MATCH REPORT 27/1/07

FREETHORPE V GAYTON RESERVES AWAY LEAGUE

Freethorpe travelled to Gayton Utd Res making 4 changes from the previous week due to injuries and unavailability. It took Freethorpe a while to get into any kind of rhythm and they were finding it difficult to play to their usual standard. The game was a somewhat untidy type of game with both teams unable to string many passes together. Freethorpe looked most likely to score from set plays when Whitefoot swung in two menacing corners in quick succession only to both go across the face of the goal. Barber was unlucky when through on goal an horrendous bobble prevented a strike on goal. Lawton eventually broke the deadlock for Freethorpe on 21 minutes when a wellstruck but harmless looking shot caught the Gayton keeper off guard and beat him at the near post. Freethorpe added a second on the stroke of halftime when Whitefoot netted direct from an inswinging corner. Neither team really got going in the second half and for most of the remainder of the game it was a non event. Freethorpe increased their lead on 70 minutes when Smith rose in the box to score with a well timed header. Unusually Freethorpe seemed to step off the gas and Gayton took full advantage to get back into the game shortly after with a well struck shot from the corner of the box. Then, with just minutes remaining a poor back pass led to Gayton pulling another goal back and making for a frantic finish to the game. With 9 minutes added on time being played Freethorpe were happy to hear the final whistle. An under par performance from Freethorpe which needs to be improved this week. We must not let complacency creep into our game or let our energy levels slip. Next Match: Easton Res at Freethorpe 2pm KO.

MATCH REPORT 20/1/2007

FREETHORPE V LONG STRATTON RESERVES AWAY LEAGUE

Freethorpe FC With players missing Freethorpe travelled to Long Stratton expecting a tough game and so it proved on a small pitch in windy conditions and tricky underfoot. Long Stratton started brightly and put Freethporpe under a bit of pressure straight from the kick off. However, it was Freethorpe who broke away and took the lead when Hurleys shot rebounded to Garside who slotted the ball home. It was then time for two wondergoals to put the game firmly in Freethorpes favour. Firstly, Barber strode forward from defence and drilled a thunderbolt of a shot into the top corner from at least 30 yards leaving the keeper with no chance. Not to be outdone Rix soon followed with a super strike of his own. Picking the ball up on the left flank Rix hit the ball on the volley and lobbed the keeper with a fierce dipping shot. Just two minutes later Read added Freethorpes fourth cooly passing the ball past the keeper after a well worked wall pass with Garside. In the second half with the wind directly against them Freethorpe were content to keep the game tight and compact and try and hit the home team on the break. Although Long Stratton enjoyed quite alot of possession they were unable to worry the Freethorpe goal. Rix put the result beyond all doubt on 65 minutes when Read broke away down the right wing and crossed a perfect ball for Rix to pounce and score his second of the game. Injuries to Hurley and Barber saw the introductions of Mcmartin and Brister who settled into the game quickly. It was a strong performance in difficult conditions with all the team showing great commitment to the cause. Next Game: Gayton Utd away 2pm ko

MATCH REPORT 13/1/2007

FREETHORPE v CNSOBU RESERVES LEAGUE HOME

Freethorpe entertained CNSOBU Reserves naming an unchanged side after the excellent performance the previous week. Freethorpe got off to a great start when Skipper Whitefoot rifled in the first goal from 20 yards after good hold-up play from Rix. Then it was the turn of fellow striker Hurley to make his mark on the game scoring four goals in the space of 30 first half minutes. His first came when he broke the offside trap to calmly pass the ball past the advancing keeper. His second followed shortly after with a tap in following a well struck shot from Garside. Hurley completed his hatrick after beating the last defender and slotting the ball past the keeper once again. His fourth and freethorpes fifth was added on the stroke of halftime with an excellent volley from a Barber cross from the right. Although playing well in the second half Freethorpe never lived up to the quality of the first half. CNSOBU worked hard to contain Freethorpe and their keeper made a string of excellent saves to keep the score down. Garside scored midway through the second half with an exquisite first touch to set up his shot from an acute angle. Top scorer Rix rounded off the scoring latching onto a good through ball by Read. Another good team performance and importantly a clean sheet. Keep up the good work lads. Next Match: Away to Long Stratton Res. 2pm KO.

MATCH REPORT 6/1/2007

FREETHORPE V GAYTON RESERVES HOME LEAGUE

Freethorpe got off to a perfect start to 2007 with a resounding 8-1 victory against Gayton Utd Reserves extending their lead at the top of Division 6 to six points. The pitch was heavy after the morning downpour but Freethorpe played some excellent short sharp football to leave Gayton chasing shadows. Hurley and Whitefoot returned to the starting line-up with Maskell and Lawton making way due to commitments and injury respectively. The ever lively Read was in top form and set the tone for the match opening the scoring after 6 minutes with a real scorcher from 25 yards laid on by Rix. In their first real attack of the game Gayton forced a corner and equalised scoring a good goal at the near post. Read added his second on the half hour playing a one two with Garside after whitefoot had won possesion. Just minutes later Hurley got on the scoresheet after good work down the left flank from Smith. Shortly after Gayton were reduced to ten men following a foul on Smith. Freethorpes lead was extended further before halftime when Barber went on a mazy run resulting in a cross-cum-shot ending up directly in the far corner of the net. Freethorpe continued to dominate the second half playing with desire and the passing and movement had a real purpose. Smith got his second goal in two games and top scorer Rix also got on the scoresheet with a header at the farpost from a deep Ward cross from the right flank. Read ran his heart out all game and deservedly got his hatrick after good work from substitue Marsh. Marsh completed the scoring with a brave finish with two minutes remaining when Forsyth played him in with a good pass. An excellent attitude brought an excellent performance. Special thankyou to all the supporters who still turned out despite the conditions. Next Match: Home to CNSOBU Reserves 2pm Kick off.

MATCH REPORT 30/12/2006

FREETHORPE V HOLT RESERVES AWAY LEAGUE

Freethorpe travelled to Holt Utd and were impressed by the excellent condition of the pitch after torrential rain the previous evening. The Division Six league leaders were without Whitefoot and Hurley but signed off 2006 with a sparkling display to beat Holt Utd Res 7-1. The magnificent surface and width of the large pitch enabled Freethorpe to control the game with some swift passing and intelligent movement off the ball. Lawton and Rix were a constant threat upfront, backed up by the lively midfield of Garside, Barber and Read. Smith and Ward were causing problems for the home team fullbacks down both flanks and the defence was organised and resolute throughout. It was no real surprise when Rix opened the scoring after 5 minutes drilling the ball into the the net. Rix extended the lead from the penalty spot and fellow striker Lawton soon added a third with an excellent strike from distance. Lawton was then on hand to play a pass in behind the Holt defence for Garside to tap home finishing off a very good move. The second half saw Freethorpe continue to dominate and play some of their best football for some time. Within minutes of the restart the lively Ward sprinted down the right flank to latch onto a pass and drill the ball across the box for the advancing Smith to strike home. Lawton added his second on the hour mark and with just minutes remaining Rix sealed yet another hat-trick and Holt then gained a consolation goal when Ward was adjudged to have handled the ball in the Freethorpe penalty area. A very pleasing performance with good quality in our passing and movement. Next Game: V Gayton Utd Res at Freethorpe 2pm Kick off.