Blofield United FC

Team: Ian Stones, Matty Banham, Darren Cox, Karl Mills, Kris Hart (C), Tom Notley, Greg Murphy, Duncan Whitlam, Colin Wines, Ben Morgan, Chris Holmes. Subs: Richard Brett, Simon Blowers.

The Beavers arrived at a freezing Bungay Road with Tom Notley a late call up, Ben Morgan wearing a “mummy-like” head bandage and Ian Stones in goal for the suspended Ryan Hemmings. Blofield started in confident fashion finding space all over the park but a superb tackle by Darren Cox prevented Stuart Crystal from poking the ball home at the far post after Stonesey, blinded by the sun, only managed to swipe Paul Hunter’s shot sideways across the goal. Neil Renault’s cross was headed over by Kevin Oakley but the Beavers took the lead on 17 minutes after a wave of attacks. Hartie was fouled, the ball played to Chris Holmes in the area, he pulled it back for Colin Wines who broke through and fired the ball past Aaron Bunn into the corner of the net. One minute later it was 2-0 after great play down the right. Matty Banham’s pass to Ben Morgan was put forward to Duncan Whitlam then out wide to Banham back to Ben Morgan and his superb cross was headed on by Holmes to Wines on the left to smash the ball into the net. When the pacey James Daniels got past Banham, Karl Mills was there to cover but the Beavers had the bit between their teeth forcing a succession of corners. Hempnall were almost gifted a goal after a mistake in defence but Crystal slipped at the crucial moment allowing Stonesey to gather. After 36 minutes Ben Morgan got away down the right and from the byline delivered the perfect low cross for Chris Holmes to slide in and score. Half Time: 0-3

The second half began with Mills playing the ball forward, Wines nodded it on to Holmes who rounded the keeper, the ball came back off the post to Ben Morgan but his shot was cleared off the line by Tom Ramsey. Whitlam beat Ben Player to flick the ball on and Colin Wines rolled it delightfully past Bunn for his hat trick, 4-0 after 60 minutes. Four minutes later it was 5-0, Whitlam’s excellent ball forward found Wines on the left, he knocked it inside to Holmes and his shot was deflected off the unfortunate Craig Hunting into the net. Wines was put in again by Whitlam and a deadly left-footed finish made it 6-0 after 73 minutes. Four minutes later it was 7-0, Colin Wines scoring his fifth goal by chipping Bunn after Holmes turn and pass. Ian Stones got down well to save from Mark Goddard’s cross then spectacularly punched Crystal’s curling free kick over the bar.

An inspired performance by Colin Wines with five goals, some fine midfield play by Duncan Whitlam and a solid defence stood out in an excellent team performance. This was our biggest away victory since beating a young Wroxham Reserves side 8-2, the Beavers playing with good width and the changes in personnel bringing energy and desire into our play.

DAVE WHEELER