Thursday 28 April 2016

Swaffham Town 1 – Saffron Walden 3


Swaffham Town 1 – Saffron Walden 3

April 27th 2016

It was cold, it was in the middle of nowhere and I was suffering from ‘man-flu’, but there was no way I was going to miss this match after attending every competitive match so far this season. I was in such a rush to finish work and get to Norfolk that I left my wallet at home. Luckily Peter lent me a tenner.

I had never been to the ground before and found the local supporters very friendly and welcoming. To be honest I have not been to many grounds that aren’t.

Swaffham should have been full off confidence after beating Newmarket in a 5-4 thriller on Monday, with their top scorer Joseph Jackson scoring 4 goals. The Bloods however had quite a few first team regulars missing, due to work that forced Granddad Wardley to go up front.

Considering it was a long way to travel on a cold Wednesday evening, we had at least 12 to 15 of the Bloods family at the match.

The Team

Pacey, Bell, Grindrod (Viking), Snelling (Mashy), Fleming (Rhino), Moody (Fagin), Calver (c) (Wig), Noble (Nobby), Drane (Baby Face), Wardley (Sticko), Murphy (Boss). Subs: Dicker (Chaz), Andrews

 

The First Half

Walden started very lively and came out the blocks fast. The passing was slick and the movement flowed. The first chance at goal came from Nobby, as he tried to place the ball into the top corner from distance, but the ball wouldn’t drop and sailed over the bar.

Walden came very close to taking an early lead. Wiggy was working his magic after running onto a great ball from the midfield. He timed his cross perfectly for Mashy to head into the back of the net, but the ball was stopped on the line by the keeper. We thought it had crossed the line, but the lino wasn’t interest in the Bloods call for a goal.

A goal for the Bloods was certainly on the cards as the lads piled on the pressure. The Viking won the Bloods a corner after his cross was deflected out of play. Wig sailed the corner to the back post, which was headed out to Fagin by the Swaffham defender. Fagin swiped at the ball which found its way through the pack and into the back of the net from about 10 yards out. That’s 2 out of 2 for the new Blood. The goal was timed at 9 minutes.

12 minutes into the match, and Swaffham won a corner. The corner fell nicely for Murphy who struck the ball sweetly, but Fagin saved (what would have been a certain goal) with his face. Now that’s commitment!

Swaffham upped their game as Murphy tried to run at the Bloods defence, but Rhino calmly took the ball off Murphy, and almost created a break with a long ball for Wig to chase down.

18 minutes into the match, and Wig received the ball about 10 yards from the corner flag near the wing. He held the ball up brilliantly as he waited for support. He did a cheeky little back heel which was timed perfectly for the Vikings run. Viking tried to cross the ball but it was blocked for a Bloods throw in.

The Boss came very close to scoring from a long range effort. His strike was low and hard, but Mayes got down well and palmed the ball around the post for a corner ball. The corner did not trouble the Swaffham defence.

20 minutes into the match, and Swaffham were awarded a penalty after Rhino clashed shoulders with the Swaffham player, as he jumped to defend a cross in the box. Vincent scored from the spot by placing the ball down the middle.

30 minutes into the match, and Mashy ran with ball into the area. His cross was headed clear by Duarte for a corner ball. The ball was thrown back over the stand and smashed Hutton in the face. It would have been a priceless ‘You’ve been framed’ moment.  Poor sod, but he was okay and laughed it off. The corner fell nicely for Rhino, but his shot on target hit one of our own players.

36 minutes into the match, and Swaffham tried to break with some great link up play between the pacey Vincent and hit man Jackson. Rhino stuck with Vincent and his shot was well wide.

38 minute into the match, and Walden had two back to back corners. Both of the corners were headed away by their Captain, Miller. He didn’t hold back on the power he used to head the ball clear.

There was a slight stoppage in play near the end of the half, when Jackson looked injured. Thankfully he was okay and continued on.

HT: Swaffham 1 – Saffron Walden 1

The Second Half

You could really feel the cold and the fans were starting to shiver, as we stood in the dark behind Mayes’ goal. For the first 5 minutes of the second half, both teams passed the ball around the pitch with no clear chances.

55 minutes into the second half, and Swaffham started to gain momentum, and used the slope to their advantage. They tried to test the Bloods with a few dangerous looking crosses but they were well handled by the Bloods defence.

65 minutes into the match, and Sticko was replaced by Charlie Dicker to try and inject some pace into the attack. Sticko did well up front and was hard to handle, and looked a threat from set pieces and long balls.

73 minutes into the match, and the Boss won us a corner kick. The attack started from Wiggy, who ran all the way up the wing and crossed the ball into the box. The ball went over Boss and he had to retrieve it. He tried to cross the ball back in but it was deflected for a corner. Wiggy took the corner and Rhino headed it perfectly over the keeper and into the back of the net. That goal certainly warmed us up! Nice work from the Rhino. 2-1 to the Bloods!

78 minutes into the match, and the Swaffham player went to ground in the penalty area. I was relieved when the referee waved play on.

82 minutes into the match, and Chaz was tripped in the box by Miller; just as he was about to take a shot. The referee signalled for a penalty and sent Miller off as he was the last man. Shame really as he looked like there best player. Anyway, Wig took the penalty and calmly slotted it into the corner forcing Mayes to dive the wrong way. 3-1 to the Bloods!

We completely controlled the game until the final whistle. Rhino went on a 'Vertonghen’ style run and took it around a few players but, his final ball was well defender.

