Monday 28 September 2015

Hadleigh United 1 - Saffron Walden 2


Hadleigh 1 – Saffron Walden 2
26th September 2015

Still buzzing from our 3-0 away win against Long Melford, I was ready to go again.  I was so relieved to see that all our hard work was finally paying off. When I reflect on the losses, I don’t feel that it was all doom and gloom. Not one side, since we started the season, has made us look like we don’t belong in the Premier League. Anyway, enough of looking back! It was time to look forward and build on our confidence.

Our opponents Hadleigh, were in 12th place with 2 wins, 3 draws and a loss. For those who do not know Hadleigh, it’s a picturesque town with lots of history. It’s a really nice place to come for a day out or better, a game of football. The ground is well looked after and the pitch looked in great condition. I told the Chairman of Hadleigh what a great job his grounds keeper has done.

I arrived with Pete and Jon, listening to the Spurs vs Man City match on the radio. As you can imagine we were quite pleased to be 3-1 up at the time. I took advantage of not driving and had a pint and a portion of chips as we waited for kick off. We had a fair crowd in, but no Mrs. Nash. Don’t worry Mrs. Nash, you and the flannel got mentioned!

Sticksy decided to take a well-earned rest and not start the match. We don’t want those knees going just yet Sticko!

Floyd Croll was in goal. Defence: Grinrod (Viking), Lawrence (Beast), Reid and P Abbott. Midfield: Snelling (Mashy), Harper, Drane. Forwards: Calver (Wig), Bell and Thomas. Subs: Solkhon, Murphy (Boss), Wardley (Sticksy), Crane and Soutar

It was great to see Solkhon back in the squad, after recovering from his injury.

The first half

As always, Walden started the game lively. In the first few minutes Thomas had an opportunity from a one on one with the goal keeper Nower, but Nower got off his line quickly and beat Thomas to the ball.

Hadleigh retaliated with a corner, taken by their Captain, Jennings. The corner met a striker, but Drane slid in and won the ball back, and set Wig off on a run. Wig took a shot but he missed the target.

At this point I was talking to Martin Johnson about sitting with Ray on the reserves bench, so I can pretend to know what I am talking about. If my old mate Malcolm can, then I can and I want to feel important for 90 minutes! Watch this space!

5 minutes in and Hadleigh’s Chaplin made a good effort, but was comfortably saved by Croll. A minute later Spindler took hold of the ball in the danger zone, but his shot went wide.

10 minutes, Hadleigh then called for a penalty as Chaplin thought he was tripped. The referee was standing very close and waved play on.

Croll then pulled off a great save from a lovely shot by Lorimer. He beat his defender but couldn’t beat Croll. Croll was looking very confident.

Hadleigh almost drew first blood, but Mashy saved the day and cleared the ball off the line. The effort came from a corner taken by Jennings.

13 minutes in and Croll was called into action again. He got down low and hard to stop Hadleigh from scoring. Hadleigh were starting to look like the better side.

Our first opportunity came from a free kick, which Wig had won. He was tripped just outside the right hand side of the 18 yards box. Harper took the free kick, but no one managed a clear shot on goal.

20 minutes into the match and Mashy came close to scoring a screamer. He smashed the ball from 25 yards out, but the ball kept climbing, missing the goal by about 2 feet.

The Blood’s pressure paid off with a brilliant solo goal by Wig. The Beast hit a long ball, which cleared the defence. Wig controlled the ball and placed it in the bottom corner, leaving Nower no chance.

It was 1 nil to Walden. Come on you Bloods.

27 minutes in to the match, and Bell won a throw on after some great skill on the wing. In true fashion we called for the Beast. The throw was good and found Bell, but he couldn’t convert it. Hadleigh won the ball back and made a break. The Bloods peddled back, but Croll sprinted off his line to collect the ball.

We had won another corner, which Bell took, but Nower read the cross well and caught the ball in the air.

Jennings continued to look good for Hadleigh and linked up well with Chaplin. The Viking stuck to Chaplin well, and forced him to kick the ball off for a goal kick.

Leading goal scoring Thrower had a really good effort on goal, which Croll saved very well. They were determined to get back into the game.

Hadleigh’s next great effort came from a missed time pass from the Viking to the Beast. Spindler pounced onto the ball, but again his shot could not beat the on form Blood’s number 1. Hadleigh were given a corner, which did find a danger man, but the shot was high and wide.

35 minutes in and Bell made a lovely turn on the line to skin the defender. He just managed to get a cross in, but the defender got a slight touch which took the power out of the ball, and then Nower collected.

Hadleigh had some great link up play, where Lorimer ran up the wing and passed to Chaplin. Chaplin then set Stafford up for a shot, but his effort went over the bar.

Reid was then called into action again, and made a lovely block to prevent Thrower from potentially scoring. Soon after, Reid made another great headed clearance to deny Hadleigh another opportunity.

5 minutes to go and Bell won a corner. Bell stayed where he was to take the corner. The corner was good and found the Beast, but didn’t trouble Nower.

Thrower had another great chance but again Reid got a great block in. Reid was working very hard.

Hadleigh continued to look threatening. . Spidler had forced a great save out of Croll, but managed to take another shot. We held our breath as we watched the ball travel across the 6 yard box. Luckily no one was there to meet it.

HT Hadley 0 – Saffron Walden 1

Second Half

Walden to kick off and the Bloods started well. Reid made a lovely move and found Thomas on the wing. Thomas passed to Harper but he could not get his shot away. It was great to see attacking play coming from the back.

Hadleigh had an early free kick from outside the box. Hadleigh tried to cross the ball in for Thrower, but Mashy cleared the ball well.

Hadleigh really worked hard to get back into the game. They put together some great passes. They had a great chance, but the assistant referee called for off side.

Scopes fouled Wig, as Wig was travelling towards goal. Wig was not happy with Scopes and felt it was a clumsy tackle.

