https://www.suffolkfa.com/news/2016/sep/good-day-for-the-away-teams-in-cup

The Reserves progressed through to the next round of the Chell Trophy with a smash and grab 3-0 win at Hadleigh.Reserves.

Hadleigh playing the best team they could field could not get past keeper Lynn in the visitors goal who had a turn back in time performance, along with a resolute team who were not going to be beaten on the night.

The away side went ahead after the home keeper smashed the ball against Theo Barnard this was when he was chasing the ball down in front of goal resulting with the ball going into the home net.

Most of the first half was Hadleigh attacking, and Walsham hitting back on the break. Walsham winning 1-0 at half time.

Walsham knew it was going to be though for the remainder of the game, but they came out and performed out of there skins in preserving the lead, this was until a wonder goal from Theo Barnard flew into the top corner of the net breaking the hearts of the home team after the missed so many chances, the second goal allowed Walsham to open up and have more of the game and they had chances to go further ahead but the chances were not taken.

With time running out Sub Ryan Twinn ran through the home defence and slotted home the third to seal the win, even through Hadleigh tried hard to get back into the game but time ran out and Walsham move on through to the next round.

Once again a great TEAM performance with Barry Lynn MOM

 

With a new younger squad this season the season was supposed to start with a Home game v Newmarket Town but the game was called off due to bad weather. So our season kicked off against with a Home game V Hadleigh Utd.

The game was quite even for most of the game with the Home side playing quite well for a new team. but with a couple of mistakes we lost the game 1 - 2 with Ryan Gibbs scoring his first Senior goal for the club.

New side to the Reserve League this season Grt Cornard we were Away, and with a number of players at festivals and suspension's throughout the club we were down to bare bones, but with the help of Adrian Crowe from the Sunday U18 side who arranged 3 players to help out the squad, Calum Dove, Malin & Jacob Davis they performed well but the rest of the side we were quite dismal and just not up for it, hence we lost the game 4 - 1 we took the lead through George Soans scoring with a great header. Things got worse when we lost Sam Last for several weeks with damaged ankle ligaments, at first it looked a lot worse but many thanks to Dennis Davis and our supporters along with Cornard officials in looking after Sam while waiting for the ambulance.

Lowestoft arrived at the Willows for a midweek game last week, the home side earning a decent win against a side who will rake in many points this season, there approach play was great just the finishing that was letting them down, for Walsham it was a leaning curve on how to adapt to different formations during the game but once mastered they controlled the second half well and scored through Lee Hammond and Mason Greig his first Senior goal for the club.

Saturday Away match was going to tough against a Halstead side that was on run of 3 games unbeaten, but the lads continued from the previous Thursdays game and came away with a fantastic 0 - 3 win, Ryan Twinn, Ryan Gibbs with a free kick and young Kieran Twinn wading in with his first Senior goal for the club.

The last two games have been a testament to hard work and the players taking on the instructions given to them.

They have to remember Its all about the squad not just the 11 that start.

This week we are on the road for a very difficult match against league leaders Witham, their first team playing in the Ryman league but as I keep telling the players get the performance right the wins will come....

http://www.suffolkfa.com/news/2014/dec/holders-to-face-cranes-in-semi-finals

 

CLICK ABOVE FOR DETAILS

 

Long Melford Reserves face a trip to holders Walsham-le-Willows in the quarter-finals of the Suffolk FA Senior Reserve Cup sponsored by Days Sports.

Read more at http://www.suffolkfa.com/news/2014/nov/long-melford-to-face-reserve-cup-holders#zwygTUMr0UKUJJVS.99

As we start the new season with a new set players in the Reserves with players moving on and some progressing on to First Team football here at the club.

I first like to thank the players who have moved on. Tom Goddard to Debenham, Lee Gaught to Team Bury and Darren Brill to Stowmarket along with our match reporter and linesman Kev Gaught who is following his son. Dave Fletcher has decided to play for Stanton this season but has still signed. Conor Davies has gone to the USA on a football scholarship we wish them all well after a fantastic last season, and many fond memories throughout the season to reflect on for us all.

Pre-season did not start well for us as Lewis Cooke dislocated his knee cap and Jake Gathercole broke his foot not once but again in our opening game v Brantham, both players were looking to progress to first team football this season.  We hope to see them some time during the season.

Luke Austin Tom Driscoll Capt. Ben Cobbold and Lee Hammond have progressed and made a contribution to First Team games already this year.

So now we welcome Roman Symonds & Ashley Forbes from our ‘A’ Team, Jake Barnard from Old Newton, Theo Barnard from the U18’s who also has already played for the First team last season, Ross Whiting former U18 and AFC Crowley, Jon Bayliss just back from overseas, Chris Caley from U18 and with a few more signings hopefully on the way, the team is starting to take shape with the remaining members from last season who I am sure will be pushing on this season.

 This is the moment that you have all been waiting for lads, forget about the cup finals, this is the hard hitting truth.

To get to the nitty gritty, basically that was absolutely brilliant, there were very few matches when I think that you let yourselves down, and more importantly I don't think that you ever let the club down (I don't think that some of the club's we played could say that). From start to finish you stuck together, fought like a team should, and the manager and the club should be proud of you all (especially the linesman). Obviously not everyone could play every week, and I think the lads who were quite often the substitutes, should be very happy with their attitude and conduct. It was good to see some of the younger lads come through into the team, and virtually without exception showed great promise, which augers well for the future of the whole club (theoretically).

Vic Dorling- Really nice bloke (were you ever in the Monkees with that hair style)?

Sue Cobbold- No competition this season, a clear winner (worth the entrance fee just to see you run on the pitch).

Ben Cobbold's grand parents- Top people, everyone should have grand parents like them.

Referee's in general- Loosen up lads and stop taking it all so personally (oh yes, and stop over ruling me when you are not in a position to do so).

Finally, in the words of ex Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway, commenting after a defeat at Old Trafford '... it's obvious my opinion doesn't count'.

KG

Thurlow Nunn Premier Reserve League

Saturday 3rd May 2014

Gorleston Res 1 Walsham Res 5

 

   Both teams kicked off with depleted sides, and it was Walsham who took the early initiative, but Gathercole could only blaze over the cross bar when well positioned. On five minutes, the visitors opened the scoring, when Cooke scored from close range, following good work down the left by Brill. Gorleston countered, and Watts headed over, before Gaught blocked Turner's drive. Walsham doubled their advantage, when Brill was tripped in the area, and Gaught duly dispatched the spot kick for his first goal of the season. Lynn saved easily from the home side's Clements, before Cooke brought out a good save from Gorleston's 'keeper Gordon. The home side looked to get back in the match, and Turner fired over, before McHelhinnes' hook shot just missed the far upright. Minutes before the break Austin curled just wide, and on the stroke of half time Cooke headed the third after good work by Hammond.

   Straight from the kick off, Austin struck Gorleston's cross bar when put through on goal, only to see the home side go straight to the other end, and reduce the arrears through Hopkins. But any hopes of a come back from Gorleston, were dashed within minutes, when Austin clinically fired home from an acute angle. Gordon saved well from Hammond's header, and Cooke headed over after good attacking play down the Walsham right flank. The visitors looked to increase their lead; Gordon saved well again from Austin, Cooke fired over and Gordon again did well to block Atkins free kick. Gorleston looked to salvage some pride from the match, and Hopkins was unlucky when his shot drifted just wide of the far post. Five minutes from time, Austin slotted home after a fine run by Smith down the right and in added time Gorleston had a 'goal' ruled out for off side before Gordon again saved well from right back Smith.

 

  Well done lads, I thought that we played some really good football at times. To be fair to Gorleston, they had a very inexperienced team, with their starting line up having played less than eighty times this season between them for the reserves, they also tried to play some football, and certainly had plenty of character about them. We stuck to the task, and possibly could have scored some more goals but for some good saves by their 'keeper. The pitch was in excellent condition, and probably the best we have played on all season (it's now May). I don't think that Gorleston will agree, but I thought that the referee did ok, he allowed players to tackle each other and he didn't keep blowing his whistle every five minutes when somebody fell over.

 

Question: In the last minute of a match, in which the away team are winning 5-1, a forward from the home team breaks through on goal, and the 'away' linesman puts his flag up, why? Below are some options to choose from;

   A. He doesn't know what he is doing.

   B. He is a cheat.

   C. That is what he always does.

   D. The forward was off side when the ball was kicked to him.

 

 Answers on a postage stamp.

 

  Well done again, beware of the dreaded end of season review, when the truth will be told, for the world to see (no one is immune).

 

 

  KG

 

                                                       Chell Trophy Final

30^th April 2014

Walsham Res 2 Halstead Town Res 0

 

Halstead had two early shots from Carter and Cook in the opening minutes, but it was Walsham who took the lead on ten minutes, when Austin superbly finished with a low angled drive into the far corner. Only two minutes later and the lead was doubled, when Cooke drove home from the edge of the box. Despite the setback Halstead rallied, and Cook should have done better with a clear shot from close range, which easily cleared the cross bar. Walsham countered, and Gathercole had a shot cleared, before Brill’s header was cleared off the Halstead goal line. Before the break Halstead’s Cook hit a free kick straight at ‘keeper Lynn who spilled the ball, but Tomlinson could only put the rebound wide.

An early chance for Walsham in the second half, saw Gathercole’s header just clear the bar, and Lynn, in the Walsham goal, did well to block Carter’s shot with his outstretched leg. Walsham almost extended their lead on the hour when Austin and Cooke both had attempts cleared off the line in a frenetic goal mouth scramble. In the final quarter of the match Halstead went for broke; Ogborn fired over, and Goddard cleared Manta’s header off the Walsham line, after indecision by ‘keeper Lynn. Dean saw his shot clear the Walsham cross bar, before on the break, Gathercole went close, before Cherry produced the save of the match, tipping Austin’s goal bound shot around the post. Halstead pressed in the final minutes of the match, but neither penetrated the Walsham defence nor really looked like reducing the arrears, as Walsham collected their second cup success of the season.

 

Well done lads, that was a tough match, to which everybody contributed their bit. Halstead started the match with four players who have a lot of first team experience this season; indeed their goal keeper himself has played more times for the first team this season, than our entire team put together have. We tried to play the ball around, with some degree of success, and we were put under pressure by their quick wing play, but having said that, did they ever really look like scoring? To be fair to Halstead, they contributed to a sporting and open final, in which the officials didn’t have any big decisions to make, but generally got it right most of the time, without the need to caution any players throughout the match.

 

Well done.

 

Wide angle on camera for ‘old’ Atkins and ‘big’ Goddard.

 

KG

Thurlow Nunn Premier Reserve League

Saturday 26^Th April 2014

Felixstowe and Walton Res 1 Walsham Res 0

 

  Following Brantham’s loss in the lunch time kick off (was it on SKY) Felixstowe knew that a victory over their recent bogey team, would give them the title.  Felixstowe certainly went for the all-important victory straight from the kick off, and Atkins did well to block Childs drive early on. The visitors weathered the storm, and created some good chances of their own; Cooke saw his shot deflected for a corner, and a header bounce off the cross bar, before Hopkins saved well from Twinn at the near post. The latter end of the first half was dominated by the home side; Ray’s header was tipped over by Lynn, and then the same player spurned a good chance putting a free header wide. Minutes before the break, and Childs wasted the best chance of the half when through on goal, lobbing ‘keeper Lynn, but putting the ball wide of the goal. Right on the stroke of half time, and Lynn pulled off another fine save from Ray’s close range header.

   Minutes into the second half, and Austin put a free header over the bar, while at the other end, Walsham survived a good shout for a penalty from Felixstowe, when McKenzie went down in the visitor’s penalty area. From the resulting corner, Mc Kenzie’s header was well saved by Lynn before the all-important goal came on the hour, when Childs was quickest to react in the six yard box, to head home from close range. McKenzie had a further effort from distance drift well wide of the goal, and, as Walsham looked dangerous on the break, the home side decided to shut up shop with deep defending and shameless time wasting. With ten minutes to go, Cooke’s header struck the Felixstowe cross bar, and in the dying minutes Brill’s volley cleared the bar, in what was Walsham’s last meaningful attempt at salvaging a point.

 

  Firstly I would like to congratulate Felixstowe on winning the league, it is a tough league with good teams, and over the past two seasons we have had some very tough matches with them, and whilst having the upper hand in those games, on occasions we were more than fortunate. Having said that, I think that they are of a good example of the fact, that the team with the most points at the end of the season wins the league. Over the ninety minutes they were probably the better team and deserved the victory, I thought that their time wasting towards the end was both embarrassing and shameless with its blatancy, but it is up to the referee to deal with it, I wouldn’t blame them.

  Generally not a bad performance, it is always tough against them, they have big players and put the ball forward quickly, we had a few players out, but the whole team battled on, and on another day may have nicked a point.

 

 

  KG

The “B” side played midweek under lights against Hoxne “A” in the St Eds Bury league and the mistake they made after a very even opening 30 minutes was to take the lead as this obviously annoyed Hoxne as they went on to win 4-1. The following night the reserves entertained Witham reserves in what must have been one of the best reserve matches seen at the Meadow with both teams going for it and the play moving rapidly from one end of the pitch to the other. Hammond put us ahead with a rasping volley from the edge of the area and Austin wrapped the points up with a finish past the keeper that went in off the inside of the post, a match that was a credit to both teams. Saturday came and maybe the match against F C Clacton would have something of an end of season feel about it but for sheer entertainment value it was right up there with the best. An even opening did not reflect the drama to follow when after ten minutes Walker brought down Holdstock in the box and was sent off. Holdstock took the penalty for Clacton and it would have struggled to get 3 points in rugby as the ball sailed high over the bar, a lucky let off you might say but worse was to follow as Newman was dismissed after 20 minutes for a reckless challenge on the halfway line, playing with 9 men was not in Smithys game plan before the start but a lot of defensive work allowed us to get in at the break on level terms. With Woody playing a lone role up front it was a counter attacking set up that returned for the second half and this paid dividends as a superb through ball from Bolton allowed Wood to outpace the Clacton defence and put us 1 up. Clacton responded and Clowsley lashed the ball home after our failure to clear a corner to make the scores level. A deep cross was headed back across goal by Clarke and Wood powered a header home to restore our advantage and a jubilant home team thought that would be it, however Clacton equalised soon after through Plane and a deflated home side wondered if they could come back again. With minutes remaining another deep cross was headed from a very acute angle by Brame into the goal with many spectators thinking it had gone into the side netting. Clacton attacked again during the final seconds and a corner saw both keepers in the same box before the referee blew the final whistle at 5.00pm. The reserves played Felixstowe away and another tight match ensued with the hosts needing to win to be crowned champions of the reserve league, Felixstowe edged a nervy encounter 1-0 and congratulations to them. The “B” side came back from Ram Meadow reserves on the back of a 6-2 defeat and have another chance to halt there run of defeats during the week. Many thanks to Paul Smiths parents Maurice and Nola for sponsoring the Clacton match and it would be interesting to work out how many matches Maurice has watched whilst Paul has been playing or managing. Answers on a postcard to the club please.

Thurlow Nunn Premier Reserve League

Wednesday 23^rd April 2014

Walsham Res 2 Witham Town Res 0

 

 

   Both sides started lively, but it was the home side that had the bulk of the chances. Down saved easily from Cobbold’s looping header, and Brill drove wide from the edge of the box, as Walsham took the initiative. Witham always looked dangerous on the break, but failed to seriously trouble Lynn in the home goal. The home side continued to create and spurn chances to score; Austin should have done better with a clear chance in front of goal, but put his shot narrowly wide, before Hammond and Austin again saw efforts cleared off the Witham line, before Driscoll drove straight at the ‘keeper just before the break.

   After the break, Phoenix shot straight at ‘keeper Down, before Virtue put a good chance over as Walsham took the game to the visitors. The home side were nearly made to pay for their failure to score, as a free kick from Matt Knight just cleared the cross bar, and Wright had his goal bound shot blocked. Mid-way through the half and Walsham took the lead, when Hammond magnificently volleyed home a fine pass from Twinn. This inspired the home side, and Down did well to block Twinn’s shot, before Austin fired over when well-placed, following a good move down the right. Down saved well again from Cooke, before Twinn, presented with a clear shot at goal, contrived to hit a defender on the line. Witham came back into the game, and Lynn did well to tip over from Whipps, before five minutes from time, Austin sealed the match, clinically finishing when put through on goal.

 

  Well lads, some of that was very good, Witham are a good side and play some neat football, however they hardly troubled our goal keeper throughout the whole match, which is credit to all the players in front of him. At last, young Smith decided to run around and look interested in the game, resulting in some good tackles and fine defending. I was beginning to wonder, if the volume of games was beginning to take its toll, but I can hardly say that now ( we did not play on the previous Saturday though). A good game, played in the right spirit by both teams, and even the referee apologised to me for missing one of my off side flags (whatever next).

 

   KG

Thurlow Nunn Premier Reserve League

Wednesday 16th April 2014

Walsham Res 1 Gorleston Res 2

 

   Walsham started on the upper foot, and Gathercole had an early chance saved at the near post by Gordon, before minutes later Cooke blasted over from the edge of the box. Gorleston looked dangerous going forward, and on ten minutes took the lead, when Roots broke through and fired into the far corner of the net. The visitors took control of the game, and doubled their lead on twenty minutes, when Watts took the ball around Walsham 'keeper lynn, and slid the ball into an empty goal. Watts had a further effort saved, before Cobbold's free kick was mishandled by Gordon, and Hammond saw his attempt cleared off the line. Before the break, Roots saw his great drive just clear the home cross bar, while at the other end, Virtue's header was deflected for a corner, and Gordon did well to block Cooke's shot.

   After the break Walsham were much more positive; Twinn was unlucky when his attempted lob just went over, Gathercole shot straight at the 'keeper, and Fletcher fired a loose ball over. Twinn had two further efforts go close, before the visitors got more into the match; Williams and Perfect firing straight at Lynn in the Walsham goal, before McElhinnes' header went just over. Two minutes from time the home side pulled a goal back, when Hammond scored from a tight angle at the far post, but despite five minutes of added time, and a lot of the ball, were unable to snatch an equaliser.

 

  To be fair, I thought that we played really well, some lovely one touch football, but not enough in the final third of the pitch. The big problem was, that Gorleston matched us, and had forwards who could really play with pace, as both their goals showed. Over the ninety minutes they probably just about shaded it, but that was still a good effort.

 

   Now my favourite subject, the laws of the game, officials and consistency. The following are general observations as not to point the finger and get into trouble.

 

  In a recent game, a player was cautioned and a free kick awarded for deliberately pulling an

  opponents shirt in no mans land in the middle of the pitch (probably the right decision according to the laws), in the very next match a player commits roughly the same offence but more robustly, and prevents the attacking team mounting a meaningful attempt on goal, free kick awarded, no caution.
 
  A linesman flags because the ball has not entered the field of play from a throw in, referee's decision, play on (incorrect), the throw in should be retaken ( I believe that the linesman in question got cautioned for making that point clear to the referee.
 
 
  A linesman flags for offside against an attacker going for the ball from an off side position, prior to him getting the ball he is fouled by a defender, referee's decision, free kick to the attacking team. Incorrect, a free kick should be awarded to the defending team and the defender cautioned if the foul merited one.
 
  An attacker is fouled by a defender, but carries on with the ball leaving the defender on the floor, controls the ball looks up and his cross goes over the cross bar. Referee's decision,
free kick to the attacking team, basically the defending team have been penalised for the forward not being able to cross the ball, rubbish.
 
  A player on the losing team is cautioned in added time for aimlessly booting the ball in the air, but previously in the same match a player is hacked down from behind and only a free kick is awarded.
 
  I make mistakes like everyone else, but it is frustrating and very annoying to be over ruled, or in some cases ignored completely, when the referee is plainly not in a position to judge the decision that I have made, why do they do that (answers on a postage stamp)?
 
  Only one referee in the past two seasons, has made me run the line on the right back side of the  pitch, at least he does it every time (now that's consistency, but why)?
 
  Lastly, David Ellary, a famous Premier League referee from a few years ago once famously said,  ' you cannot have common sense and consistency', spot on, what we all want is consistency, probably why he was a Headmaster (or is that Head Teacher to be politically correct)?
 
  If any budding, or not so budding, referees would like to take issue with any of that, then I am all ears,
 
  That's it folks
 
  KG

Congratulations to Walsham le Willows Reserves and Halstead Town Reserves on winning their Chell Trophy semi-final matches. The Final will be played at Diss Town FC on Wednesday April 30th, kick-off 7.30pm.

It will be Walsham’s second consecutive appearance in the Chell Trophy Final and having won the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup Final already, beating Whitton Utd Reserves 3 1 held at Stowmarket Town FC

Above, Ben Cobbold receiving the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup from Match sponsor Keith Mills from Days Sports 

Walsham had a scare in only the first minute, when Mann's firm header was ruled out for a marginal off side. Brantham continued to have the upper hand, Bryant saved easily from Stocker before tipping Gunn's effort on to a post. The visitors however took the lead in the fifth minute when Jones headed home unmarked from a corner. Adam Thompson chipped onto the Walsham post, then on a counter attack, Walsham equalised when Hammond clinically finished, following a fine through ball from Austin. Mid way through the half, the home side took the lead, when Austin magnificently curled a shot into the top corner from the edge of the box. Brantham looked to get back into the match immediately; Throssell fired over, and Bryant did well to tip Gunn's cross cum shot around the far post. Minutes before the break, Bryant pulled off a fine double save firstly from Mann, and seconds later from Gunn. Twinn had a chance to add to Walsham's lead, but ran the ball out of play when put through.

   Only ten minutes in to the second half and Brantham equalised, when Adam Thompson's shot deflected off Virtue into the net. Bryant pulled off another fine save from Mann, Gunn fired over and Adam Thompson saw his shot cleared off the line by Smith as the visitors looked to take the lead. Gaught created two good chances for Davies as Walsham picked up their game, but both efforts cleared the Brantham cross bar. Mann seized on a poor clearance from Bryant, only to see his lob drift wide of the empty goal.  On seventy five minutes the home side took the lead, when Davies fired home from across the penalty area. Gaught had a chance to wrap up the game in the dying minutes, but James Thompson bravely came out and blocked his shot. In the last minute Parkes fired over Brantham's last chance, and the home side saw out five minutes of added time to record a fine victory.

 

  Some of that was very good, Brantham are a good team with some fine players. Lots of effort, tracking back and playing some really good football at times, well done.

 

 

Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup Final
 Thursday 10th April 2014
 Walsham Res 3 Whitton United Reserves 1
 
Whitton controlled much of the early stages, but it was Walsham's Virtue who went closest, with his drive from the edge of the box just clearing the cross bar. On fifteen minutes, Whitton had a good chance to take the lead, but Flynn could only put a free header straight at 'keeper Bryant. Cassell and Vincent both went close for Whitton, before Whittaker's shot was deflected just over the Walsham cross bar. Cooke had a good chance for Walsham, but Whitton's  'keeper Chaplin was quick off his line to block the shot, and Bryant came to Walsham's rescue, when Huggins was put through on goal. On thirty minutes, and against the run of play, Walsham took the lead, when Hammond latched on to a loose ball, to clinically finish past Chaplin. Whitton responded, and Bryant saved brilliantly from Whittaker at point blank range, before the equaliser deservedly came, when Gaught could only turn a clearance in to his own net. Just before the break Chaplin tipped Hammond's drive over the cross bar, before saving well from Gathercole's header.
   

Walsham came out much more determined in the second half, Austin had a shot blocked by Chaplin, before Virtue hooked in a loose ball to give Walsham the lead. Hammond had a fine shot well saved by Chaplin again, before on fifty five minutes, Austin increased Walsham's lead, with a fine lob over the advancing 'keeper. Whitton had a lot of possession but never really penetrated the Walsham defence. Driscoll nearly added a fourth, but saw his shot deflected just wide of the post, before Cobbold superbly blocked Whitton's Cassell's shot. Walsham looked to kill off the match, and Hammond, Twinn and Austin all had attempts at the Whitton goal. Cassell had a further chance for Whitton, but shot straight at Bryant, before Chaplin pulled off a superb save from Austin's shot ten minutes from time. Walsham played out the final ten minutes, Twinn's corner bounced off the far post, and Gathercole's long range shot was deflected wide, as Walsham won the cup following a tough battle with their lower league opponents.
 
     Firstly, big congratulations; over the past couple of seasons you lads have produced a good, well bonded team who at times play some really good football. However, the first half was very poor, second to the ball, poor control of the ball and virtually no decent passing, Whitton were by far the better team. The second half was much better, their goal keeper made some really good saves, and our defence was outstanding against some talented forwards. Mr Hammond definitely had his best match of the season, but you all done your bit, which is what it is all about.  Whitton played very well, and certainly better than a mid-table team in the league below us, odd then that only four of their team have played more than ten games this season, but fair play they gave us a really good game. I don't think that the referee will have any easier match all season, both teams competed fairly and honestly, and it was good to see an official really up with play, make decisive decisions and have a quiet word with players if required. Generally  a big well done to all concerned.

