Biggleswade United 1 – Saffron Walden 3

Biggleswade 1 – Saffron Walden 3

FA Vase – 21^st November…..Bloody cold.

 

After such an incredible run last year in the FA Vase, I was really looking forward to the match. The club had arranged for a coach, to take the players and supporters to Biggleswade United. Biggleswade are in the Spartan South Midlands League, and are currently 19 in the league. When you compare the two team’s performances; over the last 10 games, we were evenly matched…Well on paper that is!

After reading their pre match report, they seemed very confident they were going to beat us. As they say; ‘He who has the last laugh, laughs the loudest’…..or something like that.

We arrived at the ground just before 2pm, and headed straight to the bar. After a few rounds and a nice warm pasty, we headed over the car park to the ground. There was a real chill in the air, and you could definitely tell winter had arrived. The lady on the PA system welcomed us to the ‘Second Meadow’, and asked us to give her a wave. Well of course we all waved and cheered, to let the home fans know we had arrived.

TEAM: Floyd Croll, Ryan Fleming (Flemo), Dan Grindrod (Viking), Matt Snelling (Mashy) (Stuart Wardley (Sticko) – 51 mins.), Ben Lawrence (Beast), Chris Reid (Graeme Turner (G Man)– 36 mins.), Craig Calver (Wig), Max Drane (Joe Murphy (Boss)– 79 mins.), Jake Noble (Nobby), James Thomas (Zinedine), Louis Harper. Substitutes (not used): James Crane (Road Runner), Neil Andrews.

The First Half

Walden lost the toss, so we ended up playing against the sun. I even gave Nigel ‘Carlos’ Bailey a few bars of ‘Here comes the sun’. He complimented me by adding the ‘Doo do do do’ bit.

To say the boys were up for it, would be an understatement. As the Biggleswade Tweet said ‘We came out of blocks, faster than Usain Bolt’. I really respected the Tweet, as we really did. We really went for it.

We had an early throw-on, and chanted for the Beast. The Beast stepped up and threw the ball into the 6 yard box, but it was cleared for a corner by Cooper.

The Bloods drew first Blood, when Zinedine took advantage of a bad clearance by Biggleswade. Zinedine saw that Martos was off his line, and volleyed the ball towards the goal. The ball had so much spin, it beat Martos at his left post. All the defence could do was stand there and watch. The goal came 2 minutes after kick off.

It was all Walden in the first 5 minutes, with the lads trying to push for a second goal. Harper worked extremely hard to hold the ball up, and passed the ball to the incoming Wig. Wig tried to float the ball into Martos’ left hand corner, but it was slightly high and wide.

10 minutes in, and the game started to settle down. Biggleswade gained a little more control and tried to test Croll from long range, but the ball went over the bar.

12 minutes in, and Biggleswade had a corner. The corner was taken by Farrell, but Flemo cleared the ball out of danger; with his head. Biggleswade gained momentum from the corner, and shortly after won another. The corner was well delivered, but Drane managed to get the ball cleared.

17 minutes in and Biggleswade had equalised. Floyd Croll made an excellent save from Cooper, but Sagwete did not waste his opportunity from the rebound; and smashed the ball past Croll.

Soon after the goal, Reid made a great challenge to stop the Biggleswade striker from have a clear shot at goal.

The Bloods soon got back into their rhythm, and would not let the equaliser faze them. Flemo’s long ball was skilfully taken by Zinedine. Zinedine squared the ball to Wig, but his effort was straight at the keeper.

Harper showed his strength, and travelled well with the ball, to fend off the midfield. He tried to play Zinedine into space, but his pass was slightly too strong, and the ball went out of play.

The Bloods did not stay behind for long. 24 minutes in the match, and The Beast connected perfectly from a corner ball by Harper. His thunderbolt header smashed the back of the net, leaving Marto no chance. 1-2 to the Bloods!

Zinedine came very close to a second goal, after his dipping strike hit the underside of the bar, and bounced on the goal line. Marto did well to react, and pushed the ball away from danger. This opportunity was created by the Viking, who won the ball with a very good tackle.

