Tuesday 29 December 2015

Saffron Walden 0 - Hadleigh United 3


Walden 0 – Hadleigh United 3

28th December 2015.
After an early pitch inspection it was game on at the Meadow. Being a bank holiday, I was hoping for a large crowd and I was not disappointed.  We had our biggest crowd so far this season, of 367 people.

After last week’s 3-0 away defeat, we were all hoping for a better result from the Bloods. Unfortunately this was not to be. We had quite a few regulars missing, but I am not using that as an excuse. It was another frustrating match, where we ‘again’ looked the better team on the pitch.

Hadleigh played well, and it seemed they had an answer for every Walden attack. With a solid back four and an inform goal keeper - beating them was not going to be easy.

I will go into the match in more detail soon.

It was great to see all the regular fans, full of the Christmas spirit. The sun was shining and weather was mild. Even Sticko had a smile on his face! As the lads warmed up, they looked confident and ready to run off their Christmas Turkey….Only joking lads!

Sticko had called up Jake Thompson and Jamie Dicker from the U18s squad. It was nice to see the lads given an opportunity to mix it up with the first team. New player, Stuart Hoskins was also given an opportunity to partner the Beast in the back four.

TEAM: Floyd Croll, Spike Bell, Paul Abbot, Jake Noble (Marc Abbot – 67 mins.), Ben Lawrence, Stuart Hoskins, Craig Calver, Joe Murphy (Jake Thompson -75 mins.), Graeme Turner, James Thomas, Louis Harper (James Crane – 67 mins.).

Substitutes (not used): Jamie Dicker, Stuart Wardley.

The First Half

There was an early concern from the Hadleigh bench, as Spinder stayed down after a challenge. He was given treatment, but continued shortly after.

Zinedine was the first person to burst onto the scene; as he skilfully dribbled the ball past the right back. He stumbled just outside the box; but instead of going down, he stayed on his feet and whipped in a dangerous cross. The cross was well cleared by the defence.

Soon after the cross, Wig latched onto a free ball, and showed off his fancy footwork to; win the Bloods a throw in Beast territory. The Beasts throw was well defended at the near post.

6 minutes into the match and Hadleigh won the ball back; after they successfully cleared a Beast throw. Chaplin ran with the ball and linked up well with Thrower. Bell managed to track back and tackle Thrower, for a Hadleigh corner. The corner did not threaten the Bloods goal.

Soon after the corner, Croll was called into action! The Hadleigh forward had a great opportunity, after he was threaded a lovely long ball. Croll sprinted off his line and managed to clear the ball, before the Hadleigh player got to it.

Wig came close to opening the scoring, after he controlled a very good cross from G Man. We initially thought the Hadleigh player had handballed it, before Wig struck the ball. Wigs effort was well defended and deflected for a Bloods corner. The corner found Zinedines head, but his header was saved by Nower.

After the save Hadleigh went straight up-field and were awarded a very soft penalty. Pabbo over stretched, as he tried to put in a tackle. Thrower stepped up and scored from the spot kick, with Croll getting a hand to the ball. I spoke to a few people at half time; who were nearer the incident. They believe the Hadleigh player dived. I do not know, as from where I was standing I couldn’t say for certain. I am taking the Wenger route, by not seeing the ball. The goal was scored 11 minutes into the match.

Hadleigh’s confidence started to build and Chaplin went on another run, but Bell put in an excellent tackle, which ended Chaplins promising attack.

16 minutes in, and we had won a free kick. Harper took the free kick, but it was headed straight back to him. He then met Zinedine run, with a lovely lob over the defender. Zinedine cross was blocked, and he won the Bloods a corner. The corner was well cleared by Hadleigh.

18 minutes in, and Wig got into a one-on-one situation with Nower. Wig tried to place the ball into the right hand side of the goal, but Nower pulled off an excellent save, and we were awarded a corner. It was my save of the match! The corner was taken and headed back to Harper. He tried to blast it across the goal line, but no one managed to get that well needed tap in. It was the right idea from Harper.

We were creating lots of chances and looked like the better team. We just could not find the back of the net. We needed someone to score a scrambled ‘ugly’ tap-in type goal.

27 minutes into the match, and Hadleigh won a corner. Luckily the ball didn’t drop for a Hadleigh player, and the Bloods struggled to clear it. Then the Beast put his large boot through the ball, to calm the fans nerves.

We continued to work hard, and were creating some good chances. The lads passed the ball well, but the Hadleigh defence were stubborn. Pabbo went for a shot, but ended up hitting his own player. The loose ball was cleared by Hadleigh.