FT: Swaffham 1 – Saffron Walden 3

Fans MOTM goes to Perry Moody (Fagin). Another solid performance capped off with yet another goal. Perry is proving to be a great signing for the Bloods, and is an instant hit with the fans. Well done Perry.

So, it’s just one last game of the season left for the Bloods. Think I’ll give that one a miss!.....As if!

The lads travel to Brantham and a win could potentially finish the season in 7th place; subject to Melford and Hadleigh dropping points. Whatever happens we have guaranteed 9th place. That’s a brilliant achievement. Great work to everyone who was involved on and off the pitch!

The U18s are in action tonight at the Meadow as they take on Ely. The last match for the Ressies is at home on Saturday as we say goodbye to the 2015/16 season.

Thanks for reading




Wednesday 27 April 2016

Reserves held to a 3-3 draw

Tuesday 26th April 2016  THURLOW NUNN RESERVE LEAGUE

Saffron Walden Town Res.  3  Lowestoft Town Res.  3

    The “Bloods” Reserves looked comfortable winners until they conceded two goals in the last eight minutes to finish with a disappointing draw against Lowestoft Town Reserves.

    Walden made a good start and in the 5th minute a Jake Powter shot was deflected onto the bar for a corner. Walden continued to have the better of the game and took the lead in the 15th minute when RYAN DEWEY rose highest to head in a corner at the far post.

    The lead only lasted six minutes when Lowestoftscored from their first chance. A free kick outside the area was taken by KYLE GODBOLD, and struck the right hand post and ran along the line before hitting the side netting on the other side of the goal.

   The rest of the first half was evenly contested, with few scoring chances, and the teams remained level at the interval.

Half-time: Saffron Walden Town Res.  1  LowestoftTown Res.  1

    Walden made an excellent start to the second half, and within three minutes of the restart were back in front. DAN MANSER ran on to a fine through ball, took the ball well in his stride, and calmly slotted it past the advancing keeper to make it 2-1. Five minutes later BEN MORRELL chased what looked like a lost cause, but managed to dispossess the Lowestoft keeper outside his penalty area, near the right hand touchline. Showing a wonderful strikers instinct, he took a shot from the narrowest of angles, which a defender diving back could not stop from crossing the goal line to put the “Bloods” two goals ahead.

   Walden were well in control, and looked to be heading for a certain victory, but in the last quarter of an hour used all of their five substitutes, to give them a game. Lowestoft seized on the opportunity, and eight minutes from time Darrell Wigger made a good break, but was forced out to the right, where he lofted a cross to the far post for CALLUM BURKE to reduce the arrears from close range.

  Three minutes later Lowestoft won a corner, and bringing all of their tall men up, saw the cross knocked down to their substitute BRANAN SOLOMON, who drove the ball through a crod of players into the net for the equalizer.

    Both sides could have won the game in the last five minutes; Lowestoft hit the far post, and Walden forced four corners in quick succession, and from one Ben Morrell had a shot deflected just wide of the post,

   It felt as though the “Bloods” has dropped two points at the end. On Saturday the Reserves play their final game of the season, at home to fifth placed Woodbridge Town Reserves, in what should should be a good contest.


Fans MOTM went to Ryan Dewey


TEAM: Jason Harvey, Jack Garrett, James Richardson, Jake Powter, Jamie Dicker, Ryan Dewey, Peter Davies, Jordan Carter, Dan Manser, Ben Morrell, Coby Game. Substitutes (all used): Tim Jossaume, Tom Leaning, Dan Weeks, Brad Harding, George Templeman.

   

Sunday 24 April 2016

Saffron Walden 3 - Thetford 1


Saffron Walden 3 – Thetford 1

The Meadow

23rd April 2016

It was the last game of the season at the Meadow for the Bloods first team, and the lads left the field with all three points and a very happy crowd. It was a great atmosphere with over 300 fans. The club decided to let children go free with a paying adult which always helps boast the attendance. We even invited Barack Obama, while he was visiting the UK, but due to a very busy schedule he didn’t make it!
Mark Young was busy collection money to help toward his 100k walk. All precedes go to Help for Heroes. Mark raised over £200 from the fans on the day. Good luck mark for the event. It hurts my feet just thinking about it.

The fans were treated to some great football. There was a slight moment of concern when Thetford took the lead, but we knew from the way the lads were playing that we would come back to win the match.

Before the match, I was speaking to a few fans and they thanked me for the blogs and said they had enjoyed them; even with the spelling mistakes! It was nice to hear the positive feedback and I have enjoyed everyone; even when we lose.

The Team

Pacey, Bell, P Abbott (Pabbo), Snelling (Mashy), Wardley (Sticko), Moody (Fagin), Calver (C) (Wiggy), Noble (Nobby), Turner (G Man), Thomas (Zinedine), Murphy (Boss). Subs: Drane (Baby Face), Grindrod (Viking), Dicker (Chaz), Andrews

The First Half

The match almost started with an early goal, when Mashy found himself in space and went for a shot, but it was straight at Barker. Barker slightly fumbled the ball, but recovered very well to collect the ball before Zinedine could pounce on the loose ball.

Zinedine won the Bloods a corner for Wiggy to take. Harper usually takes the corners but he was not available for selection. The ball was delivered into the 6 yard box, curling towards the goal. Barker had to punch the ball up and over the bar for another corner. Wig ran to take the corner and Barker was called to action again. This time he managed to palm the ball away from Zinedine’s head. This was all in the first few minutes of the match.