The Beast showed some lovely footwork, with his educated left foot; to flick the ball onto Thomas. The Beast was under pressure but did not panic.

36 minutes into the match and Reid was replaced by G Man. Reid took a knock and couldn’t continue. I spoke to him after the match and he should be fine.

40 minutes into the match, and Elliot went for a long range effort, but the shot went over the bar.

Mrs Nash was now getting cold and sent Malcolm to get into the tea line. Malcolm knows his place!

Biggleswade had an opportunity near the end of the half. They had a good chance from the corner, but the Beast would not allow them to pass go!

HT: Biggleswade 1 – Saffron Walden 2. The lads had worked extremely hard and deserved their lead.

 

The Second Half

The Bloods re-started the match and won an early corner. There was some pushing and shoving in the box; which can be quite normal, but it was getting silly, and Zinedine was not happy with the constant impediment

51 minutes into the match, and Mashy was replaced by Sticksy. Mashy has recently come back from injury, so his hamstrings were tight. There wasn’t any point risking further injury.

Master Owen Bailey took the Dictaphone, and reported that Wig was spinning the defence with his skills. Wig won the Bloods a corner, to be taken by Harper. Harper’s delivery almost found Sticko, but was well defended by Elliot.

There was more pushing and shoving from Sagwete on Zinedine; as we waited for a Beast throw-on. Sagwete pushed Zinedine over, and the referee had no choice but to show him a yellow card. We all wanted a penalty, as in theory it was a foul in the box. The throw was instantly cleared back to Beast and the Beast crossed the ball towards the back post, but Sticko could not get his head to it. Now to be fair he is getting on a bit. Lol (We love you really).

Well, no one expected what was to happen next. The Viking scored one of the best goals, I have seen in a Walden shirt. The ball fell to the Viking, and he smashed it from 35 yards out. The ball took a slight deflection, but buried itself in the top left hand corner. His goal is definitely a contender for goal of the season. It was a rocket! It was one of those goals, where you just stand still and watch. The whole team ran to the Viking to celebrate with him.

We were chanting ‘We want 4’, and the Bloods worked very hard to give us what we wanted. G Man won us a corner for the Viking to take. The Beast managed to get his head on the cross, but it went wide.

G Man had to go off for some treatment. I think he was cut after a clash with Marto, but he didn’t stay off the pitch for long.

73 minutes into the match, and Marto was booked for more pushing and shoving in the box. Mrs Nash’s flannel was officially out, as she was not happy with Mr. Marto’s conduct.

Soon after yellow card, the Bloods won a free kick. Harper went for a shot, but it was slightly too high and went over the bar.

The Viking curved in a corner ball, which was on target, but it was well saved by Marto.

79 minutes into the match, and Drane was replaced by Joe ‘The Boss’ Murphy. Max had a great game, and worked hard. He made some excellent tackles and clearances, especially in the first half when we were under pressure.

85 minutes into the match, and G Man worked really hard to win the Bloods a corner. The Viking took the corner, but he hit the post. The rebound was well cleared by the defence.

The final result was Biggleswade 1 – Saffron Walden 3. The Bloods out played the home side and deserved to win. It was a joy to watch, and I am very proud of all the lads.

The MOTM has to go to Dan ‘The Viking’ Grindrod. He worked very hard throughout the match, and capped it off with a stunning goal. Well done Grinners. That goal will be talked about for a very long time.

New Bloods Mugs Available

Swtfc new mugs are now available to buy. We are selling them for £6 each or 2 for a £10. Nice little Xmas stocking filler. Available for collection on Saturday from the ground or after the coach returns from the FA Vase away match. 

