Pub on the Shrubs Great Yarmouth & District League

After Catfield’s disappointment last week in the Norfolk Junior Cup semi-final, Haven Bridge had their moment as they faced Discovery Royals from Kings Lynn in the Norfolk Primary Cup semi-final.

From the outset Haven Bridge were more determined than their opponents to make the county showpiece final.

Haven Bridge United took the lead after five minutes when a lovely through ball from Scott Butler who had four assists on the day found Adam Thompson who calmly slotted over the advancing keeper.

Royals were rattled by this and just a minute later it was two as Thompson, who was a constant thorn in their side again lofted over the keeper for 2-0 and got his hat-trick in exactly the same way with only 15 minutes gone. The tie appeared as good as over and just before half-time the home side wrapped the match up.

They did give the visitors a route back into the game with a penalty but just a minute later Gillings, who gave away the penalty, scored with a free header.

The game finished 5-1 to Haven Bridge who progressed to the Norfolk Primary Cup final on Friday, May 4 against West Winch Reserves as they continued their quest for the quadruple.

The downside was losing Ricci Butler to hamstring trouble after half an hour but Adam Thompson’s hat-trick in the first 15 minutes set his team up for a comfortable win on the day. Haven Bridge have also learnt that they will face Catfield in the semi-finals of the Wiltshire Cup on March 17 as they overcame an out-of-sorts Belton side 4-1 in the quarter-final.

Despite struggling for a side on Saturday morning Catfield had 12 players available for the game as they made amends for their draw with Belton back in December, having led 3-0 in that match.

The first semi-final of the Wiltshire Cup takes place tomorrow as Caister Roma entertain GY International at Allendale.

All clubs make note that semi-final fees are split 50/50 and to adhere to player eligibility rules in the league handbook regarding semi-finals.

GY International warmed up for their semi-final with a 0-0 draw at MK United in Division One that Brian Russell said was a pleasure to referee.

GY United made it four wins on the bounce as they accounted for Caister CC 4-3 at Halvergate.

They move up to third in Division One as a result.

In Division Two Caister Roma won 4-2 against old friends South Yarmouth at Allendale.

Martham A gave a great account of themselves and nearly gained their first point of the season. However they went down 2-1 at Feathers.

In the Percy Nockolds Trophy, Albion for the second week running faced GY Peelers at Lynn Grove in cup competitions. Albion played some excellent football running out 7-1 winners and setting up a quarter-final at Prostar Windows, while Bohemians narrowly made it through 3-2 at Filby & Runham, who have improved as the season has gone on – Ryan Starkey.