With 5 players missing from the previous week, it was the biggest struggle i’ve had so far this season to put out a team. We travelled to South Walsham with only 11 players, myself included (coming back from illness) and a mate of mine who hadn’t played for a year or two. As always it was us who had the best chances in the 1st half. A hat-trick of one-on-one opportunities left us missing the target, and regretting the opportunities.

Coming in 0-0 at half time, we were buoyed by how well we had battled and were up for 45 minutes of the same.

A penalty was awarded against us about 15 minutes into the re-start, but Alex made the save and it looked like being our day. However, 5 minutes later, a suspicious looking foul throw wasn’t picked up by the ref, the subsequent hoof of the ball found their striker – who looked offside to everybody except from the referee – who then lobbed the on-rushing Alex. Our protests were once again met by the referee with that we should have had a linesman. And he was right – we should have had, it would have changed the game.

Another blow was dealt when the mate I had to bring along suffered a muscle injury and could only hobble around, effectively leaving us with only 10 men for the last 15 minutes. A South Walsham free-kick, which was sent over to the far post, was headed back towards goal and was converted by a free South Walsham forward to put the game beyond our reach.

A disappointing end to a match where we battled well, and could have got something had we been up to full strength.