Saffron Walden 0 - Brantham Athletic 1

Saffron Walden 0 – Brantham Athletic 1

I must admit as a fan it is getting harder to write about more defeats, and the fact we played the better football, but still ended up losing. I am frustrated as much as all of you. But as a loyal fan and member of the Bloods family, I will not let my head drop and neither should any of you.  I know it’s easier said than done. We need those goals and we need them now! Don’t get me wrong, it’s not for a want of trying from the lads. I have a lot of respect for the players/staff, and if I was to play football; I would look like Bambi on ice. The hard thing for the fans is watching the boys out play their opposition but don’t get the results. Maybe this is what it feels like to be a Chelsea fan at the moment. We need that fox in the box, banging them into the net.

I was very sad to hear the news that Sam Gregory has been advised not to play again at this level. I pray that this isn’t the case and he makes a full recovery. He is only 19, and he will need a lot of support while he recovers. If you are reading this Sam, please keep positive and come and see us. You can yell at the officials with Mrs Nash and the Bloods family.

It was a typical November day! It was cold, wet and windy. I arrived at the ground just after 2pm and went straight to shelter by the food hut. I had a very nice burger and a mug of tea. The players waited until 2.30pm before they warmed up. I am not surprised as we wouldn’t want any injuries in the warm up.

TEAM: Floyd Croll, Paul Abbot, Dan Grindrod (Viking), Jake Noble (Nobby), James Solkhon (Rocky), Ryan Fleming (Flemo), Craig Calver (Wig), Joe Murphy (Boss), Marc Abbot, James Thomas (Zinedine), Louis Harper. Substitutes: James Crane (Road Runner), Max Drane, Ben Laurence (Beast), Neil Andrews, Sam Soutar. 

Before the game started we had a minute silence, as a mark of respect to all those innocent people who were killed in the attacks on Paris.  Such terrible news and our hearts and prayers go out to all the victims loved ones.

The First half

The Bloods first threat at goal, came from a wicked cross by the Viking, after Zinedine kept hold of the ball in the box; and played it back to the Viking. The cross was aimed at Harper, but it was well defended by Nobbs.

Wig and The Viking won us back to back corners after, the Brantham defenders scuffed their clearances. The second corner was almost fumbled by Hawkins, but he did well to recover and get hold of the ball.

The Boss had a good opportunity with a long distance header, but the attempt went wide. I also have to mention; Nigel tried hard to kick the ball back to the keeper, but failed miserably and hit the railings instead.

17 minutes into the match and Bratham had a great chance. Stace jumped well and connected with a cross, but his header went wide.

Brantham had another good chance from a break. Mann squared the ball to Lawler, who’s first time shot went over the bar. It was very powerful and would have tested any keeper.

Harper did well, by winning the ball back from the Brantham defender. He passed the ball to Thomas; who ran into the 6 yard box, but his cross was punched away Hawkin. The ball went into the path of Paul Abbot, but his first time shot went wide. It was great to see Paul coming forward to support the front two.

The Boss was working very hard in the centre, and passed a lovely ball to Wig. Wig ran with the ball up the wing and crossed it. The defender got a slight tough on the ball, but went only as far as Zinedine. Zinedine crossed the ball back into the box, but it was to long for the Boss.

37 minutes into the match, and Zinedine had an excellent chance when he tested Hawkin. Harper headed a cross to Zinedine, and he skilfully pushed it to one side. His shot was bending away to the keeper’s right hand side, but Hawkin managed to get a firm hand to it and pushed it away for a corner. Marc Abbot took the corner but nothing came from it.

Shortly after Zinedine’s effort, Nobby went to the ground. He couldn’t continue and was replaced by Max Drane. I hope you’re okay Nobby and return back to the squad soon.

Brantham had two shots on goal, but Flemo made two excellent back to back blocks.

Branthams goal came from a rebound, after Croll made an excellent save. The ball was loose and tapped in from 6 yards. It was quick thinking from the Brantham striker. I am sorry I didn’t see who scored the goal. I was having a Wenger moment.

HT: Saffron Walden 0 – Brantham Athletic 1

 

The Second Half

Not much happened in the first 10 minutes of the second half. Marc Abbot had a long range effort, but the shot went over the bar.