5 minutes into the match, and Zinedine won another corner for Bell to take. The corner was sailed into the box, but the busy Barker leaped and caught the ball.

Thetford had a good opportunity from a free kick. Bailey sailed the ball into the box, which curled slightly and confused Pacey. It looked like it was heading for and easy catch, but Pacey had to adjust himself and caught the ball.

12 minutes into the match, and Wiggy found himself in a great scoring opportunity, but the defender just did enough to smother his shot and the ball rolled kindly to Barker.

Fagin was looking strong and always alert when called upon. He made a lovely tackle to take the ball off Priddle and tried to find G Man with a long ball, but the ball was blocked before landing in front of G’s run.

16 minutes into the match, and the fans had another ‘hands on heads’ moment, when Wiggy shot just wide of the post after some great link up play with G Man and Mashy. It was very close and would have been very hard to stop.

20 minutes into the match, and the Bloods were awarded a free kick for hand ball 25 yards from goal. Wiggy floated the ball into the 6 yard box, aiming for Sticko’s ‘ghosting’ run, but it was easily collected by Barker.

26 minutes into the match, and the Bloods were awarded another free kick for a hand ball. Wiggy sailed the ball into the box, but the defender headed it up and over the bar for a corner. Bell took the corner, which took a slight touch and found Wig on the left hand side of the 6 yard box. Wiggy tried to steer the ball into the top right hand corner, but it was just wide.

Just as the Bloods started to dominate the game, Thetford scored from a header from a ‘Beast Style’ long throw. It caught the Bloods by surprised and was squeezed in between Pacey and the goal post. Sorry I do not know who scored it, but it was a well taken set piece and caught the defence out.

We didn’t let this stop our momentum and continued to work hard to get back level. Mashy was unlucky not to score as the Thetford defence struggled to clear the ball. Zinedine got the slightest touches on the ball, which set mash, but his fierce strike went wide of the post.

34 minutes into the match, and Thetford won a corner ball but it was well headed out by Bell. Thetford got the ball back into the box but Fagin cleared the ball, which almost sent Mashy on a run, but he was knocked off the ball.

42 minutes into the match, and new Blood Fagin got on the end of a set piece and headed it over Barker and into the roof of the mouth. The assist came from Wiggy’s free kick after the ball was yet again handled. Well done Fagin for getting you first goal for the Bloods. It was now 1-1 and we thoroughly deserved it after all the pressure. I was so pleased that I caught the goal on camera.

45 minutes and into the dying minutes of the half, G Man won a corner for Bell to take. The delivery was long and the referee blew the whistle for half time.

HT: Saffron Walden 1 – Thetford 1

The Second Half

Thetford had an early corner which was taken by Cusack. The free kick didn’t pass the front post, and was easily headed clear from Pabbo.

47 minutes into the match, and Wig fed G Man a lovely ball up the wing. G Man ran at least 60 yards and fended his opponent off. He got the ball into the box, but his cross was deflected for a Bloods corner. Wiggy’s corner was header clear and out of the area.

48 minutes into the match, and the fans held their breath as the Thetford forward worked his way through the defence, but lucky for the Bloods his shot was wide of the post.

51 minutes into the match, and Wiggy was doing what Wiggy does best by turning the right back in the 18 yard box. He went to cross the ball but his effort was deflected for a corner. Wiggy took the corner but it was headed out by Hutcherson for another Bloods corner. This time Bell took the corner kick, but it was collected by Barker. Barker tried to send his team on a break with a long ball, but the ball was ushered out by Pacey.

57 minutes into the match, and Wiggy won the Bloods a free kick as he was tripped near the corner flag. It was a very good ball, which found G Man, but his header went up and over the bar. G Man was frustrated as he knew it was a golden opportunity.

62 minutes into the match, and Pacey was forced to make a save from a shot by Hunsdon. The ball was spilled but Sticko ran in and cleared the loose ball.

65 minutes into the match, and Theford had two back to back corners. The first one was headed away by Fagin and the second one was ushered out for a goal kick.

The next goal was brilliant scored by G Man. Pacey launched the ball out of his area for Wiggy to control. Wiggy chipped the ball up and over for G Man. G Man calmly lifted the ball over the ascending Barker from a tight angle, and the ball dropped perfectly under the cross bar and into the back of the net. It was executed with style! 2-1 to the mighty Bloods!

72 minutes into the match, and the Boss was replaced by the Viking. It was a great day in the office for the Boss, who certainly lived up to his name and bossed the centre of the field.

75 minutes into the match and Barker had the save of the match….or did he? According to the referee, Wiggy’s blast was not brilliantly saved by Barker, but it was wide and out for a goal kick. It was amusing when the Thetford defence started to walk into position, expecting to face a Bloods corner. Well, it made Barker smile and we congratulated him on his heroics.

83 minutes in the match, and Barker wasn’t given much time to rest, when he saved another fantastic effort from Bell. Wiggy crossed the ball into the six yard box for Bell to head the ball down into the corner of the goal, but Barker managed to get down and palm the ball around the post and out for a corner. The Viking took the corner which was headed just wide by Wiggy.

87 minutes into the match, and Zinedine was replaced by Max Drane (Baby Face). James ‘Zinedine’ Thomas had another great game and worked his socks off. Great effort and a brilliant debut season for him.

89 minutes into the match, and G Man skilfully made it 3-1. The ball was passed to G on the 18 yard line. He started to dribble the ball across the box, turned the defended, and stuck it in the back of the net. A fantastic brace for the G Man!

