Sunday 27 March 2016

Saffron Walden 1 - Walsham Le Willows 0


Saffron Walden 1 – Walsham Le Willows 0

The Meadow

26th March 2016

After last week’s narrow defeat, the Bloods were back to winning ways. It was a hard slog, with difficult conditions but the lads battled hard a deserved all three points. Sticko finally took a well-deserved break and ran things from the bench. The fans got to see for the first time the partnership between Fagin and Rhino, and the lads did not disappoint.

As I was writing out the team sheet, I was told that today’s referee was the best in the league. I am not sure how you measure that, but after the poor decisions we have had in the past I was intrigued.

I then had a great chat with Mark Young about the 100k walk he is doing for Charity. He was on a bus to Cambridge at 6.30am, so he could walk back in time for the 3pm kick off. Now that’s dedication to the cause and the club! I also asked him how many days he would do doing the walk over; expecting him to camp overnight or in a B&B. He told me that no one stops to sleep and they walk through the night. He is raising money for Help for Heroes, so if you have not yet sponsored him, please do.

Click on his link. He is also doing a bucket collection at one of the home matched nearer the end of the season https://www.justgiving.com/markyoung1611

 

The Team

Pacey, Bell, P Abbott (Pabbo),Snelling (Mashy), Moody (Fagin), Fleming (Rhino), Calver ( C )(Wig), M Abbott (Mabbo), Turner (G Man), Thomas (Zinedine), Noble (Nobby).  Subs: Drane, Dicker (Chaz), Scott, Wardley (Sticko).

 

The First Half

The Bloods won an early free kick, which Mabbo took. Mabbo sailed the ball into the pack of players, but it was comfortably collected by Bryant.

WLW’s Wood had a decent effort, but his shot was blocked for a WLW corner. Call delivered a good ball into the box, but Rhino headed the ball clear and out of the area.

After a two match Wig didn’t show and pitch rust and won the Bloods a corner. The corner was taken by Bell, who tried to find Rhino, but it was well defended by WLW.

6 minutes into the match, and Zinedine scored a lovely goal. Mabbo crossed the ball into the box, which was brought down by G Man. G Man spotted Zinedine’s run and flicked the ball into his path and Zinedine calmly lifted the ball over the keeper, from a tight angle, and into the back of the net. It was 1-0 to the mighty Bloods.

Pacey made a fantastic save from Woods’s header. Barwick whipped in the cross for Wood to test Pacey, but Pacey dived across his goal and caught the ball.

11 minutes in and WLW started to gain possession and added pressure on the Bloods. Peter put in a dangerous cross but it was well caught buy Pacey.

Zinedine did very well at closing the defence down, as Morton had no choice but to pass the ball back to Bryant. Zinedine ran at Bryant and Bryant had to react quickly and only just kicked the ball off for a throw-in, before Zinedine got to the ball.

As we were pushing for a second goal, Malcolm Nash came along and asked Fiona to call Andrew in the tea hut, because the referee wanted a coffee at half time. The ref will want paying next! I told Malc to get the finest china out and nip to Starbucks.

Anyway, back to the match and G Man won the Bloods a corner for Bell to take. The ball was headed up in the air between 5 players, but was eventually scooped away by 5. Clarke was congratulated by Bryant which was picked up by the fans, so in true ‘behind the goal’ fashion we would cheer on Clarke (Nath) with every touch he made. So much nicer than aggression and bad language! Even if it was ‘tongue in cheek’ banter! Nath should be honoured.

22 minutes into the match and Bell did very well to stick to the quick feet of Call. Just before Call was about to pull the trigger, Bell got the better of him and cleared the ball away from the box for a throw-in.

30 minutes into the match, and Wig was involved in a little bit of ‘handbags at dawn’ moment with Steed, as both players competitive attitude got in the way. It looked like both players pulled each other to the ground. The referee managed the situation well and got the lads to shake hands with no cards.

33 minutes into the match, and the lino made a shocking decision. G Man was running up the line with Peter in tow, when Peter fell to the ground. The lino waved his flag and awarded a WLW a free kick. G Man didn’t touch him! It was disappointing as all the officials were having a very good game.

WLW added some pressure after winning a free kick on the half way line. The free kick was delivered into the box, but Fagin rose well and headed the ball out for a corner. WLW were gifted a free header but the effort went wide.

41 minutes into the match and WLW won a free kick. It was delivered by Nurse into the box, but the referee sported the high boot in Rhinos face and gave the Bloods a free kick.

HT Saffron Walden 1 – WLW 0

The Second Half

The Bloods came out of the blocks looking for the second goal. Pabbo started to come forward and did very well to win two back to back throw-ins. I had also noticed that Zinedine was now playing out on the right and Wig was in a CF position.

It was ‘hearts in the mouth time’ for the Bloods fans, after Peter broke and delivered an excellent long ball. The build-up play was great and WLW should have made it 1-0, but Bell slid in and cleared the ball off the line. It was the save of the day.

WLW was given another opportunity from a header at the far past, but the WLW players effort went over the bar.

G Man made a lovely run up the wing and fended of three defenders. He played the ball to Mash, who was charging into the box. Mash tried to flick the ball over Bryant, but Bryant made himself big, and caught the ball before it went over his head and potentially in the net.

Soon after, G Man continued to use his strength and pace up the wing. He left Peter on the ground and ran into the box, but our mate Nath put in a great block for a Bloods corner. Bells corner was aimed at the back post, but Barwick cleared the ball out of the area.