30 minutes into the match, and Croll made a good save. He had little to do since Hadleigh scored the penalty.

34 minutes into the match, and Hadleigh had a free kick just outside the box. The cross was whipped in, and tapped into the back of the net. Luckily for the Bloods the goal was ruled off side. There was a sigh of relieve from Mrs Nash and Co.

The Boss won the Bloods a throw for the Beast to take. The fans were starting to believe a goal was due any minute. The throw came in, but it was scooped clear by Scopes.

42 minutes into the match, and the Bloods found themselves 2-0 down. Churchyard scored from 10 yard with an unstoppable strike. It was ‘head in the hands time’ for the fans.

Wig had the last good chance of the half, when he took a swing at G Mans cross. The shot was again blocked by Scopes.

HT: Saffron Walden 0 – Hadleigh United 2

The Bloods started the half well. G Man made a lovely run up the wing, shielding the ball from the Hadleigh defender. His cross was good, and gave Nower no choice but to punch it clear.

50 minutes into the match, and Zinedine won the Bloods a throw for the Beast. The throw was delivered into the box, but there was no striker to latch onto the ball.

55 minutes into the match, and Hadleigh had scored again. This came out of the blue, and the match was effectively killed off, as Lorimer whipped a low shot into the net. It was a shame, as Croll made a good save from the initial shot. Lorimer took his chance well from the loose ball in the box. The Bloods family were rattled, and we wanted to see some positive change.

Zinedine came very close and tested Nower. His shot was low, and looked like it was heading into the corner of the net, but Nower’s diving effort was outstanding. We congratulated both players for their efforts. Wig got the ball back, and won the Bloods a corner. The corner was taken well and G Man tried to muscle his way in, but Stafford cleared the ball.

67 minutes into the match, and Harper and Noble were replaced by Mabbo and Road Runner. Keep working hard lads.

Road Runner almost made an instant impression, when Zinedine played him into space, but Nower go to the ball before RR could pull the trigger.

75 minutes into the match, and the Boss was replaced by first team debutant Jake Thompson. Keep working hard Boss.

We had not given up yet, and both Bell and G Man where determined to deliver that perfect ball. Both lads, made very strong drives up the wing but their crosses were again, well defended.

The last chance on goal came from Thrower, when he tried to test Croll from long range. His curling attempt went wide of the post.

We had lost 3-0 at home, and left still searching for our first home league win.

Sorry this report is a bit short, but I didn’t have much to say about the second half. The lads tried and tried but couldn’t find the back of the net. We need to get scoring again! With Avis now gone and no Gregory; due to long term injury - and now with our leading goal scorer JT suspended for two games… Who is going to be our out and out striker?  Come on Bloods, we can do this!

My MOTM was Spike Bell. Bell worked his socks off, and made some excellent tackles. He also looked very good coming forward. Well done Bell.

Next the first team make the long trip to 19th place Fakenham. We are currently 17th and just 2 points above the drop zone. Both teams will be desperate for the points. It will come down to who wants it the most? Well I hope it does, rather than a dodgy referee decision!

I would also like to wish Chris Reid huge success and happiness in the North West. I was only told that Reid had left at yesterday’s match. Good luck Chris, you will be missed.

Thanks for reading






Sunday 20 December 2015

Gorleston 3 - Saffron Walden 0


Gorleston 3 – Walden 0

19th December 2015

When I first read the fixtures; and saw that Gorleston away was on the 19th December, my initial thought was – that’s going to be bloody cold! But the weather was a mild 15 degrees, so my hat and gloves were not required.

I arrived at the ground at 2pm to a very warm welcome at the gate.  The gentlemen at the gate explained to me where everything was and wished me a pleasant afternoon. Gorleston were raising money for charity with ‘Text Santa’. They asked the fans to wear Christmas jumpers. It was a good effort from everyone. We were approached by 3 ladies and a bucket to donate. I admit I don’t have a Xmas jumper, but I did donate some money. It’s great to see a club that collects for charities as much as we do.

I enjoyed the food, at the pleasantly run canteen. The lady and gent working behind the counter were very accommodating.

Now, I pre-warn you that this blog will contain a fair bit of ranting, but if you’re a Gorleston fan please don’t think that I am being disrespectful to the Green Army. Your lads played very well, and took advantage of their chances in front of goal. The fans were excellent, and sang along throughout the match. I have been to every away match, home and away this season, and you are definitely the best fans I have come across so far…..well apart from the Bloods family! Lol I look forward to welcoming you to the Meadow, when we meet again.