90 minutes into the match, and Forster was randomly sent off. I have no idea why as we were all busy still celebrating GMan’s goal and the three points. If anyone can tell me what happened I would really appreciate it.

90+1 minutes into the match, and Wiggy was replaced by Charlie Dicker. Wiggy has a great game and gave the defenders a tough time. Well done Wig. Chaz was greeted by a huge cheer from the fans. The fans have been very impressed by the way Chaz has worked extremely hard for the U18s to earn himself a place in the first team.

90+2 minutes into the match, and Thetford were awarded a free kick. The ball was delivered to the far post, but Pacey was fouled as he tried to catch the ball.

The final whistle went and the players clapped the fans as they left the ground. It was a great win and an enjoyable game.

My MOTM goes to Graeme Turner. G worked very hard and was rewarded by two great goals. Well done G Man and we hope you finish the last two away games in style.

Walden firsts have two games left which are both away. The first match is on Wednesday night against Swaffham and the last match is away to Brantham. Mathematically we could finish 7th based on the teams around us losing, but to finish the season in 9th place would be an excellent achievement.

We have three more matches left at Catons Lane. The reserves take on Lowestoft on Tuesday evening and return to the Meadow for their final game of the season against Woodbridge on Saturday 30th. Good luck lads.

The U18s welcome Ely City to the Meadow on Thursday 28th for their last league game of the season.
I have also been given a new challange for next season. My challange is to see how many selfies I can get with the keepers that we play against. Lets have a sweep stake!

Thanks for reading

Up the Bloods

 

 









Thursday 21 April 2016

Saffron Walden 0 – Kirkley and Pakefield 2


Saffron Walden 0 – Kirkley and Pakefield 2

19th April 2016 – The Meadow

We all knew this was going to be a very tough match. K&P are currently sitting in 5th place, and have only lost 8 games all season. As always the Bloods worked very hard and did not show any sign of giving up. They continued to attack the K&P goal until the very end, but the defence was like a brick wall. With most of the players over 6 feet tall, it was going to be a physical match.

TEAM: Lee Pacey, Spike Bell, Paul Abbot (Pabbo) (Dan Grindrod (Viking) – 79 mins.), Matt Snelling (Mashy), Stuart Wardley (Sticko), Perry Moody (Fagin), Craig Calver (Wig), Jake Noble (Nobby) (Max Drane (Baby Face) 74 mins.), Graeme Turner (G Man), James Thomas (Zinedine), Louis Harper (Joe Murphy (Boss) – 74 mins.). Substitutes (not used): Charlie Dicker (Chaz), Neil Andrews.

The First Half

In the opening few minutes both teams passed the ball around well, looking for a chance to put an attack together. Mashy was getting fed up with K&P enjoying too much of the possession so he charged at the K&P defence to try and close them down. Mashy forced them to make a mistake and took the ball off them. Mash tried to feed a long ball over to G Man, but the defence did their job, and scooped the ball away.

5 minutes into the match, and just as the Bloods were getting stuck in Grint took advantage, when Wig’s controlled ball from Pacey bounced away from him. Grint sailed a long ball into the box for Stone to head the ball over the impeded Fagin, and into the path of Baker. Baker controlled the ball well and slotted it passed Pacey and into the back of the net

12 minutes into the match, we won a corner for Harper to take. The ball went over everyone and Wig had to chase it down. Wig tried to get the ball back into the box but his cross was closed down and ended up as a foul.

16 minutes into the match, and K&P won a free kick, after Nobby clashed with Loper while chasing down a loose ball. The ball was sailed into the box, but Fagin stood strong and kept the attacker at bay, and the ball was easily caught by Pacey.

G Man won the Bloods a corner, after he ran onto a lovely flicked pass from Mashy. G Man struck the ball but it was blocked by Grint. Harper took the corner which fell to Wig. Wig tried to set Nobby for a shot, but it was blocked by Herbert.

20 minutes into the match and Bell played a brilliant long ball, over the top of the defence for Zinedine to run onto. The defender just got a foot on the ball for another corner ball.

The Bloods continued to test the stubborn defence, with corner after corner, but the Bloods just couldn’t find a way through. We won a throw in and spike took it quickly and threw it to Wig. Wig crossed a lovely ball for Zinedine to head, but his brilliant effort was cancelled out by an even better finger tipped save by the vocal and commanding Tibbles.

27 minutes into the match and Mashy was just inches away from scoring, but his effort rattled the post instead. Mashy did really well to win the ball as the ball was launched up in the air. He controlled the ball and smashed it. It was one of those efforts that felt like it was in slow motion. Unlucky Mashy, as that was class.

29 minutes into the match and Pacey need the support of his defence, as Bell blocked a shot off the line. Had he not have been there it would have certainly gone in. Great defensive work from Bell!

31 minutes into the match and the K&P coach received a ‘wind your neck in’ shout, from an unnamed fan (LOL), after he was heard shouting at the top of his voice.

Wig was given a yellow card after he pushed the defender over whilst trying to attack a long ball.

Five minutes before half time, a harmless looking free kick near the right wing was floated in to the tallest man on the pitch, Herbert (Captain Jack), who directed a glancing header just inside the left hand post to make it 2-0 to K&P. The fans were gutted, but carried on cheering on the lads.

HT: Saffron Walden 0 – Kirkley and Pakefield 2

The Second Half

Early into the second half, Pacey made an excellent point blank save to deny P&K a third goal, which certainly kept us in it.