53 minutes into match, and Wig showed off his silky skills in the area, and won the Bloods a corner. Peter got to the ball first and cleared the danger.

58 minutes into the match and Clarke (Nath), had a rush of Blood and took Wigs legs out from a challenge from behind. The referee did waste any time showing Nath a red. There was a little bit of afters as a few players got involved in some pushing and shoving. Mabbo was booked for this. We now needed a new WLW player to cheer on. So we decided to cheer on Josh (Curry) and Sam (Peter). Sorry lads and it was all in good jest.  

Wig had a good effort, when he won the ball back from WLW. He tried to find the top left hand corner but it was collected by Bryant.

66 minutes into the match, and the Bloods won a free kick. The free kick was delivered by Mabbo and Rhino came close with a header, but it was just wide.

Josh (Curry) conceded another free kick as he tripped Mashy near the Walden dug out….”Oh Josh, what did you do that for?” the crowd jest (or something like that). Bell crossed the ball, but it was easily dealt with by the WLW defence.

70 minutes into the match, and G Man won the Bloods another corner as he continued to battle with our other mate Sam, down the wing. Bell took the corner which dropped for Rhino. Rhino played the ball back to Mash, who went for a blast, but WLW did very well to keep formation and block the shot. The ball then fell to Wig, and Wig crossed the ball to Bryant’s far post. Zinedine got his head to the ball, but it missed the goal by inches.

72 minutes into the match, and Wig had a good opportunity of making it 2-0. The Bloods won the ball back in the WLW half. Wig got into a good shooting position from 18 yards out and went for the shot, but it was straight at Bryant.

75 minutes into the match and Mabbo was replaced by Max Drane. Well done Mabbo. Another strong, solid performance!

WLW continued to work hard with only ten men and believed they could get something out of the game. There was a moment from a throw on where the fans could see a potential scrappy tap in, but Fagin did well to clear the ball out.

80 minutes into the match, and G Man was replaced by Charlie Dicker (Chaz). Well played G Man and good to have you back terrorising those left backs.

At this point the rain and wind got stronger, so we all moved back to the container units. Half of the crowd who stand by the club house joined us.

82 minutes into the match and I was feeling nervous. WLW won a free kick. The free kick was aimed for the back post, but went over everyone and out of play.

With only a few minutes left on the clock, Rhino was involved in a tussle with Call. Call ended up winning the free kick. Personal I didn’t see much in it. The fans started to look at each other with nervous smiles. Surely we could hold on to this lead! Sam took the fee kick and it was headed out by Mash, but only as far as Barwick. Barwick crossed the ball back into the box, but Zinedine did well to usher the ball out for a goal kick.

90 minutes into the match and Chaz battled hard and won the ball from…you quest it. It was fan-favourite Josh. He managed to play the ball forward and cross it into the box, but it was well defended. The crowd really get behind our young Blood who has recently broken into the first team, but continues to play with the U18s. A great little prospect!

Panic struck in the dying minutes of the match when WLW were awarded a free kick for Nurse to take. The free kick was headed out for a corner. You can hear my voice getting higher on the Dictaphone! The lads didn’t panic and defended the corner well. As the ball was cleared the referee blew the final whistle.

What an incredible battle from the lads, which has taken us to 42 points and sitting comfortably in mid table. After looking at the league table I believe the best we can finish is 7th. There is a 10 point gap between 6th and 7th place. I would be over the moon if we finished in the top half as I truly believe we can improve and potentially be top 5 next year and maybe top 3 and title contenders in the 2018/19 season.

I have also got to hand it to WLW. They never gave up and could have folded after going down to ten men, but they stuck at it and could have nicked a result. Full credit to defence and keeper!

The MOTM goes to Ryan ‘Rhino’ Fleming. He worked extremely hard and put in some great challenges. Flemo is very dynamic and can play in three or four different positions. A great asset for Sticko’s team! Well done Rhino and thanks for your hard work.

I have also chosen Stuart Wardley as my player of the month for March. Since the Beast left, Sticko has played almost every minute of every game. His work rate has been brilliant and I believe he thoroughly deserves the praise. Well done Sticko. Sticko will get a £25 Amazon voucher and a certificate which I will present at the next home game.

The Ressies made it back to back wins with a 3-1 away win at Wivenhoe Town. Scorers: Morrell, Game and Carter. Well done Lads. The Ressies are back at home next Saturday against Brightlingsea.

The first team are on the road and travel to face 4th place Felixstowe and Walton. This will be a great test for the Bloods.

Thanks for reading








Saturday 26 March 2016

Bloods fan Mark puts his best foot forward for Help The Heroes


What were you doing at 6.30am this Saturday morning? I know that I was still in bed fast asleep. Mark, on the other hand was taking the bus to Cambridge, just so he could walk back to Walden in time for the 3pm kick off at Catons Lane.

Mark Young is currently training to build himself up to walk 100k. He will be walking from London to Cambridge on the 2nd and 3rd July. He is raising money for Help for Heroes. Help for Heroes offers comprehensive support to those who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses while serving our country. This support is provided at four Help for Heroes Recovery Centres across the UK and through support grants to individuals and other charities.

I asked Mark, what made him decide to walk 100k? He said he wanted to personally challenge himself to achieve something different before he turns 50. Don't most people start up golf?

