tom Amis who rifled the ball home, much to the delight of their large following. The start of the second period saw Mallett and Acle's Sam Barham sent off after an incident near the corner flag and despite surviving a late penalty appeal, The Grove for whom Luke Jones was outstanding, held on to lift the trophy.
The Grove celebrate their League Cup success
2010/2011 PLAYER REGISTRATION FORMS NOW AVAILABLE Player registration forms are now available for next season. For more details please call Registration Secretary Will Jeffery on 01603 618869 for more details. IMPORTANT NEWS !!!! AS EVERYBODY WILL BE AWARE, THE 2009/10 SEASON WAS SEVERLEY HIT BY THE BAD WINTER WEATHER. THIS, COUPLED WITH THE TIME LOST DUE TO THE HARD PITCHES IN OCTOBER, MEANS THAT SOME OF THE DIVISIONS ARE UNLIKELY TO FINISH THEIR FIXTURES. AT THE LAST MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING, IT WAS AGREED THAT THE 2009/10 LEAGUE SEASON WILL FINISH ON MAY 9TH. ANY DIVISION NOT COMPLETED BY THEN WILL BE DECIDED BY AVERAGE POINTS. THIS WILL GIVE US A CHAMPION AND RUNNER UP FOR EACH DIVISION, BUT THERE WILL BE NO RELEGATION THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE OF THE LEAGUE. FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF THE SEASON THE CONSTITUTION FOR THE 2010/11 SEASON WILL BE DRAWN UP AND PLACED BEFORE ALL CLUBS FOR RATIFICATION AT THE AGM IN THE USUAL WAY.
After reaching the latter stages of last season’s competition, The Grove was thrown out for unknowingly playing an ineligible player. Twelve months on, they have made amends by reaching the final of the Norwich Sunday League Pink Un league Cup Final where they take on Acle Rangers. Steve Greening took over the helm at the start of this season when the club was in real danger of folding, and through sheer had graft along with Tommy Green, has got the club buzzing again. The Club, who are looking for a new sponsor since The Grove pub closed, have played many games this season with just a squad of eleven, but Greening is happy with the team’s performance. “I’m really pleased we have finished in the top four and got to the final” he said “but it could have been even better if it was not for a touch of inconsistency”. “We are under no illusion that this will be a very tough task, but I think we have an even chance if we play to our full potential”
Acle Rangers who formed in 1973, joined the league in 1998 and are in the final for the first time. Manager Richard Westgate took over the side three years ago and loves the job. “I’m really looking forward to Sunday” he said “and I know The Grove are a decent side, they proved that when they beat us at their place, but we won at ours, I am quietly confident that we can lift the trophy. The majority of our squad also play for the club on a Saturday so they know each other fairly well and that should help”. The game kicks off at 10.30am at Wroxham’s Trafford Park, admission for adults is £3.
QUEBEC TAKE PREMIER DIVISION TITLE
A Dave Matthews goal deep into stoppage time ensured a point and the Premier League title for Quebec Rovers as they came from 3-1 down to earn a point at Poringland Wanderers. Goals by Josh Farrow, Matt Elwin and Chris Reynolds had put the home side in front, but Adam Brock and another from Matthews replied for the visitors. The league's decision that any division not completed will decided by average points, means the title will go to the Norwich based side. I saw the game that would decided the runners up spot between Wymondham Rangers and AFC Wanderers. AFC were hit by injuries, so veteran Jason Bush had to select himself to play, but alas, despite a spirited performance, he could not prevent his side from going down 3-1. Speller, Wells and Freemantle scored for Wymondham whilst Aaron Kay replied for the visitors. Costessey Sports have taken the Division 1B title, once again due to the average points system. They had a 2-1 victory over Prince of Denmark as nearest rivals Earlham Utd went down 2-0 at Sprowston Wanderers In 2A, Norman Wanderers "A" completed their season with a 3-1 victory at Deopham, whilst goals by Lee Rayner and Matthew Watson gave Plasterers Arms a 2-1 win against Acle Wanderers for whom Jason Barber scored. 3B champions Bayer FC finished the season in style when they demolished AFC Rompers 10-1. Wayne Nelson was amongst the scorers, grabbing his 42nd of the season and maintaining his record of scoring in every league game this season. Brilliant achievement, well done. The battle for the runners up spot saw Taverham Utd and Sporting Farmhouse meet in what was regarded as the "decider". Second spot went to United after an emphatic 5-0 win. In 4B, Constitution finished their first season in the league with a 4-2 victory over Spixworth Sunday Res and runners up Freethorpe completed a successful season with a 2-1 win at Salhouse Res
