NE14 Hockey East Men's LeaguePremier BNorwich City 2 Colchester 1COLCHESTER travelled to Norfolk in the hope of getting their season back on track and picking up a win against fellow strugglers Norwich City.

NE14 Hockey East Men's League

Premier B

Norwich City 2 Colchester 1

COLCHESTER travelled to Norfolk in the hope of getting their season back on track and picking up a win against fellow strugglers Norwich City. Colchester's pre-match preparations were hampered when Richard Bran had to find a local sport shop to buy some trainers having left his size thirteen's at home.

Colchester started slowly and within a minute Norwich had their first penalty corner of the match, which was saved by Grant Hibbert. Colchester were looking to improve their play from last week and did that well. Colchester had some good possession in the first half and did well to convert their pressure into chances.

Duncan Scott and Joe Rich both went close with shots. However Colchester's best chances came from penalty corners. However Matt Brown found the Norwich Goalkeeper in fine form and couldn't find a way past him.

Late in the first half Norwich City took the lead, converting from a penalty corner themselves.

The second half had a similar feel to it with Colchester having much of the play but again just failing at the final hurdle. Norwich actually extended their advantage with another penalty corner strike. At this point Norwich were having more of the play and Colchester were indebted to Hibbert to keep the score line to 2-0 as he made a couple of very good saves when left in one on one situations.

With the game drawing on Colchester upped their efforts and a good move down the left almost came to fruition. Rob Mann did well to collect a pass down the left before centring a pass which just evaded debutant James Logan in the 'D'. Colchester were continuing to create chances with Matt Brown going close from a couple of Penalty Corners and the Norwich Keeper made a good double save from Tom Philp and Rohan Khaira.

Colchester did get back into the game when Khaira was crudely challenged in the 'D'. The umpire deemed the foul serious enough to sin bin the player and award a Penalty Stroke. Matt Brown stepped up to take the flick and made no mistake from the spot.

Colchester continued to press hard trying to get the goal that would tie the game however the efforts continued to be thwarted. On the stroke of full time Colchester had on final chance to level the game as they we awarded a penalty corner. Matt Brown took the corner and fired the ball towards the bottom corner, however having beaten the keeper the ball was cleared of the line to give Norwich the victory.

Colchester will be hoping for another good performance next week and a littler bit of luck when they host fourth-placed Cambs Nomads at the Garrison. Hills Residential Man of the Match was James Logan for his good work on the right wing.