Mark starts his challenge near the Olympic Park and heads up the fascinating Lea Valley - past locks, parkland, and on through beautiful open countryside to the historic city of Cambridge. He will be walking through the night with minimal breaks and will not stop until he reaches his goal.

Mark has risen over £1,000 already and hopes to smash his target of £1,170. Please sponsor him and help him reach and smash his target.

You can donate in person on by clicking on the below link:


For more information on the event please click


Good luck Mark, and please give to a very worthwhile charity.

Monday 21 March 2016

Saffron Walden 1 - Norwich United 2


Saffron Walden 1 – Norwich United 2

19th March

The Meadow

Well, what a match we had at the Meadow. If this is the best the league have to offer, then I can’t wait until next season when we have a fully fit squad. I mean no disrespect to Norwich, but if you went on their current performance over the past two years, you would have expected a very one sided match. Norwich has an excellent team, with a striker who scores for fun. Matt Blake is dangerous in front of goal with an impressive tally of 31 goals.

Sadly we lost, but I am so proud of the lads for sticking it to them, and having a go! Fear was not on the agenda for this Bloods team. To be honest the ref did ruin the game, and the Norwich keeper got away with a blatant shove on Zinedine from a 50/50 ball in the air. What I don’t understand was why he didn’t just catch the ball. He must have had almost half a foot on Zinedine with long arms. The Boss’ expression and shrug of the shoulders said it all! In the end we could have had three penalties, but had to settle for only one. Anyway, full details are below.

TEAM: Lee Pacey, Paul Abbot (Pabbo), Dan Grindrod (Viking), Matt Snelling (Mashy), Stuart Wardley (Sticko), Perry Moody (Fagin), Jake Noble (Nobby) (Max Drane – 84 minutes), Marc Abbot (Mabbo), Joe Murphy (Boss) (Charlie Dicker (Chaz) – 84 mins.), James Thomas (Zinedine), Louis Harper. Substitutes (not used): Ben Morrell, Jake Thompson, Chris Reid.

The First Half

Norwich started the match well, and kept the ball. They confidently passed the ball and were patient in coming forward. It didn’t take long for Walden to get fed up with the waiting game, and pushed hard to win the ball back. Mashy won the ball back, and pushed forward. He crossed the ball into the box but it was headed clear by Carus.

5 minutes into the match, and Blake came very close to opening the scoring with a powerful strike. Fagin stood up well which forced Blakes shot wide and into the side netting, giving the Bloods a warning shot.

Louis Harper won the Bloods a free kick, as he was tripped over 30 yards from goal. The Viking crossed it into the box, and it took the slightest touch forcing a very good finger tipped save from Jessop.

Norwich was awarded a free kick outside the area. The ball was firmly kicked at Pacey; who accidently spilled it, leaving the Viking no choice but to kick the ball off for a Norwich corner. The corner was headed off the pitch by Mabbo for a Norwich throw-in.

Eastol-Smith was very lucky not to concede a penalty, when he pulled back Zinedine shirt. It was so obvious that I am amazed the lino did not see it. It was ridiculous and we made our point clear and booed Eastol-Smith with every touch he made. Slighty immature but it was only banter. We don’t accept cheating at the Meadow.

Norwich had a good opportunity, but new Blood Fagin made a brilliant block to deny Blake from striking the ball at goal. Mabbo then cleared the ball out of the box.

Norwich had another good chance at goal, but this time Pabbo did extremely well to close the strikers angle and made it difficult to shoot. His shot went into the side netting

20 minutes into the match, and Zinedine came very close to scoring from a header. Harpers cross was perfectly weighted, but Zinedine’s header was slightly too high and went over the bar. This was proof that the league champions could be beaten.

25 minutes into the match, and the Bloods were feeling confident. The Boss came really close to connecting with Mabbo’s cross, at Jessop’s near post, but it missed his head by a few inches.

30 minutes into the match, and the communication between the midfield was brilliant. Mashy was proving to be a handful in the centre of the pitch and would stay at the heels of the Norwich defence. Norwich found it hard to manage him, and Harper and Zinedine would run into space and create opportunities for Mashy to pass the ball.

Norwich liked to play the long ball game, and would try and test Sticko and Fagin. Sticko showed his experience and went in hard with his head at every opportunity. It was almost like Norwich was running out of ideas and tried to get the ball to Blake at every opportunity.

34 minutes into the match, and I had a moment of the ‘commentators curse’, when I said to the fans that I thought Jessop had a good kick. Seconds later he slipped as he kicked the ball from a goal kick, which went straight back to the Bloods.

Zinedine won a free kick, after our old pal Eastol-Smith flattened him outside the area. The free kick was easily caught by Jessop. Jessop immediately punted the ball to Blake, but Nobby blocked Blake’s effort. The ball kindly fell back to Blake, but his second attempt went wide.

40 minutes into the match, and Zinedine was awarded a penalty after he was tripped in the box by Shipley. Shipley was yellow carded. Up steps Mabbo who smashes the ball into the roof of the net to make it 1-0. Jessop was not happy and kicked the ball out of the ground in protest. As you can imagine, that caused serious banter from the Bloods family. There were a lot of jokes about spitting out the dummy.

44 minutes into the match, and Pacey made a great save at the near side off post, from a Blake smash. The corner was delivered into the six yard box, but Fagin headed the ball clear.

HT: Saffron Walden 1 – Norwich United 0

The Second Half

Norwich inflicted some early pressure as they came charging into the box, but Pabbo worked hard by forcing the attacker to go wide and ran the ball out for a goal kick.

