Bloods Ressies earn their first point

Woodbridge Town Reserves 1

Saffron Walden Town Reserves FC 1

12th September 2015

 

On a superb playing surface, the purists amongst the many spectators would have been impressed with the football played by both sides in an entertaining contest that did credit to the reserve league. 

Beset with injury and availability problems, this Walden side contained several youth players making their competitive debuts for the senior set up, and many of those were having to play out of their normal positions. Indeed, even with skipper for the day Dan Manser at 29 years old, the average age of the side was just 18.

In truth, The Bloods should have come away from this enthralling game with all three points as several chances were created but not finished off through a combination of poor finishing and plain bad luck. It is without doubt however that one day soon it will all come together, and an opposing side will be punished severely when it does!

The action commenced immediately from kick off when a lazy clearance from a Woodbridge defender was intercepted by the busy James Richardson. He then took a few strides forward before releasing a pin point pass for Ben Morrell who had made a perfect run through the centre of the home defence. Morrell’s pace took him clear of the defenders and the home ‘keeper rushed out just enough to force Morrell to slide the ball just wide of the post. Shortly afterwards Morrell hit a great low cross into the home six yard area only to see Manser’s attempt to lift the ball over the ‘keeper clear the bar as well.

Woodbridge however were always a threat when pushing forward, and Walden’s back four had to be at their best to repel some good work by the home forwards. Walden suffered a blow however after twenty minutes, when central defender John Griffin took a knock on his hip and despite his efforts to continue he had to be withdrawn. Some re-shuffling saw the superb Ryan Dewey take up his position in a new central partnership with Harry Clark, and youth player Jack Garratt made his senior competitive debut at left back, despite regularly playing on the right side for the Under 18’s.

Walden then went close again when Luca Riccio swung in a corner that evaded everybody and cannoned off of the far post. Manser should have finished of a fine move down the right flank when he initially laid the ball out to Suyash Gurung, who combined well with Coby Game to put in a great cross into the box to meet Manser’s run. Slightly off balance with the ball behind him however his shot was wide of the near post. It was always felt that unless Walden were more clinical they would pay for it and that was the case with five minutes remaining in the half. Woodbridge’s tricky right side winger put in a very good cross which was met with an equally impressive glancing header that evaded all efforts from David Vant in the visitors goal.

HALF TIME: WOODBRIDGE TOWN RESERVES 1 SAFFRON WALDEN TOWN RESERVES 0

The second half began with Walden stepping up the pressure and with five minutes gone they were level when the partnership of Morrell and Manser once again came to the rescue. A high ball out of defence was pulled down well by Manser who then proceeded to slip Ben Morrell clear and his left foot finish gave the home custodian no chance before it hit the net.

 

More Walden pressure followed, but Woodbridge always looked dangerous on the break when playing through the middle so it was decided to change the shape the bolster the midfield. On came another young Walden prospect in the shape of Dan Weeks, who like Garratt before him was asked to play out of his normal position and comfort zone. This had the desired effect in diminishing the home forays forward and yet again The Bloods were unlucky to see a Morrell shot deflect on to the home crossbar. Another Walden youngster, in the form of Callum Sparrow had impressed from the kick off, again a case of a young talent who seems suited to any position and his contribution in breaking up the home midfield should not be underestimated.

His effort had obviously taken its’ toll towards the end and his tired legs were at the death just about supporting him. However, it was the very hardworking Coby Game who was then withdrawn so that the fresh legs of Jack Forster could help out down the Walden right side, and just when it was thought that the game would be seen out without any further incident Woodbridge had other ideas. Two exceptional saves from Dave Vant, one with his hands and the other with his legs were needed to maintain parity with just two minutes remaining.

 

In the end it would have been hard on either side to have lost what was a good contest played in the right spirit and refereed particularly well.

 

The Bloods second string have now completed an exceptionally difficult opening to their season with four successive away matches against top sides. They now finally have a home fixture, albeit against last season’s premier reserve league champions Witham Town at Catons Lane on Tuesday evening.

 

SAFFRON WALDEN TOWN RESERVES:

David Vant, Suyash Gurung, Harry Clark, John Griffin (Jack Garratt 25) Ryan Dewey, Coby Game (Jack Forster 80), Luca Riccio (Dan Weeks 65), Callum Sparrow, James Richardson, Danny Manser, Ben Morrell.

