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.