Unfortunately the referee made it almost impossible for the Bloods. I shall explain as I go along. I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise.

The Team

Starting XI: Croll, P Abbot (Pabbo), Solkhon (Rocky),Muphy (Boss), Laurence (Beast), Fleming (Rhino), Calver (Wig), Noble (Nobby), Turner (G Man), Thomas (Zinedine), Harper. Subs: Bell, Wardley (Sticko), Grindrod (Viking), M Abbot (Mabbo), Crane (Road Runner).

The First Half

Not much happened in the opening few minutes of the match. Both teams were sussing each other out, and there were no immediate chances on goal.

The first comment I made was on 4 minutes, when Zinedine tapped and ran onto the ball; beating the Gorleston left back. He was tackled; just before he was about to whip in a cross, and won the Bloods a corner. The corner was delivered by Harper, but it was well cleared by King.

5 minutes into the game, and Wigs skills, by the line, won the Bloods a throw-on in the Gorleston half. The throw was taken quickly, and thrown to Zinedine. Zinedine controlled the ball well and crossed it into the box, but it was slightly too high for G Man.

The first suspect decision from the referee came when Zinedine was knocked over by the defender, and the referee played on; even through the linesman was waving his flag! Zinedine was struggling a little bit after the challenge, and looked like he had to put deep heat on his calf muscle.

The game was very physical, and you could see both teams wanted the 3 points. It was good to see both teams working for the badge.

10 minutes in the match, and Rocky was called into action. Gorleston crossed a dangerous ball, but Rockys diving header diverted the danger.

Nobby showed his defensive skills, and won the ball back from Gorelston. He quickly looked up, and tried to find Zinedine’s run, but it was well intercepted by Brown.

The Bloods, first shot on goal came from Zinedine, after Wig cleverly sailed the ball over the back four. Zinedine’s shot was straight at the Macrae.

Watts showed a lovely piece of skill, when he trapped the ball and played it onto his left foot. He pulled the trigger, but Pabbo managed to slide in front of Watts and diverted his shot for a Gorleston corner. The corner came in, but Nobby managed to clear the ball for a throw on.

15 minutes in to the match, and we were playing well. The midfield of Harper, Boss and Nobby were putting in strong and fair challenges to win the ball back, and closed the ball down well.

16 minutes in to the match, and the Boss showed some great footwork and took the ball around the Gorleston midfield. He tried to pass to Wig, but Wig was caught off side.

Watts was looking dangerous on the break, and almost found himself one on one with Croll. The Beast put in a slide tackle to put Watts off, and Croll ran out to collect the ball at Watts’ feet.

18 minutes into the match and McKay, put in a love tackle to take the ball off harper.

It was tackles galore, but this time it came from Nobby, who was very impressive. He tried to release Wig, but his pass was intercepted.

Harper won the Bloods a free kick, which was 25 yard out, by the comer of the box. Harper floated the ball to the back post; for Rocky to leap at, but it was too close to Macrae.

Wig had a great chance, after he dribbled the ball across the box. He went for a shot, but it was slightly wide. It was great build up play by Wig.

We were putting more pressure on the back four, and the link up play between Wig, Harper and Zinedine was looking good. I was very impressed by the calmness and control of Ellis under pressure.

27 minutes in, and Gorleston started to put the pressure on. They had won a corner after some slight confusion between Croll and Beast. Beast decided to get rid of the danger, and kicked it off for a Gorleston corner. The corner found Lambert, but his effort was just wide.

We retaliated well with some pressure of our own. The passing between Harper and Nobby was encouraging. I shouted at Nobby to have a go from long distance, but his shot went wide. I hope I didn’t put you off Nobby.

Both teams were working hard. Gorleston had another chance from a good forward ball, but Rhinos clearance was very convincing.

As we were gaining the upper ground, Gorleston had scored. The ball was whipped in the 6 yard box, and was not cleared. The ball dropped for Ingram, who smashed it past Croll from 5 yards out. Ingram took his chance well.

Now rant time: I am not 100% sure what happened here, but this is what I saw. Zinedine was fouled, as he tried to run onto a through ball. The referee again, didn’t give the Bloods a free kick. Thomas got up and ran to the referee, to protest. The referee literally turned around and showed Zinedine a red card. As you can imagine, Zinedine and the lads were furious at the decision. The fans didn’t even know why, and what had happened?! I have now been told it was down to swearing at the referee. Even some of the Gorleston fans, thought it a stupid decision. I ran over to meet Zinedine, when he came off to see if he was okay. He was puzzled and frustrated, as the referee was not calling the match fair. This all happened in the 37th minute

It went from bad to worse for the Bloods. 2 minutes later, Gorleston took advantage of the rattled, 10-man Bloods team, and scored a cracking goal. Lambert’s drive was unstoppable, and the Bloods fans were in disbelief. It was perfect tactics by the Green Army; who did exactly what we would have done. As you can imagine the loyal Green Army fans, were in full voice.