 

Yellow Cards: James Richardson.

Saffron Walden 0 vs. Haverhill Rovers 1

Saffron Walden 0 vs. Haverhill Rovers 1

8th April 2015. The Meadow

The word robbed would be an understatement. That was the opinion of the frustrated Bloods fans, as they left the Meadow. Sorry to sound like Mourinho, but had he been the Bloods manager, his comments toward the match officials would have made the back pages of the national newspapers.

I know I may sound like a bitter, bad loser, but in this instance it is well justified. If you are a Rovers fan please don’t think I am being disrespectful. Your lads played well and came to the Meadow with a job to do, and full marks for your game play. I shall talk you through the events through the blog…I pre-warn you Mrs. Nash’s flannel was needed many times. 

We had the usual catch up before the match. I was pleased to hear that James Thomas had re-joined the Bloods. On Saturday, a few of the fans had gone to watch Royston against Hanwell to suss out our competition for the next round of the FA Cup.

Sticky’s line up was similar to the team who beat Cheshunt in the FA Cup. The main difference was that Bell played up front, in place of the injured Sam Gregory. I hope you get better soon Sam. Paul Abbott played right back, to allow Bell to play upfront.

Back from Calais, Floyd Croll was in goal. Defence: Strong, Lawrence (Beast), Reid and P Abbott. Midfield: Snelling (Mashy), Fleming and M Abbott. Forwards: Calver (Wig), Spike, and Turner (G Man). Subs: Thompson, Harper, Murphy (Boss), Noble (Nobby), Drane, Souter

So on to the match…

Within 1 minute of Haverhill kicking off, Walden had been awarded a free kick. The free kick was taken by M Abbott but didn’t result in anything.

Our first main threat came from the left wing. Strong won the ball back and made a great pass to Wig. Wig looked threatening from the off, and got the better of his defender. Wig passed it back to Strong who was preparing to shoot but was fouled, and we were awarded another free kick around 25 yards from goal. M Abbott crossed the ball into the box but it was well defended by a Rovers defensive header, resulting in a corner.

Wig continued to work hard and linked up well with Bell. Bell ran on and passed the ball back to Wig who had found some space. Wig sent in a dangerous cross but was met by the Rovers defender. I don’t think G Man was expecting it, and was about 5 yards from meeting the cross.

To our amazement we had a great goal disallowed. The Beast took a long throw on, which found Fleming, who flicked the ball over the keeper’s reach. The assistant referee had called a foul throw, and the referee agreed. No idea how he would of seen that when he was 70 yards away from the Beast.

Soon after the disallowed goal, the referee made another bad decision. He booked the Beast for what looked like a perfect tackle. From where I was standing he took the ball cleanly.

Haverhill played well so far, with their best player being Michael Shinn. He reads the game well, and has a great cross from a set piece. I thought he looked like Bloods’ greatest threat.

15 minutes in and it seemed the referee was blowing up for every challenge. It felt like he was trying to make a name for himself.

Rovers had a good opportunity going forward, but last week’s MOTM Greg Strong tracked back well and put in a well-timed challenge.

As the half progressed the Bloods did start to play better. G Man made an impressive run to the corner flag, and held the ball up well. The Rovers’ defender tripped him, which awarded us a free kick for M Abbott to take.

The free kick was taken and defended well by Rovers. The Rovers’ centre back headed the ball out for a Walden corner. The corner came in and found Wig. It looked like the Rovers player had hand balled it, but Bloods were penalised for a high foot.  Yet again, we had another strange decision from the referee.

26 minute in and Rover had a corner. The corner was well defended and cleared to a Rovers player. The Rovers player hit the ball first time, but his effort was too high.

Our best chance of the match so far (apart from the disallowed goal) came from Bell. G Man put some great pressure on the defence, which forced them to play back to Archer. Archer miss kicked his rushed clearance, which Bell intercepted. The ball just got under his feet, so his shot didn’t have enough power on it. It was very unlucky that he couldn’t get his body behind the shot.