The Bloods first effort of the half came from a set piece. Harper launched the ball into the back post, and found Sticko ‘ghosting’ into the 6 yard box. Sticko didn’t catch his header right and the ball went out for a goal kick.

Kirkley started to build momentum and were looking for that third goal, which would have killed the game off. But this time it was our defence, who was being stubborn and worked hard to close them down.

G Man was denied a goal, from a brilliant save by Tibbles. The build-up play from Wig and Harper was excellent. We thought that Harper was going to shoot from distance, but he lightly lobbed the ball over the defence for G Man to battle with the defender. G got the better of the defender but his final shot was brilliantly saved.

65 minutes into the match, and Pacey was called to action again as he made a decision to run out and save the ball at the feet of the attacker. A brave choice as it had to be timed perfectly. His decision paid off and collected the ball before the K&P hit man could get a shot in at goal.

Walden continued to push on, and we came close with a potential tap in after G Man headed on Bells long throw. Captain Jack got to the ball first and hooked it away from the prowling pack of Bloods.

Zinedine was showing off his footwork, and produced a lovely step over which dazzled Grint and put him on his backside. As he went to cross, he was tripped and awarded a free kick just outside the 18 yard box. Harper delivered the ball into the 6 yard box, but no one was at the back post to tab the ball in.

74 minutes into the match and, Nobby and Harper were replaced by Joe ‘The Boss’ Murphy and Max ‘Baby Face’ Drane. Well done Nobby and Harper and thanks for working very hard for the team. Welcome back Joe from holiday.

79 minutes into the match, and Sticko made a great challenge on Baker as he was charging at goal.

80 minutes into the match, and Paul Abbott was replaced by Dan ‘The Viking’ Grindrod. It was good to see the Viking back in the team after work commitments and illness ruled him out for a while. Well done again Paul. Keep working hard.

85 minutes into the matches, and Wig delivered a dangerous cross into the goalmouth but it just couldn’t be forced over the line, and eventually the Tibbles pounced on the ball.

The final chance for the Bloods came in the 88th minute, but the Bosses header from about 8 yards out was glanced just wide of the left hand post.

The lads did not give up even in the dying minutes of the match, when they knew that the final minute was moments away. That’s what I love about this team. Heads do not drop and we fight on no matter what.

FT: Saffron Walden 0 – Kirkley and Pakefield 2

The MOTM goes to Mashy Snelling after an excellent performance throughout the 90 minutes. This was a unanimous decision from the ‘behind the goal’ fans. Well done Mashy.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Joe ‘The Boss’ Murphy and his wife Holly who announced last week that they are expecting a baby. So there will be a ‘Mini Boss’ joining the extending Bloods family.  

Next up we have Thetford at home on the 23rd April. This is the first team’s last game of the season, so we hope to have a huge crowd. Up to 3 kids go free with one paying. We home the lads can say goodbye to the homes crowd for this season with a win.

Thanks for reading




Sunday 10 April 2016

Saffron Walden 0 - Long Melford 2


Saffron Walden 0 – Long Melford 2

The Meadow

9th April 2016

There are good days, and there are bad days. And today was just one of ‘those’ days. After coming from a brilliant 1-0 away win against Felixstowe confidence was high in the Walden camp. I always enjoy playing Melford, but joy was definitely not the felling I felt as I walked out of the Caton’s Lane gates. Don’t get me wrong the lads worked hard and didn’t give up, but it didn’t help with some outrageous decisions from the officials. I know they are only human, but waiting for the player’s reaction before they raise the flag or blow the whistle is one of my biggest bugbears in football.

Before the match I had the pleasure of awarding Sticko with player of March. As Fiona was taking our photo Wig, Nash and Co were giving it large and asking how much Sticko paid me?! On a serious note, there was no other player who was going to take March’s crown away from Sticko. So, well done old man and keep oiling those knee joints!

Anyway, it wasn’t all bad, the sun was shining, the fans were smiling and of course the banter was flowing. I shall talk you through the game.

The Team

Pacey, Bell, P Abbott (Pabbo), Snelling (Mash), Fleming (Rhino), Moody (Fleming), Calver (C)(Wig), M Abbott (Mabbo), Turner (G Man), Thomas (Zinedine) and Harper. Subs: Drane, Scott, Wardley (Sticko), Andrews

The First Half

It didn’t take long for Melford to silence the home fans. You could tell that Melford’s plan to get an early goal had worked. They started the match full of confidence and moved the ball well. The first attempt was blocked off the line by Fagin, but the ball kindly deflected back to the inform Griffiths, who smashed it past Pacey and into the back of the net. Ummmm! That wasn’t part of the plan! Still there was plenty of time to go and the fans were not concerned at this stage.

The early goal was a wakeup call, and the lads upped their game. There was great link up play and passing between Wig and Mash in the Melford box. The ball was played out to Harper; who struck the ball well, but the defender got a slight touch and the ball dribbled back to Mansfield.

Soon after, Mabbo won the Bloods a free kick outside the area. Harper took the free kick and tried to find G Mans run into space at the back post, but it was well defended by Melford.

10 minutes into the game, and Melford won a corner. Clarke took the corner but it was headed clear by Pabbo.

12 minutes into the match, and Melford won another corner. Clarke sailed the ball over the pack. J Clark ran to gain possession of the ball. He played it back to Swain. Swain sailed a dangerous ball into the box for R Waugh but his headed effort was just wide of the post.