Our first effort of the second half came after Mashy did really well to win the ball back in Norwich’s half of the pitch. He flicked the ball to Zinedine, who went to curl the shot, but it hit the Boss straight in the side off the face and out for a goal kick.

Shortly after, Hipperson had an opportunity from a corner. They tried to take the corner early, but the referee wasn’t ready and called the play back. It was a shame as it would have been a goal kick. Anyway, Norwich’s second attempt sailed over everyone and out of play.

At this point in the match came the third dodgy decision from the Lino and the Ref. The Viking crossed the ball into the box for Zinedine. Both Jessop and Zinedine went for the ball, but instead of catching or punching the ball out, he just pushed Zinedine away from it. It was a ridiculous decision not to award a penalty. Mrs Nash’s flannel was out and in full use.

60 minutes into the second half, and Zinedine ran 80 yards up the line, beating three attempted challenges from Norwich players. He made a lovely one-two with the Boss, but his final ball was cleared away from the box.

We continued to battle as Norwich pushed for the equaliser. Pabbo made a great tackle on Blake, and took the ball away from his stride.

68 minutes into the match, and Nobby did well to head clear a free kick, which was heading into the six yard box.

70 minute into the match, and the solid looking Bloods defence were finally undone. The Vikings clearance unfortunately fell nicely for Carus, who steered a looping header just inside the left hand post, which silenced the Bloods family.

As soon as the lads re started the match, the ‘Come on Bloods’ cheers got louder and louder. We had not deserved this, with the amount of work the lads had put in.

Thomas was involved in yet another dodgy decision by the referee. He managed to get goal side, and was tripped over in the box, but the referee played on. I was stunned and felt robbed! I didn’t get how on earth it was not a foul. Crazy!

It didn’t take long for lady luck to shine on Norwich, when they converted a second goal at the near post. Jones jumped well and headed the ball into Pacey’s net from a very tight angle. I felt sick and could not believe it. The lads did not deserve this after such a positive performance.

84 minutes into the match, and Drane replaced Nobby and Chaz replaced Boss. Boss and Nobby, should be proud of their performances.

Unfortunately there was little much they could do, as Norwich did well to keep the ball away from a potential fairy tale ending. The match ended Walden 1 – Norwich 2. Thanks Ref! Sorry to sound like a bad loser, but that was madness. Had we been played off the park then fair enough, but we looked good for the win.

Anyway, I am really pleased with the way the lads played and proud to be a Blood.

MOTM goes to Perry Moody (Fagin). Anyone who can stop Matt Blake from getting on the score sheet gets my vote. Well done Perry! You have had two very good performances, and I hope you are enjoying playing for the Bloods. Keep up the good work, and hopefully you and Flemo can give old -man Sticksy a rest.

On Easter Saturday, in-form Walsham-le-Willows, visit the “Meadow” for what should be another entertaining match.
I was told at half time that it would have been Dennis Savill's birthday that day, and his daughter left a lovely pot of roses on his bench that was dedicated to him after he sadly passed away. I didn't know Dennis very well but I know how much he meant to the players, staff and fans. He is greatly missed by them all.
 

Sunday 

Long Melford Colts 1 – Saffron Walden 2

On Sunday I went to watch the U18s in the Colchester Cup at Stoneylands. I didn’t do a full blog but I wanted to express how impressed I was with the lads. The Bloods controlled the match from start to finish and could have won by 5 or 6, had it not been from the very impressive Melford keeper.

Captain Jack Young scored a class volley from the 18 yard box, which lobbed the keeper. It was impossible to save. The second goal came in the second half from Jake Thompson as he drove into the 18 yard box and smashed the ball into the bottom hand corner of the net, out of the reach of the keeper. It was starting to look like it was going to penalties but the lads listened to Mike, stayed calm and the constant pressure finally paid off.

Every player played well, but I gave MOTM to George Chappell. George worked extremely hard and had the full backs in his pocket. He was unlucky not to get on the score sheet, but made some excellent assists.

Well done lads and I hope you go onto to winning the cup.

 







Sunday 13 March 2016

Saffron Walden 4 - FC Clacton 0


Saffron Walden 4 – FC Clacton 0

12th March

The Meadow

It was total football at Catons Lane, as the mighty Bloods thrashed FC Clacton 4-0. Last time the two sides met in Clacton, it was the Clacton fans celebrating a 3-0 win. This time it was different and the boys played with style. The Clacton’s penultimate Tweet, after Zinedine made it 4-0 was: ‘Can we go home now?’

The lads played like a team, with every pass and movement. Each player trusted one another to get the job done. They played like a band of brothers on a mission.

The game was delayed by 30 minutes, because the FC Clacton kit van had broken down. I went into the club house and spoke to the FC Clacton lads who were looking fed up as the Walden lads warmed up. The kit eventually arrived at 3pm and we kicked off at 3.30pm.

If I am honest, before the match I was feeling low. This was mainly due to three of our key players leaving over the last few months and G Man and Harper were not available. Don’t get me wrong we all need a break now and again.

I soon cheered up when I saw that Mashy and Drane were back fit, and we had signed a new player. Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Perry Moody. Moody; who we already have a nickname for, came from Haverhill Rovers and can play right back or centre back. With his long hair and the surname Moody, he is now known as Fagin…..see what I did there? Ron Moody?….Fagin?….Oliver? Well I thought it was clever. Anyway, sorry Perry and I hope this doesn’t offend you, but in my blog I make the rules! Sticko also gave the captains arm band to Paul Abbot for the match.

