MATCH REPORT 26/1/2008 FIRST TEAM

Freethorpe FC In their first game for a month Freethorpe entertained a strong North Walsham Reserves. Freethorpe seemed sluggish from the start and the lack of games seemed to be showing. However, it was Freethorpe who took the lead against the run of play on 12 minutes when the alert Read latched onto a good ball into the box from Ward. Walsham continued to have the better possession and Freethorpe conceded too many freekicks in and around the box and were duly punished when keeper Pentney lost control of a freekick in the swirling wind with the ball ending up in the net. Walsham then took the lead with Freethorpe failing to pick up runners. The second half saw a completely different Freethorpe side with the usual sharpness and desire returning to their play. Walsham played out most of the second half in their own half and Freethorpe continued to drive forward looking for the equaliser. The midfield got the ball down and played with far better width but the second goal was proving elusive. Barber was unlucky when the keeper made a great save from a good shot from the edge of the box. Rix was then only inches away following an excellent ball into the far post from Barber. But the chance of the match fell to Lawton who took a great first touch but losing his balance stabbed the ball wide from close range. Freethorpe can consider themselves unlucky not to have got at least a draw. However, a harsh lesson has been learnt in recent weeks that against quality opposition we must put in the effort from the first minute to the last and take our chances to win games. Next Match: Away to Aylsham Res 2.30pm ko