I started to feel that there was no way back for the Bloods. We continued to work, hard and attacked the Gorleston goal. The Beast put in a lovely challenge to win the ball back, to show the rest of the team he was never going to quit. I cheekily told the Gorleston keeper, that we were the come-back kings. He had a very good sense of humour.

Well they say things happen in 3’s, and who ever said that was spot on. We had won a throw on, and Sticko ran on the pitch to speed the tempo up. The referee went over to Sticko, and they exchanged words. The referee didn’t like what he heard, and then sent Sticko off!! The ref had completely lost control of the match! I know I am sounding like a bad loser, but the game was shaping out to be a really good match.

The whistle was blown bang on 45 minutes. Ummm…how can that happen after 2 red cards, and plenty of stoppage in play? We were down 2-0, 10 men and no manager! If Mrs Nash would had been at the match, we know where her flannel would have gone.

The Second Half

Walden started the half well, and didn’t look beaten yet. They came out of the block fast and tried to get back in the game early. Rocky came close from a Beast throw; which looked like a corner to the Bloods, but it turned out to be a goal kick.

52 minutes into the match, and Pabbo did very well to win the ball back, in Walden’s 18 yard box.

I want to say how great the ‘Green Army’ fans were, with their singing, chanting and banter. They were confident and tried to wind Croll up…Obviously we would never do that to a keeper!....Yeah right.

60 minutes in (ish) and Goleston had scored, to put the game out of the Bloods reach. Gorleston showed some excellent football, and Watts’ firm strike beat Croll to make it 3-0.

Soon after the 3rd goal, Bell and Mabbo replaced Harper and Nobby. Harper and Nobby played very well and worked hard.

BREAKING NEWS: Line of the day came from Nigel Bailey, after Mabbo was fouled outside the box. I quote ‘I thought you were going to give him a Christmas card, not a yellow card’. Love it Carlos.

The Goleston fans were singing ‘You’re not very good, you’re very good’; so I started singing ‘Play us when it’s fair, play us when it’s far’. We used the same tune as ‘Knee’s up Mother Brown’. You got to love friendly non-league banter.

68 minutes into the match and Wig was replaced by Crane (Road Runner). Keep working hard Wig and more goals will come. Well played mate!

There was a strong challenge near the Bloods corner flag, which resulted in a little bit of afters. A few of the players were booked. I do not know what happed, so I am going to sit on the fence. I think it came down to frustration.

Not much happened in the next 10-15 minutes, with Goleston playing the ball around and not letting the Bloods build momentum.

82 minutes into the match, and Bell showed some great footwork, as he dribbled the ball through two Gorleston players. He delivered a great threw-ball for RR, but his effort went wide.

Shortly after RR’s effort, Gorleston tried to stretch their lead even further, but the attempted header went wide.

Our last great effort for a consolation goal, came from some great skill by G Man. G man received the ball at the wing;  turned the defender and shot, but it was well saved by Macare.

So that was it! We had lost 3-0 and I am now worried about losing the inform Zinedine for a few matches. Thank you referee, and Merry Christmas to you!

I must say a special thank you to Gorleston who made us all feel very welcome.

The Bloods MOTM candidates, came down to a few people. But I am sticking to my initial choice and the Bloods MOTM goes to Jake ‘Nobby’ Noble. Nobby’s strong play and tackling was excellent. Well done mate.

I would also like to congratulate the Ressies, who won 5-0 against a side who are above them. I am not sure on who scored but I look forward to finding out. Well done lads! Keep up the great work.

I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas, and I hope to see you down at the Meadow on the 28th, when we take on Hadleigh.

Up The Bloods

Thanks for reading








Wednesday 16 December 2015

Bloods battled until the very end, as they exit the FA Vase


Saffron Walden 2 – Berkhamstead 3
12th December 2015

After checking the weather constantly all week and promoting the match on Twitter, the day had finally come. Could we match, or even beat our amazing FA Vase run from last season?

On Friday evening, I sat there listening to the rain come down, praying the game would not be postponed. The club and supporters had done a lot of work promoting the game, which was sponsored by the Curry Club.