The Team

Pacey, Moody (Fagin), P Abbot (Captain Pabbo), Snelling (Mashy), Wardley (Sticko), Fleming (Rhino), Noble (Nobby), M Abbot (Mabbo), Murphy (Boss) Thomas (Zinedine), Bell

Subs: Drane, Dicker (Chaz), Morris.

The First Half

You’ve all heard the saying ‘blink and you’ll miss it’. That exactly what happened! Straight from the kick off, the Bloods went at FC Clacton with one task and that was to win. Mashy had the ball in space about 30 yards and decided to have a go. The ball took an awful bounce and went straight over the keeper and into the back of the net. I have no idea how quick it was but it was under 1 minute. I hadn’t even got behind the goal yet. Welcome back Mash! We have missed you. Mash summed it up after the match and said to me, if you don’t shoot, you don’t score.

8 minutes into the match, and we were full of confidence. We had won a free kick, which was played into the box but scooped clear by Coyle.

The Bloods didn’t give the defence a minute’s rest, when Zinedine pounced on a bad clearance from Fowler. Zinedine played the ball diagonally into the path of Bell. Bell went for a shot, but it was well saved by Fowler for a Walden corner. Bell took the corner, which fell for Sticko. Sticko tried to set Mash but he could not get a clear shot, so he decided to shift the ball to his left foot, but the defence did their job and blocked Mashy’s effort.

12 minutes into the match, and Bell charged with the ball down the wing. He squared the ball to Zinedine who tried to correct his balance but he was tackled well by Chapman.

17 minutes into the match, and FC Clacton started to play better football. There passing looked positive and managed to send Coyle on a run up the wing, but Bell did well to usher the ball out of play for a Bloods goal kick.

Bell and Zinedine linked up well and could read each other’s movements. Bell passed the ball diagonally across to meet Zinedines run, splitting the defence in half. Zinedine crossed the ball over the Fowler for Bell, but Wales (Billy) did very well and cleared the ball a few feet from the goal mouth. Fowler congratulated Billy for his clearance, which prompted the Bloods fans to clap Billy for his heroics!

Fagin showed how calm he could be under pressure and became an instant hit with the fans. The ball was delivered into the box from Clacton, and instead of punting the ball up the field he calmly chested it back to Pacey.

25 minutes into the match, Mashy ran his socks off to get onto a forward ball, into the box from Zinedine. He tried to square the ball, but it was well blocked by Kirkby for a Bloods corner. Bell took the corner, and it dropped sweetly for Rhino to head home from a few feet out. It was a great bit of ghosting from Rhino, which Sticko would have been proud of.

Going 2-0 up encouraged Fagin to join the attack and support Bell on the wing. Fagin crossed the ball perfectly for the Boss, but he was just off side.

30 minutes into the match, and FC Clacton won a free kick just outside the box. Coyle tried to whip the ball across the 6 yard box; hoping someone would get a touch. However, the ball sped past the players and off for a goal kick.

35 minutes into the match, and Zinedine won a free kick near the corner flag. Bell delivered the ball into the box and Sticko got his head to the ball. The header beat Fowler, but hit the bar and bounced back into the pack of players. The Boss struck the ball, but it was brilliantly defended off the line by Clacton.

40 minutes into the match, and Zinedine won another corner for the Bloods. Bell delivered the cross long to Mabbo. Mabbo controlled the ball and tried to find Rhino at the back post for his brace, but it was well defended.

43 minutes into the match and Andrade went for a long range effort, but the effort went over the bar and into the car park.

HT: Bloods 2 – FC Clacton 0


Second Half

It was all smiles from the Bloods family at half time, but we knew from experience that the game was not won yet. Rhino was substituted for Charlie Dicker at half time. Don’t worry he’s not injured! He just had prior commitments and could only play the first half. A great 45 minutes from the Rhino.

They had to shuffle the pack a little bit. Fagin went to centre back, Spike went to right back and Chaz was placed on the right wing. It looked like a 4-5-1 formation with Zinedine up front on his own

Chaz made an instant impression on the wing. I believe this position suits him the best, giving him an opportunity to come forward and link up with the midfield. Chaz and Mashy linked up well with a lovely one-two into the box. Mash tried to find the Boss and the near post but Clacton headed clear.

FC Clacton had a good chance at getting back into the game, when they delivered a dangerous cross into the box. Pacey could only punch the ball up in the air for the players to fight for a free ball. Up steps the calm and collected Fagin, who calmly cleared the ball away.

55 minutes into the match, and Clacton begun to up their game. They won a corner after the Bloods headed away a free kick. The corner was taken well and found a Clacton player on the corner of the 6 yard box. His effort rattled the post and the Bloods managed to get the ball clear.

FC Clacton won another free kick, which was taken by Coyle but the Boss jumped up well and headed the ball out of the box.

63 minutes into the match, and Clacton one another free kick just outside the 18 yard box. The ball was smashed low and hard at the wall, and found its way through, but Fagin cleared the ball preventing a potential tap in.

65 minutes into the match, and Mashy was replaced by Max Drane. A brilliant hour of football from fan favourite, Mashy Snelling! It was great to see Drane back in a Walden shirt fighting fit again.

Chaz ran well up the wing, and won the Bloods a free kick. He was pulled back by the famous Billy. The free kick wasn’t the best, and easily headed out by Clacton.

