Norwich Home Won 1 – 0
After an undefeated road trip of four games and three wins, Saints next faced Norwich, another in-form side. Suggestions that Scienza and Stewart might face the Canaries always seemed fanciful and Tonda made only one change: Edozie started instead of Bragg. The first half was an intriguing tactical battle that saw Saints content to have their share of possession mostly in their own half and play on the break – as a result shading the half, as well as getting the ball in the net. In fact they managed that feat twice, the first coming after Kovačević parried Bree’s shot and eventually Edozie got it over the line, only to find Azaz flagged for offside; as Azaz hadn’t touched the ball, that must have been for being in the keeper’s eyeline – but it didn’t stop him making the save! Azaz was happy enough soon after, and although the visitors will be disappointed with their defending, credit goes to Larin for touching on a throw and Azaz for a smart finish. Norwich made a tactical change at the break and Saints were sluggish at the restart, although Azaz and Downes created a chance that, between them, either Edozie or Larin should have taken. It seemed from this that the second half would follow the pattern of the first, especially as Edozie and Matsuki were now up against defenders on cautions. Instead Norwich began to dominate and stupid bookings for Downes and Harwood-Bellis didn’t help – Downes was replaced on 65 minutes, maybe as a result. Eventually both our wide men were withdrawn as Saints sought to prioritise protection over ambition, and by restricting our opponents to long shots, they could be said to have done well. Trouble was that Norwich showed good technique with their shots so Peretz had to be on form, and when he did only parry Ahmed’s shot, he was up quickly to block the follow-up. The most nervy moments came in added time, notably when Stephens attempted to intercept a cross only to send the ball up into the air and down onto the crossbar – I guess you could call it a successful interception. Then, in added time of added time (caused by Peretz managing to manufacture an injury), the keeper had to make one more fine save to keep out McConville’s header.
Three LSSC Man of the Match candidates to choose from:
6. Taylor Harwood-Bellis, again looking the best of our well-worked defenders,
10. Finn Azaz, behind much of the good stuff going forward, and a goal as well.
41. Daniel Peretz. Notable that our players went to him first at the end of the game.
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