MATCH REPORT 28/10/2006

FREETHORPE V THORPE ROVERS RESERVES 28/10/2006 HOME LEAGUE

Freethorpe returned to league action playing hosts to a sporting Thorpe Rovers Reserves who were full of energy and desire to keep the game tight. Freethorpe were not their usual selves and struggled at times to lift their game to the pace they have come accustomed to. Although the defence was not troubled and chances were being created up front the passing and movement was not what it has been in recent weeks. However, Freethorpe deservedly took the lead on 36 minutes when Hurley scrambled home a low and hard free kick from Whitefoot. The second half saw Freethorpe raise their game slightly but it took the introduction of the lively Read with 25 minutes remaining to inspire the home team. Almost immediately Read linked up with strike partner Rix who shot forcing the keeper to parry the ball into the oncoming Read who drilled home from close range. Only two minutes later Hurley skipped passed two defenders and laid the ball onto Rix who made no mistake. The impressive Garside added a fourth with Lawton who was making his first start after injury adding a fifth following a neat pass from Brister. Final score 5-0. A fourth consecutive clean sheet in the league is pleasing and a 100% record in October must now be carried forward into November. The club would like to offer its sincere condolences to player Simon Burns and his family in their sad loss. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

MATCH REPORT 21/10/2006

FREETHORPE V WYMONDHAM RESERVES 21/10/06 AWAY JUNIOR CUP

Freethorpe travelled to Wymondham Town Reserves to take on a team two divisions higher in the Norfolk Junior Cup. The manager decided to name an unchanged side with the exception of Smith replacing Forsyth on the left hand side of midfield. On a difficult surface Freethorpe started sharply and grasped the upperhand in the opening exchanges, with the midfield winning the vital first ball and the whole team pressing the ball with a real desire. Freethorpe carved out a number of chances in the first half which they were unable to convert. Smith and Ward were having good games on each side of the midfield and the defence and midfield were very discliplined keeping their shape well limiting wymondham to few chances. The strikers done everything but score in a good first half display that was good in quality but lacked the finishing touch in front of goal. Wymondham would have been quite relieved to hear the half time whistle. The second half saw the game open up slightly and Wymondham took a surprise lead when breaking down the Freethorpe right and pulling the ball back and finishing off a swift move. Almost immediately Burns was introduced to the action with Barber being released to midfield and it was Barber who reignited Freethorpe with a fantastic bursting run from the heart of the midfield and scored the equaliser lifting the ball over the advancing Wymondham keeper. The lively Lawton replaced Rix with 15 minutes remaining and had an instant impact laying the ball out wide left to Read who crossed for Ward to score with a brave dive on the goal line with defenders in close proximity. Freethorpes good play was restored and chances were being made frequently but with a lack of cutting edge. Read was brought down after another good run which brought the unfortunate dismissal of the Wymondham keeper. However, the stand in keeper made an excellent save to keep the score at 2-1. A good first half display and a great result but lessons have been learnt both in terms of the importance of taking chances and lifting each other when everything doesnt go to plan. Thank you to Wymondham for their hospitality.

MATCH REPORT 14/10/06

FREETHORPE V EASTERN RESERVES 14/10/06 AWAY

Freethorpe travelled to Easton Reserves and managed their third successive clean sheet in a 7-0 win against a spirited Easton side. With Easton having a number of players missing Freethorpe dominated the game from the opening exchanges to the final whistle. Read opened the scoring after just six minutes when he broke clear of the defence and latched onto a pass from Barber and slotted the ball home. Although Freethorpe enjoyed almost total possession clear cut chances were proving hard to come by due to a packed defence. When chances did arrive they found the Easton keeper in inspirational form. However, further goals were added prior to half time both coming from Rix firstly from a header at the far post from a Read cross and secondly when following up good work by Hurley. Read scored his second of the afternoon just after the break with a good drive across the keeper and fellow striker Rix completed yet another hattrick straight from the restart. Freethorpe were playing decent football at times but seemed to be going through the motions with Easton providing little threat to the Freethorpe goal. Whitefoot missed an opportunity to extend the lead from the penalty spot when Smith was adjudged to have been fouled in the box. An own goal was the outcome of the next attack and Smith added Freethorpe's seventh with quarter of an hour remaining following up from a Rix effort. Good to see both Burns and Lawton return to action and come through unscathed following injury layoffs.

MATCH REPORT 7/10/06

FREETHORPE V LONG STATTON RESERVES 7/10/2006 HOME

Freethorpe continued their recent good form with another convincing 9-0 win against a very sporting Long Stratton Reserves. Maskell returned to the starting line up following a recent injury layoff with Andy Kelf making way who had deputised very well last week. Freethorpe started the game at a good tempo and passed the ball swiftly when in possession whilst also allowing Long Stratton very little time to settle. After a couple of early chances Hurley scored his first of the afternoon when following up a shot from Rix which the keeper spilled. Rix was on hand again shortly after scoring from an acute angle with a cross-cum-shot. The extremely hard working Read deservedly got on the scoresheet leaping high to head home from a Barber cross from the left on the halfhour mark. Read then broke free to play in Rix who lifted the ball over the advancing keeper. Freethorpe were moving the ball well asking questions of the Long Stratton defence down both flanks. The goals continued to flow in the second half with two further goals from Hurley who completed his hatrick. Topscorer Rix was not to be outdone and soon got his own hatrick heading home from a Ward corner. Subs Smith and Brister entered the game and gave a good account of themselves with Smith working well down the left flank and Brister getting on the scoresheet. Rix scored his fourth and final goal of the game when strike partner Read once again unselfishley set up his teammate who made no mistake. A good team performance with the defence, midfield and attack all making significant contributions to a good game. Keep up the good work lads.

GROUND LOCATION WITHIN VILLAGE

VILLAGE LOCATION NR13 3NZ

MATCH REPORT

FREETHORPE V WORTWELL RESERVES 30/9/2006 HOME

Freethorpe FCFreethorpe were hosts to Wortwell Reserves for a league encounter which attracted 81 spectators which is an extremely good turn out for local football. Although Freethorpe were quick to get the upper hand the football did not seem to flow so well as the previous week. However, the game was filled with some top class goals. Topscorer Rix was first off the mark after ten minutes when he struck a volley with unbelievable power into the far corner from the edge of the box. The lively Garside was soon to add a second when he combined with Rix and volleyed a shot into the far corner past the keeper. The same two players once again joined forces for the third just moments later when Rix turned his man and laid the ball into the path of the advancing Garside who sidefooted home for Freethorpes third. A fourth was added just before halftime when Barber stole possesion from a corner which was only half cleared and played the ball out wide left to forsyth who put in a first time cross for Hurley to bundle over the line.The second period saw Freethorpe continue to dominate against a gallant Wortwell side. The Freethorpe defence was seeing alot of the ball and enjoyed being able to play the ball out from the back to start off the good play further upfield. Barber and Ward combined well down the left flank and Garside was on top form in midfield well supported by both Whitefoot and Hurley. It was Barber who scored the first goal of the second period when he arrived late at the near post to drill home first time from a Ward corner. Skipper Whitefoot also got on the scoresheet scoring at the nearpost after cutting inside the defence onto goal. Freethorpes seventh and final goal was scored by Man of the match Garside when he headed home for his hatrick following a cross-cum-shot from Hurley. A decent performance all round but I am sure there is still more in the tank!Next Match v Long Stratton Res at Freethorpe KO 2pm ko.