Just as we were under pressure, new Blood Thomas scored a great goal. He took the ball from outside the 18 yard box, beat 2 defenders and could have gone down from a trip, but he stayed up and slotted the ball passed Nower’s outstretched right hand. Well done Thomas for getting your first goal for the Bloods. Thomas looked thrilled as he punched the air. He was due a goal and it was only a matter of time. It was 2-0 to the Bloods after 10 minutes into the 2nd half.

The Viking showed some great play by ushering the ball from a potential cross. Instead he hit against Spindler for a goal kick.

Thomas was hungry again for more goals. He dribbled the ball from the right hand side and crossed it to Harper. Harper smashed the ball, which was heading for the top of the net, but Nower made a great fingertip save.

Hadleigh worked hard to get back into the match. They had a long range effort, which went just over the bar.

Scopes and Wig continued their battle which resulted in another foul in front of the Walden bench. Wig and the bench were not happy. The referee controlled the situation well, and gave both players a yellow card.

Hadleigh’s pressure soon paid off when they scored a soft goal. Not sure what happened, as we had defended a lot better chances than that. Chester passed the ball to Stafford, and Stafford swept the ball into the bottom left hand corner. It was now game on. We had to hold on or score another.

Spindler came very close to scoring, but yet again Croll saved the day with a brilliant block. Croll was on great form.

Hadleigh looked for a second but the Bloods didn’t park the bus. Instead they tried to get forward to hopefully kill the game off. Thomas and Harper made some great runs to keep the Hadley defence on their toes.

20 minutes to go and Wardley made a few substitutions. Drane was replaced by Joe ‘The Boss’ Murphy and Harper was replaced by Solkhon. Both Drane and Harper had a great match and worked hard throughout.

The Viking showed some great skills, which resulted in a Walden corner. Bell took the corner well, and Solks jumped to head the ball, but his header went over the bar.

Now, what happened next from Floyd Croll was incredible. I only wish someone recorded it. Croll first made a fantastic save to deny Thrower, which then rebounded to another Hadleigh player. Croll jumped up and saved it again. It was a superb double save. Goal keeper Nower even clapped Croll out of respect.

Last 8 minutes and Hadleigh kept on trying to get back into the game, but we did not panic. Reid, Beast, Abbott and Solk’s held the line well.

Wig and Thomas linked up well again and won a throw on. The Beast stayed put, to protect Croll in case Hadleigh broke free.

Wig, Thomas and Grinrod all pushed forward, and kept the ball. Both Wig and the Viking won us free kicks near the corner flag, but the Bloods decided to try and run the clock down instead of going for a third. That was a sensible decision from the lads.

Bell looked threating on the wing and worked hard keeping the ball. Bell won us a throw on to keep possession.

As you can imagine, we were yelling at the referee to blow the whistle. We kept watching the referee take glances at his watch.

Finally the whistle went and we had won our second game on the trot. It was a brilliant effort for the team and we are now heading for the right direction.

The fans’ Man of the Match was an easy choice for me. Floyd Croll yet again showed brilliance in goal. He is a great asset for the team. That double save he made was world class. Well done Floyd.

Upcoming fixtures for the Bloods:

First Team

30th September – Ilford Vs Walden (Essex Senior Cup)

3rd October – Godmanchester Vs Walden (Prem League)

Ressies

3rd October – Walden Vs Stowmarket (League)

Under 18’s

29th September – Walden Vs Soham Town Rangers

I shall be blogging for the Ilford and Godmachester game and will try to get to the U18s match.

 Thanks for reading

#worldclasssave

#upthebloods

#newbloodscores







Wednesday 23 September 2015

Manser’s Champions smash 6 past Great Cornard Reserves


Manser’s Champions smash 6 past Great Cornard Reserves

22nd September – The Meadow

What a great night of football. Who cares about Lewandowski’s 5 goals in 9 minutes! Last year’s champions scored 6, and Soutar and company kept a clean sheet. Now that’s what I call value for money. For just £2.00 (£2.50 for non-members), we were treated to some very entertaining football. I recommend any of you to come and watch this rising team in action.

But was Mrs Nash’s flannel needed? Read on and you shall find out.

Ray Manser fielded the pitch with a mix of experienced and younger player.

The Team:

1.       Sam Soutar

2.       Soyaish Gurung

3.       Ryan Dewey

4.       Joe ‘The Boss’ Murphy (Captain)

5.       Jon Griffin

6.       Jon Griffin

7.       Max Drane

8.       James ‘Road Runner’ Crane

9.       Dan Manser

10.   Ben Morrell

11.   James ‘Jammy’ Richardson

 

Subs: Scott Connor, Dan Weeks, Coby Game, Dave Vant and Luca Riccio

 

The First Half

The Bloods kicked off, and almost instantly lost the ball to Cornard. Cornard’s number 7 had a good effort on goal, but did not trouble Soutar.

The Bloods first attempt on goal came from a great run by James ‘Road Runner’ Crane. He player the ball into space, and out ran his opponent. He crossed the ball to Manser, who controlled it well, flicked it up, but his shot went wide.

Cornard tried to pressure the back 4 with a free kick, taken by number 4, but his shot was straight at Soutar.

5 minutes in and Ryan Dewey looked threatening with a great run. He held the ball up and waited for an attacker, but his cross was not converted.

Drane and The Boss were managing the midfield well, and found James ‘Jammy’ Richardson’s run from left back. Jammy continued to run at the goal, but he lost the ball, but with perseverance won it back. He shot on goal, but the keeper kicked the ball out the danger.

10 minutes into the game and we had a down pour of rain. It was very heavy and we thought for a moment the referee may call it off. We (the fans) had to move back so we didn’t get soaked. I said to Peter, that I was glad I was not playing. He told me he was glad I wasn’t playing to. Charming!

The rain continued to come down really hard and we couldn’t see very well. However the Bloods continued to look threatening.