I did my research on Berko. Berko are playing well in their own league, and are in the top 3 of their domestic league. The Comrades – as they like to be called, were not going to be easy, and would push the Bloods to the limit. I met the chairman and he was very impressed by my mugs…Plug!

I arrived early, and set up my stall to sell the new mugs. I caught up with all the regulars and had one of Andrew’s bacon and beef burgers. I do recommend them. I have been to every away match this season, and I can confidently say that the food quality and range, is the best I have come across all season. You will do well to beat our team in the canteen!

Enough plugging and onto the beautiful game!

After the hand shake between the teams, I presented Dan Grindrod with player of the month for November. Well done Dan. Very much deserved.

TEAM: Floyd Croll, Paul Abbot (Pabbo), Jamie Solkhon (Rocky), Matt Snelling (Mashy), Ben Lawrence (Beast), Ryan Fleming (Rhino), Craig Calver (Wig), Jake Noble (Bobby) (Spike Bell – 81 mins.), Graeme Turner (G Man), James Thomas (Zinedine), Dan Grindrod (Viking) (Louis Harper – 51 mins.). Substitutes (not used): Joe Murphy (Boss), James Crane (Road Runner), Neil Andrews.

The First Half

Not much happened in the first few minutes, until Berko’s Tom Carter had a long range effort but it sailed over the bar. Rocky did well to close Carter down, which put him off his shot.

Berko were looking good, and controlled the ball well. They sent a dangerous ball into the box, but Rhino cleared the ball well out of the danger zone.

Our first attempt on goal came from Zinedine. G Man did very well to hold the ball at the corner flag, and wait for support from Pabbo. Pabbo cured his cross; which found Zinedine’s head, but his header was straight at Smith (Keeper).

12 minutes in, and Wig won us a throw in the Beast’s territory. The throw was delivered into the box, but it was well cleared by Parrelly.

17 minutes in and there were no clear chances for anyone. It was all a little bit cagy, and no one wanted to make a mistake.

20 minutes in, and we had another opportunity from a Beast throw. The throw was flicked into the box by Nobby, but was cleared by Berko. Berko broke from the clearance, and won a corner kick. The corner kicker went straight over everyone and out for a goal kick.

22 minutes in, and Berko scored a great goal from long range. Hawes latched onto the ball, and struck a wind assisted shot from about 20 yards out which curled into the top right hand corner, giving Croll no chance to save. It was a lovely goal, and worthy of an applause from both sets of fans.

Berko started to grow in confidence after they took the lead, and began putting pressure on the Bloods. They were looking good for their lead.

Nash-Barker hit a lovely strike but it sailed over the bar, and didn’t force a save from Croll.

Wig started to show his skills, by taking on the right back. The right back tried to effortlessly to control Wig, but failed to hold on to him. Wig managed to get a cross in, but it was well claimed by Smith.

38 minutes into the match, and there was more pressure from Berko, who had won a corner. The corner was difficult to defend, due to the windy conditions, but Rhino made a great clearance, which almost set Wig on a run.

40 minutes into the match, and Pabbo conceded a soft penalty. Hawes stepped up to score comfortably from the penalty spot, to put Berko firmly in control.

Croll was left in no man’s lands, after the Bloods didn’t intercept a threatening long ball. Croll made the decision to come off his line, and managed to get a hand to the ball, before the Berko player had chance to control the ball and shoot.

The half time whistle went and Berko had deserved their 2-0 need. The fans were looking glum, but I knew we had another 45 minutes to go, and believed the boys could do it.

The Second Half

I was praying for an improvement from the lads in the 2nd half. My prayers were answered with-in 90 seconds. A Beast throw was flicked on by G Man. The ball dropped for Zinedine, who turned and shot straight past Smith, making it 2-1. It was game on!

Just as I thought our luck had changed, Carter scored a cracking goal for Berko. Carter found some space, just inside the 18 yard box, and his shot dipped just under the cross bar. Another great goal from Berko!

The fans spirits did not drop, and neither did the lads heads. Mashy stepped it up, and ran with the ball through the midfield at full speed. He played a through ball to Wig, but Wig was challenged and couldn’t get a shot in. This was what we wanted to see. Attack, Attack, Attack! I wouldn’t have cared if we had lost 10-1, as long as we gave it everything.

51 minutes in the match, and Louis Harper replaced Dan ‘The Viking’ Grindrod. Keep working hard Dan, and well done for winning player of the month.

55 minutes into the second half, and the Bloods were going for it. The lads had won a corner, which was well delivered by Harper. The ball dropped to Zinedine, but his shot was well blocked by Berko.