KG

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Thurlow Nunn Premier Reserve League

Saturday 5th April 2014

Lowestoft Town Res 1 Walsham res 2

Walsham started the brighter, and Brill had two shots blocked in the opening few minutes, before Enicker in the home goal, pulled off a superb save from Davies at point blank range. The home side gradually got into the game, Gudbold shot straight at Bryant and Doyle's shot came back off the visitor's cross bar. Hammond headed over a free header for Walsham, before Bryant superbly turned around the post a screamer from the home side's Doddington. Play swung from end to end, Gathercole's header narrowly missed the home upright, before good link play between Austin and Davies, saw the former tap the ball into the net, to give the visitors an interval lead.
After the break, Walsham's Hammond shot well over when well placed, and Lowestoft responded with efforts from Howes and Whiteside, before Gudbold shot clipped the top of the visitor's cross bar. Mid way through the half, Walsham extended their lead, when Austin's shot was parried by Enicker, and Davies was on hand to tap home the loose ball. Enicker kept the home side in with a chance, tipping Austin's goal bound shot onto a post, before Lowestoft exerted a bit of pressure on the Walsham defence in the final ten minutes, with a shot from Haiziel, before Bryant pulled off a fine double save from Lukasia and Bayfield. Howes wasted a clear chance to reduce the arrears, but shot wide with only Bryant to beat, before five minutes from time, Gudbold pulled a goal back, scoring direct from a corner. Lowestoft were unable to create any further chances and Walsham played out the remaining minutes to take the three points.

As per usual Lowestoft were worthy opponents, and but for Mr Bryant, the score may have been some what different, with some very good saves and disappointingly conceding a goal direct from a corner. Again we played some decent football at times, lots of work rate, and held our shape fairly well throughout the match. Disappointing that we only had one sub, I thought that Andy was going to play after getting a taste of the big time last week. The referee had a quiet word with any transgressors on the pitch, without having to wave any cards about, good man.

KG

Thurlow Nunn Reserve Premier League

Wednesday 2nd April 2014

Walsham Res 4 Gt Yarmouth Town Res 4

 

Harper had an early chance for the visitors, before on ten minutes, Crowe broke through to lob the ball over the advancing Bryant. Walsham responded, and Austin lobbed over, before an effort from Brame was cleared off the line. Brill equalised from the spot after a foul on Austin, and Bryant saved well from Platten before Walsham took the lead when Austin latched onto a through ball from Brame to slip the ball past Cesar. The game was held up for several minutes following a head injury to the home side's Davey and the visitors Harper shot over from outside the box. Ten minutes before the break Gaught was harshly pulled up for a foul and Long equalised from the spot. Brame and Atkins both went close for the home side and pulled off a great save from Crowe before in added time Harper put the visitors ahead from close range.

Walsham were much more purposeful in the second half and Brame came close to scoring on several occasions before on the hour Gt Yarmouth's Long was sent off for a second yellow card, the home side took advantage and Austin equalised from close range. The visiting ten men battled gamely and took the lead with ten minutes to go when Harper finished from ten yards. As the game entered the final minutes Goddard equalised with a spectacular lob from the edge of the box and Hammond almost nicked it for the home side when his shot went just wide of the upright in added time.

 

Generally I thought that wasn't too bad, I have no idea why Gt Yarmouth are bottom of the league, they played some good football and fought for every ball. At least we did try to play a bit of football and a draw was probably a fair result. In a match that every ball was keenly contested, with no real nastiness the referee practised semaphore at virtually every opportunity, rubbish.

I am a 58 year old man and run the line most weeks for the reserves, I have been sworn at and abused by spectators, players, managers the lot, and do you know how many times I have complained to the referee, not once (bit of banter, adds spice to the matches). I actually like most of the referees and respect what they do, but consistency is not commonplace and some of the bookings tonight were really harsh. Unless you go for mistaken identity (and yes Edgar Davids did once) there is no appeal against a booking, the same as the Premier League.

 

KG

Chell Trophy Semi Final

Saturday 29th March 2014

Felixstowe and Walton Res 1 Walsham Res 1 (Walsham win 5-4 on penalties)

 

   Both sides started cautiously, but it was the home side that had most of the possession and Bryant did well to palm Hollis' cross over via the top of the cross bar. Walsham countered and Gathercole headered well over following a corner. The visitor's took the lead on fifteen minutes, when Driscoll pounced to fire home from fifteen yards. Felixstowe looked to recover immediately; Birchfield fired into the side netting when well placed, Tommy Smith fired over and Osbourne was unlucky when his shot was just deflected just the wrong side of the upright. Ten minutes before the break, the home side deservedly equalised when Childs poked the ball past Bryant from ten yards. On the counter attack, Walsham's Virtue had a header cleared off the line, and Driscoll fired the rebound over the bar before on the stroke of half time Felixstowe's Birchfield put a free header well over.

  At the beginning of the second half, Bryant saved well from Birchfield with the latter hitting the follow up over the bar. As play swung from end to end, Walsham's Twinn had a shot blocked, Brill shot just wide of the far upright and Austins weak shot was cleared off the line. Felixstowe began to dominate and Birchfield put another good chance over the cross bar before having a good shout for a penalty turned down by the referee. On seventy minutes, Walsham were reduced to ten men, when Goddard was sent off for a high tackle. The visitor's battled on bravely, and were unlucky, when Austin's deflected shot was tipped over by Ray in the home goal. Five minutes from time, Birchfield wasted a golden opportunity to win it for home side, shooting wide with only Bryant to beat and in the last minute Matthews was denied by the linesman's flag.

   The first period of extra time saw both sides sound each other out with Felixstowe having the lion's share of possession. In the second period home 'keeper Ray saved bravely at the feet of Austin before Wyard fired over the visitor's cross bar following a corner. Driscoll brought another good save out of Ray before the home side piled on the pressure looking for the winner; Bryant saved easily from Steven Ray's low shot before Hopkins fired across the goal narrowly missing the far post, sending the match to penalties.

     Both sides missed a penalty in the first five, leaving the score at 4-4 and going into sudden death. Bryant guessed correctly and saved Matthews poor penalty leaving Twinn the opportunity to win the match, which he truly did with some aplomb, thumping the ball into the net giving 'keeper Ray no chance.

 

   Well lads, that was a really, really, backs to the wall team effort. Felixstowe are a good side and that is why they are top of the league. From Mr Bryant in goal, through the defence and the mid field up to the forwards, everyone was magnificent (including the boys who came on). That is what what we are about, ok some of the football wasn't great, but in some matches you have to adapt, and that is what we done. Mr Cobbold led by example and to fair to Felixstowe, they were the better team on the day and were also very gracious in defeat. Finally if I wrote what I thought about the referee I would get into trouble, so I won't, it's a man's game. Well done boys.

 

 

  KG

 
 Thurlow Nunn Premier Reserve League
 Saturday 22nd March 2014
 Brightlingsea Regent Res 6 Walsham Res 0
 
     The home side dominated virtually the whole match right from the kick off, Meadows had a weak shot easily saved by Bryant, before on ten minutes the same player scored with a low shot from the edge of the area. Brightlingsea continued to press, and on fifteen minutes went further ahead when Cobbold could only turn a cross by Sauka into his own net. As the visitors struggled to get any grip on the game, Baker blasted over, Sauka's lob hit the post and Barbour's free kick cleared the cross bar as the home side looked to increase their advantage. Just before half time Walsham almost snatched a goal on the break, when after a fine run by Gaught, Austin's first shot was blocked before hitting the foot of the post with the rebound.
    The second half continued in much the same vein as the first; Cobbold cleared off the line from Meadow's before the latter scored a fine individual goal before Walsham's Driscoll fired over the home cross bar. Sauka added the fourth when his shot went in off the far post and Bryant pulled off a fine save from Durling's header only to drop the resulting corner kick over his own goal line for Brightlingsea's fifth. With ten minutes to go, Yarwood rounded the visiting 'keeper for number six, before Walsham finally had some control of the ball. Driscoll saw his shot blocked and Virtue headed over from a corner as the visitors put a little pressure on the home defence. But the game ended in the visitor's half, with Meadow's shooting into the side netting and substitute Burnett's shot narrowly missing the cross bar.
 
   I'm afraid that we looked a little bit tired and jaded out there, we have had a lot of games lately, that have also involved a lot of travelling, and getting home late, but individual errors cost us a couple of goals and that does not help. Having said that, Brightlingsea were excellent,they were stronger, fitter, keener and definitely taller than us, and thoroughly deserved the margin of the win. Most baffling then, was their collective necessity to moan and dispute every decision that went against them, they are a very good team and certainly do not need to do that (must be the sea air). Getting back to us, it was good to see the team still trying to play football right until the end, with another long trip and tough cup tie next Saturday perhaps a few people could do with a rest on Tuesday and remember, even Arsenal lost 6-0 Saturday.
 
   KG           

Thurlow Nunn Premier Reserve League

Tuesday 25^th March 2014

Brantham Athletic Res 5 Walsham Res 3

 

With Brantham fielding a very strong forward line of predominantly first team players, it was no surprise that the Walsham defence struggled to cope throughout the match. In the opening ten minutes Grimwood shot over the visitor’s bar, Adam Thompson saw his shot go narrowly wide and Grimwood again had a header that just clipped the cross bar. Two goals in five minutes put the home side well in command; firstly Pryke out jumped Gaught to head the opener and following a good save from Bryant, Spencer headed in the resultant corner. The visitors battled gamely up the sloping pitch, but a further goal from Mann looked to put the game out of Walsham’s reach. Just before the break, some good play from the visitors saw Austin reduce the deficit with a fine strike from the edge of the area.

Only two minutes into the second half and Brantham looked to have killed off the match, when Grimwood coolly slipped the ball past Bryant when put through on goal. Walsham countered and Driscoll had a shot blocked before Nobbs and Mann had further attempts for the home side. Mid-way through the half and Walsham were suddenly back in the game with two goals in as many minutes; firstly a close range header from Davies and only a minute late Twinn scored from an acute angle. This only seemed to inspire Brantham, Adam Thompson shot well over before Pryke struck the bar from point blank range. Bryant pulled off a couple of fine saves in the visitor’s goal only to see Mann score from the second rebound. Walsham looked to get back in the game but James Thompson in the home goal saved easily from Brill on two occasions as Brantham saw the game out for a deserved victory against gallant opponents.

 

To be fair lads that was quite a respectable effort, and it is not surprising that our defence got pulled about a bit looking at their forward line. We played some good football (as did Brantham), put in lots of effort, and never gave up, which is much more like the old Walsham spirit. In a match that both sides played hard and in a good manner, it was a pity that the referee failed to play the advantage rule hardly at all, made some truly bizarre decisions and obviously needed to check the team sheets spelling by booking so many players. It was an entertaining match played by both sides, generally in the right spirit and on the balance of play Brantham deserved their victory. One final observation, is that I think that was easily Mr Twinn’s best match; lots of effort, chasing back and trying to do something constructive with ball when he had it, good man.

Thurlow Nunn Premier Reserve League

Wednesday 19^th March 2014

Stanway Rovers Res 2 Walsham Res 2

 

In the opening minutes Twinn saw his shot deflected over the home cross bar before Stanway took a stranglehold on the game; twice in as many minutes Bryant in the visitor’s goal did well to keep out headers from Heath before on twenty minutes Moore put the home side ahead with a powerful header from close range. Bryant was again called into action to save from Donaldson as the home side kept up the pressure. In a brief counter attack Gathercole shot just wide before against the run of play Walsham equalised when Austin scored from close range. This seemed to inspire the visitors and Gathercole blazed over from close range just before the break.

After the break Moore shot weakly at Bryant before Walsham took the lead when Brill’s free kick was turned past his own ‘keeper by a home defender. Stanway really applied the pressure, and Bryant did well to save Moore’s free kick, before Whittaker shot wide of the visitor’s goal. Mid-way through the half Bryant again saved well from a Moore free kick, before the equaliser came when Passley headed home with fifteen minutes to go. The home side had much of the possession but it was the visitors who came closest to scoring when Gathercole brought a fine save out of Wheeler. As both sides went for the winner, twice Brame saw a header cleared off the home goal line, before deep in injury time, Walsham’s Twinn was sent off for foul and abusive language.

 

Well lads, that was a very good spirited performance, against a very good Stanway side. Their forwards were as good as I have seen all season, and we were possibly a bit fortunate to go in all square at the break. The pleasing thing was, we did try to keep possession and play football, and while it would have been a bit of a robbery, we could have nicked it at the end, good stuff. I think that the poor old (or young) referee never really got control of the game, lots of bookings for next to nothing, but he is a young lad and I am sure will improve in time.

 

 

KG

The 2013/14 Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup Final will be an all Thurlow Nunn League affair. Walsham le Willows Reserves  and Whitton United Reserves to be played on Thursday the 10th April 2014 k/off 7.30pm at Stowmarket Town FC  ground just off the A14

The Walsham players, would like as much support as possible on the night from friends and family and fellow players.

Thurlow Nunn Premier Reserve League

Saturday 15th March 2014

Walsham Res 6 Ipswich Wanderers 0

 

Both sides fielded weakened teams but it was Walsham that dominated the whole match. In the opening minute Brill's free kick clipped the cross bar before in only the second minute, Driscoll, Brill and Twinn all failed to convert following a goal mouth scramble. But the opening goal duly arrived in the fifth minute when Brill fired home with a shot across the 'keeper. Hammond fired over before Virtue added the second with a header following a corner. Driscoll and Twinn both good saves out of the visitor's 'keeper Muckle before Twinn added the third mid way through the half. Home 'keeper Bryant was finally called in to action to save from Barnes before Driscoll added the fourth with a great shot from the edge of the area. Muckle pulled off a fine save from Cobbold's close range header before on the stroke of half time, Muckle palmed Goddard's shot into the net. The second half virtually replicated the first but without the goals; Twinn shot wide and Hammond should have done better when one on one with the 'keeper. As the quality of play deteriorated, so did the quality of the finishing; Driscoll had a shot blocked, Twinn shot wide of the goal when put through and another effort from Driscoll's saw his header sail well over the bar. The only goal of the half was a penalty from Hammond as the game drifted into midfield mediocrity.

 

Sorry lads, most of that was dreadful. Several players had a chance of a full match against poor opposition, and not one seized the opportunity, ok so the pitch wasn't great but so many aimless balls to no one in particular. Credit has to go to Ipswich who turned up with a weaken team and put in a full ninety minutes effort, and to their further credit, did try to play some football, albeit with not much success.

 

 

KG

Suffolk Premier Reserve Cup – Semi Final

Wednesday 12^th March 2014

Lowestoft Town Res 1 Walsham Res 3

 

Walsham started much better than their opponents and Brill put over an early chance, Lowestoft responded and Bryant saved easily from Bailey. Austin wasted a good chance for Walsham when put through on goal, when Enicker smothered the striker’s shot. Probably against the run of play, Lowestoft took the lead, when Potter pounced on a loose ball in the Walsham penalty area to fire home. Enicker saved well again from Austin, before Gathercole equalised with a close range header mid-way through the half. Walsham passed the ball around well, and created a chance for Driscoll who shot over from fifteen yards. In a rare Lowestoft attack Doddington lifted a free kick over the Walsham cross bar before Brill gave Walsham the lead from ten yards. Virtue spurned a good chance to increase the lead, but headed wide from close range, before Enicker saved easily from Austin.

The fog descended at half time, and only two minutes into the second half, Driscoll shot home from the edge of the area to double Walsham’s advantage. With visibility getting worse, this seemed to spur Lowestoft on, and Fitzgerald went close before Bryant saved well from Bailey when put through on goal. In a counter attack Walsham’s Austin shot over before on seventy five minutes Lowestoft had a ‘goal’ disallowed. Gaught’s goal line clearance struck the inrushing Fitzgerald and the ball rebounded into the Walsham net, but the ‘goal’ was controversially disallowed for handball. Walsham countered briefly, and Twinn headed over a free header, before Gaught blazed wildly over the Lowestoft cross bar. In the dying minutes Lowestoft launched an all-out assault on the Walsham goal, and only a brave goal line clearance from Gaught prevented the dangerous Bailey from pulling a goal back. Walsham hung on and finished the match with a weak shot from Hammond which was easily saved by Enicker.

 

Congratulations lads, over the ninety minutes you probably just about deserved the win, but only just. In the first half we were superb and possibly should have increased our advantage, but after the break Lowestoft were by far the dominant team and possibly feel a bit aggrieved about the disallowed goal, Bryant done a couple of useful stops and Gaughty’s goal line clearance was top drawer. I think that we panicked a bit towards the end and resorted to booting the ball down the pitch, but that is probably understandable in the circumstances. Fair play to Lowestoft they were good opponents and the match was played throughout in the right spirit, and finally the referee; generally he kept up with play, tried to play the advantage where possible and didn’t find the need to book any of the players (as far as I am aware, I couldn’t see half the pitch because of the fog.

 

Another good report can be seen on the Lowestoft Town Web Site.

The draw for the semi finals of the Chell Trophy has been made. It is :-

 

Felixstowe & Walton United Res  v.  Walsham Le Willows Res  (March 29^th)

Halstead Town Res  v.  Great Yarmouth Town Res  (April 5^th)

 Thurlow Nunn Premier Reserve League
 Saturday 8th March 2014
 Walsham Res 1 Lowestoft Town Res 1
 
   The home side had all the early play, and Cooke (twice), Atkins and Virtue all had 'attempts' at goal in the opening ten minutes, but they were made to pay for their failure to score, when Fitzgerald opened the scoring for the visitors after twelve minutes. Doddington had a chance to increase that lead only minutes later, but blazed wide of the home upright. The home side responded, and Twinn perhaps should have done better when presented with a chance by Gaught only one yard from goal, but put the ball the wrong side of the upright. Gaught saw his shot deflected over and Cooke's header was well saved by Enicker in the Lowestoft goal. As the home side's pressure mounted Gaught saw his volley hit the base of the post before on the counter Bryant pulled off a great save from Fitzgerald. Enicker kept Walsham at bay with further saves from Cooke before on the stroke of half time the equaliser came when Austin headed in Gaught's cross.
    The second half was a more even affair for the first twenty minutes, Twinn blazed well over the Lowestoft bar before Bailey did the same for the visitors at the other end. In a good spell by the visitors, Bailey put a free header over and Fitzgerald did the same with a free kick. Walsham upped their game and dominated the final part of the game, Driscoll shot over from ten yards before Enicker denied Gaught with a great save from close range. Still Walsham pressed for the winner, in the final minute the visitors 'keeper saved easily from Austin before Gaught thought that he had stole the points with the last kick of the match, but his well hit volley struck a defender on the line.
 
 
   As a spectacle, most of that match was very poor and a long way below the standards that you have set. We had several chances to score and most of the finishing was truly woeful, once you lift the ball off the ground you make it easy for their 'keeper, who to be fair played really well, but how many outstanding saves did he make throughout the match. The only person who really looked like scoring was your LEFT BACK, who had probably his best match of the season (when he wasn't arguing with everybody that is). Need to do better Wednesday, that's for sure.
 
   KG
              

Chell Trophy Quarter Final

Tuesday 4^th March 2014

Saffron Walden Town Res 1 Walsham Res 2 AET

 

The match kicked off on a cold and murky night in deepest Essex, and it was the visitors who gained a very early advantage. In the first minute Gaught’s corner was flicked on by Austin only for Griffon to deflect the ball past his own ‘keeper. The home side responded, Avis lobbed a good chance wide before the same player sustained a nasty injury and the game was held up for several minutes, before Scraggs dragged his shot wide of the Walsham goal. The visitors looked to increase their lead, Hammond and Cooke both had tame shots easily saved by Harvey, before Gathercole’s goal bound header deflected off Hammond on the line, for a goal kick. With virtually the last kick of the first half, and deep into injury time, the home side equalised when Gray’s low shot eluded Lynn and nestled in the far corner of the net.

Walsham started the brighter in the second half, Hammond headed over and Cooke shot wide with another half chance, before Walden’s Jogee shot high over the visitor’s cross bar. Walsham almost took the lead again, when a corner was deflected onto the home cross bar before Driscoll’s low shot was turned around the post by Harvey. Fifteen minutes from time, the home side’s Anderson saw his low shot superbly tipped around the post by Lynn before Brill shot over for the visitors. As the match moved into added time, Walsham almost stole a late winner, when following a goal mouth scramble, the ball was eventually cleared off the line.

The first period of extra time was quite uneventful on a strength sapping pitch, other than a nasty injury to home ‘keeper Harvey which held the match up for several minutes, and for he must be applauded for bravely carrying on.

In the second half of extra time, the home sides Murphy had a header ruled out for an infringement before Austin shot wide for the visitors. The final twist came in the last minute of extra time, when Brill was on hand to turn in a header from Driscoll to put Walsham into the semi-final.

 

I think that both sides should take a lot of credit for that, there really wasn’t anything in it, although I think that we had the most chances. The defence was superb up against a couple of quality forwards, and Mr Lynn only had two saves to make in the whole 120 minutes, or was it 130 (and messed one of those up, but the second save was outstanding, great save at an important time too)? Good honest effort from both teams, with a bit of football, and generally played in the right spirit.

 

KG

 

 

 

Thurlow Nunn Premier Reserve League

 

Saturday 15th February 2014

 

 

Gt Yarmouth Res 0 Walsham Res 2

 

  Playing in gusty conditions at the Carlsberg Stadium (probably the biggest pitch in the world), the home side enjoyed the benefit of the wind in the first half. Woodcock,Nelson and Joggaby all attempting shots that failed to trouble Lynn in the Walsham goal. Twinn saw his shot saved by Cesas before Cooke shot over the bar when put through on goal as Walsham responded. The visitors seemed to master the high winds better and Austin saw his shot easily saved by Cesas before Twinn saw a good chance saved again by Cesas. The home side pressed before the interval and had a good shout for a penalty turned down for handball against Goddard.

 With the wind at their backs in the second half, Walsham took the game to the home side; Cesas saved again twice from Austin before the break through came on fifty minutes. Cobbold's thumping free kick was only parried by Cesas and Twinn followed up to put the visitors ahead. Walsham continued to press, and Cesas was again called into action to thwart Austin and Gaught. The home side worked tirelessly but could make no tangible inroads past the Walsham defence and the pressure continued on the home goal. Cesas pulled off a great save from Austin and Driscoll saw his drive just clear the cross bar before, in a rare attack, Woodcock saw his shot just miss the visitor's upright. Mid way through the half Walsham got their second, when Goddard's shot was deflected home by Virtue. Walsham looked to kill the match off, Gaught saw his shot tipped over before the home side's Docherty brought and easy save out of Lynn. The visitor's almost got a third when defender Piggott headed the ball over his own 'keeper Cesas, only to see the wind drift the ball the wrong side of the post.

 Well lads, taking into consideration the conditions, and that Yarmouth had a fair sprinkling of players with first team experience, that was quite a good performance. The defence was outstanding, and but for their goal keeper, and some dreadful finishing, we could have won by quite a margin. Generally I don't like singling out individuals, but I thought that Mr Cobbold was outstanding and at times doing what a captain should do (encouraging and communicating with his team), good man.

This was a match played in the right spirit, and taking the weather into consideration, it was a good advert for football at this level, for which Gt Yarmouth can take their share of credit.

Lastly the referee; he didn't find it necessary to practise his writing skills by booking half the players on the pitch, and generally kept up with play, not bad for a man nearing pensionable age (sorry Vic).

Chell Trophy Group North

Saturday 28th December 2013

Walsham Res 7 Lowestoft Town Res 0

 

Walsham made all the early running against a much depleted Lowestoft side, and had three opportunities to score in the opening fives minutes. Firstly Brill shot straight at 'keeper Einecker with the goal gaping, only a minute later Hammond did much the same from a slight angle, and on five minutes Einecker easily saved Austin's free kick. Following further efforts from Austin and Clarke the home side finally took the lead in the tenth minute when Austin scored from close range following a good ball from Hammond and only minutes later the latter had a goal disallowed for off side. Lynn did well to save from the visitor's Fitzgerald when Lowestoft briefly threatened, but the home side looked to add to their advantage with twice Einecker saving from Austin and Driscoll before Virtue put a free header over the cross bar. Two goals in five minutes just before the break effectively killed off the match, with Davies finishing clinically on both occasions when put through on goal. Lowestoft threatened briefly on the counter attack with Brown firing over from distance.

After the interval Lynn saved a free kick from the visitor's Potter before the home side looked to increase their advantage with further attempts by Austin, Twinn and Goddard, before Lynn did well to keep out Fitzgerald's drive from just inside the box. Midway through the half Lowestoft were reduced to ten men when Brown limped off and the home side took full advantage as Austin made it four and Davies completed his hat trick. The visitors were further reduced to nine men when Fitzgerald had to go off and Walsham looked to increase their goal tally in the remaining ten minutes. Austin duly completed his hat trick and then struck the cross bar before Brame blazed over the rebound with the goal at his mercy. In the dying minutes Brame struck the post with a drive from the edge of the box and Austin added number seven slipping the ball passed Einecker. The drama was still not over, and in added time, Einecker saved Austin's weak penalty before bravely blocking the rebound.

 

Well lads, I wouldn't get too excited about that, taking into consideration the depleted opposition, some of that was not too clever. At times we did try to play some sort of football and at other times try to do more complicated things than was required. With four or five players out ourselves, it was an opportunity for some players to show their stuff, I don't think that too many took advantage of that. Having said all of that, job done and as is often the case it is harder to play against weaker sides than a good team.

 

KG

Chell Trophy Group North

Saturday 14th December 2013

Walsham Res 4 Gt Yarmouth Res 0

 

The visitor's started the brighter and Burnett saw an early free kick just clear the cross bar before Twinn responded for Walsham but saw his shot from distance miss the goal by some considerable margin. Gathercole had a weak shot easily saved by the visiting 'keeper Cesas before Yarmouth's Gardner pulled a chance wide of the upright. Walsham were now looking the more likely to score; Driscoll went close, Austin had a shot well saved and Gathercole's freekick clearing the bar. Hammond spurned another good chance for Walsham and Atkins' shot sailed well wide of the upright, before the home side took the lead when Austin finished off a good move involving himself and Gathercole. Austin saw a further chance saved by Cesas and the rebound blocked as the home side looked to double their advantage. From the resulting corner Austin duly headed his and Walsham's second.