Road Runner and The Boss got the crowd on their feet, with a lovely one-two pass. Crane was one on one with the keeper, but his shot went wide.

Our first goal came from Dan Manser, after some great work from Road Runner. RR (Road Runner) beat his man and crossed the ball in for Dan, who stuck out his leg and flicked it passed the keeper. The pressure from the Bloods was paying off.

Jammy continued to look threatening on the wing. He is not afraid to come forward. He ran with the ball from his left back position, and crossed the ball into the box, giving the keeper had no choice but to palm the ball off for a corner.

Gurund who was playing right back was also trying to get in on the action. He dribbled the ball and beat his man. It looked like he was pulled back, but the referee didn’t blow his whistle.

25 minutes in and the rain had stopped. We soon went 2-0 up, after a great flicked header from the Boss to RR. RR crossed the ball to Jammy, who slotted it home. It was great work by all, to open up the defence.

Cornard had a shot, which caught us napping slightly. Luckily the effort was well wide. However shortly after, rising star Soutar, was called into action and made a great save. Soutar got to the ball low and fast preventing it from going under him.

Soutar was not out of the woods yet, but again he made a great save, denying Cornard a way back into the match. I am sure he will have a nick name soon.

Morrell looked great on the wing. He ran at the defence and fell over, rather than screaming for a foul, he shot back up and continued his run. His cross game in but there was nobody home.

Jammy continued to impress with his dribbling and runs. He found Manser in space, but his shot was cleared of the line by Cornards number 3.

Our last great effort of the half came from Ben Mansell. He had a great shot on goal, but was well saved by the keeper.

HT – Bloods 2 nil up

Abbie Mackay was kind enough to make me and Jon a great cup of tea at half time. That girl can make a good brew. Jammy, I hope you like tea?

Second Half

There were not many chances for either side in the first minute. And sorry all but I was busy taking pictures for this blog.

Our 3rd goal was beauty. Crane had got the ball in space and passed it to Morrell. Morrell then dribbled the ball across the 18 yard box. His shot was smashed from 18 yards out and the keeper didn’t move.  It was a great goal by Ben to add to his impressive goal scoring tally.

Jon Griffin left the field to applause and was replaced by Scott Conner. I have been told that Griffin is now off to University, and won’t be playing for the bloods for a while. We wish him lots of luck. Thanks for all your hard work.

Soon after the substitution the Bloods pushed for a 4th. RR was up to his old tricks and tied the left back in knots. His cross was good, but Manser was about a foot away from a potential tap in.

Cornard’s number 5 was taken off and replaced. He went down holding his face. Not sure what was wrong with him. It was a shame because he had been their best player.

Things could not get any better for the Bloods. The Boss man scored a great goal from another assist by RR. He slotted the ball in the top right hand corner making it 4-0. I had a feeling the Boss would score by the end of the match.

Cornard did try and get back a goal, by winning a corner. The corner was easily collected by Reid.

After Cornard’s pressure Morrell almost scored, which would have been a contender for goal of the season, but it went over the bar. His lob over the defender was brilliant. It was very much like Gazza’s goal against Scotland in 1996 (Sorry Mr. Soutar) I was only 14 but will never forget the magic of Gazza. See below link for Gazza’s goal. #Legend


 

The ‘’we won’t more’’ chants had started, and the Bloods did not disappoint. Jammy latched on to a great cross from Crane who now had 4 assists. Jammy had scored his second and Mrs Nash and Abbie were cheering away. For only 19, Jammy shows great potential and I hope one day he gets the nod from Sticksy. It was 5-0 to the Bloods.

All we needed now was a goal from Crane to top of his fantastic evening!?

Cornard did try and get back a goal, with 2 great back to back efforts on target. However Soutar was having none of it, and pulled off 2 great saves.

Dan Weeks was introduced to the match and replaced Max Drane. Drane continues to impress.

Jammy was also replaced by Manser (I think). I am sorry if I got that wrong.

I have to mention that Mrs Nash almost made it through the match, without bringing out the flannel. She could not resist giving feedback to the referee, on a bad decision in the 89th minute.

To top off an amazing night of football RR got his goal. It had been coming all night, and we were very pleased for him. Drane got hold of the ball and blast it on target. It did take a deflection but it was definitely Craney’s goal. Well done fella.

So the Walden Resssies had just one 6-0! 

MOTM is extremely difficult. I am split between 2 players who really shone. The players are James ‘Jammy’ Richardson and James ‘Road Runner’ Crane………. I am going to have to go with reserves regular Jammy. This is down to his constant improvement and 2 great goals. Well done to all of the players and I hope you enjoyed playing as much as we did watching.

The Reserves next game is away to Brightlingsea who currently occupy 4th place. The match is on Saturday 26th September.

I however will be at the 1st team’s away match against Hadleigh, who have only lost 1 in 6 matches.

Good luck to both of the teams. Let’s build on the great work.

Thanks for reading

#uptheressies

#upthebloods





Saffron Walden Town Res 3 Vs Whitton Town 2

Match report for Ressies as found on http://www.saffronwaldentownfc.com/MR_Res_WhittonA.html
 
 
 
Less than 24 hours after the Walden first team gained their first league win of the season, the reserve team secured their first league win, with a narrow victory over Whitton United Reserves. Better still, it was a Walden team consisting of mostly young players that beat a more experienced team a little more comfortably than the scoreline suggested.
 
Right from the word go the Bloods” attacked at every opportunity, and they came close to scoring when James Crane headed a corner against the face of the Whitton crossbar. In the 19th minute Walden reserves did get on the scoresheet when James Crane beat a defender and drove in a hard low cross which Ben Morrell did well to steer into the net from six yards out.
 
Walden then went two goals up in the 27th minute when they won a free kick in front of goal, but nearly 35 yards out. James Crane stepped up and drove the free kick over the defensive wall, and the ball flashed past the keeper, giving him no chance to save.
 
