MATCH REPORT 21/4/2007

FREETHORPE v HELLESDON RESERVES HOME LEAGUE

With the season drawing to a close everything is still to play for with the outcome of the league in our own hands. Entertaining Hellesdon reserves with almost a full squad to choose from manager Marcus Smith decided to make a couple of changes from the previous weeks good result to rotate the squad and freshen it up a little. Hellesdon Res started very positively and played some good football in the opening period of the game. Freethorpe took longer to get into the game but when they did it was worth waiting for. In five fantastic minutes and with just twelve minutes gone Freethorpe scored three tremendous goals. The first came when Read and Rix combined to set up Ward who accelerated between two hellesdon defenders and rifled his shot into the far corner from an acute angle leaving the keeper with no chance. Barber was next on hand to score a thunderbolt from the edge of the box following a good layoff from Garside. Ward was on target again just minutes later arriving late in the box to meet a corner at the far post and score a very good volley. Freethorpe went 4-0 up on the half hour mark when Read was rewarded for his hard work with an exceptional right foot drive after a well worked wall pass with Rix. Freethorpe started the second half strongly and top scorer Rix scored his 50th goal of the season. A fantastic achievement for Rix who has scored consistently throughout the season backed up superbly by his fellow strike partner Read. Freethorpe eased off the pedal somewhat and Hellesdon deservedly scored two late goals for never giving up on the game and for playing some neat passing football throughout the game. Final score 5-2. Last game of the season this week where a win is required. last big effort lads.Next game: v Holt Utd Res (home) 2.30pm Kick Off

MATCH REPORT 14/4/2007

FREETHORPE FC v CNSOBU RESERVES AWAY LEAGUE

With the season drawing to a close Freethorpe still have everything to play for. With promotion in our first season secured we will now be concentrating all our efforts into trying to be champions. After no game last weekend Freethorpe travelled to Mousehold to take on CNSOBU Reserves. With the sun in all its glory the pitch was very hard and Freethorpe took some time to get used to the conditions. Passes were going astray slightly and sometimes we were guilty of overplaying. However, we did manage to gain our composure and topscorer Rix carved out two good openings which on any other day he would have scored. The deadlock was eventually broken on 21 minutes when Ward arrived late in the box to head home a Barber cross. The prolific Rix was then on hand to add two further goals. The first after a deft one two with strike partner Read. The second coming after he closed down the keeper for a tap in. CNS had their own chances and the young substitute went close on two occasions. The heat was now playing a part and Freethorpe maintained the tempo and added three more goals before halftime. A neat triangle of passes between Barber, Read and Ward found Forsyth for a goal at the far post. Read was next on hand for a good strike following a terrific crossfield pass from Burns to Forsyth. Rix completed yet another hatrick on the stroke of halftime. The second half saw CNS adjust the shape and positions and all credit to them for stifling Freethorpe. Chances were still created but the CNS keeper made some excellent saves. It was pleasing to see Hurley return to action from the bench following a lengthy injury layoff. Hurley looked lively and helped himself to a goal lobbing the keeper 5 minutes from time. Special mention to Burns who had a very solid game in defence and looked very assured throughout. Final score 7-0. Two games to go to maintian the effort and committment shown throughout the season. Keep up the work lads. Special mention to Freethorpe's travelling supporters which must have exceeded 40 who have supported us home and away all season. A real credit to themselves and our club. Next Game: Home V Hellesdon Res 2.30pm