55 minutes into the match, and Croll made a fabulous safe from a point blank shot. The cross was whipped in and the striker caught the ball well, but it was not got enough to beat the athleticism of Croll.

60 minutes into the match and Harper was substituted for Crane (Road Runner) and the Viking was substituted by The Beast. Keep working hard lads. It was nice to see Road Runner get some first team minutes, after his hat-trick for the reserves in the week.

63 minutes in and RR won the Bloods a goal kick in ‘The Beasts Territory’. Every one behind the goal, were cheering for the big man. The Beast’s throw found Rocky’s run, but he clashed with Stace and the referee awarded Grantham a free kick.

Travis had a great effort denied by the top of the cross bar. I am not sure if it was a shot or a cross. Croll’s positioning was good; and he would have tipped it over.

Croll continued to work very hard, and saved a decent effort by a Heath. The Bloods number one stood up well and blocked the shot for a corner. The corner was headed over the bar by Grantham.

75 minutes into the match and Thomas did well to beat the defender. He struck the ball, but it was well saved by Hawkins for a corner to Walden. The corner came in but was defended by Stace.

Wig had a rush of Blood, and ran extremely fast to chase down a free ball. He got his cross in, but it hit the bar. It would have been a great solo effort; had it just dropped under the bar.

The Beast tracked back really well, and stuck to Heath. Heath did managed to get a shot in, but the Beast did enough to put him off and the shot went wide.

The Bloods continued to keep Hawkins busy, after Wig latch onto his punched clearance from a corner. Wig’s effort was on target but again was well saved by Hawkins. Their defence were keeping them in the match.

Both keepers were keeping their teams in the mix. Croll made another great save on the 80^th minute, to deny Brantham from going 2-0 up.

Drane did some great foot work, and beat the Brantham defender. The ball was passed to Wig, but Wig’s shot was blocked by Sibbons.

Zinedine was working extremely had and trying to create chances. He linked-up well with Road Runner, on the line and the Boss joined in on the action. The Boss won the Bloods a throw for the Beast. The throw was headed into the box, but just didn’t drop for anyone to get a clean shot. The crowd were shouting for someone to hit the ball, but the Brantham boys, stood up well.

Again, it was not our day. We had lost 0-1. Plenty of great build up play, but no goals to show for the lad’s hard work. Keep on working hard lads, and don’t let your heads drop.

MOTM was easy for me. Croll was brilliant and was the stand out winner for this match. Croll made some amazing saves, and gave the Bloods a fighting chance. Well done mate and thank you.

As the voice over from the Apprentice would say at the end of the programme:

‘Who will be Lord Wardley’s goal machine? The search for a goal scorer……continues!’

So going to get beaten on the coach by Sticko for that once, but I will take one for the fans!

A reminder to all travelling to Biggleswade next week! The Bloods Boogie Bus is available and tickets are £10 each. Its FA Vase time! Can we repeat last year’s amazing run?

Oh and please can you sponsor super fan Nigel Bailey for Movember. He is now known as Carlos! Great work mate and amazing handlebars. I wish I could grow one. 

10,000 Views

Celebrating 10,000 views. Thank you all for reading. 

Hard battle for U18s against Royston Town

Saffron Walden U18s 1 – Royston Town U18s 2

11^th November 2015. The Meadow

This match was always going to be a difficult match for the Young Bloods; who still occupy top spot, after an impressive unbeaten run. Royston have not been beaten in the league since the start of the season, and have now made it 5 wins out of 5.

The First Half

The Young Bloods conceded an early goal, after Charlie Dicker slipped; which allowed the Royston forward free on goal. Sam Soutar ran off his line; and made himself as big as possible, but the Royston forward calmly played it around Soutar and took his chance well.

Walden worked hard to get straight back into the game, with a determined run by George Chapell. Chappell crossed the ball to Charlie Dicker, but his shot was not strong enough to beat the Royston keeper.

Jake Thompson stood out in the centre of midfield, and controlled the ball well. He used his strength and size to his advantage. 

