Norwich Union FC

CUP FINAL REPORT
by Jon Pace

HSSFL Division Three Cup Final
Norwich Union V CIU
Tuesday 29th April 2003 - 7pm ko
Stevenage Borough FC, Broadhall Way

Norwich Union unfortunately did not live up to there title as pre-match favourites in this hard fought encounter where the odd goal always seemed as if it would be good enough to win.

Right from kick-off CIU set their stall out, as they had done in the two previous encounters against Norwich Union this season by looking for there tall Centre-forward at the earliest opportunity. The NUFC defence seemed to be put under pressure by this tactic, with Rob Doyle and Scott Hunter not showing there usual understanding in the heart of the defence which had conceded less than a goal per game in the league program.

Norwich Union however did show that they were as committed as the opposition when Graeme Duff made a strong challenge that went unpunished, and showed how lenient the officials were to be all night. Stewart Duff was also involved in a heavy challenge that was to later end his game.

With less than ten minutes on the clock, the long ball tactic had appeared to work when Colin Field managed to lose his man and was clean through but somehow inexplicably managed to get the ball caught between his feet and was the ball was cleared by the recovering defence.

The game was to go back and forwards for the next half an hour with Norwich Union probably just edging the possession, but despite several corners and long throws, from which NUFC have managed to convert on several occasions this season, they failed to break down a resolute CIU defence, who throughout the league campaign had one of the worst defensive records.

Then with both sides looking to go in level at half-time CIU had a break-away down the far side of the pitch, which culminated with a great finish by Steve Timpson.

This seemed to spur the league champions into action and in a role reversal from all season Dave Banks assisted Tim Smith who put the ball into the net and bring them back onto level terms almost instantaneously.

Half Time
Norwich Union 1 - 1 CIU
(Smith) - (Timpson)

Norwich Unions' half time team-talk was to make sure everybody won there individual battles and tried to make use the large surface that was being played upon to the maximum, unfortunately this team talk was soon to be forgotten as CIU made most of the second half running.

After 50 minutes Norwich Unions manager was the first to show his hand by substituting Lee Parker and bringing on utility player Tim Russell, who then went on to perform well.

Norwich Unions chances were few and far between in the second half and Dave Banks was given little opportunity to add to his 30-goal tally for the season. The usually creative midfield duo of the soon to be retiring Martin Steer and Stewart Duff being shut down quickly and not allowed to play the way they would have liked. Fitness also played a big part in the second half with players from both sides suffering from cramp.

With the rain now driving down, CIU also continued to apply the pressure but goalkeeper Jon Pace made a stop, blocking with his legs after a drilled effort. Colin Field also spurned a great opportunity with a free header in the six yard box after some poor Norwich Union defending but an outstretched Pace arm managed to see the ball to safety.

CIU then won a free kick after a clumsy Gary Wilson challenge on the edge of the Norwich Union box, Ex-Stevenage Borough player Doug Pirie had a chance to add another to his Broadhall Way tally but chose to try a quick effort, which flew conformably over the bar. He had already scored one from exactly the same position earlier in the season in a meeting between the two sides.

Both sides then made substitutions as fitness began to tell, with Stewart Duff being replaced by Richard Bell, and Player-Manager Tony Ecuyer replacing the injured Rob Doyle. CIU also took off the impressive Doug Pirie, who had lead had marshaled the defence well and had not let Messrs. Banks and Smith have a chance in the second half.

Scott Hunter continued to break down the CIU goal threat with at least two top-drawer sliding tackles.

Disaster then struck for the champions with only 7 minutes left on the clock. With Pace only being able to parry a cross come shot, the Norwich Union defence then made a poor clearance with the ball rebounding to the unmarked Charlie Anderson who side footed it from just in side the penalty area to give CIU a deserved victory. His goal celebration was somewhat unfortunate for the 150 or so supporters from both sides who had to endure the sight of his white, untoned body after his shirt had been removed.

Norwich Union then tried desperately to take the game into extra-time by pushing forward, late long-range efforts came to no avail. Richard Bell then was booked for a late challenge. CIUs’ Colin Field also followed him into the book for unsportingly throwing the ball away after being warned by the referee, who had earlier tried to let the game flow.

Overall CIU deserved to beat the under performing league champions, who were unable to take the league and cup double.

Full Time
Norwich Union 1(1) - (1) 2 CIU
(Smith) - (Timpson) (Anderson)

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