75 minutes into the match, and Zinedine was the victim of very hard and dangerous challenge from Townrow. Townrow slid in late after Zinedine squared the ball in the box, and clashed with his leg. Mrs Nash’s flannel was out and the fans wanted Townrow sent off. We settled with a penalty and a yellow card. The penalty was brilliantly executed by Mabbo to make it 3-0. You don’t save those!

79 minutes into the match, and Bell was replaced by U18s star Jack Morris. Bell had another great game. I was discussing with the fans, where they think Bell’s best position is, and we all agreed it was on the right supporting the forwards. He looked dangerous running up the channels and can deliver a mean cross, as well as score when given the opportunity!

FC Clacton’s best player, Condon was extremely quiet compared to the last time we played. He did go for an ambition ‘worldy’ but it wasn’t his day and went wide.

With just 4 minutes to go, Zinedine calmly slotted the ball past Fowler to make it 4-0. Morris ran at the defence, and could have shot, but he decided to slip the ball into the path of Zinedine and the rest is history. Goal timed at 84 minutes.

89 minutes into the match, and Wales (Billy), ran up the wing taking on Chaz. Chaz stuck to him like glue and did enough to put Wales off his strike, which went into the side netting.

FT: Saffron Walden 4 – FC Clacton 0

There were a few contenders for MOTM, but the MOTM goes to Matt ‘Mashy’ Snelling. It’s so good to have the dynamic Mashy back where he belongs, in a red shirt causing havoc. Well done Mash and please, please stay fit.

Our next match is against top of the table Norwich United who are 7 points clear at the top of the table. They have won 24 out of 28 games, with 2 draws and 2 losses. If the lads play like they did today, I believe the league is in for a treat.  The match is at home on the 19th March.

Thanks for reading







Friday 11 March 2016

Saffron Walden 1 – Godmanchester 2


Saffron Walden 1 – Godmanchester 2

8th March 2016

The Meadow

Godmanchester was always going to be a tough match. They are currently sitting in 3rd place and have only lost 4 games all season. This was not going to put the Bloods off, after five back to back wins at home. Last time we played the result ended up 0-0. In that match the Bloods treated the fans with some of the best defending of the season.  

We started Tuesdays match with a very strong team. Bell was back for injury and started from the bench. Fleming was back in defence and Solks was back from his two match ban. Grindrod and Mashy are improving their fitness each day, so hopefully we should see them back in squad very soon.

Before the match I presented Graeme Turner with the award of Player of the month for February. Graeme has had an excellent 2016 and has showed great form. Well done G Man and keep up the good work.

TEAM: Lee Pacey, Paul Abbot (Pabbo), Jamie Solkhon (Rocky), Jake Noble (Nobby), Stuart Wardley (Sticko), Ryan Fleming (Rhino), Craig Calver (Wig), Joe Murphy (Boss) (Spike Bell – 63 mins.), Graeme Turner (G Man), James Thomas (Zinedine), Louis Harper. Substitutes (not used): Charlie Dicker, Neil Andrews.

The First Half

Walden won the toss, and started the match. They immediately went at Godmanchester from the first blow of the whistle. Wig won the Bloods and early free kick for Harper to take. The ball was delivered into the box, but McDonald headed the ball clear.

5 minutes into the match, and both teams were passing the ball well, trying to test each other. No real chances on goal, but both had decent build up play.

9 minutes into the match, and the Bloods were working really hard to try and open up Goddy’s defence. Sticko was involved in two decent attacking opportunities which started from the back four.

Just as we looked like gaining the upper hand Godmanchester scored. To be honest, the high ball should have been cleared by the Bloods defence, but instead dropped kindly for Brown and Brown was not going to miss from six yard out. Pacey did his best to come off his line, when he realised the ball had not been cleared but credit to Brown, he pounced at the opportunity slotted passed Pacey.

Wig won another free kick for Harper to take. Harper found Rocky running in at the back post, but he was too far out to get any real power on the ball and his headed attempt was easily caught by Conroy. Conroy threw the ball out quickly and Spark broke well for a counter attack. His through ball sent Hyem up the wing, who squared the ball into the box but the end product was fluffed and went out for a goal kick.

20 minutes into the match, and the Boss won the ball back in the Godmanchester half. This showed great determination from the Boss. You could see he was really up for the match and enjoyed the challenge.

Shortly after, Wig had a great shot which was deflected by the defence. The ball fell to Zinedine, who ran into the box and tried to square the ball, but there was no one there to convert the cross into the back of the net.

Goddy had two great opportunities after a lovely shuffle from Unwin. He passed the ball to Spark, but Nobby did well to win the ball back and quickly clear the ball. The ball was sent back into the box, but it was easily collected by Pacey.

The pressure didn’t stop and Godmanchester pushed for a second. The Boss stood up well and cleared the danger. The lads were working extremely hard by showing Godmanchester that they were no walk over.

Wig was causing the defence a headache and managed to turn his marker. He crossed the ball low and hard at Harper, but the loose ball was well cleared.

35 minutes into the match, and again Wig got the better of the defence. This time he went for a shot rather than squaring the ball, but his effort was tipped over the bar by Conroy. It was a lovely turn and shot and would have been a sweet individual goal.

Wig was very unlucky not to be given a penalty. He was tripped up on the line of the 18 yard box. From my angle it looked like it was in the box, but according to the referee it wasn’t. Harper took the free kick and decided to go for a blast, but it went high and wide.