Zinedine came very close to making it 3-2 after meeting Wigs zipped cross. The cross travelled at a fast pace, and I didn’t expect anyone to get there. Zinedine did, but his should was 5 yards wide.

60 minutes in and Mashy did extremely well to send a dangerous low cross, between the 6 yard box and the goal line. Rocky came charging in, and tapped the ball at an angle, into the back of the net from 3 yards out. It was a brilliant reaction from the lads, and we truly believed that we could win. Great link up play from the lads!

65 minutes into the match, and we were working very hard. Mashy was playing like it was his last ever match. The lads were pushing the defence and not giving up. We had time on our hands, and we looked the favourite to win.

G Man had an incredible effort, which was well saved by Smith. We all thought it was going to rattle the back of the net. It was a great save from Smith to keep us all in suspense. The corner came in, and met Rocky’s head, but his effort was just wide.

Zinedine went for a worldy, to top off his excellent scoring record. He brought the ball down, and pushed it onto his left foot. He tried to curl the ball into Smiths top right, but it went slightly wide.

Smith was winding up the crowd, by taking as much time as possible in taking his goal kick. The fans started counting down, to get the referees attention. It was not fair, and in my eyes he was cheating. I know wasting time is a slippery tactic, but not when you have 20 minutes to go. It doesn’t show much ambition to a side that dominated the 1st half. Eventually the referee gave Smith a yellow card.

Nobby passed a lovely through ball to Wig. Wig played it on his right foot, and just as he was about to shoot, the Berko defender put in a block, which awarded the Bloods a throw in Beast territory.

The Bloods were growing frustrated with Smith as Zinedine was being impeded, while he prepared for a corner. He pushed Smith over, and was given a yellow card.

81 minutes into the match, and Spike Bell replaced Nobby. Another positive performance from Nobby!

83 minutes into the match, and Croll made the save of the match. We gave away a free kick which was just outside the area. The shot was taken well, and Croll dived and palmed the ball against the post, and out for a Berko throw. Croll had just given us a lifeline.

Bell pushed on up the wing, and played the ball to Harper. Harper went for a long range effort, but it was well saved by Smith, which resulted in a corner to the Bloods. The corner was well defended.

Wig did very well to win us a free kick near the corner flag. Harper crossed the ball, but the wind took it, and it went over the players and off.

The high paced action didn’t end, and Hawes was sent off for a reckless challenge on Rocky. The Beast was not happy, and ran over to ‘politely’ tell Hawes he was out of order. I am not surprised as the tackle could have really hurt him. The Beast was given a yellow card for his ‘handbag’ reaction.

After all the commotion called down, we had one last opportunity with the free kick. Croll had decided to join the action, and we were hoping for a Schmeichel special. It was our last throw of the dice……Unfortunately we didn’t capitalise from the free kick and lost the match 3-2.

I want to thank all the players for giving it their all in the second half. Come back efforts like that make me so proud to be a Blood. I hope we can build on this and climb the TNPL.

My man of the match goes to Mashy Snelling. Mashy played his heart out, and in my opinion gave his best performance of the 15/16 season. He was gutted when he came off the pitch, as he knew we could have won. I thanked him for giving it his all.

Well done to all the lads. We may be out of the cup, but we showed spirit and determination.

The next first team match is on the 19th and is away to Gorleston. So put your thermals on as its going to be chilly. The ressies are playing at home against Wivenhoe, so get down the Catons Lane to support Manser’s champs.

Thanks for reading

Some of the pictures are done by Jamie Pluck









Sunday 6 December 2015

Walden Ressies 3 - Stanway Ressies 2

It was a very cold and windy day, but the Ressies achieved a fantactic win against a very tough opposition.

It was a tense match but the Bloods looked the better side i,n the first half.

Dan Manser was substituted as he clashed with a Stanway defender. He had hurt his knee, but was desperate to play on. He took the advice from the bench and decided that he should not continue. Get well soon Manser

Stanway did strike first, which seemed unfair as we looked favourite to score. Ben Morrell soon silenced the Stanway cheers, when he blasted his long range effort into the back of the net.

The wind had really picked up in the second half and the Bloods were playing against it. James Road Runner' Crane made it  2-1, when he nipped in front of the Stanway defender and poked in an excellent cross.

Stanway then made it 2-2. The Stanway striker made some space and tapped in from from a cross, only a few yards out.

The Bloods had the laugh last, when Jamie Dicker calmly headed the ball from a cross.