The Royston keeper; made a great save at the feet of Charlie Smith. It was a brave decision at full stretch. If he had missed placed his timing, it could have been a penalty.

35 minutes into the match and both team worked hard to gain possession. Each player battled for any loose ball. Royston came close to scoring again; with a powerful header, but the ball went over the cross bar.

Jordan Carter did find the back of the net in the first half, but the Walden forward was caught off side and the goal was disallowed.

Royston came very close to scoring a second goal; in the last minute of the first half, but the ball hit the side of the net.

The Second Half

Charlie Smith made a great run into the box, and delivered a great cross into the 6 yard box, but Royston’s number 3 headed the ball away for a corner to Walden.

Walden worked very hard and dominated the possession for the first fifteen minute of the second half. The Young Bloods worked tirelessly to get an equaliser, but Royston’s back four worked very hard to deny Walden.

Sam Soutar had the save of the match. The Royston forward ran at Sam; and struck the ball very well, but Soutar got down low and fast to deny the great effort.

Jack Young showed great determination at keeping the ball, while under pressure at the corner flag. He managed to get passed the defender, but was tripped and awarded a free kick. The free kick was taken short but it was not effective.

As Walden looked like getting a well-earned equaliser, Royston broke well from a goal kick. Soutar decided to come off his line to try and clear the ball, but the Royston lad played it around Soutar and struck the ball into the back of the net. The ball was hit perfectly; from a tight angle and at the end of the area.

The Young Bloods defence worked really hard throughout and were unlucky to concede a second goal.

Walden finally got a consolation goal in the 90^th minute, and finally broke the Royston defence. The ball was whipped in by Sparrow, and finished by Young. Young’s strike smashed the top of the net and was very well deserved,

Young Bloods MOTM goes to Jake Thompson. Thompson worked very hard coming forward and creating chances, and would always retreat back when the defence needed support.

TEAM Soutar, J Dicker, Scott, Garrett, Sparrow, Thompson, Young (Captain), Chappell, Smith, Carter, C Dicker, Eve, Templeman, Leaning, Rand, Arslan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saffron Walden 2 – Long Melford 2 – Melford won 5-3 on penalties

Thurlow Nunn League Cup

10^th November 2015

There is nothing like Tuesday night football, to break up the working week. After a successful 3-1 away win confidence was flowing. A win against Long Melford in the cup would have been a great opportunity to build on the hard work. To say we were unlucky would be an understatement. Losing on penalties is never nice, but sadly it was not our night. I shall talk you through the match shortly.

Former Bloods goal scorer, Shaun Avis came to cheer on the lads. It must have been very strange for him, to be standing with the fans and not giving the centre backs hell. It was great to see Shaun and we hope to see him again soon.

Before the match, I presented James Thomas with the Bloods Sweat and Cheers player of the month for October. Well done James.

I have decided to blame Mrs Nash for the loss, as she left the sacred flannel at home! I am only joking Mrs Nash. You will always be the local celebrity in my blog. Just make sure you have it on Saturday.

TEAM: Sam Soutar, Paul Abbot, Dan Grindrod (Viking), Jake Noble (Nobby), James Solkhon (Rocky), Ryan Fleming (Flemo), Craig Calver (Wig), Joe Murphy (Boss), Marc Abbot (Max Drane – 70 mins.), James Thomas (Zinedine)(Graeme Turner (G Man)– 66 mins.), Louis Harper (James Crane (Road Runner) – 66 mins.). Substitutes (not used): Spike Bell, Charlie Dicker.

Before I start the blog I want to congratulate Charlie Dicker, for getting a place on the first team’s bench. Even though Charlie didn’t play, I feel it’s a huge achievement and it proves that hard work and determination doesn’t go unnoticed.

Oh and I am still missing a few nick names, so suggesting from the team and fans would be helpful. Soon the blog will look like something out of Lord of the Rings.

The match started with a minutes silence to remember those who fell in WW1.

