MATCH REPORT 16/12/2006

FREETHORPE V MARTHAM RESERVES AWAY LEAGUE

Firstly Freethorpe would like to congratulate everyone connected with the club who have contributed in some way to Freethorpe FC receiving the Anglian Combination Junior team of the month for November. Well done and a fantastic reward for all our efforts.After no game the previous saturday Freethorpe struggled to get into any kind of rhythm in a challenging game against a spirited and well organised Martham side. The conditions underfoot proved a great leveller but all credit must go to Martham for their high workrate and desire to get a result. Freethorpe tried to play their usual passing game on a pitch which was not suitable and this resulted in play breaking down on a number of occasions. With the game going from end to end Freethorpe created a couple of decent half chances but without really threatening the Martham goal. Martham took the lead on 24 minutes from what looked like a harmless long range effort but a misunderstanding over a call led to the freethorpe keeper leaving the shot which ended up in the corner of the net. However, to their credit Freethorpe reacted like league leaders and within 5 minutes were level when Maskell passed the ball out wide to ward who cut inside the Martham fullback and drilled the ball across the box which was turned into the goal by a defender attempting to clear the danger. Soon after Rix put Freethorpe ahead when he converted emphatically from the penalty spot after Read was felled in the box. The second half was a similar affair with both teams being fully committed. Martham equalised 10 minutes in when a striker was allowed to head home unchallenged in the box. Yet again before Martham could regroup Rix scored his second of the game to seal the points for Freethorpe with a 3-2 win. It was a competitive game which was not particularlty pretty but a decent hardworking performance without any frills and three very important points. We know we can play better and must adapt to the conditions more quickly in games ahead. Everyone at Freethorpe FC would like to wish the league officials and its fellow clubs a merry christmas. Next Match: v Poringland Wanderers Res at Freethorpe 2pm ko.

MATCH REPORT 9/12/2006

Freethorpe FCDue to unfortunate circumstances Gayton Utd Reserves were unable to fulfill their fixture at Freethorpe. This was the first week without a game since July so many players got a well deserved rest which will help us to press on over the christmas period and beyond. The club would like to take this opportunity to thank two of its sponsors. Firstly, the clubs Main Sponsor Grint Drylining Ltd who kindly donated all of the prizes at the football clubs bingo which helped to raise considerable funds for the club. Secondly, to The Reedham Ferry Inn who have supplied the club with a change strip which can be used by any of the adult clubs. The club is extremely grateful for all the support and generosity that they have shown.Next Match: V Martham Reserves away. 2pm Kick Off.

MATCH REPORT 2/12/2006

FRETHORPE V PORINGLAND HOME JUNIOR CUP

Freethorpe went out of the Norfolk Junior cup following a gallant effort against a good Poringland side losing 3-2. Freethorpe were back to almost full strength following recent injuries which was a welcome boost for the team. In typical Freethorpe fashion they started very brightly and took the Division Two visitors by surprise with the quality of their play. Freethorpe got the perfect start when after just 9 minutes Rix pounced to score from close range following a long throw from Whitefoot. Freethorpe continued to play with a real purpose and showed a great determination in their football. The defence looked solid and the only real threat seemed to be Poringlands right hand side where their right winger was having a good game. However, Freethorpe were rocked backed on their heels when Poringland scored two goals in ten minutes towards the end of the first half to take the lead which was somewaht against the run of play. Freethorpe responded in style with a goal direct from a freekick with a fantastic strike from skipper Whitefoot on the stroke of halftime. The second half was a more even affair with Poringland now showing the quality of a Divison Two side. The game opended up and was flowing from end to end with chances for both teams. The goal that ultimately decided the match was not really fitting for the occasion with Poringland taking full advantage from a mistake from the Freethorpe keeper. A backpass was played to Pentney in the freethorpe goal who came out to clear but mistimed his kick in the difficult conditions and was punished by the poringland striker. The recent injuries to key players seemed to be showing in the fitness on the heavy pitch but Freethorpe dug deep and rallied right to the final whistle to try and gain something from the game. On another day maybe we would have converted some of our chances late on. We must not be disheartened as we showed a great determination and represented ourselves well against Divison Two oppostition. The league must now be our focus of attention and lets get straight back to winning ways lads.Next Match: Home to Gayton Utd Res - 2pm KO