MATCH REPORT 24/1/2009

Cyril Ballyn Cup
Wortwell v Freethorpe

Freethorpe travelled to Wortwell to take on the Division Two side after the game twice having to be called off due to bad weather. Wortwell got off to a great start scoring from a freekick after just two minutes. This unsettled Freethorpe and Wortwell continued to dominate the opening exchanges. Wortwell added a second on 15 minutes from another freekick. Freethorpe gradually composed themselves and played their way into the game and carved out the better chances in the remainder of the half, and could consider themselves very unlucky to be two behind at the break. Freethorpe started the second half very lively and were rewarded with a goal from Rix. Freethorpe continued to play some excellent football and were getting a lot of joy down the right flank with Lawton causing numerous problems to the left fullback. It was no surprise when Freethorpe got on level terms with 15 minutes remaining. The goal coming from a thunderbolt from Rix. Having worked so hard to get back into the game Freethorpe switched off for one vital minute and Wortwell restored their lead straight from the kick-off. Freethorpe continued to drive forward looking for an equaliser but to no avail with Wortwell running out 3-2 winners. A valiant effort indeed against a side two divisions higher. Best of luck to Wortwell in the next round.

Next game: home to Wymondham Town Reserves. 2pm ko.

MATCH REPORT 17/1/2009 FIRST TEAM

Anglian Combination
Division Four
Freethorpe v St Andrews Res

Freethorpe were eager to get off to a good start to continue their exciting day, having had World cup hero Stuart Pearce open the new changing facilities at Freethorpe in the morning, in the presence of Sky Sports. The dream day continued when Lawton got the team off to a flyer with two well taken goals inside the first 5 minutes. Freethorpe were really buzzing playing some delightful football and Smith added a third shortly after. Barber broke through the middle and shot across the keeper who palmed the ball into the path of Smith who made no mistake from close range. The visitors then created a couple of their own chances but Freethorpe looked comfortable throughout and looked very resilient in defence. Freethorpe kept up the momentum in the second half adding two further goals, first through Burns who blasted home clinically and then substitue Mcmartin rounded off the scoring and a pefect day. final score 5-0.

Next Game: away to Wortwell in cyril ballyn trophy (1.30pm KO).

MATCH REPORT 3/1/09 FIRST TEAM

Anglian Combination
Division Four
Freethorpe v AFC Norwich Res

Freethorpe entertained a strong AFC Norwich Res in their first fixture of 2009. The game was an evenly fought contest with both teams contributing to what turned out to be a close and enjoyable game. The first half was probably edged by the home team who created the slightly better chances with both wide men looking very dangerous down the flanks, well supported by the strikers. However, the AFC Norwich keeper looked assured and dealt with anything that came his way. AFC got off to a flyer straight from the second half kick taking the lead with a good finish after a little good fortune with the set up. Freethorpe took a little time to react but eventually started to play some decent flowing football and got on even terms on the hour mark when Rix latched onto a great cutback from Read who had made an excellent run down the left wing. Shortly after Freethorpe took the lead when Lawton chased down a lost cause in the corner. After winning the ball he turned the defender and played a superb ball into Garside who finished emphatically. Freethorpe looked reasonably solid as AFC threw everything they could at them in the dyeing minutes but the excellent home defence stood firm to win the game 2-1. Another good team performance against a very good AFC side.

Next game: away to Wortwell (1.30pm KO) in Cyril Ballyn Trophy.