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NCBC favourites after NCFL title decider ends in draw 

A potential league title decider between the top two teams in the Norfolk Christian Football League men’s division ended in an exciting 2-2 draw on Saturday at Recreation Road in Norwich, leaving Norwich Central Baptist Church as favourites to retain their title. Keith Morris reports

NCBC were taking on fierce rivals and second-placed UEA Rovers with only three points separating them, but UEA have two games left to NCBC’s one.

UEA took the lead on the half hour through an individual goal by Tom Buttery waltzing through the NCBC defence, followed a few minutes later by George Stringer repeating the feat and putting three NCBC players on their backsides into the bargain, before doubling the lead.

NCBC did not take this lying down and throughout a competitive second half put almost constant pressure on the UEA goal.

On 65 minutes, Nat Bash scored with a low drive after a long throw-in and it was game-on with NCBC just requiring the draw to remain in pole position for the title as they have a much superior goal difference.

With just five minutes to go, Eddie Ward hit a half-volley from just inside the box to beat the UEA keeper and spark celebrations amongst his team mates.

NCBC pressed for a winner with Eddie skying a chance over the bar.

UEA’s Jack Anderton was sent off for foul and abusive language towards the assistant referee with just a minute or two to go.

The teams meet again in the Bishop’s Cup final at Bowthorpe’s Field of Dreams on May 13 with NCBC able to wrap up another league title next Saturday, April 29, with their final league game against Heigham Park Rangers at the City of Norwich School, 10.30am kick-off.
 
For a full picture gallery of the game click here or see below.
 
 
NCBCvUEA in NCFL April17
 


Published: 24/04/2017


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