After 35 minutes Ben Morrell crossed the ball to Callum Sparrow, whose header was saved low down by the keeper, but Whitton responded a minute later and Joe Bongjoh ran onto a good through ball and from an angle scored with a fine shot into the far corner of the goal..
 
Within another minute Coby Game found Ben Morrell with a pass that gave him an excellent chance to restore the two goal advantage, but he dwelt on the ball a second and his shot was deflected off the keeper’s foot for a corner.
 
An entertaining first half finished with Walden just a goal to the good.
 
Half-time: Saffron Walden Town Res. 2 Whitton United Res. 1
 
Within four minutes of the start of the second half Dan Manser chased a through ball and created the opportunity for Ben Morrell to hit the loose ball past the keeper and into the corner of the net, for a well taken goal.
 
That lead was almost increased further in the 67th minute when James Crane hit a superb pass out to
 
Ben Morrell on the right, who then hit a fantastic volley on the turn which the Whitton keeper did extremely well to push over the crossbar for a corner.
 
James Crane and Ben Morrell continued to work well together and both had shots saved, and three minutes from time a nice move saw James Crane cross to Ben Morrell, who laid the ball back to substitute Jack Forster, who should have scored, but blazed the ball over the crossbar.
 
In the 90th minute Wesley Doyle gave Walden a scare when he raced into the box and scored with a shot which was deflected past Paul Wood in the Walden goal. Added time looked like it could be an anxious few minutes for Walden, but in fact they had the best chance to score when Ben Morrell shot wide of the far post just before the final whistle blew, giving the “Bloods” all three points.
 
On Tuesday evening Walden Reserves have another home game against Cornard United Reserves.
 
TEAM: Paul Wood, Suyash Garung, James Richardson, Darren Wardley, Jon Griffin, Luca Riccio, Coby Game, Callum Sparrow, Dan Manser, Ben Morrell, James Crane. Substitutes (used): Connor Scott, Jack Garrett, Jack Forster, Dan Weeks. Substitute (not used): David Vant.
Att: 60

Saturday 19 September 2015

Long Melford 0 - Saffron Walden 3


Long Melford 0 – Saffron Walden 3

18th September 2015.
Stoneylands

Now that was more like it! That was the win the Bloods needed to kick off our season, and climb up the league. It was a very eventful evening at the Stoneylands. We had an own goal, a red card, Sticksy lasting 90 minutes and a goal keeper who never gave up.

It was my first ever Friday evening match. It was ground hopper day, which means that people from all over the country visit different grounds for the experience. I was introduced to a few as the Saffron Walden Blogger. I am now known as Mr Blogger to a few of the fans.

Last season’s match at the Stoneylands was epic. We were 3-0 up at half time and ended up drawing 3-3. But tonight was different. The conditions were perfect and the Bloods controlled the game.

As I arrived I caught up with a few of the Bloods family, which I now class as great friends. Over the season you get to know more about the people standing and cheering beside you.

I got the team sheet from Paul, and found out we were missing a lot of players, due to injury and holiday. We had the following lads missing: Reid, Fleming, Strong, Solkhon (All defenders). M Abbot (Midfield). Gregory and Turner (Forwards).

The starting 11 were:

Floyd Croll was in goal. Defence: Grinrod, Lawrence (Beast), Wardly (Sticksy) and P Abbott. Midfield: Snelling (Mashy), Harper, Noble and Bell. Forwards: Calver (Wig) and Thomas. Subs: Drane, Murphy (Boss), Morrell, Crane and Soutar.

Ben Morrell was called up to the first team for his first competitive debut, after impressing Sticksy in the reserves.

The first half

Melford started the match playing in black and white. We soon won the ball back and Thomas made a great run into the box. He beat his man and crossed the ball, but it didn’t find its intended target.

2 minutes in and we had won a throw on. The crowd called for the Beast to take it. His throw on was well defended by Melford and cleared out of the box.

5 minutes in and Wig showed off his skills. He held the ball up well and was brought down just outside the box. Harper took the free kick, but again it was well defended by Melford.

Not much happened in the first 10 minutes. Both teams were working the ball well, but with no real danger at goal.

12 minutes in and we had another free kick. The free kick was taken short but intercepted by Melford. Melford’s Yearling broke well and ran towards Croll’s goal. He found Clarke in space. Clarke crossed the ball into the 6 yard box, but Croll collected the ball well.

The Melford keeper Mansfield was off his line, so Mrs Nash encouraged Croll to shoot. He didn’t listen.

Thomas was causing trouble, and produced a lovely flick for Bell to run onto up the right wing. Bell’s cross was well defended, but only for a throw on in the Beast’s territory. The throw on was punched away by Mansfield, but fell to the Viking. The Viking’s shot seemed to hit the Melford defender’s hand, but hand ball was not given. Melford broke well and gave Yearling a chance on goal, but his effort went wide.

Shortly after, Bell won the ball back from inside his half. He ran up the wing and took it around the Melford player. He passed it to Noble, who then passed it to Wig. Wig passed it back to Bell on the wing. Bell got his cross in, but Melford’s Jackson cleared the danger. This showed some great team work from the lads.

Yearling continued to look threatening and drove toward the goal, but Mashy made a great sliding tackle to win the ball back. He passed the ball to Wig, who made an excellent over the top pass to Thomas. Thomas controlled the ball well, but there was no one home to receive his cross.

During the first half we started to mimic the Melford keeper, by yelling out ‘No foul’. As the keeper took a goal kick, we would start the ‘woooooooaaaaaahhhhhh’ and as he kicked the ball we would yell ‘No foul’. You have to give full credit to the Mansfield, as he didn’t flinch once.

25 minutes in and we had another free kick, just outside the box. Grinrod took the shot, which was low and hard, forcing a great save from Mansfield.

Melford put together some great passes, but their ball forward was caught offside.

At this point I would say we looked the better side. Wig was linking up well with Thomas and looked threatening with each touch.