Godmanchester were finding it so hard to control Wig. Wig was calling for every ball and playing as if it was his last game. He dribbled the ball over 50 yards across the field and won the Bloods a corner. Harper took the corner but Conroy pushed the ball up in the air. Conroy had to run off his line to catch the ball as Zinedine was prowling.

38 minutes into the match, and Hyem went for a long range effort from a counter attack, but the shot went out of the ground.

For the remainder of the half the Bloods had the better of the play, with some lovely attacking football. Paul Daw counted 8 corners to Godmanchester’s 2. We were unlucky not to be at least on level terms at half time.

HT: Saffron Walden 0 – Godmanchester 1

The Second Half

The Bloods started the 2nd half exactly the same way as they finished the first. Nobby was involved in an early challenge from Parr. Parr was shown the yellow card for the late challenge. Harper took the free kick. Again, the stubborn Goddy defence held their line well.

The pressure continued from the Bloods as we won corner after corner. We came very close to being gifted an own goal, when Moran headed the ball just over the bar. As you can image the ‘Come on Walden’ yells grew louder and louder. The final corner was well punched away from Conroy.

 It was Goddy’s turn to test the defence, but Rhino headed a dangerous cross away from the goal.

54 minutes into the match, and Goddy had scored. A right wing cross was played into Brown, who with his back to goal, turned and managed to steer the ball past Pacey to make it 2-0. A clinical finish!

We had a bit of banter with Conroy, because he complained that the ringing of the church bells was ‘doing his head in’. Mrs Nash told Conroy that she was going to tell her Dad what he said, because her Dad was the Vicar. Got to love Mrs Nash!

60 minutes into the match, and Goddy started to push for a third, but Pabbo put in a lovely tackle and sent the ball out of play for a corner. The corner was headed clear and fell nicely to a Goddy defender. He went for a ‘worldy’ but his shot went over the bar.

63 minutes into the match, and the Boss was replaced by Bell. Another strong display from the Boss!

Not much happened for the next 15 minutes. Both sides tried various different ways to score but both teams defences did very well not to concede.

So, in the 79th minute, Zinedine won a free kick near the corner flag after being pulled back. Conroy was not happy with his player. Harper crossed the ball to the back post, which met Bell at the far post to make it 2-1. It was a great goal and unstoppable. Bell muscled his way through the defence, jumped up and headed the ball in. We believed we could get a result.

81 minutes into the match, and Pacey made a great save to deny Goddy from going 3-1 up and killing off the game. Pacey saved the ball at his near post, and deflected the ball for a Goddy corner. The corner ball was well caught by Pacey. Pacey saw Wig in space and punted the ball to him. Wig saw that Conroy was off his line and went for a long range effort. The shot was on target but caught by Conroy.

The lads worked extremely hard but the match finished 2-1 to Goddy. I am proud of the lads, as they never gave up. One thing you can guarantee about the Bloods is they never give up, whatever the score is. I appreciate this as a fan.

The MOTM goes to Wig Calver. Wig played excellently and Goddy could not control him. Well done Wig and thank you for all the hard work you put in. Keep it up Wiggy.

As the players left the pitch I waited to thank them for their brilliant effort. I spoke to Jamie Solk’s and he told me that this match would be his last for the rest of the season, and he will see how he felt at pre-season. I was truly gutted to hear this but understand. We will miss him at the Meadow. Not just for his football, but for his character off the pitch and respect for the fans. Thanks Rocky for everything and I hope you come back soon.

Ben ‘the Beast’ Lawrence visited the Lane to watch the match and catch up with his friends. We presented him with a framed shirt as a retirement present from non-league football. Ben was chuffed with gift and thanked us all.

We have Clacton on Saturday at home. Unfortunately we do not have Wig, as he is serving a 2 match ban, and we now don’t have our trusty left back Rocky. So this means Sticko will have to shuffle the pack. Who will start up front? Who will be captain? Will Sticko make himself captain or pass the honours to another player? Whatever he decides, you can guarantee the lads will give it 100%

Thanks for reading






Sunday 6 March 2016

Kirkley and Pakefield 2 - Saffron Walden 0


5th March 2016

After a few days of heavy rain and light snow, I was amazed to hear that the match was on. I was clued to Twitter waiting for the news. There were only three games which went ahead in the TNPL. The Meadow was waterlogged, which meant no football for the kids or the reserves.

So, I set off around 12.30pm and arrived at the ground at 2.30pm. I waited in the car until the London derby match was finished. I was gutted Spurs didn’t win, but on reflection I would have taken a draw after being 1-0 down. When I got to the club house, I found out they had BT Sports so I could have left early and watched the game.

The Bloods were still missing Bell, Grindrod and Mashy who are all on the injured list. Solks was serving a ban but will be back for our match against Godmanchester and our coach Neil Andrews and Rhino were not available. After an excellent performance, last week’s MOTM Charlie Dicker kept his place at right back.

The Team

Pacey, Dicker, P Abbot (Pabbo), M Abbot (Mabbo), Wardley (Sticko), Noble (Nobby), Calver (Wig), Murphy (Boss), Turner (G Man), Thomas (Zinedine), Harper. Subs: J Dicker, J Garrett, J Young

First Half

Walden started the game well and looked positive going forward. Wig, Zinedine and G Man tested both the wing backs with some darting runs.

The Bloods had the first scare of the match on the 4th minute, when Pacey misplaced his clearance from out of the area. The ball fell to a K&P player, but luckily for the Bloods his long range effort at an open goal went wide.