The second half began dramatically when Driscoll's shot was judged to not have crossed the line as Walsham sought to kill off the match. On the counter attack Burnett shot wide and Watkins' freekick was blocked as the visitors tried to get back in the match, but on the hour Twinn struck from close range to add to the home score and only five minutes later Austin completed his hat trick coolly slipping the ball passed Cesar in the Yarmouth goal. Hammond went close for the home side and Lynn comfortably saved from the visitor's Gardner. With fifteen minutes to go Yarmouth wasted their best chance when Gardner saw his weak penalty saved by Lynn. Walsham upped their game and Davey saw his cross cum shot bounce twice off the cross bar and both Smith and Austin had shots blocked. The visitors vainly tried to get back in the match with Hackleton and Burnett having attempts at goal and at the other end Brill blazed over from the edge of the box in added time.

 

After a bit of a slow start, some of that was very, very good. The first goal was a perfect example of team play and at times we ran their defence ragged. Yarmouth are a useful team but I think their heads dropped a bit after the second goal and we were good value for that win. Hard to find too much fault with that, apart from Gaughty's booking near the end, and looking at the group table, it appears that we will have to beat Lowestoft to progress further in the competition, well done.

Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup

Saturday 7th December 2013

Walsham Res 4 Wickham Market Res 0

 

Walsham got off to a flying start, when Austin's shot deflected off Cresswell into the net in only the fourth minute. Driscoll shot high and wide as the home side looked to increase their lead,and on the break Wickham's Green shot well wide when given space on the edge of the box. Walsham dominated most of the first quarter with Atkins and Cobbold both having shots blocked but Southwick tested Lynn in the home goal on a rare break by the visitors. The home side continued to dominate and Driscoll shot high after a good run by Gaught, before Hammond doubled the lead after thirty minutes shooting passed Hudson when clean through. More chances fell to Walsham before the break but were unable to increase their lead further.

After the break Hammond saw his shot blocked, before Wickham came back into the match, and had a good spell with both Green and Southwick having attempts at goal. Walsham weathered the storm and Gathercole's lob cleared the cross bar before Hammond wasted a further chance, shooting wide when through on goal. Wickham countered and Besley's shot was easily saved by Lynn before Austin effectively killed the match off, scoring from close range. As the home side looked to consolidate their lead, Austin hit the bar, Gaught shot wide and Driscoll saw his shot just clear the cross bar. Austin completed his hat trick on seventy five minutes, finishing off after a good one- two with Twinn. In the dying minutes Green saved from Driscoll, and Twinn shot just wide as Walsham looked to add a fifth.

 

Effective and job done, but credit must go to Wickham, they made you fight all the way for that win, and I have no idea why they are second from bottom of their league. We did try to play football, but perhaps the early goal made it all look too easy. Wickham were well organised and their manager (nice chap as well) encouraged them right to the end.

Now let's mention the referee, ok it probably wasn't his hardest match to officiate, but he kept up with play, made decisive decisions, played the advantage rule at every opportunity and didn't find it necessary to practice semaphore by flashing red and yellow cards at half the players on the pitch,frightening.

After Saturdays Result against Wickham Market Reserves the Reserves Team are through to the Semi-Final, details below

 

 

Suffolk Senior Reserves Cup sponsored by Days Sports

Semi-Final Round

Saturday, 1^st March 2014
Kick-off 1.30 p.m.

 

Whitton United Reserves v Felixstowe Harpers United Reserves

Lowestoft Town Reserves v Walsham le Willows Reserves

Chell Trophy Group North

Wednesday 4^th December 2013

Lowestoft Town Res 2 Walsham Res 2

 

Walsham made the early play with Hammond and Gaught both having shots blocked in the opening minutes. Lowestoft broke quickly and in only the eighth minute took the lead when Lynn could only parry Bailey’s shot and Haziez scored from the rebound. Only minutes later Lowestoft should have doubled their lead when Lynn did well to tip over Diddington’s close range header. Atkins saw his weak shot easily saved as the visitor’s tried to get back in the game and Haziez shot over the Walsham bar on the counter attack. As half time approached Tom Goddard saw his shot narrowly miss the home upright before Austin was fouled in the area by home ‘keeper Jesop; Austin himself duly dispatched the resulting penalty.

The opening quarter of the second half was very even, Tom Goddard miskicked in front of goal for the visitors and Haziez shot wide from the edge of the box for the home side. On seventy five minutes Walsham spectacularly took the lead, when Driscoll’s drive from the edge of the area looped over Jesop and found the net via the cross bar. The visitors looked to increase their lead with Austin and Hammond (twice) both having attempts at goal. In the dying minutes Lowestoft sought the equaliser and Bayfield saw his close range shot saved by Lynn. The drama was not finished, and as the match entered the ninety fifth minute, Hammond saw his weak back pass seized on by Bailey, who rounded Lynn and tucked the ball in the net from an acute angle for a share of the points.

 

Unlucky lads, unlucky. That was a very, very, good performance, some of our passing and movement was first rate against a decent Lowestoft side. We probably had the chances to kill the game off but over ninety minutes (or ninety six) there wasn’t a lot in it to be fair. Everyone who took part should be proud of themselves (and that includes you Hammy), it was good to see no finger pointing, we all make mistakes (including me, although I probably make less than most people) and it was a pity to see so many petty bookings by the referee in a match that was played in the right spirit by both sides.

Chell Trophy Group North

Wednesday 27th November 2013

Walsham Res 2 Gorleston Res 1

 

    The opening minutes produced a flurry of chances for both sides, the bulk of which being squandered by the home side. Visiting ‘keeper Gordon saved easily from Cooke before Gorleston’s  McKay shot wide from the edge of the box. Walsham continued to press and further chances went begging as Cooke(twice), Driscoll and Austin all failed to find the target when in useful positions, but it was the latter who missed the best opportunity when shooting wide with only Gordon to beat. Mid-way through the half, the home side were made to pay, when Joe Clarke took advantage of slack defending to shoot the visitors in the lead. Walsham rallied and Fletcher brought an easy save out of Gordon before Gaught fired over from the edge of the box. Ten minutes from the break, the game turned on its head with two goals in two minutes; firstly Smith equalised when his cross cum shot sailed into the far corner from fully thirty yards and then only two minutes later, Austin clinically finished off a slick Walsham attack. On the stroke of half time Gorleston should have equalised, but Spinks headed straight at Lynn following a corner.

   The second half continued in the vein of the first, with both sides creating chances and endeavouring to play football on a heavy pitch. Gordon saved from Walsham’s Driscoll, before Roots shot straight at Lynn when well positioned and was then denied the equaliser by the linesman’s flag. As play swung from end to end, Gordon tipped Austin’s shot around the post before McKay wasted a good chance to equalise, shooting over when well positioned, and Collumbine saw two chances go wide as Gorleston enjoyed a good spell of pressure. Hammond and Twinn(twice) looked to increase the home side’s lead, but it was the visitors who finished the stronger, McKay shot wide from long distance, before Lynn did well to tip over Howel’s shot in the dying minutes, and with virtually the last kick of the match, McKay drove his free kick just wide of the goal from the edge of the area.

 

 

  The game should really have been won by half time, I cannot remember a match if which we wasted so many chances and dominated so much, but having said that, Gorleston were excellent on the counter attack and caused us some problems with their pace. The second half was a different story, with both sides trying to play football (including Mr Davey, good man), and the match could really have gone either way. Another hard fought win and I suspect another tough match in prospect  at Felixstowe on Saturday, still looks good to me.

 

 

  KG

Thurlow Nunn Premier Reserve League

Saturday 23rd November 2013

Walsham Res 2 Brightlingsea Regent Res 1

 

Brightlingsea started the brighter but it was Walsham who had the first chance when Austin's miscued shot hit the post and rolled along the goal line. Austin had another shot well blocked before the visitors had a sustained spell of pressure during which Yarwood shot wide and Meadows shot high and wide. Brightlingsea also most took the lead when Yarwood's shot was deflected onto the bar by Fletcher and Clark's header just missing the upright. Walsham got back into the game and Brill's shot was blocked following a good move down the right before Lynn saved well from Brown. On the stroke of half time Driscoll pulled his shot wide when put through on goal.

The second half was only three minutes old when the visitors took the lead following Baker's long range free kick which eluded Lynn in the Walsham goal. Cooke wasted a good chance to equalise, before on the hour Austin slipped the ball passed Ringe to bring the scores level. Boosted by the goal, the home side sought the winner, Cooke blazed over the bar when clean through and Gaught saw his deft chip acrobatically turned over by Ringe. On seventy five minutes Walsham took the lead after Twinn scored with the goal at his mercy, following a poor clearance by 'keeper Ringe. Brightlingsea searched for the equaliser and Meadows went close after a misskick from Fletcher, but Goddard, Virtue, Fletcher and Gaught, ably supported by 'keeper Lynn held on for a tough fought victory.

 

Well lads; Brightlingsea finished runner up in the league last season and will probably be disappointed that they didn't take anything from the match. They were physically bigger than us and their movement off the ball was very good, but we matched that, played some decent football and looked like a team that knew what it is doing, well done.

 

KG

Chell Trophy Group (North)

Saturday 16th November 2013

Gorleston Res 3 Walsham Res 2

  Facing a strong Gorleston team Walsham looked to take the initiative and on eight minutes took the lead when Austin converted Brill's low cross. The home side came more into the game and a long range shot was deflected over for a corner. From the subsequent corner the visitors broke quickly and Austin shot straight at 'keeper Gordon when clean through. Gathercole put a free header wide as Walsham looked to double their lead and Gorleston had a good shout for a penalty turned down when Stone went down in the box. Lynn saved well from the home sides Middleton before Gorleston were awarded a controversial penalty on the stroke of half following a challenge by Gaught when the defender clearly appeared to play the ball, Stone duly dispatched the spot kick passed Lynn.

  In the first minute of the second half Virtue mis kicked in front of the home goal and the ball was cleared. Gorleston took a strangle hold of the match and Clements saw a free header go over and Clark's deft flick just cleared the cross bar. On the break Walsham's Austin shot over before Clark and McGee both went close for the home side. Lynn saved well from Bray before the resulting corner was turned in by McKay to give the home side the lead. Twinn twice went close to equalising for Walsham before Middleton increased Gorleston's lead shooting home after a fine solo run by Stone. Only a minute later Stone shot wide when clean through only to see Austin reduce the arrears moments later with a header at the far post. Gorleston finished the stronger team, Lynn saved from Ingram, Middleton shot wide of an open goal and the visiting 'keeper came to the rescue again with a fine double save from Stone and Round. In the final minute of stoppage time Walsham had a last ditch penalty claim turned down after Austin went down in the box but Gorleston hung on for a deserved but hard fought victory.

 

   Bearing in mind that Gorleston started with four players with a lot of first team experience this season, that was not a bad performance. Gorleston were the better team and deserved to win the match over the ninety minutes, but we stuck in there and made them work for the win. To be fair they could have scored a couple more at the end and it was a pity that the match was spoilt to some degree by some poor refereeing decisions against both teams, but that's life.

 

KG

 

WILL NOW BE PLAYED 4TH DECEMBER 2013

The Reserves next match is an AWAY fixture against Lowestoft Town Reserves on Tuesday night

The Reserves have drawn a Home tie against Wickham Market Reserves in the Suffolk Reserve Cup Quarter Final to be played on the 7th December.
Wickham Market Reserves play in the Sil Intermediate B Division

Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup (Round 2)

Wednesday 29^th October 2013

Walsham Res 2 Haverhill Borough 0

 

 

The tie got off to a slow start, with Haverhill having the bulk of possession, it was not until the thirtieth minute that the first attempt at goal was made, when the visitor’s Frazier lifted the ball high over the bar. Clark wasted a further chance for Haverhill before Gathercole saw his shot clear the cross bar for the home sides first attempt at goal. Shulver did well to block a promising home move before Driscoll planted his shot in to the top corner on the stroke of half time, to give Walsham a somewhat fortuitous lead.

After the break Walsham were more purposeful; Hammond saw his shot easily saved by Choat before Austin put a free header wide of the goal. Choat again came to the visitor’s rescue, blocking Austin’s shot when clean through on goal. Haverhill responded well and Lynn in the home goal did well to keep out Bowyer’s header fifteen minutes from time. As tempers frayed, a late challenge by Gaught resulted in a midfield melee by several players, with a booking a piece for both sides. The match was finally sealed in added time, when Choat pulled off two fine saves to deny Twinn and Davey, only to see the latter smash home the loose ball for Walsham’s second.

 

Not one of our better performances, the first half was very poor, but Haverhill were an uncompromising team and are surely destined to play in a higher tier of football than at present. After the break it was a bit better, some nice play here and there and it was good to see the team not bullied by a physically stronger team.

 

KG

Thurlow Nunn Reserve Premier League

Saturday 25th October 2013

Witham Town Res 2 Walsham Res 1

 

Witham started the brighter and had an early penalty claim turned down after Gaught's challenge on Podulu, but on ten minutes the visitors took the lead when a poor punch by home 'keeper Down resulted in the unmarked Virtue heading home at the far post. Walsham had the upper hand and Down saved well from Hammond's long range shot and the visitor's defence of Goddard, Virtue, Fletcher and Gaught stood firm as Witham searched for the equaliser. On thirty minutes the home side drew level, when Stoneham crashed a shot home from fully thirty yards, but Walsham rallied and Austin saw his shot blocked by the advancing 'keeper. As half time approached Bennett's header was easily collected by Lynn in the visitor's goal.

The second half opened with Walsham having a couple of penalty claims for hand ball turned down and Witham's Dear narrowly missing the cross bar with a lob from the edge of the Walsham penalty area. Play generally swung from end to end with the home side having the better openings, and with fifteen minutes to play Strickland was given too much space and planted the ball low into the bottom corner of the visitor's goal. Walsham had a late flurry of corners but to no avail and in the final minute of added time Podulu blazed over the visitor's cross bar from long range.

 

Well lads, I don't think that I would lose a lot of sleep over the result, Witham are a very accomplished team with some good players and knocked the ball around with some aplomb. We were a few players short, and as I have said before, I think that we don't quite function as well without Mr Gathercole, and we probably miss 'rhino' Cooke as well. But having said that, I think all the team did their bit and Gaught and Fletcher actually looked like they new each other. Witham were a bit bigger than us physically, and that probably made that little bit of difference in the end. Mr Fletcher gave another good performance (people will start talking about us soon), stick to your principles, you are good side.

 

KG

Chell Trophy Group North

Wednesday 23^rd October 2013

Walsham Res 5 Diss Town Res 1

 

Walsham started the brighter and Riches in the visitor’s goal made a good save from Driscoll in the opening minutes. Diss got more into the match and Kohn dragged a good opportunity wide of Lynn’s far post. The home side continued to press and it was no surprise when Tatham scored with a close range header following a good cross from Austin. Walsham looked to increase their lead, Brill shot narrowly over from the edge of the box before Austin doubled the advantage after Riches could only parry Gathercole’s shot. McDowall fired over for the visitors from a free kick before Riches came to their rescue again with a good save from Austin’s close range header. On the stroke of half time Driscoll came close to increasing the home sides advantage, but saw his shot narrowly miss the far post.

Only minutes into the second half and Austin saw his penalty kick well saved by Riches, before heading home after a fine cross from Tatham. Further chances fell to the home side; Austin failed to make the most of a mix up in the Diss defence before Goddard and Gathercole both saw shots blocked during a spell of non-stop pressure. Mid-way through the half a superb passing move resulted in Musgrove adding the fourth, before Fletcher narrowly headed over from a corner. As the pressure continued, Tatham struck the far post with a thunderous shot and in a fleeting counter attack Turner saw his shot comfortably saved by Lynn in the home goal. With ten minutes to go Diss pulled a goal back when Kohn’s shot from the edge of the area, struck the cross bar and crossed the goal line before landing in Lynn’s hands. As the game wore on Riches produced more fine saves from Austin and Musgrove before the former finally beat him again from close range to complete his hat trick. Diss finished the match with ten men following a nasty injury to McDowall, but still mustered a final effort from Fryer whose long range shot sailed wide of the open goal.

 

 

Some good football at times and the defence was never really troubled; but I wouldn’t get too carried away, despite their effort I suspect that there are stronger challenges to come than Diss provided, probably starting this Saturday, but you can only deal with what the opposition provides.

Finally, everyone at Walsham hopes the lad who got injured, a speedy recovery.

 

 

KG

Thurlow Nunn Reserve Premier League

Saturday 12th October 2013

Walsham Res 3 Felixstowe and Walton Res 2

 

Walsham started brightly and Tatham's goal bound shot was well blocked before Lynn made a comfortable save from the visitor's Butcher. Felixstowe took the lead on twelve minutes when the unmarked Burton rifled home from the edge of the box. The home side responded but efforts from Brill, Austin and a free kick from Gathercole all failed to test Ray in the visitor's goal.

After the break Austin shot straight at Ray when in a good position and West tried his luck for the visitor's from long range. Brill's cross cum shot bounced off the cross bar as the home side looked to get back in the match and on seventy minutes the equaliser deservedly came when Hammond's header at the far post eluded the Felixstowe defence and nestled in the back of the net. West shot just wide for the visitor's but only five minutes later Walsham took the lead when Tatham scored from close range after good work by Austin. In an open match, the home side looked to increase their lead and Virtue could have done better with a free header from a corner and Ray did well to block Tatham's header. Felixstowe looked to get back in the match and Lynn saved comfortably from Hopkins and Hewitt. With five minutes remaining Austin effectively sealed the match scoring after a fine pass from Hammond. The home defence of Goddard, Virtue, Fletcher and Gaught were rarely really troubled but Hopkins' did pull a goal back with a deflected shot in the final minute of added time.

 

Well lads, some of that was really very good, Felixstowe are a good side and certainly played their part in a very entertaining match. Some of the passing and movement was first class, and I am really struggling to find something critical to say, because I can't think of anything. I am going to mention Mr Fletcher though, that was easily his best performance in a Walsham shirt that I have seen, well done mate and well done to the rest of you too.

 

KG

The Reserves have Home tie v Haverhill Borough Reserves in the next round of the Cup.

Haverhill beat Hadleigh Res 5-2 in a Away win in the last round

The Reserves progressed through to the next round of the Suffolk Reserve Cup with a one nil win against a very well organised Felixstowe side.

Felixstowe were the better side of the first half but for some good defending and excellent goalkeeping from the home team saw through to half time which then gave us a good start to the second half where we played like we know we can play with the whole squad contributing to a good win. Toss up for MOM with Fletcher just shading it.

The goal coming from a long ball by Jordon Smith, who sent Lewis Cooke through on goal, Cooke went head to head with the visiting keeper, Cooke forced the ball home. But the down side of the goal was an injury to Cooke who had to come off after scoring, later finding out he had broken his foot while scoring the winner.

No game this coming Saturday, with Felixstowe coming back to Walsham for a League game the following week.

 

Chell Trophy Group North

Saturday 21st September 2013

Gt Yarmouth Res 4 Walsham Res 2

Walsham went behind after only three minutes, when 'keeper Rust failed to clear a corner leaving Godbould an easy strike from close range. In a rare threatening moment by the visitors, Austin saw his shot deflected over for a corner. The home dominated more and more, Thomas went close and then the same player had a shot well saved by Rust and Jogabey failed to make the most of the rebound. Hammond shot well wide for the visitors before Gaught did well to clear off his own goal line as Gt Yarmouth countered.  In the dying minutes of the first half, Jogabey shot wide, put a good chance over from close range and saw another shot well saved by Rust.

 It only took the home side five minutes of the second half to double their lead as Jogabey broke through and finished clinically from ten yards.  Walsham pulled a goal back within a minute when Austin latched onto a huge kick down field from 'keeper Rust to shoot past Gill. The comeback was short lived as Gt Yarmouth added a third only five minutes later when Watkin scored through a crowded penalty area. Both sides tried from long range, firstly Gardiner for the home side then Smith for the visitors with both failing to hit their respective targets. Tom Goddard scrambled a clearance from the visitor's goal before Lopes effectively finished the match off with ten minutes to go when his shot was mis-handled by Rust and the ball dropped over the line via a post. In the dying minutes Austin pulled another goal back for Walsham from the penalty spot after Hammond's goal bound shot was spectacularly turned around the post by centre half Godbould, who was subsequently sent off for his efforts.

 I don't think we ever got to grips with playing on the biggest pitch in the world, the size added nothing to either sides efforts to try and play football. In all honesty a two goal deficeit was probably a good result, it could have been a lot more. The Gt Yarmouth defence was excellent and they had those two or three players who were willing to put in extra to counter the size of the pitch. Too many mistakes at the back and probably not strong enough in midfield, but we stuck to the task and didn't resort to the easy option of just belting the ball aimlessly down the field.

 

KG



Chell Trophy (North Group)

Tuesday 17^th September 2013

Diss Town Res 2 Walsham Res 3

 

Last season’s finalists started positively and home ‘keeper Riches saved early on from Austin. A mix up between Gaught and Fletcher gave Chung an opportunity for the home side, but shot well wide. After only fifteen minutes Diss were reduced to ten men when Turner was sent off for a professional foul on Austin, Gathercole sent the resulting free kick just wide of the upright. As Walsham pressed, Cooke shot over from six yards and Gathercole had another opportunity with a header. Diss seemingly unaffected by their handicap took the lead on the half hour, when Kohn scored from close range and comfortably held onto their lead until the break.

Only five minutes into the second half the visitors equalised when Cooke spectacularly scored with an overhead kick, Diss responded with a long range drive from McDowall and then had a good shout for a penalty for hand ball in the Walsham box. As play continued, Brill put a free header wide before Cooke scored his second following good work by Gathercole. Webb went close for Diss and Riches in the home goal pulled off good saves to deny Austin and Gathercole twice as Walsham looked to make their number supremacy count. With five minutes of normal time to play Diss were awarded a disputed penalty for a foul by Smith, Webb duly smashed the spot kick home. Walsham won a series of corners in added time, and from the final one in the third minute, Diss substitute Cole headed the ball firmly passed his own ‘keeper to give the visitors a fortuitous victory.

 

 

It would be easy to find fault with that performance, but playing against ten men is never what it is cracked up to be and their goal keeper, Riches, was probably man of the match , well organised sides, and Diss were, just drop a forward and carry on. It was disappointing that we did not use the flanks more and make our opponents work harder by spreading them out; but we did try to play football, which was good to see , on a poor pitch. Sometimes you have to give the opposition some credit, and to be fair, Diss played their part in an exciting match.

 

 

KG

 

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League Premier Division

 

Saturday 7th September 2013

 

Ipswich Wanderers Res 1 Walsham Res 4

 

Both teams newly promoted to the Premier League produced a highly entertaining and sporting match. Ipswich had the first strike at goal but Gillies free kick sailed over the bar. Walsham struck back and Austin should have done better with two chances in the opening fifteen minutes, and the home side survived again following a goal mouth scramble that was eventually cleared. The away side looked the more likely to score, Austin struck the side netting with a shot from an acute angle before Cooke hooked over the cross bar from six yards after a superb move down the left flank. Ipswich rallied and Gillies free kick was tipped over by Bryant before the same player shot wide from a good position, while on the break, full back Goddard went close for the visitors. The break through finally came in stoppage time when Cooke bundled home after Bradbrook could only parry Austin's shot, and on the stroke of half time another let off for the home side when Walsham failed to convert from yet another goal mouth scramble.

 Only two minutes in to the second half and Bryant was possibly lucky to stay on the pitch after handling outside the area, but Gillies fired the resulting free kick over the cross bar. Austin doubled Walsham's lead after fifty five minutes heading home after his first shot rebounded back off the post. The home side reduced the arrears straight from the kick off when Bryant failed to cut out a cross, allowing Gillies to glance his header into an empty net. Walsham continued to press forward and Brill increased their lead when his in swinging free kick deceived everyone and crept into the far corner. Gathercole had a shot well saved by Bradbrook before the latter too was possibly fortunate to stay on the pitch after felling Brill in the penalty area, as the striker bore down on goal, Austin converted the first kick but placed the retake over the cross bar. Walsham played some good football and Gathercole was unlucky, when seeing Bradbrook off his line, dragged his lob agonisingly wide. The match was wrapped up in the closing minutes when Brill's free kick was dropped over the goal line by home keeper Bradbrook.

  Well lads, some of that was very, very good, Ipswich might not be the strongest team in the league but they are a fine side and play some good football. The defence was outstanding and the midfield battled for the whole match, which at this level is what is required. Virtually no aimless punts down the field and to be fair some of the football was outstanding, keep it up.

KG

 

Walsham Res 3 Mendlesham 1

 

 

Mendlesham took the game to Walsham and controlled most of the opening ten minutes but it was Gaught who had the first chance firing over from an acute angle. The hosts resorted more and more to the long ball and it was from one of these that Gathercole latched onto to open the scoring on the half hour. Newland went close for Mendlesham before Cooke doubled the lead from close range. Austin had a further chance for the hosts before Howes shot narrowly wide for Mendlesham on the stroke of half time.

    Soon after the break Austin added number three from the penalty spot before Bryant was called upon in the home goal to save well from Head. Play swung from end to end, Ridley saved from Austin, and Hammond's shot was cleared off the line as Walsham looked to increase their lead, whilst at the other end Bryant tipped Head's shot on to the cross bar. With virtually the last kick of the match Mendlesham scored a deserved consolation goal when Head's low shot found it's way in to the far corner.

