Playing away from home in the EFL is a difficult task, irrespective of ladder positions. When its in the depths of winter, cold, conditions are slippery and the drizzle is constant, it often ends up being too tough for the away side, and the home side, empowered by the knowledge that they are at home and must win, often do just that. So it appeared to be this day at Sth Croydon, as our boys struggled their way through the first half. Sth Croydon were more direct, handballed less, kicked to position more, and made space in their forward line far more easily than our boys did. We had shots at goal, but not many easy ones, as Sth Croydon piled on 5.2 to our 5 points late in the first quarter. A lovely running goal from Clayts was followed by a spectacular 'Ronaldo-like' back-heel in the goal square from Skayve, and we went to the first change with some hope, trailling 5.2 - 2.5
The 2nd quarter was tougher and harder than the first, as the players settled into one of those days where pretty football doesn't cut it and the only recourse is to win a contest, bang it forward, and win another - in the hope that a goal might eventuate. Using this method 3 goals came to Sth Croydon, their goliath full-forward Zomer looking a constant threat and posting two, while we added just a solitary goal. At half-time you could be forgiven for writing the epitaphs for Norwood's day, as Sth Croydon led by 28 pts, 8.5 - 3.7.
The 3rd quarter saw a complete contrast come over the game. Whatever Coach Kevin Tibaldi said, it was working, as our ball use improved, we found space, time and clean possession, where previously we had been fumbling and missing targets constantly. Scott Day led out for his 2nd goal, Skayve and Clayts also added goals and the gap closed. Our significant faithful supporter based was getting louder and louder, and when our 5th goal for the quarter came we had reduced the margin at 3/4 time to just 9 pts: 10.6 - 8.9.
The last quarter saw us continue to press. Scoring goals was difficult, both sides were showing extreme desperation, but at the 12 minute mark when Skayve slotted our 2nd for the quarter we had hit the front and looked winners. The problem now was this: Was there TOO much time left?? For the next 12 minutes no goals were registered and we clung to a narrow lead. The time clock ticked towards the last minute and we needed only to keep it away from their goals to win. Alas, enter the giant - Zomer, who marked strongly and converted from 35 to give Sth Croydon back the lead - devastation for the Norwood faithful - were we to be denied the most meritorious of wins? We surged forward and had a snap, but it went out on the full. The cause looked hopeless. Sth Croydon, stuck deep in the back pocket from the resultant free, tried to find a player further afield, but the ball was forced loose 45 from goal where Kris Nye, the most silky of Norwoods finishers, swooped on it and and ran clear inside 40. His balanced left foot shot never looked like missing as the Wooders faithful erupted in joy. News swept the ground that just 5 seconds were left on the clock. The ball was bounced in the centre but there was no time for any more as the siren blared - we had triumphed in the most dramatic fashion.
Despair for Sth Croydon was matched by our own euphoria. We had truly stolen this one. Clayts, Nye, Monky and Stuey Hill were all superb for us, while across the ground our lift in intensity and desperation in the second half was the difference between winning and losing, but it could so easily have finished differently...
The win sees us keep 2nd spot on the ladder, with a winnable home game at "The Fortress" against Blackburn this week. The 2nds also won in dramatic fashion, a late goal from Jake Buckingham sealing the win, while the colts recorded yet another strong win as Norwood celebrated the most valuable of victories - the "AWAY Trifecta".
Go Wooders.
Last Modified on 13/09/2012 11:05