On a bright but chilly morning in Hereford, Ross were reduced to a bare 11 with several regulars pulling out at short notice. However, they showed great strength as they notched double figures for the fourth time this season, running out 12-3 winners.

The game started brightly for Ross and they quickly stated their intentions when full back Matt Hall stung the palms of the home keeper. Hall pulled up lame with a thigh strain and was forced to go in goal, bringing Sam Loftus into defence, in what was the first of many unsettling changes.

Ross continued to push with Rob McAfee's deflected strike hitting the bar, and the breakthrough came when Ross were awarded a soft penalty which was dispatched with aplomb by Chris Davies. Within five minutes Ross were 3-0 up, with Ben Hall drilling home from close range, and Davies adding his second from 12 yards. Norfolk pulled one back, also from the spot, after a clumsy challenge from Sam Loftus. Ross regrouped with further goals through the tireless Joe Loftus and a cross from Ben Hall drifted in at the far post.

With half time approaching men in red and white were caught napping at the back, allowing Norfolk to pinch a goal just before the interval. The 5-2 scoreline still flattered the home side who unfortunately highlighted the gulf in class between the top three and the rest of the division.

It took Ross just five minutes to add the sixth with Davies completing his hat trick. The away side continued to push for more, safe in the knowledge that come the end of the season goal difference could be crucial. Though if that was the case, Luke Gray had other ideas, spurning several gilt edged chances with the goal at his mercy. Hall continued to struggle on in goal but it soon became apparent that he was unable to continue.

Sam Loftus stepped back into goal as Ross were briefly reduced to ten men, before veteran Paul Flitney was brought on to add some finesse up front. He made an immediate impact, almost scoring with his second touch and he didn't have to wait long before he was on the score sheet, tapping in for 7-2 after some good work from Davies.

Norfolk's goal mouth now resembled a Hadron Collider, with shots and bodies flying in from all angles. Ben Hall completed his hat trick with a neat finish before the unpredictable Gray finally came to life bagging himself three goals in the last ten minutes. Further strikes from J. Loftus and Flitney completed the rout as the home defence imploded.

With time running out there was to be further drama, this time at the other end, as the hapless Loftus fumbled a hopeful cross into his own net. The game finished 12-3 but Ross will feel aggrieved not to have scored more.

The Eagle Inn Man of the Match went to McAfee after a nerveless display on the wing.

Ross return to the Sports Centre next week for what could be a potential banana skin against mid table Kingstone. Kick off 11am and as usual, all supporters are welcome.

Photos: Ellie James