Broadening My Horizons - Norwich United vs. Histon

Covered accommodation at Plantation Park

It was FA Cup weekend once again and this weekend I ticked off a ground I've had an eye on for a long time. I'd always been put off by the long train trip to Norwich and then a reasonable bus journey (I'm aware I've posted about visiting Dereham before) but a bit more research should there was a better way to get there. So I finally made it to Plantation Park for Norwich United against Histon in The Preliminary Round of The FA Cup. This is Norwich's first season in The Ryman League having won the Eastern Counties League last season and they had won both their games at their new level. This was also Histon's first season back at step 4 following their relegation from The Southern Premier League. Histon will always be remembered for beating Leeds United in the FA Cup some seasons ago.

The start of Norwich and Histon's FA Cup journey

Norwich win an early free kick from wide and from this set piece, they take the lead. Under pressure from the Norwich attackers, the Histon player powers a header past his own keeper to gift the home side the lead. Norwich look to increase their advantage, but they can't find the final ball at critical moments in attacks. The closest they come to extending their lead is when a close range header is blocked on the line. Histon take the lead with their first significant attack as the midfielder is allowed to run forward and he plays in the forward who gets the equaliser. The visitors then take the lead when Norwich don't fully clear a corner and the attacker hacks the ball in from close range.

Norwich attack the clubhouse end in the first half

Norwich have a couple of corners at the start of the second half as they look to pull level but these come to nothing. They come closer with a free kick from out wide which manages to elude everyone. Norwich continue to do much of the pressing and the Histon keeper does well to get a vital touch on a cross which takes it away from the advancing Norwich players and out for a corner. The final clear cut chance for an equaliser comes when the forward is found in space at the back post but the header goes over the bar and Histon seal progression to the next round.

Norwich look for a second half equaliser

As I suggested earlier, one way to get to Plantation Park is catch a train to Norwich and then catch a bus to Blofield. A much easier way is if you catch a train to Brundall and walk the rest of the way. To get a train to Brundall you have to take a train to Norwich from Liverpool Street and change there for the short train to Brundall. The journey takes just over two hours. Right next to Brundall Station is The Yare which is next to the river and had a good selection of beers. Blofield is then a steady twenty minute walk away. In the village itself is The Kings Head which has the sports channels for the early kick offs. The clubhouse at the ground offers elevated views of the pitch and had the usual selection of beers. The burgers from under the bar are worth trying out too.

More match action from the clubhouse end