Wig and Strong continued to give Haverhill problems on the left (dug out end). Strong volleyed the ball perfectly for Wig to run on to. He beat his defender but again the assistant referee raised his flag. The referee hadn’t blown so Wig played on. About 10 seconds later he realised the assistants flag was up and called for a Rovers throw on. The assistant must have Superman vision if he saw that happen. Had this been a tennis match, Hawkeye would have been called into action. Mrs Nash came close to throwing her flannel at the referee.

We continued to put the pressure on with a series of free kicks and corners, but we just could not get a clear shot on goal.

At the end of the first half Wig had another great effort, where he turned his man but his shot hit the post.

That was a frustrating half which had lots of controversy.

After being inspired by Floyd Croll, Walden did a bucket collection for The British Red Cross Society. We managed to raise £72.46. Thank you to all that donated.

Second Half

I missed the first 5 minutes of the match because I was collecting money. I heard nothing major had happened.

Haverhill started to take control of the game. Haverhill had a great opportunity from a free kick. The Rovers forward went to head the ball but he didn’t get a full connection, and the ball went wide of the post.

Soon after they had another great chance from a one on one but Reid put in a great challenge to deny a shooting opportunity.

Our first big effort of the 2^nd half came from Mashy. He made a lovely pass to Bell, who ran to the right hand side of the box. Mashy continued his run to meet Bell’s cross. His cross was blocked by the defender and went over the bar for a corner kick.

Strong went down from a challenge. He required some treatment from Sarah, but got back up soon after. He tried to walk it off, but eventually it resulted in him being replaced by new Blood James Thomas. Bell then dropped back to the vacant right back position.

A little more pressure came from Rovers. Weaver and Kicks sent decent crosses into the box, but didn’t trouble Croll.

Next Bell worked very hard and dribbled the ball into the box. It took 3 Rovers defenders to put him off his stride, and his shot went over the bar.

Longley made a good break for Rovers, from a midfield position but M Abbott slid in well to take the ball off Longley. That was more like it, Abbo.

30 minutes to go and injured Strong was replaced by Jamie Thomas. Welcome back Jamie.

Soon after, Mashy was replaced by Joe ‘The Boss’ Murphy.  Mashy gave 100% to the match.

Thompson entered the play all guns blazing, with a great run up the wing. His cross was good but G Man just couldn’t find the back of the net. His headed effort went wide.

15 minutes to go and we looked like we were up against it. Thomas showed some great skill on the ball and played the ball into the box. He beat his man but the assistant referee waved for a foul on the defender. I have no idea how he made that decision. These decisions were starting to get silly.

More pressure from Rovers, but they ran into Fleming, who played the ball out of trouble.

Thompson, G Man and Wig had more changes in a period of 5 minutes but sadly no finish. The match had 0-0 written all over it.

8 minutes to go and Rovers started to put more pressure on, but our defence had an answer for every question Rovers asked.

Our next opportunity came from a Beast throw. The throw was strong and a long way out, causing the defender to head the ball away for a corner.

5 minutes to go and Croll pulled of an incredible save to his left. Rovers had a golden opportunity, but were denied by the outstretched Bloods number 1.

90 minutes in and disaster struck. The referee gave a penalty to Rovers for a ridiculous hand ball decision. The ball hit the Beast by the line. His hands were by his side, and the ball would have gone off for a goal kick had Beast not been there. Excuse me for the rant.

 

This is a recent article on hand ball I found which was written by Graham Poll

Regarding handball they now ask the referee to consider the proximity of the potential offender to the person last playing the ball, the speed of the ball and importantly whether the offender's arms are in a natural or unnatural position.

So the question of intent is now, did the offender deliberately place his arms in an unnatural position to increase the chances of the ball hitting him?

If the answer to that is yes then it is correct to penalise that player even though it used to be argued that was ball to hand.

So after reading the above I will let you make your own mind up.

The penalty was taken well and scored Perry Moody.

We tried to get back into the game in injury time and the tension was brewing. The referee stopped the game for 4 minutes after a nothing challenge. He even had to consult our ‘favorite’ assistant referee.

So that was it, game over. Rovers had taken all 3 points. A potentially great derby match was ruined by some bad decisions. Do not get me wrong, Rovers played well and if you ask their fans, I think they would agree we should have shared the spoils.

