Norman conquest aids Harleston

Marlingford 0, Harleston Town 5

HARLESTON travelled to Marlingford for this tricky-looking midweek encounter, and produced an excellent display, inspired by the in-form David Norman who helped himself to four goals.

Harleston started the game quickly, immediately on the front foot and soon found themselves ahead with only a few minutes on the clock. Fionn Goodwin Wright fed David Norman, who despite a hint of offside, held off his marker well to power his way into the box and finish coolly into the bottom corner to give Town the perfect start.

There was no let-up for the hosts as from the kick off Harleston were on the attack again as Marlingford struggled to deal with constant Harleston pressure.

With barely 10 minutes played, Town doubled their lead. Marc Pearce connecting well with his head from a corner and his goal-bound header was cheekily turned in on the line past the keeper by Norman for his second.

Harleston now looked in the mood and continued to attack, Fionn Goodwin Wright spurned a good chance before Kieran Passey chipped over following a fine move.

Dan Burrett was causing the Marlingford defence all sorts of problems from the right side of midfield as Town knocked the ball about with confidence.

As the half wore on Marlingford began to get a foot hold in the game, however, they rarely threatened the Harleston goal despite lengthy spells of possession towards the end of the half, whereas Town looked like they could score every time they went forward. At the half-time interval the score remained 2-0 to the visitors

Marlingford began the second half on the attack as they looked to reduce the deficit. Their early pressure nearly paid off when they hit the bar from a free header with their best chance of the game.

This scare seemed to spark Harleston back into life as they began to attack and dominate the game once more. Dan Burrett and Goodwin Wright both going close and Kieran Passey trying his luck from distance.

On the hour mark Harleston got the killer third goal as Norman sealed his hat-trick with a special goal, as he picked the ball up with his back to goal before flicking the ball up, deceiving his marker, and hitting an unstoppable 25-yard volley into the far corner of the net.

With the points now looking safe, Harleston looked to attack with every opportunity. Ondrej Novak, who was beginning to find space down the left flank, won a free kick before delivering a great cross straight on to the head of Norman who duly converted his fourth of the game.

In the closing moments of the game Fionn Goodwin Wright completed the scoring when he kept his cool to fire in Town's fifth.

Man-of-the-match: David Norman, a great display from the big front man, helping himself to four goals.