 

On paper, Mendlesham were the lowest ranked team that we played in pre season, they certainly did not look it in the first half when I thought most of our play was dreadful, too many long balls, numerous back passes to the 'keeper and needless corners conceded. At least Bryant dealt comfortably with everything that WE threw at him. To be fair the defence was fairly comfortable all night, but the distribution by virtually the whole team was poor. You are a lot better than that lads and it was a disappointing end after some other very, very good performances. I suggest that we put it down to a bad day at the office, forget it, move forward and play like you have in previous matches.

 

KG 

Preseason Friendly

20 August 2013

Walsham Res 2 Copelstonians 3

 

 

A slow start by Walsham gave the visitors the initiative but they were unable to convert possession into chances. On ten minutes a superb flowing move involving Gathercole, Austin and Cooke resulted in the later putting the hosts ahead. Play flowed from end to end, Lynn made a couple of important saves in the home goal before the visitor’s ‘keeper Hall had to leave the field after several minutes attention, with a nasty shoulder injury. In the fifth minute of added time Copelstonians almost equalised, when Street’s shot struck the outside of the post. The second half was only two minutes old when Street struck the equaliser from close range, and on the hour, King put them ahead with a fine low shot from the edge of the area. Walsham rallied and were soon level when Gaught’s cross-cum shot eluded Bristo and looped into the far corner. Gathercole and Austin further tested stand in ‘keeper Bristo, before in the dying minutes a total miskick by home ‘keeper Bryant allowed Baker the opportunity to snatch the lead. In added time Walsham searched for the equaliser, which almost came when Davey’s outrageous shot from thirty yards struck the inside of the post and came back into play.

 

Another good test, forget the result, Copelstonians are an established SIL Senior league team that has some good players, are well organised and their movement off the ball was very good. Too many aimless high balls in the first half and kept getting caught in possession in midfield, but to be fair there was some good football too and both sides contributed to a very entertaining game. Certainly wouldn’t lose any sleep over that, another pretty good all round performance.

 

KG

Preseason Friendly

Saturday 17th August 2013

Haughley United 2 Walsham Res 2

 

Walsham went into this match with a very depleted and young side and if I am honest I actually feared the outcome against a good, physical Haughley side who finished 4th in the SIL Senior league last season. Early play was dictated by Haughley and chances went begging but it was Walsham who took the lead on ten minutes, some what against the run of play, with Austin's delightful lob over the advancing 'keeper. Walsham came much more into the match and both sides tried to play decent football on a dry bumpy pitch. Play was much more even after the break and Haughley deservedly equalised on the hour when Smith's low shot found its way into the bottom corner. Within five minutes the visitors were back in the lead when Soanes latched onto a poor back pass and coolly slotted the ball home. Walsham hung on in the dying minutes as the hosts looked for the equaliser which duly came five minutes from time when Johnson headed home unmarked from a corner.

 

Magnificent effort lads, Haughley are a good side and provided the sort of test that is needed to prepare for the coming season. In a match that sometimes went beyond the boundaries of a friendly, we weren't bullied and held our own in all areas of the pitch. The 'senior' lads in the team; Gaught, Atkins, Virtue etc took responsibility and I thought all the young lads equipped themselves very,very well in a tough match.

 

Three matches, three decent performances, consistency is the key here, keep it up.

 

  KG

A quickley arranged game on Saturday saw the Reserves travel to Cockfield to get some much needed match pratice with mixture of players from the club it turned into a reasonable work out, but also highlighted somethings that need sorting out in training.

Goals from Lewis Cooke and a great header from Lee Curtis cancelled out a Cockfield opener. 

Preseason Friendly

 

7^th August 2013

 

Walsham Res 3 Lakenheath 1

 

Right lads, like I said after the last match, results do not count for much in preseason, but again this was a very creditable performance against a good Lakenheath side that finished last season mid table in the Cambridgeshire Kershaw Premier Division. The visitors had a lot of the early play but we defended well, kept our shape and I don’t think they had a meaningful shot on target in the first half. A fine low shot from Atkins and a typical Cookey goal gave us a comfortable half time lead. Lakenheath refused to lie down and, but for some wayward finishing, they may have reduced the arrears before Debenham increased the lead from close range. At times we played some very, very good football and to their credit so did the visitors who deservedly pulled a goal back through Bellingham. Even towards the end of the match, following several substitutions, we kept our shape and possibly could have scored a couple more, but then again so could Lakenheath.

 

Another very good performance lads, you have set a high standard now. We have a good, strong squad and it is going to be difficult for anyone (including you Barry) to keep in the team. To be fair to everyone, and bearing in mind we are not playing for a row of houses, to rotate players as circumstances dictate; blimey from Wimbledon to Man United in three months.

 

Again, everyone contributed to a good team effort, all the defenders played exceptionally well, some playing in positions a bit alien to them. Without picking out individuals too much, but to mention three players who I have given a bit of gentle stick to in the past, I thought that Atkins, Fletcher and Gaught at last stepped up to the plate and will only make the manager’s job harder.

 

  One observation from the evening was, that to avoid your defenders aimlessly punting the ball downfield, the midfield, and others, must support  and give them an option to pass, several times last night I saw defenders looking around to distribute the ball but with no final option other than to punt it downfield.

 

Well done.

 

 

   KG

 

Preseason Friendly

 

Walsham Res 1 Crane Sports 1

 

  Here I am and welcome back; results in preseason matches do not count for anything, it is how you go about your business, and to  give the manager an opportunity to try different things and look at new players. Having said that Crane Sports are a Premier SIL team and were an excellent opposition to gauge what is going on. In the first half they were by far the better team and deservedly took the lead through George, but as a team we stuck to the task and closed down, kept our shape and when given the opportunity played some good football. The manager took the opportunity to swap players around and look at them in different positions, to be fair all the players who participated in the match put in a shift, and for the first match played exceedingly well. The second half was in stark contrast to the first; when in possession we looked for our players, played in neat triangles and didn’t keep booting the ball in the air. When Debenham headed the equaliser it was no more than you deserved (but not that important). I believe that this is generally the standard to expect of the opposition for the coming season and should produce some exciting matches to  challenge you as a team far more than last season. The new lads all fitted in well and you will need a strong squad to cope with what will be a tough season, get your Passports out.

 

Worryingly quite impressed.

 

  KG

The Thurlow Nunn Reserve League constitution for Season 2013/14 is:-

Premier Division

Brightlingsea Regent, Brantham Athletic, Witham Town, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth Town, Stanway Rovers, Walsham le Willows, Felixstowe & Walton United, Ipswich Wanderers, Lowestoft Town

First Division

Hadleigh United, Halstead Town, Saffron Walden Town, Woodbridge Town, Wivenhoe Town, Diss Town, Long Melford, Newmarket Town, Stowmarket Town, Whitton United

In addition there will be 4 regional Chell Trophy qualifying groups with each team playing each other twice before two teams from each group qualify for the knock-out quarter finals. The groups are:-

North – Great Yarmouth Town, Gorleston, Lowestoft Town, Diss Town, Walsham le Willows

West – Newmarket Town, Saffron Walden Town, Halstead Town, Long Melford, Hadleigh United

East – Stowmarket Town, Whitton United, Ipswich Wanderers, Felixstowe & Walton United, Woodbridge Town

South – Stanway Rovers, Witham Town, Wivenhoe Town, Brantham Athletic, Brightlingsea Regent

 

Pre-Season has started for all Saturday teams Tuesdays & Thursdays 7.30pm at Walsham.

Old and New players welcome.

Contact the Managers for more details by phone or email from the Home Page of this site

 

  Over the course of the season that was a very, very creditable achievement; to finish in the top three, lose only four league matches and reach a cup final says a lot about the team, the manager, the club and its facilities. It also has to be remembered that we finished above the reserve teams from; Sudbury, Saffron Walden, Newmarket, Stowmarket, Diss, Felixstowe and other small towns with much, much larger catchment areas.. The team stuck together as a team and certainly dug in when required, the work rate and effort throughout the team was consistently very high.

 

  Three matches stuck out in the Best Performance category; Sudbury away (a very hard fought draw), Felixstowe away (getting a 2-1 victory against the team currently top of the league with a squad of only eleven players on the day) and finally, Stowmarket at home, the second attempt surprisingly (very good performance against a strong visiting team).

 

   Worst performance; everyone knows which match that was; truly shocking and absolutely no idea from start to finish.

 

  Individual Reviews (you have been warned).

 Barry Lynn (9); well played mate, very, very consistent, good shot stopper, got his share of points for the team over the season.

 Liam Bryant (6); unlucky to be in the same team as Barry, perhaps needs to be a bit more confident and come off his line quicker.

 Tom Goddard (7);  generally had a good season, certainly more good games than bad, get yourself fit and the position is yours.

 Ben Cobbold (8); nice lad, good footballer, very consistent in his performances; gets pushed off the ball too easily and probably too nice to be the captain.  

 David Fletcher (6); 100% effort every week, very inconsistent, either very good or not so good (bad to put it simply) perhaps he should let his hair grow again.

 

Ben Virtue (10); had the fortune (or mis-fortune) to get the closest scrutiny from me, but did he take it with both hands or what? Very, very consistent, I don’t remember too many wingers giving him the run around, must be a big contender for POY.

 Conor Davey (7); young lad, unflappable, needs to concentrate on his distribution (some of his clearances had snow on when they landed).

 Jack Edwards (8); has the potential to be the best player in the team, very skilful on the ball and works hard, just needs to remember that it is a team game.

 David Grant (6); substitute several times, works hard, possibly needs to be more confident on the ball.

 Darren Atkins (6); lots of hustle and bustle, closes the opposition down quickly, works hard, distribution dreadful (great header of the ball, Wivenhoe away).

 Jake Gathercole (9); not impressed when I first saw him (wrong) potentially a very, very good player and I think that the team misses him when he doesn’t play.

 Lee Gaught (7); hampered by injury; possibly the best thinker in the team, if he gets fit and shows the application required is a real danger man going at defenders.

 Darren Brill (6);  should be ‘Brillo’ with that hair style; good lad, needs to make more of that left foot, should spend the summer practicing crossing (that’s the ball, not dressing).

 C and A (9); no not the shop, Cooke and Austin; when they remember that they are on the same team there is no stopping these two, two of the top three goal scorers in the league and over sixty goals between them. One or the other scored in thirty three of the thirty eight games that we played (what happened in the other five lads), it’s soccer Cookey not rugby.

 Luke Roberts (7); good squad player, plenty of effort, scored a couple of important goals.

 Lee Hammond (7); played in several different positions over the season (no mean feat), never let the side down but a bit inconsistent, scored a couple of good goals though.

William Brown (11); poseur.

 Andrew Atkins (9); Alex Ferguson, more like Sarah Ferguson! Plenty of vocals from the line, certainly got it right most of the time, gave most players a fair crack of the whip over the season and you can’t argue with the results.

 Sue Cobbold (9); sorry Sue, Sudbury’s Physio just nicks it.

 A couple of quality additions to the squad and I don’t think that we have to particularly fear anyone, don’t take it to heart lads and stick together.

 

 KG

  PS  Mine’s a John Smiths on Friday night.

 

 

 

 

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League

 

 Tuesday 30^th April 2013

 

 Walsham Res 3 Stowmarket Town Res 0

 

  Starting with no less than six players who played for the first team the previous Saturday (and seven in total) Stowmarket made a lively start and only a fine double save by Lynn from Sharp and the rebound by Ross prevented the visitors from taking an early lead. Following a lot of midfield possession by both sides it was the home side that took the lead when Cooke capitalised on a mistake by visiting ‘keeper Muckle. Gaught wasted a good one on one chance for Walsham before the visitor’s Sharp was denied by the offside flag and, on the stroke of half time, Austin’s shot was easily collected by Muckle.

 

   Walsham started strongly in the second half and Austin fired over after a fine solo run, but the home side soon doubled their lead when the same player finished from close range. As play swung from end to end Austin’s shot was palmed away by Muckle before Desmond-Hurst’s header was only just wide of the home goal. Walsham looked to take control of the match and  Foster and Hammond both shot wide before Austin’s header was well saved by Muckle. The home side put the visitors under pressure and further efforts from Thorrold and Brame went wide of the mark. Five minutes from time Quinton hit the home upright from a free kick on the edge of the penalty area with Lynn well beaten and the ball was cleared. In the dying minutes Muckle pulled off the save of the match, tipping Brame’s goal bound free kick around the post. In the final minute of normal time Brame completed the scoring from close range following another Walsham corner.

 

 Fair play to Stowmarket, by fielding so many players with first team experience it was actually a very good contest, they passed the ball around with aplomb in their own half ( a bit like Barcelona) but rarely troubled the Walsham goal. The home defence was outstanding and whilst not too happy to single out individuals I thought that Lee Hammond had a very, very good game at the dreaded left back position (well apart from one suicidal cross field ball in the second half). The forwards looked like they had played together before and the midfield boys put in the hard work, well done, pity it took twenty eight league games to do it for ninety minutes.

 

 My much awaited review of the season is yet to come (be worried).

 

 KG

 

 

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League

Saturday 27^th April 2013

Wivenhoe Town Res 2 Walsham Res 6

Although Wivenhoe started the livelier it was the visitors that spurned the first two chances when both Austin then Cooke failed to score when one on one with home ‘keeper Grove. Gossling fired high and wide over the Walsham cross bar before Edwards headed home from a corner to give the visitors the lead. Walsham continued to dominate, Brill shot straight at  Grove before Cooke added the second after being put through on goal. On a rare Wivenhoe break, Lynn did well to save from Strickland before Cooke finished superbly at the far post following a pin point cross from Austin. Wivenhoe rallied before the break with both Kelliher and Strickland missing the target from distance, and on the stroke of half time Austin failed again to make the most of another one on one with ‘keeper Grove.

 

Wivenhoe started the second half much stronger than the first and Hearn saw his shot fly wide of the goal before Austin construed to miss an open goal for the visitors. Hearn had another shot well saved by Lynn before Strickland scored a well-deserved goal for the home side, hammering his shot from fully twenty five yards into the top corner. Any chance of a comeback was short lived,  as Walsham went straight on the attack, Gathercole’s shot was deflected for a corner before Cooke completed his hat trick with a header from close range only two minutes later. The visitors continued to waste more opportunities before Austin added number five with a low drive with only minutes of normal time remaining. Wivenhoe, to their credit, rallied and Strickland saw another effort well saved by Lynn in the visitor’s goal. With the game entering the eighth minute of added time Atkins’ looping header crept just under the home cross bar for number six and substitute Sam Goddard’s shot was well saved by Grove. With the very last kick of the match Strickland added his and Wivenhoe’s second with a thunderous free kick from the edge of the penalty area.

I actually thought the first half was quite good, all of the players played as a team and passed the ball around, as best as you could in those conditions. Sadly the second half saw some of the old bad habits creep back in, whilst accepting it was not quite as bad as some previous weeks; Jack Edwards easily had his best game for the Reserves and looked a better player for it. One game to go and then you will have to get your passport out looking at some of the potential destinations for next season.

KG

 

 

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League

 

 Wednesday 24^th April 2013

 

 Walsham Res 3 Halstead Town Res 0

 

 In the opening minute Halstead’s Carter fired low past Lynn only to have the effort disallowed for an earlier infringement, from this point Walsham took the game to the visitors with both Goddard and Gathercole firing over. Carter blasted over the bar in a rare Halstead attack as the hosts squandered more chances through Austin and Cooke. Gaught’s cross cum shot was tipped over by Athey before Walsham finally took the lead through Cooke, driving low into the net at the near post. Cooke found himself in a good position but opted to shoot wide rather than pass to others better placed and Fletcher placed a clear header wide as the hosts continued to press. On the half hour Walsham doubled their lead when Gaught slipped the ball past Athey after a good one-two with Austin. Just before the break Gaught saw his lob clear the cross bar and Cooke blazed another chance high and wide.

 

The second half saw Halstead come much more into the match, Willis’ shot cleared the bar and Carter was unlucky with a low drive just missing the far post. Lynn tipped over Dethridge’s drive  and Willis again tried from distance as the visitor’s tried to reduce the deficit, whist at the other end Athey saved easily from Brill. As the match entered the final ten minutes Edwards saw his shot deflected wide before substitute Hammond wrapped up the match with a clinical drive from the edge of the area.

 

 Apart from winning I wish I could say something positive, but the second half, like the previous Saturday, was awful. Football is a team game and at least half the team, for whatever reason, embarked upon solo missions with almost total disregard for their team mates. Come on lads you are better than that, I know the pitches are a bit hard and uneven but you could try. Two games to go, the Premier League awaits the Wimbledon of the Thurlow Nunn League.

 

 KG

 

 

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League

 

 Saturday 20^th April 2013

 

 Woodbridge Town Res 1 Walsham Res 5

 

 Walsham took full advantage of a depleted Woodbridge team scoring four times before the break. Oddly it was the hosts that had much of the early play and Cole lifted an early chance high and wide of the goal. Walsham came more into the match and Hammond’s header was cleared off the line and Austin had a good chance before Cooke finally put Walsham ahead bundling the ball home following a goal mouth scramble after fifteen minutes. Austin added the second minutes later following good work by Cooke and Gaught should have done better when finding himself one on one with home ‘keeper Norris. Cooke soon added the third and Hammond saw another effort cleared off the line. Woodbridge responded and Dowsing lifted a long range shot over the bar before Hammond brought a good save out of home ‘keeper Norris only to see Edwards net the rebound. Just before the break Austin brought another good save out of Norris and at the other end White’s shot easily cleared the cross bar.

 

    In the opening minutes of the second half Atkins went close for the visitors before Austin number five with a low shot into the far corner. Bryant was finally called upon to make a fine save from Bagley in one the few times the hosts threatened the away goal. Gaught’s shot was easily saved by Norris before Woodbridge pulled a goal back on the hour; Bryant inexplicably spilled the ball leaving Holmes with the simple task of tapping the ball in to the empty net. Cooke planted a firm header against the home bar as Walsham looked to increase their lead, whilst at the other end  both Keeble and Slinn saw their shots go wide of the mark. In the dying minutes Brill’s free kick drifted wide of the home goal and Bryant easily collected White’s attempted lob as the home side looked to score a consolation goal in added time.

 

 Against a depleted Woodbridge team the first half was ‘ get the job done’, and it was, they were so poor. The second half was sloppy and disjointed, I suppose when you are winning five nil and the other side don’t look like scoring it is easy to start doing things that you normally would not do. Not so many long balls on Saturday which was good to see, but with the rutted pitches becoming harder I don’t suppose that playing the ball on the ground is going to easy though.

 

 KG

 

 

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League

 

 Wednesday 17^th April 2013

 

Walsham Res 2 Hadleigh United Res 0

 

  Walsham started the more positive in the opening minutes; Gathercole’s tame shot was easily collected by De Lara Bell before Austin blazed over from close range. Hadleigh responded with Alston shooting high and wide from long distance before Gathercole saw another chance fly high over the bar. Driscoll’s shot went just wide for the visitor’s as Hadleigh looked to score on the break and Brill was denied by the offside flag for the hosts. As the match approached the break Hadleigh had a good spell of pressure but never really bothered the home goal.

 

  Within a minute of the restart Edwards was tripped in the Hadleigh box and Walsham were awarded a penalty; Cooke duly put the resulting spot kick against the cross bar and the ball was cleared. Cooke spurned another good chance for the hosts before Lynn did well to block Regan’s shot when through on goal for the visitors. With twenty minutes to go Walsham finally got the break through when Cooke converted from close range following a corner. Hadleigh responded with a weak shot from Regan before Cooke added his and Walsham’s second with ten minutes to go shooting home from an acute angle. Walsham looked to increase their lead and Cooke screwed his shot wide of the goal in added time.

 

Nothing to write home about and easily the better team, but to be fair to Hadleigh they never gave up and certainly kicked the ball in the air a lot less they we did. When we tried to play football near the end, some actually looked quite impressive, to the point that their manager asked me after the match ‘how many first teamers we had playing’ ( I don’t think that he believed my answer).

 

 

KG

 

 

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League

 

Saturday 6th April 2013

 

Walsham Res 5 Whitton United Res 0

 

 Walsham took the game to their lowly opponents and Beeston did well to hook Cooke's shot over from under the cross bar in only the third minute. At the other end Lynn easily dealt with Huggins long range shot before the hosts took the lead on fifteen minutes; Gaught cut in from the left and pulled back for Austin to tap home. Austin fired over and at the other end Lynn did well to block Mhembere's shot when the striker was clean through. Further chances fell to Cooke before the break but Walsham could not increase their slender lead.

 

   The second half was only five minutes old when Austin converted Cooke's through ball to double the home sides lead. Walsham relentlessly attacked the visitor's goal; Austin fired straight at 'keeper Bedford before Hammond's shot rolled agonisingly wide of the far post. After several more fine moves by the hosts, Gaught effectively wrapped up the match fifteen minutes from time shooting in from close range. Brill thumped a shot against the cross bar from close range and Jack Edwards and Austin both went close before the latter completed his hat trick after unselfish work by Gathercole. In the final minute Austin tapped in his fourth and Walsham's fifth after Gaught slipped the ball across the goal keeper.

 

 Generally a good all round performance against a team near the bottom of the league, some good flowing moves and resolute defending ( now that the newly shorn Fletcher can actually see the ball who knows what he can achieve). Gaught had easily his best game of the season and caused all sorts of problems down the left wing and was well supported by all those around him. I am sure that Mr Austin would be the first to acknowledge that at least three of his goals came courtesy of unselfish play from his team mates, but that is what it is about, team work.

 

 Last, but not least, and I must be going soft, but another mention for the referee. I thought that the young lady did really well, no real big decisions to make but those that she did I thought she got right; possibly could have played the advantage rule a bit better but fair play, well done.

 

 

KG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM THE PETER BAILEY, THE CLUB AND MANAGERS  AT £22.50.

PLEASE RESPOND ASAP AS THERE IS A LIMIT.

Kev reposted just for you!!!!!! 

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League

 

Monday 1st April 2013

 

Walsham Res 0 Sudbury Town Res 1

 

 This promotion chasing match got off to a lively start; firstly Howe saved well from Austin before Lynn had to be quick off his line to block a short back pass from Davey with Benham bearing down. Sudbury's Kent shot wide of the mark as the visitors gradually got on top and Bailey's header was judged off side. Both sides continued to play good football and home 'keeper Lynn saved well from Cawtheray  and Smith before the break.

 Walsham started much better after the interval with Clarke pulling his shot wide, before Cawtheray tried his luck for the visitors. Austin found himself one on one with the 'keeper and it was Howe's fine save low to his left that kept the match scoreless. The hosts continued to press and Cooke hit the base of the post before blazing wildly over from close range minutes later. The match was decided in the seventieth minute when Kent's tantalising low cross was turned into his own goal by Cobbold with Benham bearing down. Sudbury looked to add to their advantage with Benham going agonisingly close before the same player shot straight at Lynn after a fine move down the right. Walsham tried to salvage a point in the dying minutes, but had only Virtue's tame header in added time to show for their efforts.

This match was a credit to both teams and the coaches, with both sides trying to play the game as it should be played, and in the right spirit. Sudbury probably deserved to nick the points on chances created, but it was close and had Mr Cooke remembered he was playing soccer and not rugby it could have been so different.

I think the referee deserves a mention; only a young lad, kept up with play and to be fair I think he got most of the decisions correct.

 

 KG

 

 

 

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League

 

Saturday 16th March 2013

 

Whitton United Res 2 Walsham Res 4

 

Walsham got back to winning ways with a hard fought away victory at mid table Whitton. Walsham dominated the early play and it was no surprise when Roberts finished off a fine through ball; minutes later Brill had a shot blocked before Clark equalised slipping the ball past Lynn. Parnell shot over for the hosts before Austin spurned a great chance for the visitor's, scooping his shot over the bar with only Bedford to beat. Walsham continued to press and Cooke finished off a fine move shooting low into the far corner from just inside the box. Whitton rallied and Goodchild put a free header wide with the goal at his mercy before Bedford did well to tip over Austin's header. Singh dragged a chance wide for Whitton before Vincent equalised from close range. Bedford pulled off another fine save, this time from Cooke before Goodchild blazed a free kick over with the last kick off the first half.

  Only a minute into the second half and Clark shot wide for the hosts when put through and Percy went close with another effort. Midway through the half, Walsham went ahead when Austin tapped in from close range after good work by substitute Hammond. Walsham continued to press but were almost caught on the break when Lynn had to be alert to block Clark's close range shot. Eventually the visitor's pressure paid off, when Austin coolly scored when put through with ten minutes to go. Whitton rallied near the end with Elmer shooting wide, but it was Bedford in the home goal who pulled off a fine save from Roberts in added time.

 

Certainly better than the previous match v Stowmarket; a lot of hard work on a stamina sapping pitch with some fleeting moments of decent football against a Whitton side that certainly put in the effort and continued to play passing football right up to the final whistle. The two lads in the middle Edwards and Clarke had fine games but both were guilty of getting caught in possession, or not releasing the ball quick enough, a problem that we had at the beginning of the season. Austin and Cooke are always going to score goals, so letting in an odd goal should not be too much of a problem providing that they get the service.