So down to my favorite part of the blog which is: Fan’s Man of The Match. This decision was easy for me. Fans Match of the Match goes to the referee! Sorry I couldn’t resist. This week’s MOTM is Wig Calver. Well done Wiggy.

I have promised to mention the great food given to the players at the end of the match. Ken had whipped up a very nice looking chicken pasta bake. It made me very hungry just looking at it. (Picture Below)

Next up we have FA Cup duty against Hanwell Town, which is away on Saturday 12^th September. I have got my coach ticket! Have you? If you want coach tickets please contact Ken at the club ASAP.

Thanks for reading.

#upthebloods

Floyd Croll - Day 3 in Refugee camp

Calais Report Day 3:

After 2 days mini break in Arras and Paris I have had time to reflect on my experiences within the refugee camp. I also had time to notice that the mainstream media have started to be more positive towards the situations many refugees have found themselves in. I will explain why this is may not be such a positive thing at the end of this report.
The refugee camp in Calais is commonly known as "The Jungle", which would imply a land of limited rules and inhabited by Animals. However, a Jungle could also be described as a place of unexpected beauty.

One thing that is evident upon entering the camp is how sporadic the Police presence is and also how limited the support agencies within the camp are. Many are in fact volunteers. Recent government speeches and media reports would suggest that "all is under control now. We've noticed the plight of these people go back to your normal lives. We're getting this sorted now. Yet, after 3 hours I walked past one policeman and 4 volunteers. In a camp of  3000+ refugees. Hardly inspires confidence.

This evening’s mission was again to play sport. Football (naturally) and Volleyball were on the sporting menu this evening. One thing that has surprised me instantly when playing sports in the camp is the level of enthusiasm, energy and joy the refugees play the games with. What makes these attributes so vividly amazing and inspiring is that many of the refugees will not have eaten today. The government supplies refugees with one meal per day, which often involves a queue of over 3 hours in exposed conditions. More amazing still is that a lot of them are playing barefoot, on a mixture of sand, sharp stones and only God knows what else. Yet their passion for the game, and commitment to 'nutmegging' me never waivers once. I cannot help but wish Wayne Rooney would show even half of this commitment when representing the national side.

The members of the camp join in with each game, there are no national barriers or conflicts during the games (nor in the camp in general might I add). There is no privilege either, when football commences we are all treated equal, and I was by no means exempt from being "piggy in the middle". In fact a few of the refugees noticed that I was in the middle "quite a lot". I left the camp feeling elated on one hand after 3+ hours of football but on the other, a story few will report is starting to become evident in the camp.

Winter is coming. Today’s football was played in the light drizzle of a September evening in Northern France. However, when walking past the makeshift tents on the way out you can start to hear the deep coughs one becomes accustomed to hearing in a GP's waiting room.

The reality is, the longer people are kept in the camps the greater the chance of Illness and death. Warm clothing sent and distributed by kind volunteers will not be enough to help the refugees survive winter here.

Admittedly even David Cameron isn't stupid enough to let 3000 refugees die so close to the English border but how much punishment is he and other leaders willing to let refugees suffer. A few deaths would be ok right? Send an example to other Refugees looking to make the same journey next year perhaps.. ?

I get the feeling that after the initial wave of media interest in this story fades and is replaced by the inevitable celebrity exposing themselves on the front pages, there is a real danger of these refugees being forgotten.

One of the main reasons I came out to visit and try to help within the Camp. All be it, by playing football mostly. It was because I couldn't get the fact that this is the largest movement of people/ refugees since World War 2. How can we ignore such facts. It's terrifying quite frankly, is humanity really heading back towards are darkest times again? Phrases such as 'since world war 2". Something must change soon and for me, a change in attitude.
Whether a person is escaping a warzone or relative poverty and looking for a new life in Europe. We need to accept the conditions our collective governments are subjecting people to is borderline criminal. How hard would it really be to build more permanent shelters?! People, no matter what race, religion or status should not be reduced to sleeping in bin bags for over 3 months. Yes. That's right, although the story has only been in the mainstream media for a month or so. Many people in the camp have been here for 3 months or more. Sleeping in tents or bin bag shacks, on one meal a day. 100 miles from London.

