Since attending a thoroughly entertaining Norfolk Junior Cup Quarter-Final tie at the River Lane Playing Fields in King's Lynn a month ago, there was only one place that the thoroughbred hoppers from racing HQ were going to be today. After watching Reffley Royals completely demolish Mundford in the last round of the competition we wonderered if the next match against their rivals Lynn North End would be just as absorbing. We certainly hoped so. With the chance to play the winners of either UEA or Harleston Town (both Anglian Combination League sides) at Carrow Road, Norwich in the final of a county cup competition, it doesn't get much bigger than this. Or does it? 

With only a mile separating both clubs, located close to the dockland area on the outskirts of the town, there's the small matter of bragging rights in these here parts. The rivalry is intense believe me. Ask anyone around here. Both clubs, members of the North West Norfolk League currently sit in first and third place in the table (with Gayton United in between). To date both clubs have lost only one game apiece, with North End five points adrift but with a game in hand. They have met once already this season with the Royals gaining the upper hand winning a close derby game by 3-1 here on the opening day of the season. Yes it's that big!

On a beautiful sunny afternoon a large crowd (c.150) as expected, had gathered at pitchside by kick-off. There was definitely no love lost as each set of supporters huddled together on opposite touchlines. They had set out clear battle lines. The hosts, dressed in their Norwich City look-a-like kit, looked much stronger in the opening fifteen minutes and appeared to dominate, pressing the visitors back into their own half for long periods of play. But the Royals hit back on the counter to open the scoring. It was James Joyce who crossed from the left leaving the unmarked Timmy Childs (17) to head the ball down past keeper Ben Griffen and into the net from close range. It was a blow for North End who before this had looked more like scoring themselves. It was no fluke though. Within ten minutes Reffley had doubled their lead when Childs (24) headed home again converting Matty Anderson's beautifully flighted lob into the area. Reffley sent their own fans into raptures when Childs (34) incredibly netted a third with an easy tap in from five yards after good work down the right by Ty Wilson. Rocked by what they had seen, half-time just couldn't come quick enough for the ashen-faced home fans.

It goes without saying that North End manager Alan Cook was not a happy man. Not holding back, the gaffer, built more for power than speed, certainly let rip as his players felt his undoubted wrath! It seemed to work though and within moments the hosts were back in the game. Driving forward into the box tricky front runner Lee Toll was abruptly scythed down from behind by Stuart Gallon. Alert referee Glen Sandell, having no hestitation, awarded a penalty which was duly dispatched by Kevin Leggett (48). The next goal would now be crucial. Within minutes it was Royals who pressed forward and scored against the run of play once again. You've guessed right, it was that man Childs (54) who did the damage, skilfully turning full circle to place the ball beyond stranded keeper Griffin. It was his fourth goal!!

The homesters seemed to press the self-destruct button and were quickly reduced to ten men. Ricky Toll (brother of Lee) saw red (72) after a first yellow card was upgraded through continued dissent. He was still ranting on the side ten minutes after receiving his marching orders! To rub salt in the wounds Childs (77) sublimly added his fifth from the spot after Steve Johnson had ealier been pulled down in the area by Micky Thompson. Within the final ten minutes North End scored their second when a cross-cum-shot from sub Simon Clarke (81) saw the ball somehow loop over the Reds' defence and drop into the far side of the net. The goal was met by an eerily mute response from the home fans who by now had knowingly resigned themselves to defeat. Ady Day's goal in the dying minutes of stoppage time finally confirmed Royals' place in the final to be played next month. Most of the spectators present agreed that the Reds' performance had been an accomplished one and that they thoroughly deserved their place in the final next month(1). Despite the lack of a programme and any type of refreshments, it hadn't diminished our enjoyment in any way. Indeed the standard of football had been excellent, making for a cracking hop! Incidentally I don't think I can ever remember one player ever scoring five goals in a game, can you? Answers on a postcard to the FGIF office please! 

Lynn North End Football Club play their home games at the Kingsway Sport and Recreation Ground, off Edward Benefer Way (A1078). It can easily be reached from the town centre by following the ring road which by-passes the North Lynn Industrial Estate on your left and then taking the slip road opposite the King's Lynn Fire Station. A word of advice to drivers who should take care as both the main driveway and car park have a very rough, unmade and potholed surface. The small uninviting single-storey flat roofed changing pavilion is found beyond a modern enclosed basketball cage/court and is set back at an angle. There are two pitches on the large council owned playing field. North End FC use the one furthest from the changing room block and this involves a bit of a long trek for players and supporters in order to reach it.

The main pitch is bordered by some trees and the main road at one end and some local housing and gardens at the other. The outer wall from one of the larger neighbouring industrial units runs beyond and parallel with the entire length of the far side and makes for a most unusual backdrop. A high metal security fence is found at the top of a small elevated grass embankment and concrete path which borders this side of the pitch. From here visitors can appreciate the close proximity of the local docks set alongside the River Ouse. Large cranes, lifting gear, floodlights and a massive grain silo dominate the sky-line. As you would expect there is no cover or dug outs for players or spectators. Today both sides of the pitch were roped off using blue twine supported at regular intervals through a series of thin metal stakes.

Travellers wishing to take in a game at Lynn North End Football Club may have difficulty in finding any contact information about the club unless they of course have a current North West Norfolk Football League handbook. Although the Full-Time website covers the NWNL by providing an up to date list of fixtures, results and a league table I couldn't find a directory of clubs and eventually decided to contact the Norfolk FA for some more help, guidance and inspiration (see link below). 

A reply to my E-mail giving the necessary contact phone numbers arrived the following day - what great service. Thanks to Stephen Hemp at the NFA for dealing so promptly with my query. He referred me to club secretary and first team manager Alan Cook who confirmed match details and offered some useful travel directions over the phone earlier in the day. Although it had not been possible, Alan also pointed out that everyone at North End wanted to start the game at midday so that players and fans could make their way down to the Walks Stadium afterwards and support King's Lynn Town on their march to the arch. Oh didn't I mention it? Apparently KLT were playing St Neots Town in an important FA Vase 5th round tie just up the road. Must have slipped my mind! Ah the unbridled joy county cup competitions can bring. You want to try it some time. You'll love it. Carrow Road, anyone?           

FGIF Match Stats

Scorers: (H) K Leggett (48pen); S Clarke (81);  and (A) T Childs (9; 24; 34; 54; 77pen); A Day (90+1)

Attendance: 146; Admission and Programme: None; Match rating: 5/5; Ground rating: 3/5.

Note

(1) The UEA FC (Anglian Combination League Div 4) will now meet Reffley Royals in the Norfolk FA Junior Cup Final after winning 3-1 at Harleston Town in the other Semi-Final this afternoon.

Norfolk FA website: http://www.norfolkfa.com/splash.aspx