The First Half

We began the match kicking towards the playing field. As always the lads started lively and positive. Our first threat on goal came from some great skills from Harper; who found Zinedine in space, but his shot was well defended by Melford.

Long Melford had an early corner, which was well taken, but the Bloods held their line well and cleared away any potential danger.

Wig Calver and Zinedine continued their good form, and linked up well. Zinedine timed his pass for Wig; who almost got in a killer cross near the post, but it was well blocked by Melford.

Last week’s MOTM James ‘Rocky’ Solkhon was called into action, when he cleared the ball of the line from a Melford attack. Rocky was playing centre back which is unusual for him, but with the Beast not well and Ried injured, he did his team proud.

In the first 15 minutes the possession was even, with both teams looking threatening. As always when these teams meet, they are always up for a gritty match.

Melford had a decent effort, but it was well saved by Soutar. The shot was curving and could have gone anywhere, but Sam stood strong and Harper was there to clear the rebound.

23 minutes in, and Wig won Walden a free kick in ‘Harper’ range. Mr Sam ‘No Foul’ Mansfield worked very hard to get his team ready. Sorry Sam, but I couldn’t resist. As always you took it well mate. The free kick was slightly too high and went off for a goal kick.

Melford looked dangerous on the break, and Soutar had to make a decision; on whether to come off his line or stay put. He decided to run off his line, and put in a great challenge on the attacker. The ball span in the air, but Melford failed with the follow-up shot.

Melford had another good spell at goal, but Paul Abbot put in a great sliding block to deny the Melford forward from either shooting or crossing. The ball was in no man’s land, but Rocky managed to clear the danger.

26 minutes in, and Wig made a lovely run into the box; beating the defender. He played the ball back to Marc Abbot, who pushed the pull forward, but was tripped up when he went to run onto the ball. The referee awarded the Bloods with a penalty.  Marc Abbot placed the ball on the spot, and drilled it into the roof of the net. Pick that ball up son! Walden 1 – Melford 0

I always like to do a ‘Quote of the Match’, and tonight’s quote came from Geraint Jones. Mansfield miss kicked his clearance and Geraint said; ‘Would you like tea with that slice?’ Genius from the young lad! It’s nice to have a quote that I can actually print. Isn’t that right, Mr Nash? However Malcolm you did say that you felt the referee was having a good game. Must be something in the air!

Melford worked very hard to get back into the game, and I would say they were matching almost Walden; pound for pound…Well, apart from being 1-0 up. Melford were playing a lot better than last time we played them at Stoneylands. Typical!

Melford came very close to scoring an equaliser, just before half time. The ball was well headed by Griffiths, but his effort went wide of the post.

The Boss Man was inches away from making it 2-0, by almost connecting with Zinedine’s lethal cross. It was just slightly in front of him when the ball came in.

HT: Saffron Walden 1 – Long Melford 0

The Second Half

Walden started the second half by looking for that second goal, straight from kick-off. The Bloods put together a series of good passes and kept the ball well. Zinedine was causing the right back havoc, and Melford found him difficult to control.

Zinedine’s trickery paid off, as he was fouled in the penalty area. The referee awarded the Bloods another penalty. Up steps Marc Abbot; and he calmly slotted the ball into the left hand corner. Mansfield did get a touch on the ball, but it was too well placed to stop. Marc was now on a brace and full of confidence.

The Boss came very close to making it 3-0, when he ran onto Harpers well timed pass. The Boss dribbled it into the box and set himself to shoot, but it was very well saved my Mansfield.

Melford battled hard to get back into the game, and their hard work paid off in the 55^th minute. Griffiths latched on to a well-timed through ball, and lobbed Soutar from 18 yards. It was a perfect lob, and I personally think it was impossible to save.

Wig had a decent effort on goal. In true Wiggy style, he beat 3 defenders and had a shot; but his effort was not strong enough to trouble Mansfield.

