Blofield United FC

Team: Ryan Hemmings, Matty Banham, Darren Cox, Stuart Rushbrook, Kris Hart (C), James Basey-Fisher, Jamie Furlong, Colin Wines, Ben Morgan, Chris Holmes, Danny McKail. Subs: Ian Stones, Karl Mills, Duncan Whitlam.

The Seasiders made the long trip from Wells with just one win so far in the Premier Division whilst Jamie Furlong came in for Greg Murphy (back). Sizz commented before the game that Philip Frary, playing up front with the diminutive James Frary, was 5 years older than him at the tender age of 45!

The game started with Chris Holmes firing wide from Colin Wines' corner kick then James Frary won a free kick against Darren Cox but Ryan Hemmings rose to punch away Wayne Campbell’s free kick. After 15 minutes Wines and Matty Banham exchanged passes down the right before Wines’ cross found James Basey-Fisher unmarked in the box but he headed over. Hemmings kick was flicked on to Chris Holmes who got behind Adam Woodhouse but he fired over then Wines was caught in possession by James Frary but he couldn’t beat Kris Hart. A good move started by Paul Palmer saw James Frary find Campbell on the right but Palmer headed over. As Blofield pressed forward, Morgan’s in-swinging free kick was punched away by Liam Craig to Basey-Fisher on the edge of the box but he dragged his shot wide. With 46 minutes played, Hartie was harshly adjudged to have fouled James Frary despite getting to the ball first, and Wells scored from Campbell’s free kick wide on the right, the ball being allowed to drop loose in the area. HT: 0-1

The second half began with Wines beating Palmer in midfield then exchanging passes with Basey-Fisher before sliding the ball to Holmes. His shot was half-saved by keeper Craig only needing a finishing touch by Morgan for his 12th goal of the season. After 53 minutes the Beavers took the lead when James Basey-Fisher’s shot was deflected past Craig by Palmer, Danny McKail providing the assist. Craig saved well down to his right from Basey-Fisher then McKail made a great run but hooked the ball over under Craig’s challenge after Holmes’ cross. James Frary was fouled by Cox on the edge of the area but Philip Frary put the free kick narrowly over. Blofield went close when Wines put the ball inside to McKail and his superb cross to the far post just evaded Holmes attempt to turn the ball in. Armiger missed a great chance with just Banham to beat on the line after Hemmings was left stranded by an earlier clearance. New-signing Duncan Whitlam from Spixworth came on for Colin Wines and was unlucky not to score when Craig made a fine save to turn the ball onto the post then blocked McKail’s follow-up shot. But after 89 minutes Danny McKail scored his 11th goal of the season with a powerful finish past Craig after receiving the ball from Whitlam.

This was a scrappy game with numerous stoppages and long talking-to’s by referee Mr Neil Jacques but “a win’s a win” as Paddy remarked afterwards. Let’s hope we can continue our winning ways next Saturday away at Hempnall, kick-off 2pm.

PS. Pleased to report that Angie passed the new “rattle test” with flying colours and has been officially reinstated as the Assistant Rattler!

DAVE WHEELER