We won another corner for Harper to take. The corner came in and was headed out to Wig. Wig floated the ball back in and Jackson headed the ball over the keeper, and into the back of the net for an own goal, after some great pressure from the Beast.  We were quite sympathetic towards Jackson and Mansfield and said how unlucky they were.

5 minutes to go and Melford had a corner. The corner was well defended by Sticksy, but fell to a Melford player. He took a shot but it was well saved by Croll.

 Melford continued to try and get back into the match, with a great effort from their captain, Adams. The header was strong but went wide.

Mrs Nash’s flannel had now come out after some great pressure from Melford. I believe from what she was saying, the referee was getting on her nerves…or something along those lines.

We finished the first half strong. We pushed for that second goal with decent chances from Wig, Harper and Thomas, but just had to settle with the one goal for now.

Second Half

Walden to kick off and Melford had made a sub.

Walden started the half with determination and grit. We had an early free kick but the effort was well cleared.

Melford’s Waugh took a smack to the face with the ball. It looked very painful but after some treatment he soon played on with the match.

Wig made a fantastic run up the wing, tormenting Adams. Adams tripped Wig and conceded a free kick. Adams was given a yellow card for the foul on Wig. Harper crossed the ball from the free kick, aiming for Sticky, but Mansfield jumped up well to catch the ball.

Melford started to pile on the pressure, with a great break from Clarke. Abbott made a great tackle to deny Clarke a shot. Sticksy was controlling the line with the Beast very well. The communication was excellent.

Melford won a corner after a great slide tackle from the Beast. The corner found their striker but the ball went over the bar. This was their best chance of the half.

We shortly went 2-0 up after some fantastic skills by Wig. Wig crossed the ball in, which fell to Bell. Bell launched the ball into the top right hand corner, making it impossible to save. We were on our way to our first win of the season, but were not counting our chickens just yet.

Just as life for the Bloods could not get any better, Wig skilfully took the ball around the defender and crossed the ball low and hard into the 6 yard box. Mashy got infront of the defender and slotted the ball home. We were now 3-0 up. Mansfield was not happy, but was not giving up yet.

Melford put on the pressure, but Grinrod nicked the ball off the striker. He ran with the ball and passed to Thomas in space. Thomas skinned Waugh and took a shot, but his shot was well saved by Mansfield.

We had won a corner, but during this time Griffiths went down on the half way line. I am not sure what happened. He either took a knock or got cramp. The corner was punched away by Mansfield for another Walden corner.

Clarke made a good run and played the ball to Jamie Clark. Clark found substitute Rowe in space who tried to take on the Viking. The Viking stuck to him like glue and knocked the ball out for a Melford corner. The corner was well cleared to a Melford player. The player had a great shot which hit the top of the cross bar. I am sorry I don’t know who that was, but it was a sweet strike.

Melford tried to get back into the game with a great run by Yearline, but he was soon slowed down by the Beast, who cleared the danger.

15 minutes to go and Wig set Grinrod up for a potential worldy, but his shot was slightly too high and wide. It was a great effort from the Viking, who continued his great form from Tuesday’s match.

Noble was replaced by Joe ‘The Boss’ Murphy. It was another great game by Nobby.

Wig’s best effort on goal came from a free kick by Harper. It was played short to Wig, and Wig turn the Melford defender. He had a great effort well saved by Mansfield. Mansfield was determined not to be beaten again.

Thomas showed some silky skills by the corner flag, teasing the left back. He advanced towards goal and won us a free kick. The fans started calling him Zinedine Thomas.

Wig was replaced 5 minutes on time for debutant Ben Morrell. Wig was outstanding throughout, with 3 assists (if you count the own goal), and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet.

Melford didn’t give up and Clarke continued to look threatening. He linked up well with Rowe, but the Viking won the ball back and cleared the danger.

In the last few minutes of the match, there was a red card. Row saw red after a robust challenge on Grinrod.

Grinrod did have the last attempt but it went over the bar and almost hit Mrs Nash on the head. Jackie told Grinrod he would be taking home the kit tonight as punishment.

So that was it. Walden had won and kept a clean sheet. It was a fantastic match for the Bloods. I am glad the curse of the blog has now been broken. Now can we go on an unbeaten run, please?

The fans’ Man of the Match was a unanimous decision. Congratulations Wiggy Calver on another fantastic game.

Next match for the first team will be Hadleigh away on the 26th September.

The reserves are today (19th Sept) at Catons Lane against Whitton United Reserves, and again on Tuesday night against Cornard United Reserves. I shall be doing a blog for the Cornard match. Good luck lads.

Thanks for reading.

Sorry the pictures are rubbish but my iPhone is rubbish. 

#upthebloods

#3points








Wednesday 16 September 2015

Excellent performance by the Bloods Reserves Versus Champions Witham Reserves


Saffron Walden Reserves 1 Vs Witham Reserves 1

15th September 2015

This was going to be a tough match against a side who had not been beaten in over a year.

Witham had won the league last year against tough competition, and are currently sitting top of the league.

I was really looking forward to the match, so I arrived early to find out more about our players. As I arrived I found that 4 of our first team players would feature in the game. As I came through the entrance I saw the Viking (Dan Grinrod) and The Boss (Joe Murphy) warming up. When I got closer I realised that James Crane and Max Drane where amongst the lads.

Paul Daw had asked me to put the stand lights on, so off I trotted around the pitch. I have just played back my commentary (as I was walking around the pitch), and I seemed really out of breath. I really need to get fit again.

I had one of Andrew Greens bacon rolls and had our usual banter (how ironic after my last paragraph!). The bacon was very nice as always Mr Green. I met up with Mrs. Nash, and she pointed out the players and told me who was who. This was my first reserve game of the season and the squad is very new.

