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Invincible Rovers add Bishop's Cup to league title

2013: The invincible UEA Rovers team powered their way to a Norfolk Christian Football League and Bishop’s Cup double at Dereham Town’s Aldiss Park on Saturday May 11 to end the season unbeaten and without so much as dropping a single point. Keith Morris reports.

 
ShieldAction450The NCFL cup finals day began early with the Wroxham Road Shield final between league runners-up Norwich Central Baptist Church and last year’s Bishop’s Cup winners Surrey Chapel, watched by a crowd of around 70.
 
After a competitive opening, NCBC broke the deadlock with a well-constructed goal finished from close in by Ian Garrod in the 22nd minute.
 
NCBC strengthened their grip on the game with a second after 30 minutes from player-manager Chris Morgan to secure a 2-0 half-time lead.
 
NCBC kept a strong grip on the game and added a third on 55 minutes, thanks to league top scorer Danny Jervis, who notched his 28th goal of the season, assisted by a fortunate deflection off a defender.
 
By now in command of the game, NCBC refused to let Surrey back into it. A crisp shot from the edge of the box by Morgan sealed a comprehensive 4-0 win.
 
The trophies were presented by Norwich City FC chaplain Bert Cadmore and league vice-chairman Jim Green.
 

 
CupAction450The Bishop Maurice Woods Cup final itself was contested by close rivals UEA Wanderers and the all-conquering league champions UEA Rovers.

 
Wanderers were obviously going to have to produce the display of the season to beat Rovers and the game got off to a cagey start with few chances.
 
Some 20 minutes in, a Rovers cross came into the Wanderers box and defender Daniel Williams diverted the ball past his own keeper. Wanderers saw plenty of the ball but had to wait until just before half-time to get their first shot in.
 
CupRovers450On the stroke of half-time Rovers’ luck continued as they extended their lead with a Luke Graham goal that had a hint of offside about it.
 
Wanderers came out fighting in the second half but Rovers top scorer Michael Friar latched onto a pass to slot the ball into the net on 50 minutes. On the hour mark, Rovers marched into a 4-0 lead with a superb left-foot curler from outside the box by Jamie Forward.
 
Rovers were now really enjoying themselves and Graham scored his second and Rovers’ fifth on 65 minutes with a cracking 30-yarder.
 
Friar made it 6-0 on 70 minutes with a second trademark close-in finish to complete the scoring.
 
The cup final and league winners trophies were presented by Norwich City FC chaplain Bert Cadmore and league vice-chairman Jim Green to an enthusiastic Rovers team.
 

Pictures by Robert Varley.

 

Published: 13/05/2013


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