Lowestoft & District Div 1- 18/04/10Pot Black F.C- 1
Norton Athletic- 4
Match Overview- Despite a two match revival which saw the outcome of the league decided by the team in Orange, it was ironic that P.B now faced the side they'd done so much to help, as newly crowned champions Norton visited Costa Del Lowestoft for a match that would prove little more than a formality.
Pot Black's ranks were visibly depleted as they started with a bare 11 and some unfamiliar faces in their ranks. Mark Lansdale (pictured above) started at centre half after some solid appearances off the bench in recent weeks, Neil Banks and Keith Doddington right midfield and striker made their first appearances in Orange since October last year, with fitness showing as Banks received oxygen at the interval.
As in previous weeks the home side started strongly as they dominated possession with Simon Durrant and a still hobbling Max Wall from the H.O.O clash were tormentors in chief as they continually burst from midfield but failed to find the finishing touch.
Like the three kings following the north star this season P.B continue to offer bloody gifts, as Norton's only two chances of an Orange first 45 minutes were handed on a late as firstly as a simple corner found a Norton player totally unmarked at the back post to nod home, and secondly a bumbled pair of one twos between Messrs Laws and D Boyd, saw Lawsey miss cue his clearance to the Norton striker who comfortably beat Keeper Kev Sherwood.
At half time Pot Black were rightly annoyed that at half time a mixed Orange XI were some how losing to a side who did not look worthy of a league title, but in the second half despite their frailties in defence looked a more threatening beast in the second half as Green and T. Hudson (in particular) showed their class as quick goal finished the match as a contest as Pot Black only real goal left is to limp past the finish line in order to rebuild in the summer.
Norton made it four before Pot Black could send their late arrival into the action Adam Bird who did his usual against one of his favourite two opponents as he got his name on the score sheet when a massive Kev Sherwood saw Bird flick his header direct into the net.
The final result was in truth a fair one but had Norton had our chances in the first 45, they would of been out of site by the break, so the positive is we are, creating opportunities and with a more readily available squad, increased focus and drive next season we have not got much ground to gain.
Goals- Adam Bird
G.H.Windows M.O.M- Mark Lansdale, despite an excellent first half from his brother-in-law Simon Durrant running him close, Lansy was confident and foot sure throughout as he failed to lose a header all match, and his general reading of the game a credit to his ability.
