PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND TWO
HMH WILDCATS 1 NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C 2
A brilliant brace from Josh Bloom ended the hopes of an impressive young HMH Wildcats side as second division NLR B edged into round three.
Looking to return to winning ways, Norstar knew they needed a strong start as HMH took time to adjust to the opposition, having never played outside of their age leagues in the Watford Friendly.
L'Orange nearly took the lead within a minute when they pounced on a defensive error, but Jarred Rudman couldn't find the back of the net.
Norstar dominated the first half, exploiting nervousness in the HMH defence, playing their stylish football that served them so well last season. They took the lead after about 30 minutes when an indirect free-kick eight yards out was rolled to Bloom who beat the HMH team all crowded on the line.
Norstar ensured their first half dominance really paid off when Bloom, picked the bouncing ball up 25 yards out and his excellent volley beat the HMH keeper low to the keeper's left hand side, a fantastic finish from the in-form striker.
Norstar felt they should have put the game to bed in the second half but they couldn't repeat the football they had played as the game entered the second half. It was a very different match after the break however, with HMH getting more and more possession.
HMH came at the Oranges but were prevented from really testing Grant Waissel in the Norstar goal by the excellent defensive display Norstar showed.
HMH did grab a goal with 15 minutes remaining following a great header by Anthony Meir, to set up a grandstand finish.
HMH were unable to break down a solid NLR defence and their hopes of taking the tie to extra-time hit came in vain.
The next round of the cup awaits the Oranges and they're back to winning ways, which will hopefully springboard them forward to more success in weeks to come.
HMH boss Nir Wegrzyn told JC Sport: "It was a hard-fought match, played in a very good atmosphere."
