Long Stratton and Norfolk striker James Bemrose looking to score more goals in upcoming finals
He has found the net in both of his recent semi-final outings, and now Long Stratton striker James Bemrose is hoping to repeat the trick when the two finals come around.
It was back on February 9 that the youngster helped himself to a brace against Mundford – a return that went a long way to securing a 3-0 win for Long Stratton and a place in May’s Mummery Cup final against UEA.
And he showed that was no fluke on Saturday with another semi-final goal – this time while representing Norfolk FA Under-18s against their Cheshire counterparts in the FA County Youth Cup.
Norfolk, who won the competition 12 months ago, found themselves a goal down at the break but Bemrose drew them level shortly after the restart, chasing down the Cheshire goalkeeper before applying the finishing touch.
It set the Norfolk youngsters on their way to an eventual 3-1 victory, with the final scheduled for Saturday, April 13 against Manchester FA at Spotland Stadium, home of EFL League One side Rochdale AFC.
“I was very pleased with my contribution in both semi-finals,” said the Long Stratton resident. “I think the goal against Cheshire helped to swing the game in our favour because our confidence grew once we were level.
“And the win against Mundford was massive for us. There was a big crowd and to score two goals was a great feeling.
“There is bound to be even more people watching the two finals and I am confident I can get more goals in both of them.”
Bemrose’s Norfolk commitments meant he was unavailable for Stratton on Saturday, and in his absence they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Sheringham.
It was a result that saw the victors leapfrog Stratton into second position, with the gap to league-leading Caister extended to six points.
However, with Caister still to play before the season is out, Bemrose has insisted Stratton are not giving up on the title just yet.
“We lost our goalkeeper to a red card and he has been suspended, which has not helped us,” he added. “But we have only dropped points in a couple of games recently so it is far from a bad situation.
“We still believe we have a good chance of winning the league and if not finishing second. We play Caister in a few weeks and form can change so quickly – it is down to us to put pressure on them and Sheringham.”
The former Long Stratton High School pupil will return to club duties tomorrow when sixth-placed Wymondham Town will be the visitors to Manor Road (2.30pm). Bemrose was absent for the reverse fixture on January 5, which Stratton lost 3-0.
“Saturday against Wymondham is a massive game,” he said. “They beat us at home and that is their strong point. They have a really good record at home so hopefully we can the better of them at our ground.”
Bemrose goes into the game with 20 goals to his name in all competitions this term.
