Easton 3 East Harling 0

Rapid start to both halves sees the First Team take the points

After last weeks thriller at River Park we were back at home today as we welcomed old foes East Harling to The College. The visitors had followed us up from Division 2 last season in third place and had been one of only two teams to beat us at home.

Hayden was again missing due to working Al missed out due to holiday but we were able to welcome back Matty H and he took his place in the starting XI. Just before kick off another change was required as Swatty had to step aside so Cissell also got a start.

After falling behind early in the last two games we were wary of the same issues but those fears were quickly put to rest as less than two minutes into the game Matty F wriggled free on the left and his pin point cross met the diving header of Cissell who in turn found the net for 1-0. This actually sparked Harling's best spell of the game as they had a 20 minute spell of good pressure. First they forced as series of corners one of which resulted in a header striking the cross bar before Baz made a stunning save from an effort from the left as he turned a drive onto the bar.

Baz again kept the visitors at bay with a save down low that went through a crowd and this was made doubly important as we won the ball in the Harling half and after Sags bypassed a couple of static away players he produced a sublime through ball that Beanie rolled past the stranded keeper for 2-0 after 30 mins.

It was turn now for us to apply the pressure and the Harling keeper first saved well from a strike from distance from Danny before Beanie, Ian and George all saw efforts handled well and Cissell did have the ball in the net again after a quick free kick from Danny but the goal was ruled out due to the linesman's flag.

HT 2-0

It was important that we didn't sit in and feel like two was enough as Stalham proved last week but there was to be no repeat as just seconds into the second half the ball bounced over the Harling centre half and in the process of recovering he felled Cissell in the area and we had a chance to make it three less than a minute after kicking off again.

Normally impervious from the spot George saw his spot kick saved but was first to follow up and rifled the loose ball home. The quick fire goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of the away side and there were quickly chances to add to the scoreline as Ian tried to lob the keeper from fully 40 yards (which we won't speak of again) and Cissell again had the ball in the net but was again denied by the linesman. George struck the inside of the post when played through on goal and after being introduced Swatty also found the upright after a deft lob over the keeper.

Harling again struck the bar as they went in search of a way back into the game but their best chance of the half saw Webb fire wide when through 1v1 with Baz.

FT 3-0

A much better showing than the last few games and great to keep a first clean sheet in 9 games. Next week sees us travel to Attleborough as we try and keep pace with the teams around us in the league.