Blofield United FC

Team: Ryan Hemmings, Matty Banham, Kris Hart (C), James Basey-Fisher, Darren Cox, Greg Murphy, Colin Wines, Duncan Whitlam, Ben Morgan, Chris Holmes, Danny McKail. Subs: Jo Manning, Jamie Furlong & Simon Blowers.

Coming into this game the Beavers had won their last four games scoring 17 goals whilst the Yachtsmen’s second string had won just one of their last 8 games conceding 21 goals. The game kicked off with captain Jordan Mace firing over after latching onto Ryan Hemmings kick-out, then a great tackle by Darren Cox denied Sam Holt after Ashley Mitchell’s ball forward. Defences were on top as both teams went forward then after 16 minutes, Danny McKail exchanged passes with Duncan Whitlam who put the ball out wide but Kris Hart was brought down by Olly Joyce. Chris Holmes stepped up to curl the free kick beautifully into the top left hand corner giving keeper Liam Still no chance. Seven minutes later, Cox found Colin Wines down the left, his cross was headed out by Liam Baker but Duncan Whitlam had time to smash the ball past Still who was rooted to the spot. When a corner kick was whipped across, Jamie George caught the ball off-balance with his right foot and put the ball wide. Great defending denied first Wines then McKail before a loud shout for a penalty for handball was waved away, then after a terrific run by Jamie George. Sam Harty’s shot was blocked before Holt hit the post and Greg Murphy cleared the ball away. As the half ended George was unlucky not to score after a fine turn and shot in the penalty area but the ball came down off the crossbar to Hemmings. Half Time: 0-2

Josh Carus came on for Wroxham at half time and immediately exerted a strong influence. George won a free kick against Cox on the right and Remi Gordon’s inswinging free kick fell to Ali Durrant who blazed over from close range. When Carus got forward down the left Hemmings made a good save with his feet then Holmes got up well to head Wines’ cross back to McKail but, in a slow-motion moment, his shot went over from a good position. A superb tackle by Hartie prevented a goal-scoring opportunity by Sam Campbell, then with Jo Manning coming on, Sam Harty’s cross was cleared by Hartie back to Harty who shot straight at Hemmings. Jamie Furlong came on to steady the ship and, with 78 minutes played, Colin Wines won the ball up front for Jo Manning and he calmly placed the ball just inside the right hand post for 3-0. The Beavers looked slightly fortunate to escape a penalty when George went down under challenge from Hartie, then Mace’s shot was well saved by Hemmings pushing the ball round the post after Durrant’s free kick. The Yachtsmen scored a late consolation goal in injury time when Sam Holt, assisted by Jamie George, rounded Hemmings to slot the ball home.

Credit to both defences for a game of few chances whilst the Beavers’ better finishing was the difference between the sides. James Basey-Fisher impressed at centre back alongside Darren Cox whilst Ben Morgan and Greg Murphy had fine games in midfield. Well done to all the lads for working hard to earn the victory. Next Saturday we are at home to Norwich St Johns 2pm kick-off.

DAVE WHEELER