I do not pretend to have the answers to these issues. All I would say is that if you can help DO. If you can't just hug your loved ones extra tight and try not to be too much of a d**k about this situation. Not comparing it to other problems is a good start.

Playing sport with the people of the camp has been an absolute joy and from personal experiences, I can confirm that there are no animals in this Jungle and humanity here continues to flourish despite little nourishment and care …..

 

Saffron Walden Town FC are raising money for the refugees

https://www.justgiving.com/Martin-Johnson22

Saffron Walden Town FC is a community benefit society and many people at our club have been shocked by the conditions faced by the refugees fleeing conflict. We simply want to do something practical to help, and the British Red Cross appeal provides direct support with things which are needed - basic supplies, even things like nappies. Please support it. We have also been inspired by our goalkeeper Floyd Croll who has personally visited the Calais refugee camp recently, delivering footballs and other equipment to the people there.
 
Donations on this site go directly to British Red Cross. BRC staff have confirmed to SWTFC that all
monies raised from the SWTFC Just Giving site will be directed to the Refugee Appeal.

There will also be a bucket collection at our home game against Haverhill Rovers on 8th September. Kick off at 7.45pm

Please donate on our club Chairmans just giving page

#nonleaguesupport #bloodsfamily

https://www.justgiving.com/Martin-Johnson22

Day 2 at The Calais Refugee Camp by Floyd Croll

Day 2 at Calais Refugee Camp by Floyd Croll


Day 2: Football Lesson

I learnt football on a field in Rattlesden, it's been 20 years since those early days and since those early years I have forgotten one of the main purposes of football. Escapism. It's hard to think about anything else when playing the game. In the past turning up to training has been an essential part of recovery from depression, if only temporary. I don't know what the answer is to the economic and social problems of the world. Yet within the Calais ...camp it is evident to see how important sport and games are to people. Deliveries of clothes and food are INCREDIBLY important I can assure you, but whilst they may provide warmth and protection on their own they will provide little to warm the human spirit in isolation.

Through football the lads in the camp can regain a sense of normality, humanity and personal identity. We are all equal on the football field and believe me, I have been nutmegged more times than I care to mention. Many of the players play barefoot or in flip flops, but there are no complaints or excuses. There is laughter too. I mean who can't resist laughing when you have just fired a shot straight at ' the white man's balls' right. I've loved playing football with the gentlemen of the camp, and cannot stop smiling when playing BUT..............

The reality of today is that not only have we lived such different lives to previous to this football game but we will go on to lead different and unfair lives unless change happens. I left a laptop screen and my washing on the line back in England. Many have left threats of death and civil war. One gentleman I was speaking to came here on a makeshift boat from Libya. His description of the experience as "scary" no doubt fails to do the harrowing journey justice. Yet worse still after we all played football on the field together we go on to lead VERY different lives.

I am off to Paris for a few days.of photography then back to England, without difficulty in entering.

Some of the players here might not be here for my next game I plan to play in the camp on Monday.

So many of the gentleman within the camp (the word is used here with the highest deliberation possible) will attempt to travel to England at some point. They will literally risk their lives to escape their past lives in war torn Sudan, Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria and their current one in squalid conditions which, without assistance, will become deadly as winter approaches.

I wish I could say that England is a place that they will be welcomed. That their lives will be free from fear, that they can actually rebuild and experience life again, that all the risks will be worth it..................................
..........
..........
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Wish.










 

Bloods Keeper Floyd Croll visits Calais Refugee Camp

Bloods number 1 keeper Floyd Croll, speaks of his exeperience of The Calais Refugee Camp.

In his own words:

Accurate, non-biased and detailed report from The Calais Refugee Camp by Floyd Croll.

 

It's hard to put into words what spending 9 hours in the Calais Refugee camp does to you. To put it simply it does 2 main things.

 

1: Breaks down all your personal barriers, many help since childhood.

2: Shocks you at how poor the conditions are given how close it is to Western Europe. Close. What am I talking about it is IN Western Europe.