63 minutes into the match and Melford’s number 7 (Yearling), looked very threatening on the break. He had great pace and tested Rocky. But Rocky managed to get back and put a good challenge in. He was very quiet in the first half, so the manager’s half time talk must have paid off.

Melford’s worked hard for the equaliser, and had a very good effort cleared off the line by Marc Abbot. Abbot was definitely putting in a MOTM shift. Marc almost got his hat-trick. Harper made a great break and passed it to Marc. Marc dribbled it into the box and struck the ball well, but it was too close to Mansfield.

Soon after Marc’s effort, Nobby tried to get in on the action. He made some space to shoot, but his shot was straight at Mansfield.

66 minutes into the match and Harper was replaced by Crane (Road Runner) and Thomas was replaced by G Man. It was another good, hardworking performance from both the lads.

Road Runner used his speed, to make an instant impact on the match. It was great to see him and Yearling compete for pace.

70 minutes into the match and Marc Abbot was replaced by Max Drane. Not a bad shift Abbo, but please can you get a hat-trick next time?! ;-)

Drane got straight into the match, with a quality hard challenge on Yearling. You could tell he had been itching to get into the match since kick off.

Road Runner continued to battle hard, but this time it was with Melford’s Captain; Swain. He was also very quick and made it a great challenge for RR.

G Man was working very hard, and making the defence worry. I don’t think they expected his speed for someone so tall.

Long Melford continued to look dangerous, and were trying everything to get into the match. The Viking made a perfect challenge to prevent a cross. He kicked the ball off for a corner.

The corner was good, and Melford believed they should have had a penalty, but the referee told them to play on. Or as we would say; ’Get up man!’

Drane put in another great challenge to stop Yearling from getting in the box. If he had been slightly late he could have been taking an early shower.

More and more pressure was mounting, but Flemo put in a great challenge. The back four had been working so hard, and Flemo was using his strength to keep Melford at bay.

89 minutes into the match and Griffiths came very close to scoring with his head, but luckily for Walden his effort went wide.

Walden held the lead deep into injury time, when the match ended in controversial fashion.

In the 95^th minute, The Viking went down injured in his own 18 yard box. The ball was kicked into touch in the Long Melford half while he received treatment. Long Melford threw the ball to Wig, who kicked the ball back 60 yards to Soutar in the Walden penalty area. Sam Soutar mistakenly picked the ball up, and the referee penalized him for handling a back pass.

Griffiths drove the in-direct free kick from the edge of the penalty area, which took a slight deflection from the Bloods wall, and ended up in the back of the net for the equaliser. The decision of why Melford didn’t kick the ball directly back to Sam was questioned and caused debate between the fans?!

I know how disappointed Sam was for his mistake, but as I said to him after the match, he must not blame himself and to keep his chin up. Easily said than done, but Sam; please think of the positive things that you have done so far through the season.

The final whistle blew and the match went into a penalty shoot-out.

Long Melford won the toss and scored all five of their penalties, whereas Ryan Fleming’s spot kick was brilliantly saved by Mansfield, and Long Melford went through to the quarter-finals 5-3 on penalties. Wig, Boss and Road Runner all scored from the spot. Personally I would not want to take a penalty, so well done to all those who stood up.

So we lost from being 2-0 up. It just was not meant to be. We still have the Vase, and plenty to play for in the league. Congratulations to Melford and I admire you’re spirit for not giving up. Good luck in the quarter finals. Just pray you don’t get Norwich away!

The MOTM goes to Marc Abbott. Marc had a great game and took both his penalties very well. I think his football has improved since coming back from injury. Well done Abbo and keep up the good work.

Thanks also to Paul Daw who provided me with some of the contents of the Blog, which I will admit I stole. ;-)

Next match for me is tonight (11/11/15). Its will be Walden U18s vs Royston U18s in the league. Let’s hope the lads can continue their excellent for.

Thanks for reading

 

 

 

James Thomas is Player of the Month for October

James Thomas is Player of the Month for October

Congratulations James on winning Bloods Sweat and Cheers player of the month in October. Who will win it in November?