MATCH REPORT 24/3/2007

FREETHORPE v REEPHAM RESERVES AWAY LEAGUE

After the previous weeks convincing win Freethorpe travelled to Reepham Town Res to play their second of 3 consecutive away games all against top five opponents. The pitch was perfect for football having had a soaking of rain in the morning. The quick surface encouraged good passing football and Freethorpe looked to do this from the off. Reepham were a strong side with good ability throughout the side, particurlarly in the air. The game started frantically with both teams competing for every ball. The Freethorpe defence was in fine form and with the midfield and frontmen working tirelessly Freethorpe created a few chances from which they should have scored. However, the deadlock was not broken until 4 minutes before halftime when Forsyth made good progress down the left flank and his cross-cum-shot looped over the keepers head from an acute angle. At halftime Freethorpe were encouraged to try and get the ball down and play swift passing football on the deck and were rewarded almost immediately after the break when Read let fire with a fantastic strike from outside the box after good work down the right from Ward and Barber. Garside was then on hand to score a double. The first being rifled into the roof of the net from the backpost from a Burns corner. The second a neat run and finish after some more good wingplay down the right. Read still had time to score his second after being given a well earned rest. Rix was rewarded for his efforts when Burns played a clever pass into substitute Lawton whose effort fell to Rix who slotted home. Another good team performance against a good side.Next week: Great Ryburgh away. 2.30ko.

MATCH REPORT 17/03/2007

FREETHORPE v HOVERTON WHERRYMAN AWAY LEAGUE

• Freethorpe travelled to Hoveton to take on a very competent fourth placed Wherryman side. Freethorpe were kicking with the strong wind behind them on a large pitch and it was Hoveton who started the brighter. The opening exchanges were lively with both teams keen to compete in this top of the table clash. Hoveton struck first after seven minutes when defenders Morris and Maskell attacked the same ball which left the Hoveton striker free to run on and place the loose ball past keeper Pentney. Freethorpes reaction was first class and so was the strike which brought the scores level. Rix pounced on a bouncing ball just inside the Hoveton penalty area and struck a perfect strike with the outside of his right boot curling past the keeper at real pace. Hoveton had their fair share of the play but found the Freethorpe defence in fine form. When they did manage to breach the defence keeper Pentney was having an excellent game making some top class saves throughout the game. The midfield got tight and worked extremely hard to not allow Hoveton time in possession which proved crucial to the outcome of the game. Freethorpe took the lead on 33 minutes when Read with some quick thinking backheeled the ball into the net from close range following a corner. Hoveton were reduced to ten men just before halftime. Freethorpe kept their shape well in the second half and looked in control. Top scorer Rix was back to his best and extended Freethorpes lead on the hour with a good header at the back post from a very good cross from the left from Forsyth. Substitute Lawton came off the bench and for the second week running scored in the dying minutes to put the game beyond all doubt. A Good performance against a very good side. Well done lads.Next Game: Away to Reepham Town Res (2.30ko).

MATCH REPORT 10 /3/2007

FREETHORPE v HORSFORD RESERVES HOME LEAGUE

1. Following a blank weekend Freethorpe resumed league action against a resolute Horsford Utd Res. Freethorpe carved out some decent chances in the first half of the game but could not convert them into goals. Ward was seeing plenty of the ball down the right flank and played some teasing balls into the box but a combination of good goalkeeping and a lack of the usual cutting edge meant that the game remained gooalless at halftime. The second half was a similar story with Freethorpe not really firing on all cylinders but still creating some useful chances. Equally the Freethorpe defence were not really troubled except from deadball situations. The deadlock was eventually broken on the hour mark when Read was adjudged to have been fouled in the box. Rix duly dispatched the resulting penalty. However, within two minutes Horsford restored parity from a well taken corner with Freethorpe not sticking with their runners. Substitute Lawton was introduced to the game who freshenend up the attack but the game looked to be heading towards a frustrating draw with missed chances being rued. But with just minutes remaining Freethorpe scored the all important winner when Ward was released down the right and an excellent cross was converted in clinical fashion by Lawton. Freethorpe probably just about did enough to deserve the win but all credit to Horsford for a commendable performance. Manager Marcus Smith, Jakki and new baby daughter Ruby would like to thank all the players and supporters who kindly contributed to their gift from the football club. Next match: away to Hoveton Wherryman - 2.30pm ko

MATCH REPORT

FREETHORPE v WORTWELL RESERVES AWAY LEAGUE

For the second week running Freethorpe were on the limits of their squad due to injuries, unavailability and suspensions. Freethorpe envisaged a tough game against a much improved Wortwell side and so it proved. Wortwell started the game extremely brightly and competed wholeheartedly in every tackle with their play belying their lowly position in the league. Pentney in the Freethorpe goal was in excellent form making a string of superb saves to keep the game goalless. Freethorpe were rocked back on their heels but as the half progressed they eventually found their feet and with it a bit of rhythm. With ten minutes to the half remaining Rix outfoxed the last defender and when about to unleash a shot on goal was felled in the box. Rix then stepped up to take the spot kick which was well saved by the Wortwell keeper. Just minutes later Read found himself through on goal and was unlucky to get an horrendous bobble just before striking the ball. The second half was a similar affair with both teams competing well and the game evenly balanced. Freethorpe broke the deadlock on 62 minutes when Read was fouled on the edge of the box. Skipper Whitefoot took the kick and drilled it into the top corner beyond the keepers outstretched arm. Wortwell responded and deservedly got on level terms with 15 minutes remaining through a well worked move and strike. The game was flowing from end to end and more goals looked likely but did not materialise. Final score 1-1. A fair result in an entertaining game. If Freethorpe are to maintain their promotion aspirations then big hearts and courage are required from all players. Improvements needed this week. MoM: Daniel Pentney for a top class performance. Remember Dance at Village hall This saturday (3 March) to The Kriptones. Everybody welcome.Next match: Holt Utd Res at Freethorpe 2.30pm ko.