 

The welcome you receive when entering the camp is warmer than many people experience at Christmas time. You are not only greeted with smiles and hellos but also handshakes and pats on the back. A far cry from David Cameron's description of these people as a "Swarm". But I'm sure you didn't me to tell you how far from reality this former Eton Boy is.

 

The camp houses many people who have been fleeing some horrendous warzones such as those in Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. These people are not looking for a 3 bedroomed house in Southend for Free and some cheeky benefits to buy a nice flat screen television. No. They are escaping war. Yes WAR. Something not just confined to history books but an active and deadly part of 21st century life. Unless you are from Western Europe of course.

 

As a former football player I entered the camp with one main goal and 15 footballs. Within 2 minutes I was down to just the one, a beautiful Pink Sondico Football worth about £5. One you would often see left in a bush in England as it's not worth retrieving from the Blackberry Bush.

 

When you see images in the paper of refugees (sorry Daily Mail readers that is not a mis-quote) entering Europe on over-crowded Boats it is easy to de-humanise the faces pictured. Easier still we can pretend that they know the risks and it's their mistake for taking such a risk. This implies an element of choice. Once again I repeat these people are escaping deadly situations in their home country. With reference to the famous Eddie Izzard Canteen Sketch. Your choice is "Cake or Death".......and we have run out of cake today.

 

During my 9 hours in the camp I must have played football with over 100 different men. Men the mass media in The UK suggest we should fear. Afghans, Sudanese, Eritreans, Iraqis, Egyptians and Pakistanis. Yet I can tell you first hand I have never enjoyed playing football so much despite being "nut-megged" several times. These people played with such joy, laughter and commitment that it became easy to forget that many had risked their lives to get here, that they will be sleeping in a shack built with wood and bin bags or even that many are playing barefoot. It felt like I was playing football in "the third world" with these conditions. Yet we are playing 2 hours from London.

 

Many of the people here have no possessions or belongings, yet during my time here I was cooked 3 meals and even made a cup of tea with Sugar by some very gentlemanly Sudanese chaps.

 

The camp does has some volunteers and a very minimal (and grumpy as hell) police presence but this accounts for many 30 or so people. It just doesn't seem that Calais is a popular destination for The Celebrity philanthropists that one may see in locations like Kenya for example. Yet this is happening so close to home.

 

Please do not think that these people want to be here. They don't. So much so that many risk their lives to escape. Throughout the camp you see young men on crutches, with limps or "gammy legs". Many of these injuries have occurred from falling off the security fences and even worse have happened whilst these men have risks lives on the Channel Tunnel train tracks. One gentleman from Sudan showed me the mark left after a train nearly cut him in half. Again do you really think he would take such a risk just to sit in the dole office?!!!!

 

Finally, one thing that is evident within the camp is the lack of animosity between the different nationalities of the camp. National flags, although flown proudly, do not have as much value when compared to survival, humanity and brotherhood.

 

Tomorrow I will return to the camp with my pink Football but I urge you to reconsider your views on why these people are here and how YOU, yes you right there can help.

 

Floyd xx

Hardworking Young Bloods lose to St Neots clinical finishing

Saffron Walden U18's 1 –Vs St Neots Town U18's 3

Tuesday 1^st September 2015

I could not go 10 days without a match, so I decided to go and watch the young Bloods play. The young Bloods had a great start to the season with 2 wins. I was intrigued to see how good the lads could play, after hearing some very positive reports. At the end of the day, these lads could be our future first team.

The U18s are managed by coach, Michael Riccio.  The starting 11 was: Goal Keeper: Sam Soutar. Defence: Garret, Scott, Ormsby and Dicker. Midfield: Van Ellis, Thompson, Carter. Forward: Barry, Sparrow and Young. Subs: Smith, Vant, Weeks, Chappell, Rand

St Neots kicked off the match. We started off the match lively. Sparrow made a great run up the right wing, and won the Bloods an early free kick

Carter linked up well with Dicker who produced a threatening cross, but the cross was well blocked by St Neots.

St Neots retaliated quickly with a decent shot which was saved by Soutar.

Shortly after, St Neots number 7 made a great run, and linked up well with number 9. The striker hit the ball clean which beat Soutar to his right. St Neots went 1 – 0 up. The young bloods didn’t let their heads drop, and continued to try and get back in the game. The Bloods were awarded a free kick, which was delivered by Van Ellis. Van Ellis was showing some great class in midfield, and looked the favourite to score first for the Bloods. His free kick was good, but it was well defended by St Neots.

