"Scole lose unbeaten record in top of the table clash......"

By Alan Boulter

Scole United fc 0 v 1 Caister fc (game kindly sponsored by JDMA)

Following his slot on BBC Radio Norfolk on Friday evening, Scole manager Jon Abbott had to prepare his side for a top of the table clash against pre-season favourites and joint leaders Caister. Although not fearing their opponents Scole knew that this would be their toughest test of the season so far with several of Caister's starting 11 having been recruited from various Thurlow Nunn sides over the summer and dropping down 2 levels to play for the 'Lifeboat Men'.
Scole suffered a pre-match blow when veteran centre half Adam Solley called off late on Friday joining pacy attacker James Harrison on the unavailable list. Lawrence Brown & Brad Hunt returned to the squad after a couple of weeks away.
The opening half was a very close and cagey affair with both sides showing each other lots of respect and getting into good positions but never really testing either keeper. The interval came and went and the second period carried on in the same vein. Ash Baxter had a decent chance following a super run from Joe Hooton and Connor Kerry came close after a Callum Bray cross. As the game went on though Caister's experience & game management began to show and they started to pepper the Scole defence with crosses from the flanks. With the lively front 2 looking dangerous the inevitable goal came from former Gorleston striker Ashley King who showed good quality to finish off a cross from their dangerous looking left back to give the visitors the lead. Scole tried hard to get back on level terms and troubled Caister at times but the East Coast side held on for the win and their reaction at Full Time showed that they felt it was a very very important 3 points.
Scole can be proud of their performance and it speaks volumes about how far they have come to have matched their illustrious counterparts for the majority of the game.
Man of the Match: Ben Norton-Hugman was rock steady and worked tirelessly in midfield. (picked by match sponsor [b]JDMA[b])

Next game is a 1st round Norfolk Senior Cup match at home to Bradenham Wanderers. 14:00 ko @ Ransome Ave.