 

 

KG

Chell Trophy Final

 

Wednesday 20^th March 2013

 

Brantham Athletic Res 4 Walsham Res 3

 

  In the opening minutes Walsham came closest to scoring when Roberts’ in swinging corner eluded everyone and just missed the far post. But on five minutes it was Brantham that opened the scoring when Lynn spilt a low cross in to the box and Spencer was at hand to bundle the loose ball home from close range. On fifteen minutes Brantham had the ball in the net again only to be pulled back for a penalty kick to be awarded for an earlier infringement (one of several instances in the match when the advantage rule was not played)  Nobbs duly hit the post from the spot and the ball was cleared. The reprieve was short lived when only minutes later Garrod doubled Brantham’s advantage with a low drive. Walsham had to defend in numbers as their opponent’s dictated most of the play and  Adam Thompson went close after another good move. It was a full twenty five minutes before Cooke finally had an attempt at goal for Walsham, but his shot was well wide of the mark and on the stroke of half time, Walsham’s Lynn pulled off an excellent save from Thompson’s low shot.

   At the beginning of the second half Cooke’s spectacular overhead kick flew well wide of the Brantham goal before Stocker made it three after fifty five minutes, scoring from close range following a slick move down the right. Only ten minutes later and the match was seemingly over, when Spencer scored from close range following a corner. Walsham refused to lie down, and having spent most of the previous seventy minutes in their own half came out fighting and Austin glanced home a header to what seemed like a consolation goal. Only two minutes later Hammond scored from the edge of the box after Austin’s shot was blocked by  James Thompson in the Brantham goal and suddenly the match had more of an edge to it. Having dominated most of the match Brantham became a little anxious, but Walsham’s new found impetus could not be turned in to goal scoring chances. In the ninetieth minute Gathercole’s header was deemed to have crossed the line to set up a tense five minutes of added time, but only a late run by Austin gave any hope of a miraculous comeback and Brantham held on for a deserved victory.

 

 

        To be fair, Brantham were by far the better team on the night, they looked sharper, fitter and plainly have some good players (that is why they are top of the league) but  if my information is correct, we are the only team that they have failed to beat in their last 17 league games. You boys have done incredibily well this season in the league, and almost half the teams that entered the Chell Trophy are in the Reserve Premier Division, so to get to the final is a fine achievement, so onwards and upwards and well done to Brantham.

 

  The team would like to thank the numerous supporters who made the long journey to cheer them on in the final.

 

KG

It is to be Walsham le Willows Reserves against Brantham Athletic Reserves in the final of the Chell Trophy. Both teams needed a penalty shoot out to overcome their opponents in Monday’s semi finals.

Walsham are currently first and Brantham second in the Reserve League First Division.

The final is to be played on Wednesday March 20^th at Hadleigh United FC, ko 7.45pm

Walsham Reserves reached the Final of the Chell Trophy after going through on penalties 4-2 after 0-0 in normal time.
They will play Brantham Ath. Res in the final who went through against Stanway Res. 4-3

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League

 

                                                Wednesday 20^th February 2013     

 

                                      Walsham Res 4 Woodbridge Town Res 1 

 

Woodbridge started the brighter and dictated much of the play with excellent passing and movement but creating little to bother Lynn in the home goal. It was Cooke who had the first shot of the match for the hosts, shooting wide from the edge of the box before Baldock chipped wide of the goal, for the visitors. On thirty minutes Austin spurned the best chance to put Walsham ahead, shooting wide when put through on goal. Churchill was denied the opener for Woodbridge for offside and on the stroke of half time Walsham had an amazing escape when firstly Baldock hit the post and the follow up from Keeble hit the bar.

    Walsham had a better start to the second half but Woodbridge looked dangerous on the counter attack with their slick passing and movement. Two goals in ten minutes put Walsham in control of the match; Gathercole’s header was judged to have crossed the line via the cross bar and Brown finished off a good home move to round Sills in the Woodbridge goal and slot home. Greenwood shot wide for the visitors before Fletcher conceded a penalty and Roper duly reduced the arrears from the spot. Woodbridge put Walsham under pressure searching for the equaliser but it was Sills in the visitors goal who saved well from Cooke ten minutes from time. On eighty five minutes Edwards effectively killed off the match with a fine shot from the edge of the area in to the far corner, and in added time Austin tapped in Walsham’s fourth to give a rather flattering look to the score line.

 

 

I don’t think that we should kid ourselves about the margin of this win, in the first half Woodbridge played some excellent football and really should have been out of sight at half time. Having said that, pretty football doesn’t win matches and apart from the chances just before half time Lynn was hardly troubled in the whole match. Goddard, Cobbold, Fletcher and Virtue were outstanding in defence, they didn’t get pulled out of position and held a pretty good back line.

 

KG

Goals from Lewis Cooke and Jake Gathercole saw the Reserves come away with three points from Halstead Town on Saturday.

The team down to the bare bones produced a reasonable performance pegging the home team back for most of the first half and going in one nil up half time with a fine goal from COOKE.

With the home team changing their kit at half time it seemed like a different home team appearered for the second half.

A looping header over in form keeper Lynn drew the tie level, but Walsham went back in front after a good cross into the box was headed in by GATHERCOLE.

The rest of the half was Halstead pushing Walsham back but found the defence hard to break down,  a couple of chances could have drawn the tie, but Walsham held on.

MOM Barry Lynn- Some great saves in the second half.

A tough tie next week a home game against top of the table Felixstowe & Walton Reserves.

 

                                                              Thurlow Nunn Reserve League
 
                                                                Saturday 2nd February 2013
 
                                                         Walsham Res 6 Newmarket Town Res 1
 
Early play was even but the first two chances fell to the hosts; firstly Austin's shot was deflected wide before Bell saved well from Cooke. On fifteen minutes Walsham broke the dead lock when Brown latched onto a through ball from Grant to shoot home across the advancing Bell. Only minutes later Newmarket deservedly equalised when veteran striker Conway found himself in acres of space to superbly shoot into the top corner from the edge of the box. Newmarket tendered to have much of the possession but only once really troubled Lynn when Conway's chip narrowly missed the far post. Walsham too had there chances with Davey and Gathercole trying from distance and Cooke spurning the best chance, shooting wide when one on one with the 'keeper. Newmarket centre back Robinson was probably fortunate to stay on the pitch after tripping Austin en route to goal, but on the stroke of half time, and possibly against the run of play, Walsham regained the lead when Cooke rounded 'keeper Bell following a fine through ball from Cobbold.
     Walsham attacked from the off in the second half and Austin soon increased their lead cooling slipping the ball home. Bell in the visitor's goal pulled off an excellent double save from Brown and Cooke before substitute Hammond headed the fourth. Newmarket continued to press but with little effect and it was Bell in the visitor's goal who was again called upon to save from Brown and Austin. A fine individual solo goal by Brown made it five and deep into added time Fletcher popped up with a rare strike albeit at the second attempt.
 
   Up until half time this was generally a poor performance, Newmarket belied their lowly league position and had much of the play, although to be fair Lynn was hardly troubled in the whole match. Walsham were second to the ball and found the cabbage patch pitch difficult to play on (but it was the same for both sides). On chances, double figures was a real possibility but Bell in the visitors goal made some outstanding saves rather than poor shooting.
 
  On Tuesday the team travel to Long Melford for the Chell Trophy semi final, but a word of warning, we were probably the team they wanted too.
 
KG

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League
                                                                Saturday 5th January 2013
                                                    Felixstowe and Walton Res 1 Walsham Res 2
 
Walsham made the long trip to league leaders Felixstowe with only twelve players and several influencial players missing. The home side started as expected and dominated the early play with Youngs trying his luck from distance before Cooke put a tame header straight into the hands of home 'keeper Walden. Following poor defending the visitors conceded a free kick on the edge of the box and Youngs freekick into the top corner via the bar would have graced any goal of the month competition. As is common practice now Walsham refused to lie down and Cooke had another weak shot easily saved. Felixstowe playing good possession football probed for their second and both Haighton and Youngs tried from distance but wide of the goal. On the stroke of half time Walsham equalised when Cooke's fine back header was turned in at the near post by Roberts.
   In the opening minutes of the second half Walsham cleared desperately off the goal line during a goal mouth scramble as Felixstowe tried to make their possession tell; but it was the visitors who took the lead when Roberts' speculative shot from the edge of the box looped over Walden and found the back of the net. Felixstowe are not top of the league for no reason and on a heavy pitch played some attractive football and Lynn did well to tip over Ray's header. As the game entered its final stages Lynn saved comfortably twice from Mckenzie, but Walsham had the odd chance to increase their lead on the break. Five minutes from time Walsham were reduced to ten men when Mitchell was sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession but Lynn in goal magnificently supported by the back four of Hammond, Cobbold, Fletcher and Virtue held on for an impressive win.
 
Top of the league, another small town, depleted squad, influencial players missing, I don't think that this lot understand any of that; week after week they put in an honest 90minutes against teams from clubs potentially much bigger than themselves. At last Mr Fletcher can reflect on a game where he added a bit of skill and thinking to his obvious never ending effort, the same can be said about Mr Virtue but I think that he has been doing that for the past few weeks. Mr Hammond did his best at right back and is not going to be criticised for a couple of errors when playing out of position and putting in a good shift, and you always know what you are going to get from Mr Cobbold.
 
Brill finally decided to run around a bit and looked a better player for it and as per usual all the team can be very proud of themselves.
 
I would like to thank all the players who contributed towards my Christmas gift, the Panetonne was delicious. Finally I would like to point out that my match reports are certainly no more dodgy than some of Mr Fletcher's defending or some of Mr Cooke's shooting.
 
KG

 

Andy Sue & Ian also like to thank the players for the Christmas gits.

MATCH REPORT ON THE DISS WEB SITE

 

http://www.disstownfc.co.uk/

 

 

A Luke Austin Hattrick and goals from Luke Roberts and Darren Brill gave the away side the 3 points stopping Diss's 3 game winning streak.

We now move on to an away game at Wivenhoe on Saturday and then Woodbridge Town on the 29th at home to finish off 2012

A match report can be found on the Diss Web site under Reserves.

www.disstownfc.co.uk

 

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League

 

                                                                    Saturday 8^th December 2012

 

                                                            AFC Sudbury Res 3 Walsham Res 3

 

Sudbury started the much brighter and really should have taken the lead when Adams shot wide from close range with the goal at his mercy and Kent pulling his long range shot just wide of the far post. Walsham had a claim for a penalty turned down after a challenge on Gaught from behind, but it was Sudbury who took the lead midway through the half when Kent cut in from the right and fired passed Lynn, their lead was soon doubled when Adams slotted home from close range. The visitors rallied; Atkins headed over from close range and Cooke went close before on the stroke of half time Austin scored from the spot after a clumsy challenge on Gathercole in the box. After the break Walsham played much better; Fletcher should have done better with a free header, before Brill’s in swinging corner eluded everyone and ended up in the net for the equaliser. Lynn in the visitor’s goal pulled off the save of the match from Adams header only for the same player to head Sudbury in front mid way through the half. Austin went close for Walsham before Hammond slotted home the equaliser, ten minutes from time, capitalising on a rebound from home ‘keeper Howe. In added time Lynn pulled off two fine saves; first from Adams and then from Kent to preserve a share of the points for Walsham.

 

I have said it before and I will say it again, ‘I don’t think that these boys know when they are beaten’; to be honest Sudbury were far the better team and apart from some poor finishing and Walsham ‘keeper Lynn they would have been out of sight. Having said that, it has to be remembered that Sudbury are, at least in terms of local football, a big club with a large catchment area, playing in a fine new stadium and a proven history over several years. Walsham, as per always, gave 100% effort and try to produce flowing, on the ground football. The midfield is an area of concern; Atkins and Gathercole are both fine players with lots of effort, but they need support, and I feel that Gaught, Brill or who ever will need to be given a dedicated midfield role to help out (but who ever it is will have to match the battling and effort of the other two). This was another good result; the team was down to the bare bones but still produced an honest, battling display against a very good team.

 

 

  KG

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League

Saturday 1st December 2012

Walsham Res 2 Brantham Athletic Res 2

High flying Brantham immediately took the game to Walsham and found themselves two goals ahead within the first fifteen minutes. After only two minutes Mann latched onto a through ball and coolly slotted passed Bryant, Adam Thompson shot wide and then on fifteen minutes Spencer doubled the advantage, stabbing home a loose ball following a corner. Rather than folding Walsham buckled down and got back into the game when Gaught was tripped in the area and Cooke converted the resulting penalty. Both sides looked to stamp their authority on the match and James Thompson in the Brantham goal pulled off a fine save to deny Brill an equaliser. Before the break, Mann’s header crept passed a Walsham post and at the other end Cooke’s header was easily saved by the visiting ‘keeper. After the break Brantham took a grip on the game; Adam Thompson shot wide whilst Bryant saved well from Stocker in the opening minutes. Mid way through the half Walsham suffered a major set back when Atkins was dismissed for a second yellow. Adam Thompson again shot wide for the visitors but Walsham came back and Hammond’s weak shot was easily saved by James Thompson. The outcome of the match hung in the balance and it was no real surprise when Davey rose at the far post to head the equaliser with ten minutes to go. Either side could have nicked it at the end but Brantham came the closest when Bryant did well to parry Turner’s header in added time.

This was a very good result against a team that are second in the league, play some good football and won the corresponding fixture 6-1 (albeit the score was a little flattering). This team never give up and always put in a full shift, the dismissal was probably fair, but the boys upped their game and got on with it. As usual Cobbold and his boys did their job in defence and Gathercole had another fine game in midfield. Bryant in goal done a couple of smart saves and is a good keeper, he just needs to be more dominant in the six yard box and come off the line quicker. None of this is in any way a criticism; ALL the boys deserve the credit for this result, including the two Mr Atkins’.



KG



Report frpm the Brantham Web Ste

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League

Saturday 24th November 2012

Hadleigh United Res 1 Walsham Res 4


It was Hadleigh who made much of the early running, Lynn saved well from Evans only for Driscoll to shoot the rebound over the bar, with the goal at his mercy. Some what against the run of play Walsham took the lead when Cooke latched on to a long punt up field to superbly finish from just inside the box. Hadleigh responded and Clarke went close from the edge of the area before Cooke doubled the visitor’s lead when he bundled the ball home from close range. Walsham were beginning to dictate the match now, De Lara Bell tipped Gaught’s drive over the bar and it was no real surprise when Cooke completed his hat trick on the stroke of half time, turning in Austin’s corner. The second half commenced with the rain cascading down and with both sides creating chances; Austin went close a couple of times for Walsham and Allen for Hadleigh. The home side found themselves back in the match with twenty minutes to go when Jennings’ cross cum shot eluded Lynn and found its way into the net via the far post. More chances fell to Walsham and it was Austin who effectively killed of the match with a crisp first time shot from Brill’s low cross five minutes from time.

This was probably just about the Reserves strongest team, so much was expected against mid table Hadleigh. They got off to a slow start and were fortuitous not to go behind before the Lewis Cooke show, some of his finishing is first rate. Having weathered the early pressure they came much more into the game and dictated play for long periods playing some good football in poor conditions. Atkins had probably one of his best games to date, and as usual the defence coped with most that Hadleigh had to offer. In defence of the home team, they tried to play football and really only let themselves down with the final ball, I would even go as far to say that if Mr Cooke had been wearing a white shirt this could have been a different result.

Generally pretty good overall, against another small town team with a much greater catchment area.


KG

Suffolk Senior Res Cup 3rd Round

Saturday 17th November 2012

Kirkley and Pakefield Res 2 Walsham Res 0

Kirkley started off the livelier of the two teams and Meeken went close from an early corner. Walsham gradually got more into the match and Brill had a shot on goal before Winram wasted a good chance for the hosts. Although the play was fairly even it was Walsham who had the best chances before the break; Gaught shot wide and Brill had a shot well saved before Attridge in the home goal pulled off the save of the half spectacularly tipping Gaught’s curling shot around the post.
Walsham had much of the early possession in the second half but it was Kirkley who created the early chances, and Winram blasted over from a good position. Mid way through the second half Kirkley were awarded a dubious penalty for alleged hand ball against Cobbold. Hunter hit the spot kick well, but justice was seen to be done when Lynn looked pulled off a tremendous save to keep the scores level. Hunter brought another fine save out off Lynn before himself stabbing home from close range to put the hosts ahead with only ten minutes to go. Walsham looked to get back into the match but were caught on the break when Hunter again latched onto a through ball to coolly shoot passed Lynn. Still Walsham refused to throw in the towel and Gaught brought a fine save out of Attridge with a long range shot in the dying seconds.


This was good match with some fine football from both sides; over the ninety minutes Kirkley probably edged it but Walsham were on the receiving end of some very poor decisions by the officials, but these things happen in football. The team were a little thin on the ground and obviously missed Austin up front, but generally this was another creditable performance.


KG

After the games were called off again this week the new dates are:-

Long Melford Res v. Walsham le Willows Res (Monday February 25th)

Stanway Rovers Res v. Brantham Athletic Res (TO BE CONFIRMED)

Walsham Reserves were denied by goal difference by Thetford Town Res who beat Dereham Town Res. 4-2 in their final game, so congratulations to the reserve teams of Long Melford and Thetford Town who have qualified for the semi finals of the Chell Trophy after winning their qualifying groups this week.

They will join Stanway Rovers and Brantham Athletic in the semi final draw


UPDATE

WITH THETFORD WITHDRAWING FROM THE LEAGUE THE RESERVES WILL NOW GO THROUGH TO THE SEMI FINAL

The Reserves finished their Chell Trophy section games away at Dereham Town and came home with the 3 points that takes them to the top of the section.

The only game left to stop the Reserves reaching the Semi Final is Dereham's away game at Thetford on Tuesday night 23th November.

Lewis Cooke scored the only goal midway through first half to seal the victory against a very good Dereham Town who are second in the Reserve Premier League.

A hard working performance by all the squad on the night secured the win on the night.

The next match for the Reserves is a Suffolk Snr Reserve cup game V Kirkly & Pakfield from the Anglian Comb Snr league on Saturday 17th November

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League

Saturday 3rd November 2012

Newmarket Town Res 0 Walsham Res 4


Newmarket belied their lowly league position and had much of the early play; Cummings should have done better with an early chance for Newmarket and likewise Hammond had a chance for the visitors at the other end. In an amazing goal mouth scramble the ball was twice blocked on the Walsham line from Wallis and Conway and within a minute Gathercole’s header was cleared off the Newmarket goal line. Eventually Walsham took command of the game and Cooke scored latching onto a through ball. Toczek saved well from Cooke before Austin added the second from a narrow angle. Further chances fell to Walsham before the break that were either saved or squandered. The second half continued much as the first had finished, with Walsham on top. Austin soon added the third shooting low into the far corner and was unlucky when hitting the upright minutes later. Newmarket refused to give up and Cummings went close with a free kick. More chances were squandered before Austin completed his second hat trick in three days in the closing minutes.


Certainly not up to Wednesday night’s display, but Newmarket were a big team and made life difficult by closing down very quickly. The back four of Davey, Cobbold, Fletcher and Virtue easily withstood any threat from the home side; but it has to be remembered that Newmarket are bottom of the league. Walsham passed the ball well on a bumpy pitch and created several good goal scoring opportunities, and as usual a lot of hard work and effort, but it was not a match to ascertain too much from.


KG

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League

Wednesday 31st October 2012
Walsham Res 5 Diss Town Res 1

Walsham got back to winning ways with a fine performance against Diss Reserves. The home side had much of the early play but it was Diss striker Allibone whose long range shot was the first strike at goal. Walsham took over command of the match and Austin was unlucky when his low shot hit the far post. The home side’s dominance finally told; Gaught’s pinpoint cross was met by Austin only for Bond in the Diss goal to pull off a fine save, but the incoming Cooke bundled the ball over the line. Hammond was unlucky when his shot hit the visitor’s bar and at the other end Allibone blazed over from the edge of the area. Walsham looked to consolidate their lead but it was Lynn in the home goal who had to be alert to keep out Peake just before the break.

Walsham continued to dominate after half time and Austin went close, before Cooke increased their lead with an excellent low shot into the far corner. In an incredible goal mouth scramble, Bond pulled off a fine save from Cooke’s header to prevent the striker’s hat trick. Diss battled hard and Walsham had to work for their rewards but it was no surprise when Austin added a quick brace to put the home side four goals to the good. Diss refused to throw in the towel and were rewarded when Hancock’s long range strike looped over Lynn for what was really only a consolation goal. In the dying minutes Austin completed his hat trick, capitalising on a weak back pass to give Walsham a deserved victory.


Excellent; that was a very, very good performance and all the players should be proud of themselves, some of the football played was first rate and the effort was faultless. I don’t normally like to single out individual performances but, Jake Gathercole’s performance in midfield was easily his best to date.
KG

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League

Saturday 27th October 2012

Brantham Athletic Res 6 Walsham Res 1


Walsham started on the back foot and spent long periods defending in the opening period and Mann should really have done better with a free header. Lynn came to the rescue for Walsham saving well from Adam Thompson and another effort from Mann before Brill wasted a glorious opportunity for the visitors, blazing over the bar following a rare raid into the Brantham area. After thirty minutes Garrod broke the deadlock when his corner eluded everyone and curled in by the near post, putting the home side ahead. More stout defending, poor finishing and good goalkeeping by Lynn kept the score to 1-0 at half time. Within a minute of the second half Walsham had equalised when ROBERTS rounded a defender then the goal keeper to score from an acute angle. However within fifteen minutes the visitors found themselves 5-1 down; firstly Mann scored from close range, before Nobbs curled in a much disputed freekick from the edge of the area. Within ten minutes Nobbs had completed his hat trick, including one from the spot, to effectively kill the match off. For the next twenty minutes Walsham were by far the better team, but never really troubled James Thompson in the Brantham goal. In added time Mann added the sixth as the visitors looked to add some respectability to the score.


I think the expression to sum up the match is, 'bad day at the office'. Brantham were by far the better team and deserved their victory; having said that, from the touch line they did not look world beaters and in general footballing terms Walsham matched them. The big difference was in the final third, their goal keeper hardly made a save where as Lynn was called upon several times in the ninety minutes. The real killer blow was their third; the free kick given against Cobbold was harsh to say the least and the resulting free kick was not the greatest I have ever seen either. But, as I write most weeks, the team spirit and work rate was there for all to see, the last twenty minutes was spent mostly in Brantham's half, now that's not bad for a side four goals behind and there is also no doubt the team missed target man Cooke up front with his running and general presence.
KG


Nice gesture by the Brantham Manger who said the score flattered them, but you clearly could see why they are topping the table with their attacking play.


The Reserves move on to a Home game V Diss on Wednesday 31st October 745pm Kick off.

After beating Stowmarket Town 4-1 on Tuesday night with goals from Darren Brill, David Fletcher, Jack Edwards, & Sam Parish.

The Reserves now face Kirkly & Pakefield Res. who play in the Anglian Comb. Snr Div. Away on 10th November

Thurlow Nunn Reserve League

Saturday 12th October 2012

Walsham Res 1 Wivenhoe Town Res 0

Walsham had much of the early play and it was no real surprise when Cooke put the home side ahead with a fine first time finish. Walsham continued to dominate the game but it was Lynn who prevented an equaliser with a fine save from Hawkins. Half chances came and went for Walsham and Hodgkins saved at the second attempt from Brill. On the few occasions Wivenhoe caused the Walsham defence any anxiety their final ball let them down, although Rajabi had one long range shot clear the cross bar.

It was Wivenhoe who went closest to scoring first in the second half when Lynn did well to keep out his own defender's Fletcher's miscued clearence. Spindler wasted a good chance to equalise, shooting wide, before Austin hit both Wivenhoe posts in the space of a minute following a goal mouth melee. It was Austin again who spurned the best chance of the match shooting over from close range after good work by Gaught. At one nil winning the match was always at risk and Hawkins went close to equalising for the visitors with ten minutes to go. Probably the most outstanding moment of the match was Hodgkins save from Cobbold in the dying seconds as Walsham looked to put the match out of Wivenhoe's reach. Cobbold's shot was destined for the top corner only for Hodgkins to tip the ball around the post.

It is hard to put my finger on any real issues from the match, Wivenhoe are probably not the strongest team in the league but made Walsham work for their victory, the lads played reasonably well and on another day may have scored five or six. Everybody cannot play well every week and maybe it was just one of those matches.
KG

Chell Trophy Group Match (North)

10th October 2012

Walsham Res 3 Thetford Town Res 2


Walsham returned to winning ways with hard fought win over a good Thetford side, and three goals in the opening five minutes set the evening up for an exciting match. In the opening minute Austin clinically finished off a good Walsham move only to see Barker head the equaliser from a needlessly conceded free kick only two minutes later. Austin restored Walsham’s lead in the fifth minute beating Welford in the Thetford goal when put through. Cooke clipped the Thetford post as Walsham looked to extend their lead but gradually Thetford got more into the match. Following a spell of pressure from Thetford, Gaught cleared off the line and Lison’s header bounced off the Walsham cross bar. Ironically from the latter Walsham broke clear and Cooke tapped the ball in after good work by Austin. Walsham had chances to increase their lead before the break; Gaught should have done better when put through only to see his shot saved by Welford and Cooke went close again on the stroke of half time.


The second half saw Austin go close again before Bryant in the Walsham goal did well to tip over Wilcox’s lob. Austin was denied his hat trick by the off side flag and Bryant did well to save a deflected shot from Thetford’s danger man Tavares. The game swung from end to end and Welford produced the save of the match from Austin’s powerful drive. With ten minutes to go, following a series of calamitous mistakes in the Walsham defence, Bowers tapped in from close range to set up a tense finish. Virtue and Fletcher toiled hard in defence to restrict Thetford, but McCless had the opportunity to square the match in the last minute only to blaze over the bar from close range.