It was a great match at the Lane and the lads are starting to hit form.

The MOTM went to Ben Morrell. Ben had a great match and capped it off with a goal.

These lads are a talanted bunch of players, and who knows, may start to break into the first team.

Well done lads






Newmarket 1 - Saffron Walden 2

4th December 2015

‘Oi Walden…You were lucky!’ was the cry from the Newmarket fan, as he walked out of the ground. The lads responded by chuckling to themselves. If you were not at the game, I can assure you, luck had nothing to do with it. The boys played out of their boots, and I am very proud of them all.

Both teams had to play against a strong wind, which was making long balls and clearances very hard. It was cold and horrible, but the fans didn’t care. We were just grateful for the Friday night entertainment.

Newmarket has played well all season, and had only lost 4 times. We played them, very early in the season at home and lost 2-0. But this was when we were getting used to the level of step 5. Now we are up and running and playing some brilliant football. I truly believe this Bloods side will now take some beating.

Let me talk you through this epic match, and well-earned 3 points.

TEAM: Floyd Croll, Paul Abbot (Pabbo), Dan Grindrod (Viking), Ryan Fleming (Rhino), Ben Lawrence (Beast), Chris Reid, Craig Calver (Wig), Marc Abbot (Mabbo) (Spike Bell – 77 mins.), Graeme Turner (G Man), James Thomas (Zinedine), Louis Harper (Joe Murphy (Boss)– 81 mins.).

Substitutes (not used): Neil Andrews, Max Drane.

You may have noticed a few new nick names. Ladies and Gents I introduce to you: Ryan ‘The Rhino’ Fleming, Paul (Pabbo) Abbot and Mark (Mabbo) Abbot (see what we did there?)…. I hope you are not offended! We still need names for: Croll, Reid, Bell, Harper, Drane, Andrews, Soutar, Strong and Gregory. Any help would be appreciated!

The First Half

Newmarket started the match, and was playing with the wind behind them. They had started the match well and won an early throw-on. The throw was cleared well, by the Viking.

Zinedine made an early impression on Newmarket, by showing them what he could do. He weaved in and out of a few defenders, but he was eventually challenged by the centre back.

The Rhino was called to action, as Newmarket pressed for a shooting opportunity. But he stood up well, and put in a great tackle. The loose ball was cleared by Viking.

Pabbo fed a lovely through ball; to the charging Rhino. Rhino managed to get an angled shot in the box, but it was straight at Heath.

G Man worked the right back hard, and managed to get a cross into the 6 yard box. The shot was well defender and cleared out of danger, but Mabbo put in a great challenge, to win the ball back. He played the ball to Zinedine, who shot, but it was deflected for a corner. The Viking took the corner; which found Reid’s head. Reid headed the ball back into the 6 yard box, but the shot was well blocked.

13 minutes in, and Newmarket started to gain possession and managed to get in a dangerous cross; which met Holder’s head, but his header went over the bar.

18 minutes into the match, and Newmarket had a corner. The corner was cleared by G Man, but they managed to get the ball back in the box. The cross was well met, and we thought Newmarket had scored, but the player was off side.

Zinedine came very close to winning the ball back, after some miscommunication from Dalby and Heath. Heath was not sure if it was a pass back, but made the right decision and cleared the ball, moments before Zinedine could put in a tackle.

23 minutes in to the match, and Zinedine scored with a lovely placed header. The Rhino made a lovely turn on the line, and delivered a perfect cross for Zinedine to head past the keeper. Zinedine managed to place the ball, which sandwiched between two defenders and angle his header away from the Heath’s reach. Great work from both players! The Rhino was showing off his skill as a CAM.

At the time I was asked by a young lad, who Zinedine Zidane was. I almost fell over! Lol.

As soon as the game was re-started, we pushed for a second. Zinedine managed to set Wig, but his shot was just wide of the post.

Newmarket tried to break, but was soon greeted by Pabbo’s well-timed tackle. You could tell Andrews has been a great influence on the lads, by working on winning the ball back.

29 minutes into the match and Newmarket had scored. A high cross into the box caught the wind, and came down under the waiting Holder, who headed home from beyond the far post. To be far they did start to look threatening, and former Bloods player Napier was starting to create space for himself.

The Beast put in a brilliant sliding tackle, in his own 18 yard box. The Newmarket player was about to turn and shoot, but the Beast timed his tackle to perfection and cleared the ball.

The Bloods were under pressure, as Newmarket gained confidence from Holder’s goal.

