MATCH REPORT 1/12/07 FIRST TEAM

For the second week in succession Freethorpe were pitting their wits against Anglian Combination Division Two opposition. This time it was Poringland Wanderers in the Norfolk Junior Cup. The two teams met at the same stage last year with Freethorpe looking to make amends for the 3-2 defeat. Playing into a very strong headwind Freethorpe started brightly and contested very well against a strong Poringland side. It took time for both teams to adapt to the conditions but on the first real attack of any purpose in the game Freethorpe took the lead when Hurley burst into the box and Read pounced on the loose ball to slide past the advancing keeper. Although Poringland enjoyed slightly more possession Freethorpe were matching their opponents and limited the visitors to long range efforts. The only real threat seemed to be from set pieces and so it proved. On 25 minutes the ball was whipped into the Freethorpe penalty area across the face of the goal from a freekick and was allowed to reach the far post unchallenged allowing Poringland to nip in and score from close range. Stand in keeper Marsh then made an excellent double save to keep Freethorpe on level terms. Freethorpe regrouped and looked to be safely heading to halftime when from another freekick the Freethorpe keeper spilled and the alert Poringland striker pounced to take the lead. The second half was also a very tight affair with chances at a premium at both ends. Poringland remained strong as did the Freethorpe defence who were excellent throughout and probably did not deserve to be on the losing side. However, for all the probing Freethorpe could not carve out the chance to remain in the cup. Great effort lads. Best of luck to Poringland in the next round. Back to league action this week. Next match: Away to Marlingford 2pm Kick off.