This was a very good match for the neutral, both sides tried to play football and the game could easily have gone either way. The first half saw Walsham giving the ball away too easily and conceding needless free kicks, enabling Thetford to get the ball into the box. I am sure Andy dealt with this at half time, as the second half was much better. As in the last match, two or three players are being caught in possession and often in areas which leaves the team exposed. Whilst accepting that Thetford deserved a second goal, the way it was conceded by Walsham was pure pantomime; but all in all this was another creditable scalp and the third victory over clubs from small towns with far larger catchment areas.
KG

Walsham lost their unbeaten league record to a strong and disciplined Ipswich side. Hall perhaps should have done better for the home side with an early chance before Haynes' long range shot cleared the Walsham cross bar. Gathercole had a chance to put Walsham ahead but his weak chip was easily collected by Russell. Midway through the half Ipswich took the lead with Henry's shot giving Lynn in the Walsham goal no chance. Walsham fought back and Russell pulled off a spectacular save from Gaught's diving header to prevent a Walsham equaliser. Ipswich looked to increase their lead and Lynn pulled off a fine save to deny Lea. To their credit Walsham upped their game, Cooke went close before Gathercole should really have hit the target after a fine run by Gaught just before the break. Only minutes into the second half and Walsham equalised through Gathercole. A quickly taken freekick on the edge of the box caught Russell in the home goal still organising the defensive wall. Walsham's joy was short lived when only moments later Henry fired a speculative long range shot into the top corner to restore Ipswich's lead. Ipswich dominated a lot of the play and perhaps rather fortuitously were awarded a penalty, but Lynn was equal to the occasion and saved Haynes' spot kick. Walsham thought they had equalised through Gathercole but the goal was disallowed for a previous offside. Cobbold and Fletcher held the visitor's defence firm but Ipswich struck again through Abdulrohman from close range. Walsham rarely looked like reducing the arrears and Douglas wrapped up the scoring only minutes from time with a deft chip from the penalty spot. A late flurry of yellow cards by the referee came as a bit of a surprise in a match that was for the most part played in a sporting manner.


To be fair, over the ninety minutes, Ipswich deserved the win; they were strong, hard working and their movement off the ball was excellent. A problem Walsham has is that they are not physically a big side, they have spirit and no shortage of skill but were too often caught in possession in vulnerable areas of the pitch. They never gave up and at times played some good positive football and will surely win more games than they lose.

by KG

A Jake Gathercole strike in the first half was enough to win this game.
The game started with the home side starting without a recognised keeper until keeper Lynn arrived late from work.
The first half performance was poor by the home side, at times it looked as though nobody knew each other, but after a few home truths at half time the performance improved in the second half, despite a spirited Melford team effort who gave their all for the full 90 min and who probably deserved a draw for their effort.
Two great saves from both keepers was the main highlight of game.
The home team players must look to improve on this performance when they play next week away v Ipswich Wanderers.

The Reserves came away from Cambridgeshire with a point, a point that should have been all three.
Two goals from Lewis Cooke saw the away side 2 nil up at half time but a lack lustre second half performance saw the home side come back into the game, after mix up in the Walsham area. But with shots off the bar from Brill, Cooke and Austin the score remanded 1-2 till Walden equalized in the last 10min. with Walsham pushing forward to try and put the game out of their reach.

CHELL TROPHY MATCH

This was a good win for Walsham against a physically strong Gorleston team. Cooke had an early chance for Walsham before Pretlove lifted his shot over the bar for the visitors. Gorleston commanded much of the opening twenty minutes but failed to trouble Bryant in the Walsham goal. Perhaps a bit against the run of play Walsham scored twice in five minutes, firstly Gaught fired low into the bottom corner before Cooke spectacularly scored from Austin's cross. Play swung from end to end before Raven scrambled home for the visitors on the stroke of half time. To their credit Walsham came out undeterred in the second half and Cobbold restored their two goal advantage with a header from a corner. Gorleston came back and Fuller fired over from a good position before the same player reduced the arrears with an opportunist strike. Whatmough pulled off the save of the match from Parish as Walsham looked to regain their two goal advantage. Walsham had to dig deep at the end but even six minutes of added time was not enough for Gorleston to snatch a draw.

Stowmarket Town Res 0 Walsham Res 9





Walsham cruised to their first win of the season in some style against a spirited Stowmarket team. After dominating the early play, with both Hammond and Austin having half chances, the former opened the scoring for Walsham from close range. Further goals came before half time with a fine strike from Austin and another for Hammond. The match was effectively over only minutes into the second half with Hammond completing his hat trick and Austin scoring from the spot. Tatham added a sixth, before Mayes missed Stow’s best chance of the game, blasting his spot kick against the bar. Clarke in the Stow goal saved his team more embarrassment only to spill Austin’s tame shot into his own goal. Substitute Atkins added an eighth before Austin added his fourth and Walsham’s ninth with a fine lob over Clarke.



Cobbold and Fletcher marshalled the Walsham defence well, but will surely face tougher opposition as the season progresses. The team played some excellent football at times and have a good squad of players. Both full backs Virtue and White provided good support to the midfield and kept their positions well. The midfield of Gathercole and Roberts worked hard all match and passed the ball accurately and positively; against stronger opposition they may find dwelling on the ball too long to be a problem. Cooke up front is a good target man ably supported by Hammond, and Austin is going to be a real handful for all opposing teams. With back up from the youth team and with the likes of Atkins, Brill, Gaught and others to come in, the squad certainly has a lot of depth.

A Luke Austin penalty scored in the last minute secured a point for the Reserves against Ipswich Wanderers Res. yesterday in the 2-2 draw. A game the Reserves did not deserve to lose, but could have played far better.
Both teams played some neat football on pitch that looked as good as any in the Eastern Counties Leagues

Wanderers took the lead from a corner when attacking player headed in unchallenged, a poor goal to give away from a corner after the defence over the pre-season games had looked far better than this, when dealing with corners.

The Reserves hit back within ten minutes when a good run from Cooke saw the ball hit a defender and loop to the far post were LEE HAMMOND head in to score his first competitive goal for a senior team after stepping up from Al Harris Under 18 team.

Ipswich Wanderers re-took the lead before half time when the home defence were caught napping when a Wanderers forward prodded the ball over home keeper from outside of the box after he hesitated. Half Time 1-2

Both teams battled to get the next goal but it was Walsham who stepped up the pressure by changing formation and running the legs off the Ipswich players in midfield leaving them to attack down the flanks with no final killer ball.

Towards the end it did get scrappy, but a shot from outside of the box by Austin was heading into the top corner but a fantastic one-handed save by Wanderers keeper kept his team in the game but going into the final minute a run into the box by Jake Gathercole saw him upended and AUSTIN duly slotted a well taken penalty away. Final score 2 - 2

The Reserves will play Stowmarket Town F.C. away in the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup. The tie will be Away with a 7.45pm Kick off on the 18th October

2012-13 CHELL TROPHY DETAILS

20 of the 29 Reserve League teams have entered the 2012-13 Chell Trophy competition.

The teams have been split into 5 geographical groups and will play 4 matches each, 2 at home and 2 away.

The winners of each of the groups will qualify for the single leg semi finals. The final will be played at a neutral venue towards the end of the season.

North Group
Dereham Town, Diss Town, Gorleston, Needham Market, Walsham-le-Willows

West Group
AFC Sudbury, Halstead Town, Long Melford, Newmarket Town, Saffron Walden Town

East Group
Brantham Athletic, Felixstowe & Walton United, Ipswich Wanderers, Leiston, Whitton United

South Group
Brightlingsea Regent, Heybridge Swifts, Maldon & Tiptree, Stanway Rovers, Witham Town

Taken from the GreenUN Web Site

The Reserves won the ST NICHOLAS HOSPICE CARE PLATE beating Beck Row 2-0 at Grt Barton on Wednesday 24th May. Goals from CHRIS BROCK and Man of the Match JAMES CLARIDGE

The Reserves finished off their League season last Wednesday night with a loss to Gorleston Reserves.

A clumsy challenge by Ben Virtue in the last minute resulted with a penalty which was put away and saw Gorleston take the League title.

Well done to Gorleston for this seasons Title.

The Reserves wait to play their next game in the Hospice Cup. They could face the A Team who play Glad Abbott from the Bury league on Saturday 28th April.

The final away game for the Reserves saw them come away from a bleak Grt Yarmouth with a point.

Chances falling to Thorrold, Curtis could not be taken during the match.

Yarmouth had a penalty apeal turned down after Fletcher tried to put the forward into the Pleaseure Beach amusements.

With Lewis Kemp missing a penalty in the final 2 min which could have seen a Reserves win, but a great save kept Yarmouth in the game.

The Reserves entertained a young Woodbridge side on Saturday and came away with a clean sheet and three points along with a performance which was better than the one against Hadleigh Utd Res. In the Peel Cup on Wednesday night , losing 5nil.
Goals from JAKE GATHERCOLE with a header from a free kick and LEWIS KEMP who returned the ball into the net after the visiting keeper’s clearance fell to him outside the box completed the scoring.
Home keeper Bryant had little to do as the home side pushed forward, with only limited breaks from Woodbridge.
I am sure it will be a tighter affair next Saturday when the Res have the return fixture at Woodbridge.
New signing ED BEETON made an appearance in the second half and Brock & Kemp continued to step up there fitness after lengthy breaks due to injury.
Reserves are away to Diss Town Res. On Tuesday 20th March where they will face their old keeper, and great friend Rob “the lob” Goodwin.

This long awaited 2nd round Peel Cup match eventually took place some 2 months later than its scheduled date and from Hadleigh’s point of view it was worth waiting for as Hadleigh dominated right from the off.

Hadleigh only needed 7 minutes to open their account when a free kick from the left was played low and hard into the near post and Daryl Alexander had the skill to place his shot inside the goalkeeper’s near post. Walsham appeared to have a young and, probably, inexperienced side and were constantly troubled by the speed of passing of the Hadleigh midfielders coupled with some excellent running off the ball by Hadleigh debutant Kyle Cassel. It was Kyle, the Hadleigh number 9, who scored the visitor’s second goal after picking up a pass wide on the right and cutting past the defender and slotting home to give the Walsham keeper little chance.

Only another 5 minutes and Hadleigh put the tie beyond any doubt with their third goal when Callum Smith headed home at the far post from Cassell’s cross from the right. From what I can remember a headed Callum Smith goal is one of those rarities and I must say he took it very well although he was little troubled by the Walsham defence.

So a half time score of 0-3 and the home side had really created very little and certainly nothing to trouble Callum Deacon in the Hadleigh goal. Two minutes after the re-start Kieran Dilloway, who came on at the beginning of the half, made it 4-0 and one wondered whether this was going to be one of those big scores of the season. Hadleigh continued to create further chances and the final goal of the game came courtesy of Daryl Alexander with his second of the night.

This was certainly an accomplished display by Hadleigh who were good value for their 5-0 victory and it was nice for Jason Curtis to have most of the senior reserve players available together with the 2 debutants. Walsham, despite being 5 goals behind, continued to show great spirit and they displayed a lot of effort and determination and all credit to them for that.

Kindly taken from the Hadleigh Utd web site.

Our thoughts
Beaten by a Team who wanted it more than we did.

Peel Cup Game V Hadeigh Utd will be played Wednesday 14th March 7.45

Walsham Res. are the current holders of the Peel Cup

Third time lucky for the res. twice been beaten by Stow this season once in the cup and the away fixture it was nice to come away from the game with three points. The home team welcomed back Kemp and Brock from injuries but with late call offs it was all change yet again for the team.

The first half was a scrappy affair with Walsham trying to play football while Stow were launching long balls over the top to try and catch the home side out to no avail.

The only problems the home side had been of their own making and were lucky not to go behind.

Walsham went ahead when a long ball was chased by THORROLD who netted after confusing the keeper, to be fair he did look offside but it was about time the side has had had a bit of luck in a game.HT 1-0

The second half the home side started to play more like the team we know with Kemp having a fine game.

With a qtr of the game left a shot by Lawrence was parried by the keeper but ATKINS was on hand to nod the ball home.

With Brock, Forbes, and Lilly replacing Atkins, Kemp and Lawrence in the final minutes the team looked comfortable.


With 2 min to go Stow pulled a goal back when a mis-controled ball by a Walsham player was whipped in and headed home.

A couple of Stow corners needed defending but all came to no avail do to some good defending.

A warm welcome to Ed Beeton, who made his first apperance for the Reserves V Woodbridge Town RES on Saturday.

After some decent performances from the Reserves over the last few weeks this was not up to the standard expected.

Walsham took the lead through CLARRIDGE, his first goal for the club with a great run and shot.

But the team could not hold out till half, with a Thetford forward rounding keeper Jackson to score after some poor defending by Walsham.

The second half Thetford took their chances well and sent Walsham home pointless, let’s hope we don’t have another performance like this again this season from a Walsham Reserve side again.

The Reserves entertained the talented Needham Market Res. to Summer Road this afternoon and after been well beaten in their last meeting at Needham earlier in the season.
The game was an open game from the start with Walsham going close when Atkins failed to guide the ball into the need from a Kemp cross
Needham drove forward with pace but were well marshalled by the home defence and were limited to long shots which did not really trouble keeper Bryant.
Half time 0 – 0
The second half was much like the first until the last 5min when a Needham forward drove at pace and trickery at the heart of the Walsham defence and slid the ball home.
Most people would have thought that was it for the home side but the new found will to get something out of the game and a change of formation saw the home side hit back with 2min to go when a forward lofted ball by Fletcher was headed into the Needham net by a Needham player , a game which Walsham did not deserve to lose, so a point was well worth the second half performance by all the players.

TEAM:-BRYANT,GODDARD,VIRTUE,COBBOLD,FLETCHER,PARTRIDGE,GATHERCOLE,KEMP,THORROLD,ATKINS,ROBERTS SUBS RONNY FROM DISS,CLARKE,FORBES

The Reserves bowed out of the Suffolk Senior Res. Cup after consideing a goal in the last two minutes of extra time.

We quickly went behind after 5min after a deft touch in front of keeper Goodwin went in the goal after a good cross from the wing Walsham equalised after a cross from Kemp was headed in by LAWERANCE 10min later Brantham had the most of the play kicking down the slop and their wingers caused the Walsham defence much trouble but the end product was not that great.Half Time 1 1

The second half saw Walsham take the game to Brantham but again they fell behind, but not showing any pannick got on with the job in hand and by getting forward more sub Debenham causing painick in the home defence. Good work down the wing by Debenham saw his cross find CLARKE who fired Walsham level.

Into Extra Time We then had a spell of descions from the Ref which led to Walsham once again going behind. The desion that Fletcher had fouled a Brantham player who went down far to easy inside the box saw the resulting penalty put a way. The players once again picked themselves up again and went for it but some desions which were against Walsham were just not right, we had keeper Goodwin who spilled a ball but gained control at the feet of a Brantham player, but the player then fell down with the referee then giveing a penalty. But GOODWIN going full length saved the shot.
This fired up the players and we again drew level when LAWERANCE slotted the ball home.

With two minmutes to go both teams on their last legs Walsham concidered the forth goal, and there was just no way or time to get back and go to penalitys. Good luck to Brantham who face Stowmarket Town Res in the Qtr finals

Through the team lost we had more fighting spirit than we have had for a number of weeks.

Praise must go to Walsham Keeper Rob Goodwin, who had a fantastic game pulling off some wonderfull saves, but Rob has decided to leave and return to Diss Town this after an approach was made, he feels he will have more opertunitties of playing first team football, we wish him well, that is until we lob him from distance when we play Diss Res.

The Reserves got back to winning ways after their dead rubber game against Stowmarket Town during the week in the Chell Trophy , which they lost 4 1.
KEMP put the Reserves ahead but Stowmarket equalised with a good shot from outside the box, the second half was an even game but the first team players of Stowmarket were the difference in the game, Walsham played the better football but Stow’s hold up play caused mistakes and fouls which cost us the game, Good luck to Stow when they play Haverhill, they need to score a lot of goals to go through.
The Debenham game started slow but overall the whole game Walsham played some of their best football in a long time with Scott Swallow MOM in the Managers eyes, Goals from PADDY LAWERANCE, JAKE (the hammer) GATHERCOLE and a penalty from KEMP caped off a fine performance

Walsham’s interest in the Chell Trophy after this game, with the home side needing to win and then beat Stowmarket Town Res in their final game.

KEMP put the home side ahead after good work done the wing, and never really looked in trouble with keeper Goodwin rarely troubled.

The second half saw Melford push the home side all the way but with no end product.

Melford's equaliser after a rash challenge from 30yds out was smashed home; a fantastic strike and celebrations were like they had won the cup.

The home team made changes and went for it but the finishing was poor Churchill hitting the post and Goddard(thinking he was Andy Carroll) rattling the bar other chances went begging along with our chances of progressing further.

Some of the home players need to give more than they have over the past few games, back to the standard the Management expects.

Kindly taken from the Green'Un' web site

Melton St Audrys

Saints 0 v 3 Walsham
Saints Res 0 Walsham Le Willows Res 3
There comes a pivotal moment in a season for a reserve side when for whatever reason, players will be missing. I don’t think for one minute though manager Shem could believe the situation he was facing when the reserves entertained Ridgeons League Walsham Le Willows in the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup.
No fewer than eight players were missing through injury, illness and work which meant the reserves started the game with the bare 11, one of which was carrying an injury, another playing during his lunch break and unbelievably manager Shem dusting off his boots and playing a competitive game for the first time in 5 years since suffering a knee injury. As the game proceeded and to their credit saints gave the visitors a real good opening half hour with Hudson the main threat down the right. Then after 35 mins we went down to ten men with Malv Farthing having to return to work.5 minutes later the visitors took advantage of the extra man and scored to make the half time score one nil.
The second half began and although struggling the gaffer up front on his own went close with a header after a great cross from Beal. Chasing an equaliser, we allowed Walsham to make space and on the hour they increased their lead. Then a killer blow, when five minutes later Bedford in goal who was having a fantastic game, had the ball kicked out of his hands whilst on the floor allowing Walsham to kill the game off. With ten minutes to go full credit to the side, as they never stopped, we even had a late goal ruled out for offside, we did create chances and can’t help but think if it might of been closer with a full team.
After the game manager Shem was full of praise for the team and rightly so, the work rate of Martin, Thorpe, Phair and Hudson along with the support of Pont and Beal, combined with the leadership of Wright and the constant running from King was to be admired, so much so that no one secured the man of the match award.
Any club, or manager would be proud of the teams attitude, performance and desire for this match, to play 60 mins with ten men against quality opposition in that humidity, yet never giving up, gives you confidence for the next fixture, especially with key players returning next week.
The club would like to congratulate referee Bob Gooch for a fantastic game and for his and Walsham’s understanding regarding the players situation. Thanks to Malv Farthing for helping in his lunch break, and to Ponty’s mate for being water boy!.
Well done Saints for a fantastic team performance and yes we haven’t mentioned Shem attempting a 40 yard volley in the first half!
The Saint

The Reserves entertained Dereham Town at home on Saturday and took all three points with a three nil win.
Once again players were missing but again all the players in the squad gave enough to win the game by half time.
Two great finishes by PARISH and the, inform DIAPER killed the game by half time.
The second half was just Walsham controlling the game until the final minutes when Dereham started to play themselves into the game, but apart from the odd chance which were caused by mistakes by Walsham players. It was an ok performance, but I am sure they will improve over the coming weeks.
Once again the introduction of U18 players to the squad will improve availability and improve competition for places, well done to Lilly,Yallop, and Clarke who have progressed into the Reserves this season.

The day did not start well for the reserves who were still missing Lawrence and Curtis, this was made worse by the first team taking keeper Goodwin and Partridge having to work.
With centre back Fletcher taking over in goal, the reserves started well in all depts. The Walsham defence limiting the home attackers to long shots.
Walsham took the lead when KEMP curled a great shot into the goal after some fine play. Ht 0-1
With the Walsham players working hard all over the pitch during the second half saw this hard work rewarded when GATHERCOLE fired a shot over the keeper into the goal to send the away side home with their first 3 League points of the season.
A special mention to Fletcher for a couple of important saves during the game.

The only way is up!!

Reserves second game of the Chell Trophy was against current League Leaders AFS Sudbury, a game which I am sure the players did not want after losing 3 League games on the bounce.
Players Curtis and Lawrence missing through injury but plus points in returning keeper Goodwin and last year's U18 forward Parish,

Walsham started the game well with Diaper and Parish causing Sudbury all sorts of problems. The combination of the two opened the scoring when Parish's run and cross was slid in by DIAPER.

Sudbury equalized when a mistake by Cobbold let in the forward to beat Goodwin in the home goal. Half time 1 - 1

Sudbury went 2 1 ahead when the flight of the ball deceived keeper Goodwin and the striker controlled the ball to fire home.

Walsham bought the game back to 2 2 when a corner was headed home by GATHERCOLE

This uplifted the team and with the home side pushing for the win a shot was handled on the line, the player was duly sent home and KEMP converted the penalty.

With Sudbury trying to get back into the game and Walsham counter attacking quickly resulted in Walsham putting the tie to bed when PARTRIDGE finished off a good move scoring his first for the reserves.

A welcome result, after a disappointing three game losing spell.

The only way is up!!

Photos of Reserves match V Debenham Res

Kindly taken from their Web Site

Debenham LC FC Reserves v Walsham le Willows FC Reserves
10th September 2011
Maitlands Football Ground Debenham Leisure Centre


With no senior fixture scheduled manager Jason Pettit had the services of four first team squad members at his disposal, allowing him to utilise his favoured 4-3-3 formation. Hardwick slotted in at the back with Johnson, Hambling and Barker. Cridland, Plummer and Captain, Nathan Smith in midfield with Severy, Minns and Liam Smith across the front.
Walsham kicked off and in a furiously paced opening Debenham settled the better and when Liam Smith chipped ahead for the overlapping Hambling, his low cross was met by Nathan Smith to knock home on 6 mins. 1-0.
On 15 mins Walsham forced two corners that were somehow kept out, the chest of Chilvers saving the day. From the breakout Debenham quickly got the ball into the opposing area and spectacular half volleys from Severy& Liam Smith across the face of the goal left the keeper transfixed, but neither managed to find the net.
Play continued to swing from end to end with Walsham coming closest as shots and headers narrowly eluded the target. On 27 mins their persistence was rewarded when the no. 11 fell on a loose ball in the area and slipped the ball under Chilvers. 1-1.
Both teams were trying to play the ball about, Debenham in particular working the flanks well, with Severy merlinesque on the ball.
An opportunistic lob was pushed onto the bar by Chilvers and from the resultant corner Debenham turned defence into attack with L Smith being denied by the bar on the stroke of HT.

Half Time Debenham LC FC Reserves 1 Walsham le Willows FC Reserves 1

Debenham began the second half well and when Severy’s low cross was struck first time by Hambling, the crowd were on their feet, but the keeper was well placed and moments later it was Chilvers chance to shine with a superb diving save low to his right.
On 58 mins a direct free kick for handball was dealt with under pressure by Johnson, followed moments later by Barker under similar circumstances. Four mins later Bowler & King replaced Cridland and the excellent,but exhausted Hambling. Bowler was soon to see action when Minns weaved his way through the defence to set him for a curling effort that narrowly cleared the bar.
With play becoming more frenetic, tempers inevitably spilled over, but a sensible approach by the referee calmed matters. From the free-kick the ball found its way to Severy unmarked on the left. Some 25 yards out, his first time strike although not the cleanest or perhaps as he intended, lofted nicely over the despairing keeper. 2-1 with 75mins gone.
Severy was on target 10 mins later this time capitalising from a free-kick won by the elusive Minns on the edge of the area as his strike bounced enticingly in front of the keeper deceiving him with both pace and lift to his right. 3-1.
Seccombe joined the action, replacing N Smith on 90mins. Walsham continued to press but were well dealt with, Johnson, Plummer, Barker and Hardwick all standing firm. The latter a little too firmly, when needlessly conceding a penalty and earning himself a yellow card well into injury time, for a push on the Walsham no. 4. The spot kick was neatly dispatched by the no. 11 picking up his second of the game. 3-2. With 97mins on the clock the referee finally brought the match to a close, sealing a well-deserved victory

FullTime Debenham LC FC Reserves 3 Walsham le Willows FC Reserves 2

Better performance but the side still went down, two goals from KEMP the first one bought the teams level at one all and the other one a pen in the last 10min was not enough but once again chances were missed to gain the points which now see the reserves bottom of the league.

"The only way is up"............. as the song goes

After a poor performance on Saturday against Diss the Reserves needed to get back to the performance which we had against Haverhill.

With two late call-offs it only got worse. A young Needham side showed Walsham how to pass and move and left them chasing shadows for much of the half.

Within 15 min Needham went ahead, which was well taken, a change of a formation did not stop the goals coming from the home side, one a deflected shot over keeper Goodwin.

It was just a pity that the home side linesman was constantly putting the flag up for offside when so obviously the visitors were not, even the referee asked them to replace him second half, so other teams beware.

To be fair Needham deserved the half time lead of 3 1 just for their first half play, KEMP scoring for Walsham from the spot was the only replay from the visitor’s.

The Second half was a different affair with Walsham having the lion’s share of chances, sub DEBENHAM pulled a goal back with a great header from a cross by Gathercole. But Needham hit back after unfortunate mistake by Goddard. Final score 4 2.

Overall we did have chances and a possible penalty claim but it wasn’t to be.

Let’s hope an away day at Debenham on Saturday can kick start the Reserves season.

After starting well the reserves went into melt down and it was not the heat of the day causing it. Diss had three chances and scorerd three goals, all in the first half.
Reserves responed to late in the game with a FLETCHER header.

Final score 1 - 3

Next game is away to Needham Market Res. on Wednesday 7th September 7.45 Koff.