Ray Manser had a mixed squad of experienced and young players. In goal he had the experienced Paul Wood. In defence he had Charlie Woolf, who is currently on loan from Cambridge United. The rest of the team as follows: Richardson, Murphy (The Boss), Dewey, Clark, Crane, Drane, Manser, Morrell and Grinrod (The Viking). Subs: Garrett, Sparrow, Gurane, Riccio and Vant.

I was really looking forward to the match. The sky looked like it was going to hammer it down, but that never bothers me as I am not the one getting soaked.

We started off well with Crane showing his off his speed and skills on the wing. The left back soon realised he was going to be in for a hard night.

Witham’s first main threat came from a whipped in cross, but the Boss cleared the ball out of danger. Murphy looked calm and in control.

Crane seemed determined to open up the scoring within 5 minutes of kick off. He had beaten his man twice, but his shot went wide of the post, almost knocking Mrs Nash’s flannel of her head.

Witham did try to put some pressure on, but with Murphy and Drane in the middle, they struggled to get the ball forward. I was very impressed by the way the Bloods had started the match.

Witham’s number 5 made a great tackle on Crane, which was timed very well. Had Crane got passed him he would have had a great chance on goal.

Witham first shot came from number 8. He caught it on the volley but went well wide. The cross was whipped in, and looked dangerous, but for the shot to be on target, it would have taken something special.

Witham followed up with a tricky corner, which was met by a shot on target. Richardson made a brilliant headed save, with his back to the goal. Had he not been there we would have been 1-0 down.

James Richardson linked up well with The Viking, on the left wing. The Viking beat his man and passed it back to Richardson. Richardson was tripped and won us a free kick from 25 yards from goal. The free kick had excellent weight, and sailed into the box, for The Viking to head the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net. Boom!

Not long after the goal the Boss was knocked to the floor, which doesn’t usually happen. He soon got back up, and didn’t roll around the ground like a Premier League wimp.

Crane was up to his tricks again causing grief for the Witham defence. He saw the Viking in space, and delivered a cross. The ball bounced up for the Viking, which made his shot hard to bring down. The shot went wide. It was great work by both players to create a good chance.

Morrell was working well with Manser and sent Crane on a run. Wolfe got in a great position for Crane to pass to. As he went to shoot, he skimmed the ball and his shot didn’t trouble to keeper. It was great to see the players in the box and not afraid to have a shot.

Walden looked like the favourite to score the next goal. We had 3 corners in a row. We just could not find that final ball. I think Witham did not expect to spend as much time with their backs against the goal. They did defend well and the keeper took control of his players.

The Viking and Crane had swapped sides. Wolfe won the ball back for the Bloods after some great pressure by Witham. Wolfe dribbled the ball forward and passed to the Viking. The Boss called for the ball to be set, and calmly pushed the ball away from his charging defender, but his shot went wide. It was a great effort from the Boss.

He continued to control the middle, and Morrell and Manser benefited from his well time passes. Morrell had a great chance, but his shot was well saved by keeper.

Shortly after Drane was booked for a slide tackle on the Witham player, and you could not argue with the referee.

Our last great effort of the half came from some great hold up play by the Viking. He kept the ball at his feet and frustrated the right back. He tried to get the ball, but ended up giving the Bloods a free kick.

The half time whistle had gone and Ray’s first half tack ticks were working. The Bloods were playing as a team. A great first half display against a very strong team.

At half time I saw Peter Davies, who plays for the first team. He has not been playing for a while due to work commitments. I hope to see him back on the pitch soon.

Second half

We started the half well and won an early corner after some great play between Crane and Wolfe. They had been linking up well since the start of the game. The corner was taken well and went over the keeper. Wolfe headed it back to the far post, but it was just too high for anyone to get a head on it.

Witham had a great chance to make it 1-1. They had a free kick, which was taken by number 7. The shot was hard but slightly over the bar. It would have been a hard shot to save if it was on target.

Witham put the pressure on from a corner, but the Bloods defence held their line well. Witham started to string some good passes together. They were looking dangerous and favourite to score.

Clark made an important headed clearance to deny Witham a potential shot on goal. The type of defensive header, that Reid or Beast would have been proud of.

Wolfe continued to look threatening and made some great runs. He was growing in confidence as the match went on, and I wonder if he could potentially break into the first team.

Just as it was going so well for the Bloods, Witham had scored. There was confusion and debate surrounding Witham’s equaliser. The assistant referee had flagged for off side, but after consulting the referee, the referee awarded a goal. It was very odd and much like the goal the first team conceded against Norwich, in the opening match of the season.

Walden were still playing for the win, and was not settling for a draw. They looked hungry and continued to put pressure in the Witham half. Richardson started to get further forward and take players on, winning a free kick. For a little fella he is tough.

I have to give a special mention and a shout out for Abbie Mackay, who kindly went and made me a cup of tea. I was engrossed with the match and didn’t want to miss any of the action. So thanks Abbie, it was much appreciated. Now that is service! Abbie is Richardson’s girlfriend, who was at the match to support him.

Pressure was mounting and Wood pulled of a fantastic save to deny Witham. The Boss controlled the ball, which could have gone anywhere and sent Crane on a run. Unfortunately Crane didn’t get his cross in, but it was a great effort. The save from Wood was apploaded by the respectful Witham keeper.

Grinrod had another great chance saved by the keeper. The Boss placed his pass well, but the inform keeper made a great diving save.

Morrell followed up by a great bit of skill and dangerous strike. He came at the defence from a wide position, beat his man, but his shot was well saved. Grinrod was waiting for the pass, but Morrell had a good opportunity to score and had a great go.

Manser came very close with a great opportunity, which forced another great save from the keeper. I spoke to him after and he said he was hoping to get a better connection, and to sail the ball into the top right hand corner.

The Boss continued to impress with a charging run and passed the defender. His shoot was long range and climbing, but just climbed to high to trouble the keeper. I told the keeper that had he got a hand to the shot, his hands would be stinging.