Mabbo played an excellent long ball for G Man to run onto along the wing. G Man did well to bring the ball down and cross the ball into the box for Mashy. Mashy got to the ball, but his headed effort went over the bar.

Bell was working hard, and won the ball back. He played a lovely ball over the defender and into the path of G Man. G Man crossed the ball into the box and it was headed over the bar by one of Melford’s own players. Harper took the corner and found Wig. Wig brought the ball down onto his left foot and made space for the shot, but Wigs effort was well saved by Mansfield.

Quote of the day alert from Mrs Nash was ‘Get up you big bloody lemon’. This was after the Melford player went down far too easy from a challenge by Harper. Lemon was the colour of Melford’s shirts.

Melford were pushing for a second and were causing Walden a few issues at the back. After a scrappy clearance Clarke came close with a long range effort which went over the bar.

20 minutes into the match, and G Man was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty. G and Jackson (our mate Jake) were running for the ball in the area, and from where we were standing (15 yards away) it looked like JJ handled the ball! The ‘should have gone to specsavers’ lino was also 15 yard away, but at a different angle and didn’t see it! So frustrating! We obviously reminded the lino of the rules of football in a calm and concise way.

Bell was looking sharp and ran at the defence. His strike was deflected for a corner ball for Harper to take. The corner did not trouble Melford.

25 minutes into the match and as always, Zinedine was throwing himself at every ball and opportunity. He came close when Wig did well to dribble the ball past to defence, and then put in a dangerous cross. It looked like Zinedine was pulled back, but it was never going to be given.

Walden were working hard to get the equaliser and had more of the possession in the first 30 minutes, but struggled to find the back of the net.

Last week’s MOM Pabbo was working hard, and did really well to make it very difficult for Griffiths to get a clean shot on goal, after he controlled a long ball from Mansfield in the box. In the end his shot went over the bar and dropped on the top on the net.

36 minutes into the match, and Melford 2nd goal happened so quickly. The goal was scored from a set piece, by a looping header by Griffiths, which caught Pacey flatfooted and dropped sweetly into the corner of the net. Not a happy bunch of Walden fans, as we felt there should have been some movement from Pacey. But easier said than done I suppose!

There were no clear cut chances for the Bloods in the closing 10 minutes of the 1st half. They tried hard to create chances, but Melford we playing well and not letting Walden run free. We tried to get Mansfield to smile a bit, with a bit of banter but he stayed very professional and focused on the game. This was a different Mansfield from the one we played against when we beat Melford 3-0 at the Stoneylands. Not one single ‘No Foul’, shout from the big number 1.

HT: Saffron Walden 0 – Long Melford 2

 

The Second Half

We have never had a straight forward game against Melford, and a comeback was always on the cards. The fans had faith and continued to get behind the lads. Walden started the game well, but struggled to get any clear chances on goal in the first 5 minutes of the second half.

It didn’t take long for Andrews to change things. In the 52nd minute Marc Abbott was substituted for Sticko. Keep working hard Mabbo and a thank you for giving it 100%.

Our first chance in the second half came from a free kick outside the area. Harper tried to find Sticko ghosting in at the edge of the 6 yard box, but Dalziel got his head to the ball first

60 minutes into the match, and G Man did really well to win us a corner. Again, Harper aimed the ball for Sticko, but he was penalised for a foul.

63 minutes into the match, and Mrs Nash’s flannel was out after the referee awarded a free kick to Melford. Clarke took the free kick but it was cleared by Paul.

Shortly after, Paul was not given any rest after he through his body at the ball of Dalzeil’s wicked strike.

Rhino came very close with a header from Harper’s corner. Rhino jumped well, but his effort went over the bar.

65 minutes into the match, and Rowe came very close in making it 3-0, but was denied by the cross bar. He launched himself at Clarke’s free kick, and headed the ball straight at the bar. The Bloods then quickly cleared the danger.

70 minutes into the match, and Wig found himself in the book after his challenge on Griffiths. I didn’t see the foul so can’t comment, but it caused a big reaction from both sets of fans.

72 minutes into the match, and Wig won the Bloods a free kick, as he was tripped by the side line. Harper delivered the ball into the box, but it was headed clear by R Waugh.

Melford had an excellent chance to go 3-0 up with an open goal, but the striker’s effort was wide of the post. I am not convinced if it took a deflection or not?!

78 minute into the match, and the referee and lino missed two blatant hand balls. One of the hand balls was in the 18 yard box and should have been a penalty. Melford managed to get the ball out to the wing, who then, kept the ball in play with his hand. Referee was having a shocker! The fans and players were not happy.

Zinedine continued to work his socks off. He ran onto a long ball by G Man, dribbled the ball into the box, but his cross was blocked for a Bloods corner. Harpers delivery was headed clear by R Waugh, who was certainly earning himself a beer at full time. The ball found Harper in space and he crossed the ball straight in. Zinedine got his head to the cross but it was slightly too high and he headed the ball up and wide.

81 minutes into the match, and Pabbo was replaced by Connor Scott. Good work Pabbo, with some very important blocks.

82 minutes into the match, and Zinedine came so close to getting a goal back. He brilliantly spun the defender in the box, and tried to lift the ball over Mansfield from a tight angle but his effort fizzled over the bar.

85 minutes into match and Pacey denied Clarke a goal. Rowe ran well with the ball and crossed the ball into the box. Clarke’s struck the ball, but it was well saved by Pacey.

