MATCH REPORT FIRST TEAM 29/4/09

Anglian Combination
Division Four Freethorpe v South Walsham (Wed 29.04.09)

Freethorpe played hosts to local rivals South Walsham in their last game of the season looking to secure fourth place and hopefully promotion to Division Three. Freethorpe continued their good form of late and looked very organised and difficult to break down. Although changes were made in defence due to the absence of Loomes they all coped superbly. The midfield worked hard to keep Walsham at bay and the strikers were a constant threat on the Walsham goal. The deadlock was eventually broken on the stroke of halftime when Rix struck for Freethorpe from another excellent corner from Mcmartin. The second half was hard fought and Freethorpe added a second goal when substitute Brown flicked on a Mcmartin Corner with Rix making sure from close range. Walsham to their credit were not done and pulled a goal back with five minutes remaining making the final minutes a tense affair. Final score 2-1. Its been another very good season for the club with all players showing amazing commitment and desire to the club. The club is extremely thankful for your efforts and hopefully we have done enough to secure a third successive promotion in our first three years in the Anglian Combination. A terrific achievement. Well done lads.

MATCH REPORT 25/4/09 FIRST TEAM

Anglian Combination Division Four

Easton v Freethorpe

Freethorpe played their final away fixture of the season against a good Easton side. With Freethorpe and Easton battling for fourth place this was never going to be an end of season stroll. Freethorpe made three changes to the starting line up and Easton started the game very positively keeping Freethorpe pinned back in their own half. Easton looked dangerous from set pieces where they could use their height advantage but the Freethorpe defence coped very well. Freethorpe worked themselves into the game and Smith should have opened the scoring when the ball was pulled back into his path, but blazed over the bar from close range. The same player had another chance shortly after but could not finish. However, Smith was to make amends powering home an excellent header at the far post from a cross from Ward. Easton were rocked on their heels and Freethorpe doubled their lead when Burns whipped in a dangerous cross and Lawton headed home superbly. The next goal was crucial in this game and it went in Freethorpes favour when Rix pounced on a mix up between defender and goalkeeper. Freethorpe contained the home team who resorted to shooting from distance to win 3-0. The defence was immense once again keeping their third clean sheet in four games. Last game is at home to local rivals South Walsham.

Presentation night with Live band and buffet is Sat 9 May - £8 a ticket, everybody welcome. Please see Marcus, winkle or Willie for details.

MATCH REPORT 18/4/09 FIRST TEAM

Anglian Combination
Division Four
Wymondham Town Res v Freethorpe

Freethorpe travelled to Wymondham Town following a good midweek performance and 3-0 win against Hindringham. Wymondham Town started brightly and the game always looked as though it would be a tight affair with both teams displaying plenty of desire and commitment. Chances were at a premium with defences on top at both ends. Wymondham looked very comfortable in possession but lacked a real cutting edge. Freethorpe were a little more direct in their approach but it20was a very good move down the right which saw Simon Burns break through the home defence and rifle home the opening goal for the visitors. The second half was equally hardfought with Freethorpe remaining resolute. However, Wymondham got on level terms following a mix up between Burns and Pentney. Freethorpe were then hit with injuries to three key players. Firstly Read was withdrawn closely followed by Burns and Barber. Barber typified the spirit and effort of the team after trying to carry on following a nasty looking injury to his shoulder, from which we wish him a speedy recovery. Substitute Danny Lawton was soon involved in the action and scored with an exquisite lob from 20 yards to seal a deserved victory against very good opponents. Next matches: Sat 25 April away to easton 2.30pm ko.Wed 29 April at home to south walsham 6.30pm ko. Live band and buffet night including presentation in Freethorpe social club on Sat 9 May - everybody welcome. £8 a ticket.

MATCH REPORT 4/4/2009 FIRST TEAM

North Walsham Town Res v Freethorpe FC
Anglian CombinationDivision Four

Firstly apologies for not submitting notes in recent weeks. Problems withmy PC have now been resolved. Freethorpe travelled to champions elect NorthWalsham keen to get something from the game after a few disappointingresults in recent weeks. After feeling unlucky to lose 2-1 to Walsham onlya fortnight ago Freethorpe were eager to give a good account of themselvesand so they did. The defence looked solid throughout playing withdisclipline and organisation. Pentney in the Freethorpe goal did not have asave to make in the whole 90 minutes which was credit to the team andespecially the defence considering the quality of the opposition. TheFreethorpe midfield worked tirelessly on a big pitch and Rix was excellentin attack keeping the back three of Walsham occupied. Smith found himself ina good position in the first half but was unlucky to fire into the sidenetting. Chances were limited but both Garside and Barber had chances toclaim victory. The final score was a well earned and hard fought 0-0 drawwhich was a fair result. A very good solid performance which we must nowmaintain until the end of the season.Next games: Sat 11 April: Home v Wells Town Res 2.30pm koWed 15 April: Homw v Hindringham Res 6.30pm ko.

MATCH REPORT 21/2/09 FIRST TEAM

Anglian Combination
Division Four
Blofield Res v Freethorpe

Freethorpe made the short trip to Postwick to take on local rivals Blofield. Freethorpe got off to a flying start scoring three times in the opening 25 minutes. Rix scored the first when he headed home strongly from an excellent run and cross from Mcmartin. Lawton quickly added a second with another well-taken finish. Burns then added a third finishing off a very good team move in emphatic fashion. Blofield continued to work hard and reduced the arrears shortly after switching their wingers, which temporarily unsettled the Freethorpe defence. Freethorpe regrouped at halftime and put in a hardworking and solid performance to maintain their hold on the game. With the home team gradually taking more risks trying to get back into the game Freethorpe carved out a number of chances with Rix adding Freethorpe’s fourth goal late on. Final score 4-1. An excellent team performance played in a very good spirit by both teams.

Next Match: Away to Foulsham 2.30pm ko.

MATCH REPORT 7/2/09 FIRST TEAM

Anglian Combination
Division Four
Brandon Town Res v Freethorpe FC

Freethorpe made the long trip to Brandon and were rewarded with a convincing victory. On a pitch in very good condition Freethorpe passed the ball well and created problems for the home defence. Lawton opened the scoring from a Burns corner after a flick on from Barber. Freethorpe increased their lead when a Brandon defender turned the ball into his own net following a great cross from Burns. Brandon pulled one back in the first half from the penalty spot. Garside netted to get Freethorpe off to a perfect start in the second half. Then in the space of ten minutes Freethorpe added four more goals, from Burns, Read and a quickfire double from Rix. Final score 7-1. A solid victory, however we must remain concentrated for the whole game and retain our disclipline throughout.

Next Match: Home to Hindringham Reserves. 2pm ko.

MATCH REPORT 31/1/09 FIRST TEAM

Anglian Combination
Divison four
Freethorpe v Wymondham Town Res

Freethorpe played hosts to a good and enthusiastic Wymondham Town Reserve side. In windy conditions both teams tried to get the ball down and play and the first half was quite an even affair. Wymondham took the lead with a long range effort which took a bad bounce just in front of the unlucky Pentney in the Freethorpe goal. Freethorpe created the better of the chances in the remainder of the half with both Read and Rix being denied by excellent saves from the visitors goalkeeper. Freethorpe dominated for much of the second half with the defence looking very strong when called upon. Freethorpe eventually equalised when Garside scored from close range with 10 minutes remaining. Topscorer Rix was on hand soon after to seal a deserved but hard fought 2-1 victory.

Next Match: away to Brandon Town Res 2pm ko.