MATCH REPORT 17/2/2007

FREETHORPE V MARTHAM RESERVES HOME LEAGUE

Freethorpe were back in league action after last weeks postponed game due to the bad weather. The weather this week was more like a spring day which made for almost perfect playing conditions against a determined Martham reserves. The game was very even for the opening exchanges with both teams competing well and nullifying any real threats. Freethorpe had made a few changes in personnel and positions and it seemed to take a while to adjust. Freethorpe constantly probed the Martham defence and were eventually rewarded on 25 minutes when Reads accurate diagonal ball was met by Lawton whose shot back across the keeper found the bottom corner of the net. Fellow strike partner Rix doubled Freethorpes lead soon after with a ferocious drilled shot from a cut back from Barber. It was fitting that this goal which was Freethorpes 100th league goal of the campaign so far was scored by the teams top scorer. Freethorpes lead was then extended when Ward made good progress down the right wing and laid the ball off to Barber whose cross was met perfectly by Lawton to head home. The second half saw Freethorpe straight on the attack and skipper Whitefoot scored a superb goal with a screamer from 30 yards into the top right hand corner leaving the keeper with no chance. Barber then got on the scoresheet with a neat header following good work from Rix. Rix got his second and Freethorpes sixth of the game with a great solo effort. Soon after Lawton completed his well earned hat-trick when Morris found Ward with an excellent diagonal pass who played in a hard low cross which Lawton slotted home. Martham did manage a deserved consolation goal when Morris was adjudged to have brought down the Martham striker on the edge of the box. A good strike was blocked by keeper Pentney who could not manage to block the follow up. Rix rounded off the scoring completing his hat-trick with an excellent left foot strike. Special mention to the defence who adapted extremely well especially considering the number of changes. Keep up the hard work lads.Next game: Away to Wortwell Reserves 2.30pm ko.

MATCH REPORT 3/2/2007

FREETHORPE V EASTERN RESERVES HOME LEAGUE

Freethorpe entertained a sporting Easton Reserves side. After two difficult games but good results on our travels it was the first of three home games on the trot and Freethorpe got off to a good start when Read had his shot parried by the keeper only for the alert Ward to follow up and put Freethorpe into the lead. Garside added a second soon after when Rix cut in from the right and sent over an excellent cross for Garside to chest down and score with a left footed strike. From then on Freethorpe struggled to get their passing going and seemed to lack the desire of previous weeks. Easton competed well and had their fair share of the play in the first half. At half time the team were encouraged to get the ball down and play short sharp passing and movement in the second half. The team looked more assured being far more effective by taking less touches when in possession. Skipper Whitefoot added Freethorpes third with a great strike from the edge of the box. Read added another when Rix won the ball well and laid off to Read who shot across the Easton keeper. Rix then added two of his own. The first a good solo run and the second from a good cross from Smith down the left flank who had a solid second half performance. Final score 6-0. A poor first half display but much improved in the second period. Work hard and keep it simple and the results will continue.Next Match: Horsford Res at Freethorpe 2pm Kick off.