CORNISH,GODDARD,FLETCHER,COBBOLD,KEMP,VIRTUE,GATHERCOLE,SWALLOW,DIAPER,ATKINS,LAWERANCE, SUBS:- ROBERTS,NEWALL,LILLY

The Reserves first game of the season was a Chell Trophy game v a young Haverhill side on Tuesday night.

A game of quality by both sides who wanted to play football.

With Walsham edging the shots on target but for bad finishing by the visitors the half time score was 0 - 0

Second half Haverhill were quick out of the blocks but for some good saves by debutant keeper GOODWIN kept Walsham in the game, but he had no chance with Haverhill’s opener a great drive into the stanch.

Walsham drew level with a great free kick by DIAPER, with six min. to go Walsham went ahead through GATHERCOLE who stabbed the ball home.

Haverhill drew level with 2min to go with a great strike from the edge of the box, overall a good result for both sides.

Final score 2 - 2

GOODWIN,BROCK,COBBOLD,GODDARD,KEMP,NEWALL,CURTIS,GATHERCOLE,DIAPER,SWALLOW,LAWERANCE SUBS:- HANTON,ATKINS,GRIMWOOD,VIRTUE

CHELL TROPHY 2011-12

20 Ridgeons Reserve League teams have entered the 2011-12 Chell Trophy cup competition.

The teams have been split into 5 geographical groups and will play 4 matches each, 2 at home and 2 away. Most of these matches will be scheduled midweek.

The winners of each of the groups will qualify for the single leg semi finals. The final will be played at a neutral venue towards the end of the season.

NORFOLK GROUP
Dereham Town, Diss Town, Gorleston, Norwich United, Thetford Town

WEST SUFFOLK GROUP
AFC Sudbury, Haverhill Rovers, Long Melford, Stowmarket Town, Walsham-le-Willows

EAST SUFFOLK GROUP
Felixstowe & Walton United, Hadleigh United, Leiston, Needham Market, Whitton United

ESSEX GROUP
Brightlingsea Regent, Halstead Town, Heybridge Swifts, Stanway Rovers, Witham Town

Walsham Reserve won the Peel Cup tonight beating Stonham Aspel 2 - 1 Goals from Paddy Lawrance and Sam Diaper.

Team
Barry Lynn, Chris Brock, Ben Cobbold, Tom Goddard, Sam Diaper, Lee Curtis, Dave Mcgilligan, Jake Gathercole, Matt Curtis, Paddy Lawrance, Lewis Kemp, Liam Gromwood, Karl Tarpley, Brendan Payne.

KINDLY TAKEN FROM THE GREENUN WEB SITE

Grundisburgh Vs Walsham-le-Willows - Peel Cup Semi Final
Grundisburgh hosted Walsham in the Peel Cup hoping to bounce back from their cup final disappointment, however, the hosts started
slowly and failed to keep possession of the football and the usual workrate seemed to be missing from the majority of the team. Fortunately
for the home side, centre halves Wayne Souza and Steve Gray were solid from the first whistle and Walsham failed to take advantage of
Grundisburghs lacklustre start. Despite the hosts poor opening to the match, Gavin Moss had a blatant penalty appeal turned down when he was
kicked down eight yards from goal, the ball did, however, fall kindly for Josh Trenter who was denied by a goal line block. The half time whistle approached
with the match still deadlocked and neither side threatened to open the scoring. Half time 0-0. The Grundisburgh management made it clear
that the first half performance was unacceptable and the hosts started the second half brightly and created a few half chances, without really
testing the Walsham keeper. Grundisburgh were getting on top of the game and looked the more likely to score until the visiting attacker beat
the offside trap before racing through on goal and finishing clinically. This goal seemed to deflate Grundisburgh and it took a while for them
to start playing with any real meaning. The home side pushed forward looking to get back into the match and Darren van Oene forced the visiting
keeper into his first real save of the game as he pushed away the goalbound strike. At the other end Mustoe had to be alert to tip a long range
effort from under his crossbar. As full time neared the Peel Cup holders attacked looking for an equaliser but never looked like cutting the
visitors defence open. As the final whistle went Grundisburghs season ended without a trophy. Although, perhaps the more worrying issue was
the apparent lack of fight during this semi final match which begs the question how much the team wanted to lift the trophy.
MOM - Steve Gray - Battled well from first to last whistle, undeservedly on the losing side.
Dress - Josh Trenter - Had to run home before the match to pick up shin pads!

WALSHAM RESERVES WILL NOW PLAY STONHAM ASPEL IN THE FINAL AT RUSHMERE ST ANDREWS SPORTS CENTRE, IPSWICH ON WEDNESDAY 18TH 6.30 K/OFF
Rushmere Sports Club
The Street
Rushmere St Andrew
Ipswich
IP5 1DE

Apart from a good strike from Rick Probert to put the home team ahead ahead, least said about the rest of the game the better. Nice sunny day through.

Kindly taken from the Grt Yarmouth Web Site

By Richard Giles | Monday 18th April 2011

Walsham-le-Willows Res 3 Great Yarmouth Res 2




It was a case of not learning from the previous week as the Bloaters first half performance was disappointing resulting in pressure to come back from two goals down.


Yarmouth started the game brightly taking the game to their mid-table opponents and twice should have taken the lead within four minutes through Lee Roscoe. Firstly a run and cross by Aaron Hanks resulted in Roscoe shooting straight at the keeper and a minute later Roscoe had a shot cleared off the line after a fine through ball from Olly McCarthy.

Despite the early Yarmouth pressure, it was the home side who took the lead against the run of play after 13 minutes. A cross from the wing was lost in the sun by keeper Peter Souza and an attacker nodded home from close range.

Although the Bloaters were the dominant side all efforts on goal rarely tested the Walsham keeper, whilst the home side relied on counterattacks from the flanks to test the away side. Yarmouth had a strong penalty appeal turned down by the referee in the 32nd minute when Roscoe was felled in the penalty area, but the referee who was 20 yards behind play ignored their claims.

From the counterattack Walsham increased their lead. A run down the left wing was unchallenged with the resultant cross finding an unmarked forward who headed the ball past Souza to give the home side a 2-0 lead at half-time.

Within three minutes of the restart the Bloaters had reduced the lead to 2-1. Hart picking up the ball on the edge of the home penalty area unleashed a shot, which the home keeper could only tipped onto the inside of the post, the ball finishing in the goal.

Most of the play was now confined in the Walsham half as Yarmouth looked for an equaliser. Countless shots were either wide or saved by the home keeper, but despite the pressure, it was Walsham who increased their lead after 79 minutes. A long range shot from a midfielder crept under Souza’s body after taking a wicked bounce.

To their credit, the Bloaters continued to press their opponents and once again reduced the deficit in the 85th minute when awarded a penalty for hand ball. Roscoe duly scored the spot-kick and Yarmouth almost equalised three minutes later when a cross from Michael White was met on the volley by Toby Gorbould but the shot was narrowly over the cross-bar for Yarmouth’s second consecutive defeat.


Funny how we see the game, We lost our striker Welsh and young player Lambert (ended up in hospital)straight after half time we sent on normal goalkeeper Lynn up front and he scored the goal from distance that’s two times coming on up front and scoring a goal in each game.
Hard working Robinson then having to come off after turning his ankle, so we were a bit under pressure but by far we out played them football wise as they only had the long ball to their wingers to deal with. Our own mistake costing one goal the other was a good strike.
Ask John Holden he will tell you the truth on the game lol.

Subs Gary Welsh & Karl Tarpley came on and turned the game for the home side.

With 20min to go the two strikers were sent on to win the game and they did not disapoint their Manager and came up with the goods to seal a win under the noses of the young Needham side who at times looked the better side

Karl Tarpley scoring the winner with 4min to go capped a hard working 2nd half TEAM performance.

On an afternoon when you should have been on the beach instead of the football pitch these two sides competed in a low tempo game with the away side deservedly winning the tie, purely on the amount of chances and their approach play.

With only the odd chance from the home side the lions share coming from the away side with Walsham missing many gilt edge chances, frustrating the management in the first half..

The second half Walsham stepped up their game and took the lead when a shot from SWALLOW was palmed into the net by the home keeper, who had kept his team in the game with some good goalkeeping throughout the game.

Yet again late call offs lefts us with few options on the bench, but we did look comfortable all over the pitch during the 90 minutes

But this did not make up for the chances we missed in Wednesdays defeat against bottom club Woodbridge Town 1-2, poor mistake costing us the game, especially after beating them the previous week 0-4 at Woodbridge

We now move on to Wednesday and Home tie v Needham Market Res(or all Stars)
Taken from the Stomarket Town Web Site

Goals from Matt Curtis 2, Paddy Lawerance and Lewis Kemp saw the reserve through this Reserve matc,h playing some nice football in the second half.

Walsham le Willows FC Res v Debenham LC FC Res
Ridgeons League Reserves League North Division
26th March 2011
Sumner Road, Walsham le Willows Suffolk


Walsham Reserves 4 - 0 Debenham LC Reserves

Debenham could not make it a double over Walsham after the first team victory last Wednesday succumbing to a 4 - 0 defeat.
After a bright opening Hinton made a block from a one on one situation but Debenham never really got the ball clear and the ball bounced seemingly in slow motion off Man of Match James Havers hip to throw Hinton wrong footed and dribbled into the net after 8 minutes on the clock not the best start when Havers has been out since November and Assistant Manager Webb normally right back playing in the centre half / sweeper position possibly for his first time in his illustrious career.
However a point of note the players were for a change trying to pass the ball much more than normal with reasonable success and so much than they looked a very good outfit if only a bit more belief in front of goal and Debenham could well have taken a two goal lead into half time with Ben Atkinson who has been Mr. consistent all season playing some lovely through balls to the forward line and very creative as he was receiving the ball to his feet more as was the rest but he was culpable on one occasion where he could and possibly should have scored but the Luckless Kane Bultitude would also feel aggrieved missing some good chances created by passing, moving, and gaining good positions from this new way of playing instilled by manager Snell.
Debenhams's old bones took a while to get back on track with Walsham nearly scoring from the re start only a good finger tip save stopped a second goal but within five minutes Swallow got onto a loose ball and finished well high into the net making it 2 - 0.
Debenham needed to hang on as the next goal was going to be crucial and it was but it came within four minutes of Walsham second goal where good work down the Walsham left saw a good cross find Walsham man of match Sam Diaper to slot home and realistically kill the game off 3 - 0.
At this point I took over the running of the line with only two subs Kevin Snell and first team manager's son Mathew Aldis coming on making his debut for the reserves at this level doing very well having had a game in the morning as well.
Aldis junior came on for the hard working Owen Barker who again was carrying and injury which again flared up early on and with the ever adventurer's right back Tom Huggins who was carrying an injury hence playing a deeper roll the team did well again forcing Walsham back a great deal of the second half.
Debenham also had the very good player Cordell Jackson in midfield winning most of what he was involved with a showing a huge potential more than he realises for a first team place along with a couple of others who perhaps one day might get a chance at first team level before it's too late to retain them.
You often do not get what you deserve in football and without doubt Walsham had a good few chances to increase their lead however Debenham kept on trying and should have scored a goal with the few chances they had which were not taken however on a plus side the last two games have yielded many more scoring opportunities [note passing] but even with a super move with right back Huggins inter-changing of passes got him through to see the whites of the goal keeper's eyes but only found his hands and not the back of the net.
To compound the day in the final minute of normal time Sam Diaper crafted out a good chance for Curtis who delicately chipped the on rushing Hinton and make the final score 4 - 0.
Walsham were a good team and deserved their victory under their manager Andy Atkins but what may have been more of a test would have been a Debenham goal when the score was only 1 - 0 I believe their young side may well have had a much harder afternoon in fact it was a fair game except the Walsham midfield player had no doubt a brainless mad moment bringing down Atkinson which nearly had a yellow card then no more than ten seconds did the same to Jackson this time getting a booking which was out of context of the game in which both sides contributed to some decent football on a hard bumpy pitch.

Walsham 4 - 0 Debenham LC
Havers O.G. 8,(we think Diaper)
Swallow 50,
Diaper 54,
Diaper 90.

Report from Club Member Mark Atkinson

PICTURES OF THE GAME

Many thanks Debenham for report taken from their web site

Debenham LC FC Res v Walsham le Willows FC Res
Ridgeons League Reserves League North Division
5th February 2011
Maitlands Football Ground


A bad day at the office was probably the best way to describe Debenham Reserves heavy defeat against Walsham Reserves with conditions had a major factor in the game in which one team adapted the other sadly did not.
The very strong wind matched with a bumpy pitch did not exude a good fast free flowing game and so it was to be the case in point as Debenham played with the wind and had lots of play with Walsham defending for long periods and a packed midfield the old cliché of a game of two halves was on the cards.
Debenham kept on playing to many balls forward with pace that the wind took most efforts through to Keeper Sam Fenner or out for goal kicks which began to show in frustration in the team resorting to long shots although Thomas Huggins had one of note but Keeper saved comfortably enough.
Walsham against the run of play on a rare forage into the Debenham penalty box scored when Matt Curtis scuffed shot on the turn beat the out stretched hand of Sam Chilvers to sneak into the corner of the net.
This nearly sparked Debenham into life with more energy but sadly the retention of the ball was lacking due to some pitch conditions and perhaps just not on their game however a long ball from Kane Bultitude saw first teamer James Heathcote get a header from close range but was saved as Heathcote could not generate enough power from the high bouncing ball.
A high punt up field saw a Walsham defender header it backwards high but going into the top corner of his own goal where the visitors keeper leapt high to keep out but falling backwards into goal released the ball for the sharp Heathcote to get a shot in but from the tight angle the keeper had recovered position to save at his near post.
With half time approaching Debenhams effort was their but no clear cut chances although a bit of a melee ensued with the ball going around the Walsham penalty box like a pin ball but not falling to a yellow shirt to slam home and the ball was eventually cleared to safety.

Half Time Debenham Reserves 0 - 1 Walsham Reserves
Curtis 27,

Debenham had their backs to the wall now against the wind and instead of having a two goal lead they found themselves a goal down but the first five minutes gave the home support something to cheer as they played the ball to each other and on the ground but with a mighty defensive hoof up the field it was a long way back to the Walsham penalty area to start again.
Then Walsham got to grips again with conditions much better forcing a number of early corners and Johnson at the heart of the defence was called into play a few times to intervene with some timely tackles.
The third corner saw Walsham skipper hit a ball which thudded against the outside of the post and the signs were looking ominous as Walsham looked the more likely to score and the 52nd minute they did just that as Welsh got onto the ball just inside the penalty area struck a firm low drive which appeared to clip a defender's foot but the pace was hard enough to beat the dive of Chilvers to make the score 0 - 2.
If that made it nigh impossible to see a positive result then only a minute later Curtis got his second goal of the game when a basic long punt down the middle of the pitch bounced twice and evaded the Debenham defence for Curtis to volley home giving Chilvers no chance and effectively end the game as a contest 0 - 3.
Manager Kevin Snell was quite powerless to change much but did make some substitutions with Teeder and Tinson coming on but Debenham were a bit all over the place and you could see Walsham adding and both Welsh plus strike partner Curtis miss similar chances from a long ball down the middle bouncing around where they both shot narrowly wide where the goal was at their mercy.
Eventually the inevitable came and Curtis completed his hat-trick five minutes from time when after both sides had kicked it to each other it fell to Curtis who turned and hit a sweet curling with pace shot past the despairing dive from Chilvers to complete the scoring on the day 0 - 4.
Debenham were pleased to hear the final whistle and end their misery plus a few others around the ground.
Manager Snell has a hard job to raise spirits with 3 defeats and no goals on the bounce but he feels as do I the team can perform better but a lot more composure, thinking, and ball retention would help as the effort, heart, desire to do well are already in place which will give hope for the next few games coming up.

Full Time Debenham Reserves 0 - 4 Walsham Reserves
Curtis 27, 52, 85,
Welsh 53,

Pictures from the Reserves game v Debenham


Many thanks to Debenham on the report and pictures

SUFFOLK SENIOR RESERVE CUP

Wednesday evening's quarter final victory by Walsham-le-Willows Reserves over Crane Sports Reserves means that all four semi-finalists in the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup are from the Ridgeons Reserve League.

Walsham are joined in the draw on February 4th by Ipswich Wanderers, Haverhill Rovers and AFC Sudbury.


TAKEN FROM THE GREEN UN WEB SITE THANK YOU

Diss Town Reserves 6 Walsham-le-Willows Reserves 1
Diss Reserves returned to winning ways and the top of the Ridgeons Reserve League North table after hitting five goals in just nine minutes in the first half to take the game out of reach of local rivals Walsham-le-Willows.
Walsham had the first effort at goal when a shot from Will Newall was tipped on to a post by Aaron Bunn in the 3rd minute. A rash challenge on Jesse Payne-Wilkins by Sam Draper in the 10th minute resulted in a Diss penalty but Kirk Bardsley blasted the ball high and into the misty fields behind the stand.
Walsham failed to pick up Diss players at corner kicks and were punished. Simon Jackson headed The Tangerines into the lead in the 16th minute from close range to a Bardsley corner on the left. Four minutes later George Cole won the ball inside the penalty area after a free kick from Bardsley was not cleared. He found Payne-Wilkins with the chance to shoot in and make it 2-0. Another Bardsley corner on the left saw Carl Branson nip in front of Barry Lynn to head in from close range in the 22nd minute. Within a minute Karl Ansley won the ball 35 yards from goal, moved forward and having drawn Lynn out of goal played the ball across for Bardsley to run and stroke the ball into the unguarded goal. In the 25th minute Elliot Jackson played the ball out wide on the left to Payne-Wilkins. He played a low cross in towards the far post for Bardsley to slide the ball in to make it 5-0. Bunn used his legs to fine effect top keep out a shot from Alex Blakely in the 29th minute.
Walsham had more of the second half play as Diss seem to change down several gears with the game already won by the break. In the 67th minute a long ball went over the top of the Diss defence and Jake Cattermole ran forward to control the ball and shoot in. Lynn made a great diving save to his left to turn aside a shot from Ansley in the 76th minute. Five minutes from time Bunn saved well following a long range shot from Scott Swallow.
A minute into added time Wayne Collins linked up with Elliot Jackson on the left. Collins raced into the penalty area and made it 6-1 as his left foot shot took a deflection to wrong foot Lynn.
Manager’s Man of the Match: Jesse Payne-Wilkins for a hard working display capped with a goal. He was also brought down for the early penalty kick which could have seen the goal glut start even earlier and was finding space on both flanks to create numerous openings.
Diss team: Aaron Bunn, Matty Hill, Rafel Szalek, Simon Jackson, Carl Branson, Tom Bryant, Karl Ansley, Jesse Payne-Wilkins, Kirk Bardsley, George Cole, Elliot Jackson.
Diss subs: Wayne Collins (for Szalek 64 mins), Steve Best (for Cole 75 mins) and Kieron Harris (for Hill 77 mins).
Attendance: 23
THE ABOVE KINDLY TAKEN FROM THE DISS WEB SITE

From our point of view, yes we made 6 mistakes but apart from the 15min in the first half we played some good football all throughout the game, with Goalkeeper Bryant who played on pitch not looking out of place(I bet he slept well Saturday night) and 16 year old left back Lambert having a storming game, considering he called off in the morning but due to being short, he played even though he was ill, true commitment. With subs Payne and Curtis not able to play due to injuries it was always going to be tough but Duffy only playing his second game and Blakely making his debut all had good games and will be good additions to the squad.

I am sure we will learn from this, and we look forward to our next game looking to put things right.

LYNN,DIAPER,LAMBERT,COBBOLD,GODDARD,BRYANT,GATHERCOLE,SWALLOW,NEWALL,DUFFY,BLAKELY SUBS: PAYNE,M.CURTIS BOTH NOT USED

All the very best to Scott(Bug's Life)Swallow & Hannah on their engagement.

Report to follow

SUFFOLK SENIOR RESERVE CUP DRAW

The draw for the quarter finals of the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup is:-

Ipswich Wanderers v Grundisburgh
Long Melford v Haverhill Rovers
Newmarket Town v AFC Sudbury
Walsham-le-Willows v Crane Sports

Matches to be played on Saturday January 15th, except the match at Newmarket where the date is to be advised.

In a great game from both sides on a difficult pitch the home side run out the winners from a goal by OLLIE HUGHES who is returning from injury.

Both sides went for it but being biased the home side deserved it after a couple of poor games in recent weeks.

Reserves fight back to late........

Walsham-le-Willows Under-18s 3 Diss Town Reserves 3
Diss Reserves returned to action after a two week break and dropped league points for the first time this season. However, they returned to the top of the table as the match between their two closest rivals, Lowestoft and Yarmouth, was postponed. The match saw many chances created by both sides.
Walsham shaded the first half and went ahead in the 21st minute when a cross from the left was not cut out and Jack Brame won the ball before rifling a shot into the roof of the net from an acute angle. Ben Cobbold headed against the bar from a corner and Aaron Bunn did well to save from Matt Curtis with Karl Ansley forcing Barry Lynn into a diving save at a free kick in reply for Diss.
Diss had the early second half play but Walsham broke quickly in the 51st minute to go 2-0 up. Lewis kemp raced down the left and crossed for Brame to shot in. James Harrison was using his pace down the right to create openings. From two such moves Steve Wright forced Lynn into a save and Harrison was brought down by Liam Grimwood after exchanging passes with Jesse Payne-Wilkins. Wright pulled a goal back from the resulting 56th minute penalty.
Lynn was being called upon to make more saves and took two attempts to hold efforts from Wright and Tom Bryant. Elliot Jackson could only steer his close range shot into the arms of Lynn after a cross from Matty Hill.
Walsham replied with Kemp smashing a shot against a post before they went 3-1 up with ten minutes to play. A free kick was not fully cleared and Scott Swallow floated his shot over Bunn from 16 yards out. Diss finished the match strongly with two goals inside three minutes to snatch a point. Jackson crossed from the right a back flicked header from Carl Branson nestled into the corner of the net. As the game was about to enter added time Bryant sent a corner in from the left and Jackson calmly slotted his low left shot into the net from four yards out.
Manager’s Man of the Match: Steve Wright – his pace down the left caused problems in the first half. A tactical reshuffle saw him as an even bigger threat in the second half as a central striker he forced Barry Lynn into making saves.
Diss team: Aaron Bunn, Matty Hill, Louis Witham, Ben Green, Carl Branson, Tom Bryant, James Harrison, Karl Ansley, Jesse Payne-Wilkins, Damien Phelan, Steve Wright.
Diss subs: Elliott Jackson (for Witham at half time), Jordan Balls (for Harrison 63 mins) and Kieron Harris (for Ansley 88 mins).
Taken from the Diss Web site, Many Thanks

This was a game the Reserves will want to forget in a hurry.poor finishing and players making the wrong decisions saw us come way with just a point.

The home side took the lead but where pegged back for most of the time by Walsham. The experienced Roach for the home side proved a difficult opponent but Cobbold and Brock stuck to their task.

A great run into the box by Swallow saw the midfielder bought down,MATT CURTIS sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot to equalise.

The start of the second half we could have had two goals in 5min but again poor finishing let us down. this carried on through the half.

A fine flying save by Lynn stopped the home side from claiming the points later in the game.

Lets hope in our next game next week v Diss we improve on this performance, as this was not acceptable by previous standards.

SUFFOLK SENIOR RESERVE CUP DRAW

The draw for the 3rd Round of the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup includes the following:-

Achilles Res v AFC Sudbury Res
Brantham Athletic Res v Haverhill Rovers Res
Capel Plough Res v Long Melford Res
Grundisburgh Res v Woodbridge Town Res
Ipswich Wanderers Res v Westerfield United Res
Walsham-le-Willows Res v AFC Sudbury Res
Whitton United Res v Crane Sports Res

Matches are scheduled to be played on Saturday November 13th, except for the match involving Long Melford which will be played on November 6th.


Taken from the Ridgeons Web site

The Reserves playing the first game in three weeks entertained high flyer's Coplestonians Res. from the SIL league where they are top of the League and have only lost one game this season.

The two young teams competed well with the home side having the lions share of the first qtr of the game but that was soon to change with Lynn in the home team goal pulling off some outstanding saves to keep his team in the competition.

With the action going from end to end it was a good game for the spectators in the the first half.

The second half was much like the fist but with the home side probably just edging the half, so into extra time and with no goals the tie went into penalties.

CURTIS scored BROCK missed KEMP scored GRIMWOOD scored and U18 LAMBERT scored the decisive goal to put Walsham through, after Man of the Match LYNN saved two penalties.

As for Coplestonians they are a young side who will go far this season.

LYNN, PAYNE, GODDARD(GRIMWOOD), BROCK, COBBOLD, KEMP, MCGILLIGAN(LAMBERT), GATHERCOLE, SWALLOW, CURTIS, BOULTER(NEWALL)



Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup : Fixtures & Results for October
Saturday, 02 October 2010
0 8 007 Beccles Town Reserves v Ipswich Wanderers Reserves [ Round 2 ]


3 3 008 Debenham LC Reserves v Haverhill Rovers Reserves [ Round 2 ] [ Away Win on penalties ]
Debenham Leisure Centre
Attendance 25
After extra time. Haverhill wwon 4-1 on penalties.


2 1 011 Grundisburgh Reserves v Needham Market Reserves [ Round 2 ]


1 4 013 Melton St Audrys Reserves v Brantham Athletic Reserves [ Round 2 ]


1 3 014 Stowmarket Town Reserves v AFC Sudbury Reserves [ Round 2 ]
Greens Meadow
Attendance 27


0 0 015 Walsham-le-Willows Reserves v Coplestonians Reserves [ Round 2 ] [ Home Win on penalties ]
Walsham Sports Ground
After Extra Time. Walsham won 4-2 on penalties.