88 minutes into the match and Rhino was replaced by Drane. Keep up the great work Rhino. Rhino has been a great asset for the Bloods this season.

Unfortunately the lads lost the match 2-0, but as always never gave up. I tried to get a cheeky ‘selfie’ with Mansfield but he wouldn’t, however he did clap the fans after the match, which is always a great sign of respect. Nice one Mansfield.

MOTM came down to three people, but as always I went with the majority of the votes from the fans. The top 3 players were Bell, Mash and Zinedine. The overall winner and MOTM was James ‘Zinedine’ Thomas. What a great season James has had, and with players like him the future is bright. Well done James. We are now at the stage where we start to talk about fans player of the year, and I am sure that James will be in the running. We shall see!

Thanks for reading…..only 4 more games and 4 more blogs left! I hope you have enjoyed them as much as I have writing them.

Next week we are back on the road and travel to Swaffham. Swaffham are struggling at the moment so a win would be would be great to try and finish the season in the top half of the season.

Up The Bloods!









Sunday 3 April 2016

Felixstowe and Walton 0 - Saffron Walden 1


Felixstowe and Walton 0 – Saffron Walden 1

2nd April 2016

Throughout our journey to the seaside, Peter and I were discussing which has been favourite game of the season. We have had some great games, but the effort and work the Bloods put in against F&W was incredible. I have never heard Sticko that vocal! He did not stop instructing and encouraging his team throughout the 90 minutes. Or should I say 100 minutes! It was definitely ‘Fergie time’ at the Seasiders, which is always exhausting for the fans when you’re holding on to all 3 points.

The Team

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

 

The First Half

The first 10 minutes saw most of the possession go to F&W. They controlled the ball well and had two good opportunities to go 1-0 up. The first was from an early free kick, when Bennett tried a cheeky short ball for Powell but his pass was too strong and ran out of play. The second effort was from a corner, after Rhino made an important block to stop Andrews from whipping in a cross. The corner did not trouble to Bloods.

Our first flash of attack came from Zinedine. Wig played a great ball over the F&W right back for Zinedine to run onto. Zinedine got the better of him but was called offside. It must have been extremely close, and a little suspect. The lino waited for the call from the defence before raising his flag…..sound familiar?

10 minutes into the match, and Zinedine won a free kick after being bundled over. Mabbo sailed the ball into the back post but Sheppard headed the ball away, but only as far as Wig. Wig tried to curl the ball into the top corner, but it went wide.

12 minutes into the match, and F&W won a corner. Bennett took the corner, but it was well defended by Pabbo.

We started to get a grip on the game, but Zinedine was unlucky to be caught off side, as he ran onto a lovely ball by Mabbo. Wig was not happy with the decision and complained to the ref. Wig complimented Zinedine on a great run. It’s always hard to see an offside when you are standing behind the goal.

The Bloods gained confidence and started to battle harder. Mashy did really well to win the ball back and earn us a throw in. Pabbo took the throw-in and the ball found its way to Wig. Wig went for a shot but it was well blocked.

18 minutes into the match, and Mashy and Zinedine’s chemistry coming forward was excellent. They made a lovely one-two into the box and took their time before striking at goal. Eventually Zinedine took the shot but it was well blocked.

20 minutes into the match, and F&W won a free kick, after Pabbo pulled down the talented F&W winger. Bennett whipped the ball into the box, but Rhino got to the ball first. He headed the ball up in the air and Pacey calmly caught the ball.

22 minutes into the match, and Pacey pulled off a great save, which would have rattled the back of the net. Matthews squared the ball for Andrews, whose point blank first time effort was brilliantly saved by Pacey. This resulted in a corner for F&W. Bennett took the corner but it did not trouble the Bloods defence.

Mabbo showed some brilliant control with the ball. He skilfully controlled a long ball from the defence, flicked it up, and lobbed it over the top of the defence for Zinedine to run onto. Zinedine then pass sent Wig on a run, but he was tripped just as he was about to pull the trigger. We were awarded a free kick. Unfortunately the free kick went straight out of play.

25 minutes into the match, and F&W came close with a header from a corner ball. The header went over the bar.

26 minutes into the match, and there was a worrying moment when Sheppard clashed heads with Zinedine. Both physios came onto the pitch to treat the players. Luckily both players were fine and continued.

30 minutes into the match, and Zinedine won a free kick. Mabbo went for the back post, but it was punched clear by Crump.

Rhino and Pabbo showed the fans some brilliant composure while they were under attack. They controlled the ball near the Bloods corner flag, but didn’t just hoof the ball into row Z. They played it out of trouble and almost sent Wig on the attack.

34 minutes into the match, and G Man came very close to giving the Bloods the lead. Pabbo’s long ball found G Man into the box. G Man tried to flick it over Crump, but it was just too high and went over the bar. I ran to retrieve the ball and made a complete prat out of myself. I thought I’d try throwing the ball back to Crump, but instead I hit one of the advertising boards.

37 minutes into the match, and F&W started putting on the pressure. Nobby stood up well and blocked the shot, for a corner to F&W. The corner was taken by Bennett. He crossed the ball into the box, but Bell cleared the ball with a powerful header.

F&W started to put pressure on the Bloods and won two corners in quick succession. Both corners were headed clear by Rhino.

45 minutes into the match, and Wig won a free kick on the ‘D’ of the 18 yard box. Wig tried to beat the keeper at the far post, but he dragged his shot and his effort went wide.