10 minutes to go and Witham had more chances to win the game. Wood really stepped up to the mark and produced some more great saves. The Witham keeper turned to me and said how good he was.

Mrs Nash’s “Just get stuck in” instructions where being shouted to the Bloods. We had played too well to be denied at least a point.

In the 90th The Boss had a clash of heads, and ended up with a bloody nose. He played on with cotton wall plugs shoved up his nose. He came really close to a last minute winner with a shot, hard and to the keeper’s right, but the keeper made a great save.

The match finished 1-1. The lads played really well and earned a point. Hopefully this will help build confidence for the match against Whitton United Reserves. The match is on the 19th September at Catons Lane. 3pm kick off.

MOTM came down to 6 people. Yes 6! My top 6 players were: Grinrod (Viking), Crane, Wood, Murphy (Boss), Wolfe and Richardson. A great display by all the team but the MOTM goes to Joe ‘The Boss’ Murphy. The Boss didn’t put a foot wrong throughout the game, and controlled the midfield. He tracked back when the defence needed him, and would break forward to joining the attack.

Overall a great and entertaining match. Keep it up.

My next blog will be Long Melford Vs Walden on Friday 18th September at 7.45pm. Can the first team get their first point, or even better points?

 Thanks for reading

#Upthebloods

Sunday 13 September 2015

Hanwell Town 1 - Saffron Walden 0. FA Cup


Hanwell Town 1 – Saffron Walden 0 FA Cup 12th September 2015


The sun was shining, the fans smiling, and the bacon sarnies were sizzling. That was what I was greeted with at 10.30am. I resisted one of Andy’s famous bacon sarnies and opted for a cup of tea. I am so rock and roll.

It was good to see everyone and we had a good catch up. We were still complaining about last Tuesdays referee. I wanted to know if I had been too harsh in my last blog. The opinion of the Bloods family was no.

I went to see Sam Gregory and Sam Soutar first. I wanted to check on Gregory’s knee injury. He seemed confident he will bounce back soon, which is good. I was pleased to see that all 3 of our injured played come along to cheer on the team.  (Strong, Solks and Gregory)

The club had arranged for a coach to take the team, board and fans to the match. The price of the coach was just £12 for adults, which is very reasonable.

So with the bloods family in tow, we were off to Hanwell.

On the coach I had a chance to talk to Floyd about Calais, and his career. I asked him who he thought was the best player he has played against. He told me it was Robbie Fowler. Now not many keepers in the world can say that.

I also had a chat with our new Blood, James Thomas. He told me about the clubs he had played for and where he was from. James is very impressed with the setup of the club, and the amount of fans we have.

We arrived just after 1pm and headed straight to the bar for food and beer. The food was good and reasonably priced.

It was a nice atmosphere, and the Hanwell staff where very welcoming. We all gathered around chatting, waiting for kick off.

Before the match started, I went and asked some of the fans for their predictions on the result. The most popular result was a 2-1 win to Walden. Maybe I shouldn’t do that in future.

As the players entered the pitch we stood by the tunnel (not really a tunnel, but you get my point), to cheer on our lads. Once we found out where we were facing we headed behind the goal.

Wardley made more changes from last week’s narrow defeat against Haverhill.

Croll was in goal. Defence: P Abbott, Lawrence (Beast), Reid and Bell. Midfield: Snelling (Mashy), Harper and Noble (Nobby). Forwards: Calver (Wig), Thomas, and Turner (G Man). Subs: Murphy (Boss), M Abbott, Wardley, Crane, Drane, Souter and Grinrod (Viking).

Sorry Dan but you now have the nickname Viking, due to your very impressive beard. I am only jealous that I can’t rock a beard as good as you.

It was show time and Mrs Nash was ready with her flannel. Walden had won the toss to begin the match we had all been waiting for.

Early to the match, and thanks to a lovely run by G Man, we had won a throw on in the Beasts territory. The fans called for the Beast the same way the Romans would have called for Spartacus. The excitement was shortly lived, as Beast was penalised for a foul throw.

Hanwell’s first threat came from the talented number 10 Ighorae. He ran at the Bloods defence, but only to find Reid waiting for him. Reid put in a great tackle and Bell snuffed out the threat, and cleared the ball for a Hanwell throw.

Hanwell’s movement flowed and they looked dangerous. Hanwell had won a corner which was whipped in, but Reid headed the ball away from danger.

G Man continued to look threatening on the wing and found Wiggy in space. Wig took on the Hanwell defence, but ended up being tripped for a free kick. Harper’s free kick was just too high for anyone to get a head on it.

In the first 10 minutes Hanwell looked the better side. They had a series of corners, but none of them troubled Croll. Reid was having a great first 10 minutes and stood strong against a physical Hanwell team.

Thomas was looking hungry for his first goal for the bloods. P Abbott played a lovely long ball for Thomas. The defender had just beaten him to the ball and cleared it away. James was very unlucky not to get an effort on goal.

Thomas was playing just in front of Wiggy, in a 4-4-2 formation. Thomas caused more issues with his touches. He played the ball into the box but just could not get his cross away. Hanwell were closing down the Bloods well.

Hanwells next great effort came from Ryan Ashe. Their passing was very slick and Ashe found himself with a yard of space, but his long range effort was scuffed, and went well wide.

20 minutes in and we had a penalty call. Harper showed some great skill holding onto the ball in the middle of the park. He passed the ball to G Man and G Man passed it to Wig. Wig beat his man and looked like he was tripped in the box. The referee was very close to him, and waved play on.

At this time, I had noticed that the grass seemed quite long. I have no idea what the grass length should be? It just seemed long compared to all the other grounds I had been to this season.

Just as we thought we had gone one nil up, the flag was raised for off side. The Hanwell defence had opened up and Mashy got on the end of a cross, but according to the assistant referee, was off side.

