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Norfolk Christian League title race is wide open

As the Norfolk Christian Football League adult division approaches the season’s half-way mark, the title race is wide open and the most exciting for a number of years.

A very strong St John’s side have a healthy lead at the top, but at least four other sides, all with games in hand, are still well in the title race.
 
They include a new UEA team, reigning champions Norwich Central Baptist Church who already have lost twice, Heigham Park Rangers and Sprowston Radicals.
 
The top of the table clash between St John’s and UEA recently ending in a thrilling 3-3 draw. 
 
There have also been some great performances by teams in the bottom half with Gateway Vineyard pulled off a shock 2-0 victory at UEA last Saturday, their third victory in a row. There have been notable victories for Silver Road and a reformed Lighthouse team from Sheringham.
 
League chairman, Jim Green said: “What remains to be seen is whether the previously all-conquering NCBC will recover form and mount a challenge to St John’s, and whether UEA will recover from their recent dip to do the same.”
 
“All teams observed a minute’s silence in memory of league founder member Derek Cate, who died recently,” said Jim. “It has also been heartening to hear stories of players who have played at Anglian Combination level but thoroughly relish playing in the Christian league. Although we are not perfect, referees report a very good level of sporting behaviour from teams, and we hear of relationships being developed within and between teams.
 
“Who needs to pay money to see football when you can be entertained on a Saturday morning for free,” said Jim, after watching Vineyard beat Silver Road 4-3. “That was a seriously entertaining game. Great goals, fluctuating passages and patterns of play, very good team play, and lots of tension. What more could you want?”
 
Pictured above are NCFL teams in a pre-season tournament.

 


Published: 10/12/2019


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