Diss Town secure late three points against Norwich CBS

Diss Town manager Michael King was full of praise for the character of his side following a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Norwich CBS on Tuesday night, writes Ed Seaman.

The Tangerines spent much of the opening exchanges on the back foot, relying on a series of last-ditch tackles and blocks to keep the visitors at bay.

However, they grew into the game and goals from Harley Peek and Bryn Mullen – either side of a Quevin Castro leveller – were enough to secure all three points at Brewers Green Lane.

King opted to make one change from the side who were knocked out of the FA Vase by Fakenham Town, with Harry Creamer replacing Rory Olpin in defence.

Creamer and his defensive colleagues were called into action as early as the second minute when Castro jinked his way down the left-hand side. His pull back found Jamie North, whose effort was deflected behind.

The resulting corner saw Norwich CBS go close again, this time Ross Gilfedder with a shot that grazed the top of Adam Rix’s crossbar.

The visitors continued to pile on the pressure, with Castro at the heart of every attack. Another mazy run culminated with a cross into the feet of ex-Diss midfielder Danny White, but once again a home defender was able to get his body in the way.

However, after weathering the early storm, the hosts started to show signs they were growing into the game – and they took the lead through Peek after 26 minutes.

The left-back found himself with space in the Norwich CBS penalty box, firing low beyond Nathan Pauling for his first goal of the campaign.

The advantage was short lived as Norwich CBS – through the impressive Castro – restored parity before the break. The winger picked the ball up in the centre of the Diss penalty area, and calmly stroked it into the back of the net.

Where the first half was full of goalmouth action, the second half was somewhat of a quieter affair.

Diss were happy to sit in their defensive shape, allowing Norwich CBS to have plenty of possession, while maintaining an attacking threat courtesy of Kieran Hagan and Mullen on the counter.

And it was those two who combined for the winner in the 79th minute, with Pauling palming an effort from Hagan into the path of Mullen to gleefully poke home his second goal in all competitions.

Despite a late penalty appeal, Diss held on for the win, much to the delight of their manager.

“The boys have dug deep”, he said. “There were a few on the pitch towards the end who couldn’t move but they continued to give everything.

“We did ride our luck, but at this level teams are going to have spells and you are going to have to defend for your lives.

“However, I thought we got better as the game went on, particularly in the second half.”

Diss: Rix, Wilson, Peek, Creamer, French, Hutchinson, Taunton, Maloney, Baker, Hagan, Mullen.

Express Man of the match – Bryn Mullen: Carried the threat to Norwich CBS – particularly at times when Diss found themselves on the back foot – and deservedly scored the winning goal.