HT: Felixstowe and Walton 0 – Saffron Walden 0

The Second Half

Now this half was more like the Bloods you all know and love. The half time team talk must have been inspiring as the lads came out fighting. G Man used his strength and ran between the two centre backs, after controlling a great ball from Mabbo. The defenders surrounded him as he tried to give himself some space to shoot, but Barber did his job and put in a block. The loose ball was scooped clear by Crump.

5 minute into the match, and Pabbo pulled off a brilliant goal line save, using his face! Yes, he literally got his boat race in the way of a clear strike on goal. He was lucky to not break his nose. Well done Pabbo.

Zinedine made a 60 yard run up the wing and took it past two defenders. He did a sweet Cruyff turn, but his final cross was blocked for a corner. Bell took the corner but Crump caught the ball.

13 minutes into the second half, and Paul ‘The Face’ Abbott put in a brilliant block to deny Schaar a great effort on goal, from 8 yard out.

19 minutes into the match, and Zinedine was working his socks off on the left hand wing. He ran with the ball and waited for a Bloods cavalry to arrive. He held the ball up well, but just couldn’t find that final ball. The defence doubled up on him and restricted his movement.

20 minutes into the match, and G Man won the Bloods a corner after his energetic run with the ball was kicked out of play.

21 minutes into the match, and F&W won a free kick. Barber sailed the ball into the box. The Bloods stood up well, and Rhino got the final touch as both sides scrapped for the ball. Rhino cleared the ball out to Zinedine. Zinedine tried to run but was fouled and was awarded a free kick.

F&W received the first yellow card and he tripped Mabbo while he was controlling the ball in his own half. Pacey took the free kick from the 18 yard box.

G Man went on another run up the wing, and produced a near perfect cross for Zinedine. Zinedine was charging into the box, but the ball was brilliant headed up and over Zinedine by Sheppard for a throw in. Pabbo took the throw and threw it to Wig. Wig turned his defender but his final ball was deflected for a corner. Mabbo was having issues with the corner flag. The flag was broken at the bottom and fixed with tape. It kept bending into Mabbo’s path. There was quite a bit of banter from the fans and players. The cross was blocked and went straight back to Mabbo. His second attempt was almost met by Rhino, but F&W did well to clear the ball out of the box.

73 minutes into the match, and the Bloods pressure had finally paid off. The build-up play started from a Pabbo throw-in. Mash controlled the ball and played a through ball for Zinedine. Zinedine ran into the box, and delivered the perfect diagonal pass for Wig to tap in at the far post. It was a great piece of link up play. 0-1 to the Bloods.

75 minutes into the match and Mabbo was replaced by Louis Harper. It was another solid performance by Mabbo. Well done mate.

Shortly after the goal, F&W worked very hard to equalise as soon as possible, but Rhino and Fagin did a brilliant job in commanding the back four.

78 minutes into the match, and Walden continued to play there way, and didn’t try and put 11 men behind the ball. This was encouraging for the small group of away fans. It showed confidence from the lads. It started to rain and was getting cold. I was left standing there in the rain and wind, hoping and praying for all three points.

Bell did really well at forcing the F&W players, back and made them make a mistake. He won the ball back and crossed it into the box, but no one was home.

82 minutes into the match, and the lads were working extremely hard. They looked determined to win all three points. Powell ran up the wing and into the box, but Pabbo put in a block to deny F&W a chance for an equaliser.

84 minutes into the match, and I could hardly breathe as F&W won a free kick. Bennett crossed the ball, but thankfully the header went wide of the post.

86 minutes into the match, and great pressure from Wig forced an over hit back pass, which put Cramp into a difficult position. Crump had to save the ball at full stretch, to concede an indirect free in the penalty box. The free kick was tapped sideways to Harper, whose fiercely driven low shot, just missed the far post.

90 minute into the match, and the lads really dug in deep. F&W worked really hard to try and spoil the day. They had a last minute corner which was headed wide for a goal kick. My heart was pumping like mad.

90 minutes into the match, and Max Drane replaced Mashy Snelling. It really has made a difference having Mashy back fit. Well done again Mashy.

It felt like the match would never end. Especially after they won a free kick! I was really nervous and shouting at the referee. The free kick was handled well by Rhino and cleared for a throw-in. Sticko was asking the ref how long we had left….or something close to that! The ball was crossed into the box, but Pabbo was having a brilliant game and didn’t let the ball pass him.

The final whistle went and the Bloods had deserved all three points. What a game. Mrs Nash would have been climbing the goal posts if she had of been there. Forget the flannel, this match needed a towel!

As we left the ground the F&W manager congratulated us, and said that we had deserved it. It was a sign of great sportsmanship.

So for MOTM! The MOTM goes to Paul Abbott. Pabbo had one of his best games so far. He worked extremely hard and put his face on the line to earn us all 3 points. Well done Pabbo and thank you. You definitely deserve a few beers over the weekend.

Overall it was a brilliant team effort. We have never beaten F&W before and this match showed a turning point in our play. I really think we could challenge next year as long as we keep all the players fit and proud to wear the badge every week.

The Ressies had an excellent result at home after they beat Brightlingsea Reserves 3-1. Goals scored by Morrell, Game and Young. It has brought them up to 7th place. I asked Fiona who was MOTM and she gave it to Peter Davies. Well done Pete.

Next the first team play Long Melford at home on the 9th April. Melford have had a great season and are 7th in the league.

The Ressies are in action on Tuesday night at home and they face Hadleigh Utd Reserves. Good luck lads.

Thanks for reading