Zinedine and Wig linked up really well, and almost gave Zinedine a chance for his brace. He played the ball out to Wig, and Wig crossed the ball back, but he was too far out to test Heath with his header, and he comfortably caught the ball.

G Man worked well with Pabbo and won the Bloods a corner. The corner was taken by the Viking, but the wind took it and it went out of play.

In the last 5 minutes of the half, Newmarket pushed hard to get their noses in front. They delivered a great cross, but Reid managed to head the ball clear. The ball went back to Newmarket, but Pabbo didn’t give them another opportunity to cross the ball.

Both teams worked hard, but I would say that Walden just looked the better team so far.

HT: Newmarket  1 – Walden 1

The Second Half

Nigel B kindly got me a cup of tea, while I tackled with the flag in the wind. Luckily Newmarket had a net up behind the goal, so I managed to feed it through and tie on it to it.

47 minutes in the match, and Harper came very close to making it 2-1. G Man made a solid run across the 18 yard box, and back heeled it to Harper. Harper went for a long range effort, but it just went over the bar. Now that is the positive start we wanted.

We didn’t let the Newmarket defence rest, and won a throw-on for the Beast to take. The throw was flicked to the back post by G Man. Reid came sliding in, but his shot went wide of the post.

Newmarket upped their game, and started to put on the pressure. The Viking put in a great challenge and cleared the ball. The ball was delivered back into the box; and Newmarket managed to get a shot, but it went over the bar.

52 minutes into to match and the wind was really picking up pace. Newmarket had a corner, but it went out of play.

58 minutes into the match, and Zinedine won the Bloods a throw-on in the Beasts range. The throw was met by Harper, but his shot was well blocked.

61 minutes in the match, and Zinedine latched onto a throw ball from Harper. Zinedine scored from a very tight angle from the right hand side. His shot was squeezed between Heath, and clipped the inside of the post and went in. Great accuracy from the Bloods in form attacker.

We continued to press the back four and Mabbo had an effort on goal, but it was too high. The fans were chanting ‘We’re gonna score in a minute!’. We were hoping for a Zinedine hat trick to cap off his night.

Croll pulled off a great diving save from Patterson, who hit the ball on the volley. The ball was scrambled out of the 6 yard box.

There was a little bit of handbags at dawn, by both sets of player. I really don’t know what happened, but the referee was making all sorts of hand movement; to try and explain what the Newmarket player had done wrong. I shouted out ‘What are you doing, baking a cake?’. The Newmarket player was booked.

I have to apologise, as I could not see the Newmarket player’s numbers very well. The numbers have a thin outline and make it difficult to read. So I don’t have a great idea of who was who.

77 minutes into the match and Bell replaced Mabbo. Another solid performance from Mabbo. Well done mate.

80 minutes into the match, and Beast collected the ball in the six yard box. Instead of panicking, he played the ball out to Pabbo. Pabbo passed the ball to Wig, and Wig tried to meet Bells sprint, but the Newmarket left back managed to clear the ball

81 minutes in and Harper was replaced by Joe ‘The Boss’ Murphy. Another great performance from Harper. Nice work mate.

Newmarket pushed hard to get back into the match. They were not giving up and tried to test the defence, but we stood up well and kept them out.

Wig won the Bloods a free kick, as the Newmarket defender hand balled his long range effort. The Vikings shot was low and hard, and forced a diving save from Heath. We thought the Viking was going to make it 3 in a row. We then had 2 back to back corners, but decided to try and run the clock down, rather than go for a 3rd. It was sensible football.

It was getting well into injury time and we were calling for the whistle. I told Martin to hold back from his Tweet, as we didn’t want to jinx it.

The final whistle went, and it was the best 3 points we had earned all season. The Bloods are playing some great football. It was a brilliant team effort, and I am proud of the boys.

This week I decided to put the MOTM to a vote on Twitter. I short listed it to Pabbo, Rhino and Zinedine. The player who got the most votes, was our top goal scorer James ‘Zinedine’ Thomas. That’s 2 MOTM’s in a row from Thomas. Well done, and I am glad you are enjoying your football.

Our next first team match is in the FA Vase, is when we take on Berkhamsted FC. This will not be an easy match. They play in the Spartan South Midlands League and are 3rd in their league. They are potential title winners. But that won’t faze the mighty Bloods.

I hope to see as many of you as possible, all dressed up in red and black and cheering on the Bloods. The match is 12th December at Catons Lane. K.O 3pm. We will also be selling the new SWTFC mugs. They are £6 each or £10 for 2. We have about 80 left so they will be a limited edition.

Thanks for reading.