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