Shortly after the disallowed goal, the same thing happened to Hanwell. I am afraid I was not looking, or as Wenger would say ‘I did not see the ball’. I heard a cheer from the Hanwell fans which was followed by ‘Aaaaaahhhhhhhh’ from the Walden fans, when they realised the flag had been raised for off side. I love football banter.

Bloods had a great chance from a Beast throw on. G Man rose well, and flicked the ball down towards the penalty spot. Mashy took a shot but it was well blocked. Thomas followed up with another shot on target, but it was blocked again, and the ball went off for a Walden throw. The fans were getting excited at the prospect of breaking the deadlock. The Beast launched the ball into the box, but it was well defended by Hanwell.

Hanwell replied with a fantastic run by Ighorae. He was one on one with Croll, but Croll sprinted out, and took the ball away from Ighorae’s feet, holding the ball to his chest. That was great skills by Croll to deny Ighorae a goal.

The Bloods continued to look threatening, but I would say that Hanwell played better in the first 20 minutes, and we played better in the next 20 minutes.

Wig had a decent long range effort saved by the keeper Davies. Soon after Harper had a great opportunity from G Man’s cross, but just did connect with the ball. I was hoping it was going to be a Louis Harper worldy.

Our best effort of the match came from a brilliant long ball from Wiggy to Thomas. Thomas ran and played the ball back to Wiggy. Wig’s shot was pushed away by Davies. G Man followed it up from a header which was caught by Davies. That was very unlucky.

Ighorae looked deadly, and drove at the Walden defence. His shoot was low and hard but hit post. We cleared the ball well from danger. That was a huge let off for the Bloods.

Mashy and Wig linked up well, and we encouraged Mashy to take on the defence. He beat two players, but his shot went wide. It was great to see the lads having a go and not be afraid to shoot.

The half time whistle went and the score was Hanwell 0 – Saffron Walden 0. Both teams had great chances and I was pleased with the lads.

 Second Half

Hanwell started the game well. They came out all guns blazing. They had a great effort from Duguid. It happened so fast, but Croll saved the shot and the Beast did well to keep the ball under his control and play it out for danger.

We had a great effort from Thomas after Mashy went on a great run. Mashy played the ball to Wig, who crossed it to Thomas, but his shot went over the bar.

5 minutes in and Hanwell had scored. The goal came from a corner, which the players struggled to see. The ball went over the top and was well finished. I am really sorry but I do not know who scored the goal. Please comment below if you can tell me.

Hanwell came close to going 2 nil up, from a header. The ball came in and the Hanwell player’s header hit the post. Hanwell were playing well and we needed to get back in the game.

We didn’t let our heads drop, and Wig had a great effort but was well blocked. The effort came from Beasts throw on.

Bloods got caught on the break and Ighorae ran towards the goal keeping the ball at his feet. His shot was long and hard, but Croll’s save was excellent. He dived to his right and palmed the ball away with his out stretched arm. That save kept us in it.

Duguid made a great run and passed the ball to Ashe. His shot hit the cross bar and the Bloods fans gave a sigh of relieve. They were getting close to finishing us off.

10 minutes in Grinrod replaced Abbott. Grinrod got stuck in early and made a great run but was well challenged.

The referee seemed to be blowing his whistle more this half, then the first. It was getting frustrating for the fans and players. Mrs Nash’s flannel had official come out.

We had a free kick and Harper played in along the floor to Wig. Wig made a lovely turn but there was no one there to meet his cross.

During the second half, Hanwell’s Harry Newton was introduced to the right wing. It was a great contest between G Man and Newton. Both players were tall and fast, making it was great to watch.

Newton made a great run and crossed the ball into the box, but Mashy played well and controlled the ball under pressure.

Hanwell looked like they had scored again from a corner, but the shot went into the side netting.

25 minutes into the 2nd half and G Man was replaced by Crane. G Man had a good game and I am tipping him to score against Long Melford, where he was easily MOTM last year.

Thomas made a great call from a quick throw on. Thomas controlled the ball well and passed to the Viking. The Viking crossed the ball well for Mashy to run onto, but the defender just beat him to the ball.

We had not given up and Reid made a great effort, but his header went over the cross bar.

70 minutes in a The Beast crossed the ball in, which met Thomas’ head, but his effort was caught by the keeper.

Hanwell were desperate to get their 2nd goal. Ighorae had a great shot on goal, but again Croll stood up to the mark, and made a great save. Croll was determined not to be beaten again, and was giving the Bloods a life line.

10 minutes to go and Noble was replaced by Sticksys. Noble had another good game and continues to work hard.

Shortly after, Hanwell’s keeper Davies pulled off a brilliant finger tipped save to deny Thomas of his first goal. Thomas headed Mashy’s excellent cross, but Davies saved the day for Hanwell.

Duguid showed some excellent skill, and just got passed Bell. His shot was strong, but Croll saved well.

The last great effort for the Bloods came from a great ball from Harper, which found Thomas at the far post. Thomas’ header was on target but straight at Davies.

The match ended in defeat. We had lost 1-0 in game, which could have gone either way. Hanwell looked the better team throughout the 2nd half and their pressure paid off. The Bloods did well considering we played a step 4 club who has some very fast, skilful players.

MOTM went came down to 4 people. My top 4 players for the Bloods where: Mashy, Reid, Thomas and Croll. I am going to walk away from the lap top for 10 minutes to have a think.

 

Okay I am back. MOTM goes to Floyd Croll. Floyd’s brilliant saves in the 2nd half gave us an opportunity to stay in the match. Well done Croll and I hope you have a quieter game next time.

So the dream is over, but the heads have not dropped. The first team’s next game is away against Long Melford on Friday night. I hope we can improve on last year’s 3-3 draw.

The next match at Catons Lanes sees Saffron Walden Reserves take on Witham Town. The match is on Tuesday 15th. Kick of 7.45pm. Witham are top of the league with 4 wins and 1 draw. A win for the Bloods would be fantastic.  Let’s support our reserves.

 

Thank you for reading

#Upthebloods

#FACup