Soutar prevented a great scoring opportunity by sprinting to the ball to clear the danger. Had the forward beaten him to the ball, it would have been difficult to get back.

The young Bloods first effort on target came from Barry, who showed some great skills to beat his man. He managed to get a shot on target, but was too close to the keeper.

18 minutes in a Walden found themselves 2 nil down. The St Neots goal came from a well taken corner. The ball was headed into the back of the net, leaving Soutar no chance. The lads had a lot of work to do.

Thompson had a great opportunity to score. He trapped the ball well, flicked it up, but his shot was saved by the keeper. It was a very encouraging sign that the Bloods were still in the match.

Great ‘Mashy style’ challenge, from Carter in the midfield. This was needed as Carter had taken the control back for the Bloods.

Charlie Smith was introduced to the match. Smith made an instant impact to the team. He was fast and very skilful on the ball. He reminded me of Wiggy Calvar. He was not afraid to take on the defenders.

Then came, the best goal I have seen this season, from any player in a red and black shirt. Callum Sparrow trapped the ball on the 18 yard box. The keeper decided to run at Sparrow, but he calmly lobbed the ball into the top right hand corner. What a shot! Even the St Neots fans applauded it.

30 minutes in a Walden were play with confidence. The passing and movement was much better, which gave another opportunity for Thompson to shoot. Instead he delivered a perfect pass to Young, but his shot was saved. We had woken up and it was game on.

Van Ellis had another good chance when he ran on to a deflected free kick. He controlled the ball and shot, but it was well defended and went for a corner. The corner was well cleared by the St Neots number 6.

St Neots upped they game with a great run from the number 11. He played the ball to number 7.  Charlie Dicker ran with him and tackled well, but the keep blew his whistle for a free kick to St Neots. The fans were puzzled, as it looked like it should have gone to Walden. The free kick was well handled by Walden’s defence.

They added more pressure on goal, but Soultar came off his lines, and with his finger tip, took the ball from the attacker’s feet.

Smith continued to look sharp and threatened the St Neots defence. The crowd were willing him to score. He won another free kick, but it was defended by St Neots.

The last 5 minutes we were playing really well and deserved the equaliser, but just couldn’t find the back of the net.

 

The second half began and St Neots had the first good effort, which was well saved by Soultar. St Neots where trying very hard to finish Walden off. They had a great strike which hit the wood work, but the rebound dropped to an attacker but went sailing over the bar. That should have been 1-3.

Soon after the St Neots pressure, there number 2 had a great shoot, but Soutar pulled off an even better save. The save was so good, the player clapped Soultar for his heroics.

Dan Weeks was replaced for Sparrow.

Smith continued to put pressure on the defence, with a great run. His cross was low and hard across the face of the goal, but no one was there to meet it.

I had to say at this point St Neots looked the better side, but we didn’t fold. The defending was good.

Charlie was taken off which I found a little bit odd, as he was playing very well.

There was more chance in the second half, when Van Ellis found some space but his shot went wide. I was pleased to see that we had not thrown in the towel just yet.

Soultar remained busy for the last few minutes. Soultar saved 2 back to back saves from a St Neots header. Last week’s first team hero was proving himself yet again.

In the last minute St Neots had scored a brilliant goal. The link up play was superb, and the strike was low and hard. Soultar tried to save it but it went just under him.

The lads didn’t deserve to lose 1-3 in the end. They played very well but just didn’t get the result. St Neots 2^nd half tactics were spot on, and stopped us from equalising. Congratulations St Neots, as from that performance I don’t feel many teams will beat us at home.

The Fans Man of the Match goes to Charlie Smith. He made a huge difference when he came on. I am sure he has a bright future ahead of him. Well done Charlie. Keep learning and keep playing well.

We have a week off now until the first team play Haverhill Rovers, at the Meadows, on the 7^th September. Have a great week all, and I will see most of you next week.

Will Mrs Nash need her flannel? Or will it be a goal fest for the Bloods.

Thanks for reading