5 mins into the match, Zinedine sprinted to keep the ball in play. He passed the ball to Pabbo who then found Wig in space. Wig floated a cross in to the box, but it was slightly too high for G Man. G Man did get his head to it, but his effort was high and wide.

Wig was causing problems for the defence, and held the ball in the area. He beat a couple of defenders, but his shot was scuffed and easily collected by Tibbles.

9 mins into the match, and K&P had a lovely strike well saved by Pacey. Pacey palmed the ball away for a corner. The corner was delivered into the 6 yard box, but Pacey rose well and tipped the ball away for another corner. Their 3rd corner was cleared by the Boss.

Sticko made two very strong back to back headers to deny K&P. The first header was quite straight forward, but his second header was cleared off the line.

15 mins into the match, and Zinedine won a free kick outside the area. Sticko went short and played it to Wig, but the defended tackled the ball well and cleared the danger.

Stone came extremely close, when he managed to get free from his marker. He connected well with a header from Grint’s cross, but the ball went wide of the post.

Dicker was not phased, by the size and strength of his opponent. He was penalised for a strong challenge, giving away a free kick. The free kick was sailed into the box, but Pacey punched the ball clear and Dicker scooped the ball away from the box.

20 minutes into the match, and Zinedine tested Tibbles. Harper’s diagonal pass met Zinedine’s well-time run. He took a few touched to give himself some space, but his shot was straight at Tibbles.

Sticko was putting in a great shift, and won the ball back in the middle of the pitch. He passed the ball to Wig, who turned but his effort went over the bar.

Wig continued to worry the defence. He beat his man on the line and crossed the ball for G Man; who came charging into the box, but Flowers got low and headed the ball away from the goal.

I thought the Boss was going to rattle the back of the net with an effort outside the box, but Herbert did well to get across him and block his shot. It was definitely heading towards the goal with some venom.

30 minutes into the match, and it looked like Wig was tripped in the box. The referee was not convinced there was any contact, so he waved play on. Martin and I were standing with a few of the local fans and we asked for their opinion. A few thought it was a penalty and a few though it wasn’t. My opinion would be…umm…no comment!

Haverson had a great effort on goal, but Pacey stayed strong and blocked the powerful shot with his arm. K&P followed up with a cracking shot, but Pacey dived well and pushed the ball over the bar for a corner ball. Tibbles showed respect by applauding both saves. #staystrongnicky (Stanway Keeper in-joke)

40 minutes into the match, and Wig won us a free kick. The ball was delivered into the box by Harper and headed out by the defence, but only to Zinedine. Zinedine struck the ball well, which I believed hit the defenders arm and should have been a hand ball. The referee didn’t agreed and K&P broke well. Baker went for a shot but the ball went wide.

G Man came very close to scoring in the 44th minutes. He ran with the ball into the box, and took a touch to give himself a better angle, but his strike missed the goal by a few inches.

HT: Kirkley and Pakefield 0 - Saffron Walden 0

Second Half

I started the second half on my ‘Jack Jones’ behind the goal. The wind had picked up and the temperature had dropped. My hands were starting to suffer. I would usually put them in my pocket, but I was busy taking pictures and talking into my Dictaphone.  

We won an early corner thanks to Zinedine’s charge into the box, which left Herbert no option but to kick the ball off. Harper took the corner but it was well defended.

50 minutes into the match, and K&P had a goal disallowed for offside. The whistle had gone before the ball struck the net.

We won a free kick around 40 yards from goal. Harper sailed the ball perfectly into the 6 yard box, which missed Zinedine by inches for a potential volley.

Brooks was awarded a free kick after a clash with Sticko. The ball was floated into the box, but Nobby got his head to it and cleared the ball out.

60 minutes into the match, and K&P started to pile on the pressure. Pabbo made a brilliant slide tackle in the box, which dispossessed the K&P forward.

63 minutes into the match and K&Ps pressure paid off. Stone stormed down the left wing and squared the ball for Baker to tab in from 10 yards out. It was great link up play.

Walden didn’t let their heads drop and pushed for an equaliser with two back to back corners, but the defence held their line.

73 minutes into the match, and an almost identical move enabled Stone to cross a similar ball for Baker to shoot home to put K&P 2-0 up. If I wasn’t cold before, I certainly was now. It didn’t seem fair as we were looking like we could have got something out of the match.

Not long after the goal, the players exchanged a few words and shoves after the Boss was the victim of a late challenge. Sticko was extremely upset with the challenge and made his emotions clear. Wig was working hard at telling his players to ‘back away’ and get on with the match. This showed great leadership skills from our newly appointed captain.

I am sorry but I do not have much left to blog about. The Bloods worked really hard to try and get back into the match, but the K&P defence did their job. You could see why they are 5th in the league. The side were very physical and strong, and didn’t give the Bloods many opportunities to grab a goal. The lads worked really hard and were simply undone by two text-book goals. Onwards and upwards! Next season we need to be more clinical in front of goal if we want to break into the top 5. When I look at the progress and improvement we have made, it won’t be long until we are challenging for top spot.

My MOTM was Stuart Wardley. Sticko worked tirelessly for the full 90 minutes. The player manager showed great leadership. The physical match suited Sticko’s style and the veterans experience certainly shone through.

On Tuesday, Walden take on in form Godmanchester Rovers at home in what should be another challenging game.

Thanks for reading.