9 0 017 Woodbridge Town Reserves v East Bergholt United Reserves [ Round 2 ]
Notcutts Park

Due to Woodbridge Town not being able to raise a side together the game against the Reserve has bee cancelled.

The A Team will play on the main pitch K/Off 2.30PM

The Reserves travelled to Gorleston in the fun bus with a much changed side, in came Arnold from the A team who looked confident in everything he had to deal with, Hardwick, Evans, Debenham, Holder, Gathercole and McGilligan ,

The Reserves, many not played together before started the better of the two sides with some good all round play, with the lively Holder and Austin causing the home side lots of problems. Skipper for the day Holder notched his first goal after a corner after about 20min a great strike from about 16yds which flew into the net, this was quickly followed by his second, a neat tap in from a similar distance, on his personnel performance, richly deserved.

With the defence limiting the home attacks to just break a-ways the side went in at the break in a confident mood.

The second half was just a total reverse of the first with the home side pining the Reserves into their half limiting them to break a-ways, but they could have had a couple of more goals if the finishing was better, but credit to Gorleston they never gave up and only the defence of Hardwick Diaper Kemp & Goddard and the confident Arnold in goal, kept Gorleston out.

Injuries to Brame and Austin limited the attacking options in the second half but the hardworking Holder rallied his players to hang on to their lead for as long as possible.

With so much pressure by the home side it was inevitable that they would score, and with 15min to go, they got their reward, it was going to be a test of character for the Reserves, and to a player they battled to the end with some great defending to bring home the 3 points to Walsham .

For Gorleston, not many teams will come away from Emerald Park with points this season, and they have some very good young players coming through for the future.


ARNOLD,KEMP,HARDWICK,GODDARD,DIAPER,EVANS,MCGILLIGAN,BRAME,GATHERCOLE,AUSTIN(DEBENHAM)HOLDER

Walsham Reserves secured their first win of the season against a good young Whitton side who I am sure if they keep together will be a force in years to come

Both teams found the rain soaked Summer Road pitch difficult to handle at the start of the game with play fragmented from both team.

Whitton took the lead after a cheap free kick was given away by the home side. With the home side organising their defence a quick free kick was blasted at the home goal which was going straight to keeper Lynn only for a wicked deflection to wrong foot the keeper who failed to keep the ball out even though he got a hand to the ball.

Through going behind this seem to inspire the home team who laid siege on Whitton’s goal, earning a corner, which was quickly taken by Kemp who found AUSTIN who drove into the box to rifle in his first goal of the season from an acute angle.

Whitton where still dangerous on the break and after some good work they again gained a free kick in font of goal , The Whiiton player hit a glorious shot which Lynn failed to hold due to the swerve, the player following up was adjudged to have been caught by Lynn and a penalty was given and duly scored.

This was against the run of play and yet again the Reserves responded well with AUSTIN scoring again after a quick turn and shot.

With more pressure laid on the Whiiton goal BROCK found himself in a great position after a corner and duly slotted the ball home.

Dead on half time, slim line SWALLOW danced his way in the six yard box to score for a half time score of 4-2

The second have was a tail of missed chances by the home team, Kemp missed a penalty after a hand ball, well saved by the Whitton keeper, Austin could have had at least two more, but good defending kept the final score to 4-2

LYNN BROCK DIAPER(GRIMWOOD) FENNER KEMP L CURTIS SWALLOW BRAM (GATHERCOLE) M. CURTIS (MCGILLIGAN) MCLOUGHLIN AUSTIN

The Reserves kicked their season off against last years Champions of the North Division Lowestoft Town Reserves.

The game started well for the Reserves with good play all over the pitch, but sloppy play after a Walsham corner saw the visitors go a goal behind, a quick break and some lackadaisical Walsham defending.

Through Walsham had some good chances all were wasted,

Lowestoft second goal was like the first, a quick break and bad defending, their third goal was lucky despite vane efforts from Lynn and Brock on the goal line.

Brock made a rash challenge in the box and a penalty was awarded, but the spot kick was brilliantly saved by keeper Lynn.

With the game coming to an end and Walsham on top, a move by Diaper who found sub MATT CURTISin the six yard box to fire home.

LYNN KEMP MORTON(GODDARD) BROCK FENNER SWALLOW(DIAPER) MCLAUGHLIN(M CURTIS) L CURTIS BOLTON AUSTIN BRAME SUBS KING GATHERCOLE

The Res. were away in there first friendly against Kershaw Prem. Division side Hundon.

THe home side lost the Manager before the the game when he suffered a badly cut leg while putting up the nets, he was taken to hospital by ambulance.

The Res. went a goal behind after 20min when a 25yd shot looped over the head of keeper Lynn.

Capt. BROCK equalised with a header after a great cross.

1-1 half time.

Slimline SWALLOW who was pushed up font put the Res. ahead after some good wing play.

King could have put the Res. further ahead with a header but he put the chance wide.

Next match Home to Bacton on Friday night.

Tuesday First Team are at home v Team Bury 7.45 k/offf

Reserves first game of the season is Lowestoft Away

Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup we have drawn Coplestonians Reserves

Fixtures in Main Menu

Thetford Town have withdrawn their Rwsserve Team from the League due to not being able to find a Manager.

Walsham Reserves 9 Leiston Reserves 0


An experienced Walsham side finished the season in style with an emphatic win over a young Leiston side. GAUGHT opened the scoring after just one minute tapping home after the ball rebounded off the cross bar. From then on goals flowed at regular intervals, BROWN claiming two and one a piece from CURTIS and KEMP to give Walsham a commanding five goal lead at the break. Leiston started the second half the much stronger side but their inability to turn chances into goals kept Walsham's strong advantage in tack. VINCENT in the Leiston goal pulled off fine saves to deny KEMP, HOLDER and GAUGHT but was finally beaten again twenty minutes from time. First a header from HOLDER, BROWN completed his hat trick and then GAUGHT scored the goal of the match, volleying home from the edge of the box.Leiston never gave up but VINCENT was beaten again when Brown scored again in the final minute.

LYNN,PAYNE,BROCK,T.NEWMAN,NOCTON,GAUGHT,HOLDER,COBBOLD,KEMP,M.CURTIS,BROWN, SUBS,ROBINSON,SWALLOW,FENNER

Taking all into consideration with some players moving upto the first team, a couple of the better players leaving for what ever reason and often a large influx of youth players in the squad the reserves did well to finish a creditable fourth in the league. Most of the youth players that I saw equipped themselves well at this level and need to be involved more often to gain experience and to be kept interested, if players leave the club then they leave the club in my opinion for what it's worth.

K GAUGHT

WALSHAM RES 0 LOWESTOFT RES 4

A young Walsham team took on high flying Lowestoft and were a goal down after only one minute following a superb free kick by POPPY. More chances followed and it was no surprise when KING added a second before the break. Walsham showed more resilience in the second half but CLARKE'S header effectively killed off the game. TURNER went close for Walsham but HOUGH scored the fourth and hit the woodwork minutes later to give Lowestoft a thoroughly deserved victory.

K Gaught

LEISTON RESERVES 3 - WALSHAM RESERVES 4

After controlling much of the early play Walsham found themselves a goal own when HUDSON shot home from the edge of the box. Vincent saved well from GAUGHT and Leiston preserved their lead until the break. Within twenty minutes of the restart Walsham had taken a commanding lead with goals from BROWN (2), COBBOLD and a delightful chip from KEMP. With the game seemingly won Walsham relaxed and Leiston scored two quick goals through BLOCK and BUTTON. In the dying moments the home side were denied a strong claim for a penalty before both sides were reduced to ten men following a melee in the Walsham penalty area.

K Gaught

RIDGEONS RESERVE LEAGUE (N)
WALSHAM RESERVES 5 - WHITTON UTD RESERVES 2

A strong Walsham team entertained Whitton Utd in what turned out to be an exciting match. Both teams started the match in attacking styles and Whitton soon went ahead through MOORE from the edge of the box. Almost immediately Walsham equalised when BROK headed home from BROWN's free kick. Further pressure from Walsham resulted in HOLDER hitting the bar and CURTIS scoring from the ensuring scramble. To their credit Whitton hit back through PRINCE from the penalty spot only to see HOLDER put Walsham back in front a minute later, also from the penalty spot. On the stroke of half-time HOLDER scored his second from close range. Walsham dominated much of the second half with Whitton threatening on the break. CURTIS, DIAPER and BROWN all went close before GAUGHT scored in the final minute following a calamitous defensive mistake.

K Gaught

RIDGEONS RESERVE LEAGUE (N) - 10th April 2010
WALSHAM RES 2 - STOWMARKET RES 0

Walsham dominated much of the first half but failed to turn possession into goals. CURTIS hit the post, LANGFIELD saved well from GAUGHT before ROBINSON finally found the net with a low shot. More chances were missed as Walsham went into the break with a slender one goal advantage. The second half was much different with Stowmarket enjoying the better of the play and COOPER could have done better with some of the chances. Slowly Walsham came into the game and only a superb save from LANGFIELD kept out CURTIS' header. In the dying minutes after Stowmarket were reduced to 10 men, CURTIS made the game safe scoring from an acute angle.

K. Gaught

RIDGEONS RESERVE LEAGUE (N) - 8th April 2010
WALSHAM RES 1 - GT YARMOUTH RES 4

Walsham took the lead when AUSTIN slipped the ball home following a slick move down the centre. BRAME went close to increasing Walsham's lead before VIDE capitalised on a poor defensive clearance to equalise before half time. Yarmouth pinned Walsham in their own half for long periods after the break and it was no surprise when REED gave them the lead with a clever back heel. GREENING soon added a third and Walsham were restricted to breakaways and shots from distance. VIDE who had tormented the Walsham defence throughout the match completed the scoring in the final minute with a fine individual goal.

K. Gaught

RIDGEONS RESERVE LEAGUE
NEEDHAM MARKET RES 1 WALSHAM RES 1

Needham made all the early running and it was no surprise when Wilkinson put them ahead with a low shot into the corner. Gaught and Brame went close for Walsham but it was Needham who looked most likely to score again with the woodwork and a fine save by Lynn from Butler’s header keeping the score to a solitary goal at the break. the second half began much the same way with Needham on the attack but poor finishing and some robust defending from Walsham was to prove crucial. In the last quarter of the match Walsham played some good football, Gaught had a goal disallowed for offside and Sills did well to save Brame’s shot before the later stabbed home a loose ball in the final minute to secure an unlikely point for the visitors

GORLESTON RESERVES 7 - WALSHAM RESERVES 0
30TH MARCH 2010

Both sides started brightly playing attractive football and Gorleston went ahead when HARMAN scored from outside the box. Walsham struggled to cope with Gorleston's aggressive style and went further behind through GILLINGS and SHORT. After the break Walsham were a much improved side and dominated most of the play, but their inability to convert chances and sloppy defending allowed OLDHAM, SHORT and two from substitute HARVEY-HARRIS to give the score a somewhat biased reflection.

K Gaught


Not a good night in the Norfolk seaside town for the Reserves on Tuesday night losing this game 7 nil.
The first 15min was ok then we conceded a goal out of the blue, the player if he tried a 100 time he would not score a goal again like that.
This was followed quickly by a goal from a corner with the Walsham defence static as the Gorleston player headed home.
On the stroke of half time a shot parred by keeper Lynn was tucked away with no defender reacting to the loose ball, but in the half we did have the odd chance, but we cannot just keep lumping the ball forward hoping something might come off and or the ball coming flying back on to our defenders.
The second half started better for the away side, with the ball being played on the floor like the players have done for most of the season, things picked up and we looked good going forward and kept Gorleston in their half for 20min, but a genuine mistake led to Gorleston hitting a forth goal which flew over the head of keeper Lynn, we still tried to play but were caught on the break for three more goals, and without Lynn saving shots with every part of his body it could have been more.
We must take the positives out of this game, it was probably the youngest side we have sent out this year against a far more experienced Gorleston side, five of our squad coming from our U18's, and to be fair all proved in time they will be an asset to the club. It was good to have Birch back in a Walsham shirt again.
This season has been tough with the amount of changes we have had to make each game, its a credit to the players how they have kept it together and overall the players do care a lot when we lose, but they must take there frustrations out on the opposition in the game by working harder for the result we want, not on there team mates after the game, players must look at there own performances, before commenting on others, then hopefully we can get back to winning ways.

Walsham needed to win this game to keep in the hunt if Dereham slipped up but it was Washam who slipped up with to many mistakes.
The home side was a goal behind within 10min due to bad marking, but equalized through HOLDER which was quickly followed by NEWMAN.
At times Walsham had Woodbridge pinned back for long periods, but the quick Woodbridge team had the home defence in taters when on the break.
A Will Brown strike from close range forced a fantastic save from the Woodbridge keeper when it would have been easier to score.
The home side had a number of chances which hit the bar and post but they don’t win games half time 2 – 1
Walsham went further ahead shortly after the break when a Proctor corner was headed in by HOLDER for his second goal of the game.
This goal seemed to inspire the away team more than the home team. Woodbridge had Walsham under a lot of pressure for most of the second half; one break forced a challenge by a defender which turned into a penalty which Lynn just failed to get a hand to.
Even experienced players who are usually pretty faultless made mistakes one lead to Woodbridge drawing level, which Woodbridge thoroughly deserved, just for the effort they showed all over the pitch, while the home team just kept making the wrong decisions when in possession of the ball.
Their final goal which was struck just outside the box into the top corner which Lynn could not get to and turned the game completely around.

During the 90min the home side hit post and bar five times, most in the first half, but they don’t win you games.

This has been a tough season with all the changes the Reserves have had to deal with, but it has lead to a number of players playing first team football and with the U18 players getting more chances in adult football.
I think a few players found the league and players are not as crap as they think it is, as some found out on Wedneday night.

Ridgeons Reserve League
Dereham Res. 1 v Walsham Res 0
Walsham started very slowly and after 10 minutes found themselves a goal down, they gradually upped the pace of their game and Brame had a good chance to equalise, not many more chances were created during the first half but in the second half Walsham played very well and possibly deserved to get at least a draw, which was credit to the side in view of the amount of youngsters playing But well done to Joe Boulter, Liam Grimwood, and Matt Evans along with Jack Brame. Walsham MOM Lee Curtis.

RIDGEONS RESERVE LEAGUE - 06.03.2010

DISS TOWN RES 1 - WALSHAM RES 3

High flying Walsham visited bottom club Diss and had to work hard for the three points. Walsham started brightly and took the lead on five minutes when CURTIS scored following a scramble in the Diss box. Diss took the game to Walsham and it was no surprise when MYHILL scored with a superb lob. Diss continued to control the match and only some fine saves by LYNN in the Walsham goal prevented them from taking the lead. On the stroke of half-time and completely against the run of play Walsham struck twice. Firstly BRAME smashed home following good work by PROBERT and GAUGHT, then PROBERT himself finished with a low shot into the corner. The second half was played out with Diss again dominating but chances were few at either end leaving Diss wondering how they failed to get anything from the match.
K Gaught

Walsham introduced two more promising U18 players into the Reserves Joe Boulter and Liam Grimwood both came off the bench to make their Reserve Team debuts, along with Tom Fenner and Jack Brame who have also played for the First Team during the season shows how well Rob Francksen and his team have developed our youngsters, I am sure more will follow in the next couple of months.

How Diss Saw the game taken from the Gren'UN' web site......

Diss Town
Saturday 6th March 2010 – Ridgeons Reserve League North
Diss Town Reserves 1 Walsham-le-Willows Reserves 3
Walsham-le-Willows Reserves completed a league double at Brewers Green Lane as they made the better use of the chances that they created. Walsham went ahead in the 4th minute when Matt Curtis, returning after a lengthy injury absence, shot in from 12 yards out in a melee with Diss claiming a foul on Aaron Bunn. Diss had most of the chances created in the first half but found goalkeeper Barry Lynn in good form. He did well to push a Steve Wright shot away for a corner in the 17th minute after a shot from Chris Mooney was blocked. From the resulting corner a spectacular overhead kick from 14 yards out by Ross Myhill flew into the net off the inside of a post for the equaliser.
Lynn made further good saves to deny Myhill and Wright from shots. Walsham effectively won the game with two goals in less than 40 seconds in the 41st minute. Jack Brame shot in from eight yards out following a break away and Rick Probert shot in from just inside the penalty area after good play from Lee Gaught.
Diss seemed intent on shooting from long range in the second half, despite the strength of a forward line of Wright, Myhill and Dan Wynne. As a result few clear cut chances were created. It was not until the 79th minute that Lynn was forced to use his feet to deny Peter Hooks following a fine through ball from Wright. Bunn made a great 86th minute save following a header from Gaught at a free kick.
Diss Man of the Match: Dave Adams did well on his return after a ten week absence due to a knee injury.
Walsham Man of the Match: Saves from Barry Lynn with the game level at 1-1 proved decisive as his team scored twice inside a minute in the first half to win the game.
Diss team: Aaron Bunn, Sean Cook, Chris Mooney, Dave Adams, Carl Bronson, Max Kirkby, Karl Ansley, Ryan McFadden, Ross Myhill, Steve Wright, Peter Hooks.
Diss subs: Rob Coote, Damian Phelan, Jody Peacher (for Cook 53 mins), Olly Verrell (for Bronson 72 mins) and Dan Wynne (for Ansley 53 mins).
Walsham team: Barry Lynn, Chris Brock, Brendan Payne, Tom Fenner, Ben Cobbold, Lee Curtis, Lewis Kemp, Jack Brame, Matt Curtis, Rick Probert, Lee Gaught.
Walsham subs: Joe Boulter (for M Curtis 66 mins) and Liam Grimwood (for Payne 78 mins).
Attendance: 25.

After a good start by the home team keeping the Dereham team at bay we suddenly fell behind to a sloppy goal, this changed the pattern of play to Dereham's favour for the rest of the half.

The second half started with both sides trying to gain the important goal and to our luck the ball rebounded of a post for a Dereham player to slot home.

With the home keeper Lynn in fine form keeping the the home team in with a chance of pulling a goal back, this came through GAUGHT after a slip by the Dereham Centre back in the slippery conditions, with time running out the home team did have an effort through Robinson but he blasted the ball high over the bar, letting Dereham take the three points home

Poor game by the home players who just did not put on a performance when we needed it, one or two did show the desire needed but that was not enough.

RIDGEONS RESERVE LEAGUE
THETFORD TOWN RES 2 - WALSHAM RES 4
3001.10

After going close in the opening minutes Walsham finally broke the deadlock when DIAPER scored from close range. Walsham continued to press forward and went further ahead with a KEMP penalty. Thetford came more into the game but it was Walsham who went further ahead through PROBERT and GAUGHT saw his header hit the post. Thetford had the chance to reduce the arrears but DENNIS struck the penalty over the bar.

Thetford were the better team after the break and it was against the run of play when MILES put Walsham further ahead. The game changed dramatically with fifteen minutes to go when first MORTON with an own goal and DEAN from close range reduced the arrears. In the final minutes CROOME hit the post and a fine save by LYNN in the Walsham goal prevented Thetford from Salvaging something out of the game.

K Gaught

This was defiantly a game of two half’s first half to Walsham second half to Debenham.

Walsham with new additions Matt Miles from the U18’s starting the match, and the returning Will Newall on the bench, Walsham started well attacking at will with Miles showing up well but it was his striking partner PROBERT who finished of a good move involving Kemp and Gaught at the near post to put the home team in front.

Walsham went further ahead when GAUGHT scored at the far post injuring himself in the process. Debenham were trying to get back into the game but Bolton and Curtis worked hard to break up the play, and good wing play by Mcgiligan kept the away sides defenders on their toes. But it was a lack of concentration that caught out the Walsham team which saw Debenham get on to the score sheet, the ball defecting of keeper Lynns legs before entering the goal.

Walsham continued to attack and the lively MILES marked his debut with a well taken goal sliding the ball under former Walsham keeper Taylor to send the home team 3-1 up at half time.

The second half saw Debenham come out and take the game to Walsham and this put the home team into panic mode, a deep cross was not collected by keeper Lynn who let the ball slip through his hands on the goal line and after the home sides linesman indicating the ball crossed the line the goal was given by the referee, something you will not see from some home linesman in the league.

With the game going from end to end now and Debenham growing in confidence it was on the cards they would equalise, a drive into the corner from just outside of the box pulled the level.

Walsham changed their system and tried to grab the winner but great defending stopped the home side from taking all three points.

Walsham Squad:- LYNN, MORTON,KEMP, COBBOLD,FENNER, MCGILIGAN(ROBINSON),CURTIS, BOLTON, GAUGHT, MILES(SWALLOW), PROBERT(NEWALL)

Will now be played in 2010 date to follow

CHELL TROPHY DRAW

The draw for the quarter finals of the Chell Trophy is:-

Gorleston v Ipswich Wanderers
Great Yarmouth Town v Lowestoft Town or Braintree Town
Halstead Town or Walsham-le-Willows v Whitton United or Norwich United
Haverhill Rovers v Hadleigh United

Matches dates to be advised

UPDATE 16/12/09

Leiston out of Chell Trophy as they could not raise a team to play last round

The Reserves entertained the talented Needham team at Summer Road today.

The game started well for the away side with Needham taking the lead after corner was not cleared by the Home defence. Walsham took their time getting into the game but they did start to boss the game with Needham trying to counter attack down the wing with good effect at times.

More effort was shown by the home side just before half time with BROWN netting from close range closely followed by BIRCH with a good header from a corner. HT 2 - 1

A sad incident of the first half was when a Needham player suffered a serious injury, and was taken to hospital, everybody at Walsham wishes the player a very speedy recovery.

With Needham coming out of the blocks fighting in the second half it was end to end with two committed teams, Brown for the home team hitting a post, along with a cross from Kemp which was diverted over the line by a defender(neutral supporters view) which was not allowed, a couple of offsides which looked well on side could have seen a better score for Walsham but Needham also had chances, end of the day a good 3 points for the home side. But no more big B's on a Friday night/Saturday morning, please.

SQUAD:- LYNN,MORTON,BROCK,BIRCH,COBBOLD,THORROLD(McGILLIGAN),L.CURTIS,BOLTON,KEMP,BROWN(ROBINSON),PROCTOR(PROBERT)

Will now be played 5th DECEMBER 2009

Reserves go out of the Suffolk Reserve Cup after extra time.

SUFFOLK SENIOR RESERVE CUP ROUND 3 10-11-09

HADLEIGH RES 3 WALSHAM RES 2 AET

Walsham crashed out the Senior Reserve Cup after a hard fought battle at Hadleigh. Early play was even with few changes until Birch poppedup witha fine header at the far post to give Walsham the lead. Hadleigh immediately took the initiative and were unlucky not to equalise before the break. The second half continued much the same, Lynn pulled off a fine save from Sadler as Hadleigh pressed for the equaliser. Walsham hit the post with a deflection before Curtis finally scored for Hadleigh to take the tie into extra time. Curtis put Hadleighahead before Proctor equalised almost immediately. With time running out Probert had a good chance to win it for Walsham before Curtis scored five minutes from time for his and Hadleigh's thrid goal to win the tie.

KG





This report taken kindly from the Hadleigh Web Site

The Reserves take top spot this week , as they reached the Quarter Finals of the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup on Tuesday night, with a 3-2 extra time win over Walsham -le-Willows Reserves.
It is easy to say a game was great when you have won the contest, but this one really was and even if the result had gone against us the verdict would still have been the same.
A crowd of 92 watched the match which is the biggest Reserve gate of the season so far. Walsham took the lead in the first half, but Jason Curtis equalised midway through the second half to take the match into extra time. Livewire Jason Curtis put us ahead , before the excellent Walsham side equalised. In an exciting finale it was Jason Curtis who did the trick for Hadleigh with only a couple of minutes left

GREAT YARMOUTH RES 1 WALSHAM RES 3

Walsham travelled to previously unbeaten Great Yarmouth and after a fine team display won the match and returned to the top of the league. Early play was even but if was Walsham who took the upper hand. Probert hit the post and Proctor went close with a header before the latter, looking suspiciously offside slotted home the opening goal. Walsham played some fine, open football and it was no surprise when Probert added a second and Proctor headed the third before the break. The second half was a much different story with Yarmouth coming much more into the match, but despite having the lion's share of possession they created few chances until Johnson headed home in the dying minutes.

K Gaught

Squad:-

LYNN,MORTON,BROCK,BIRCH,DIAPER,CURTIS,THORROLD(MCGILLIGAN),BOLTON,PROBERT(MCCORMACK),PROCTOR

RIDGEONS RESERVE LEAGUE - 7.11.09
LOWESTOFT RES 1 WALSHAM RES 1

Lowestoft proved more than match for table toppers Walsham who returned home very happy with a point. Lowestoft's young and organised side had much of the early possession and it was somewhat against the run of play when Proctor put Walsham in the lead with a low slot. Williams hit the bar for Lowestoft as they sought for the equaliser. The second half was much the same with Lowestoft pressing but it was Walsham who had the best chances through Curtis and a header by Probert well save by Attridge. Halfway through the half Lowestoft finally equalised through the outstanding Williams who hammered home a loose ball. Diaper went close for Walsham, but it was Lowestoft who should have taken the points five minutes from time when Williams saw his well struck penalty spectacularly saved by Lynn. Despite a few goalmouth scrambles Walsham held on for a hard fought draw.

K Gaught

Great win for the reserves on Tuesday night against a team who will not lose many games at home IF they can field that team each match.

Goals from PROTOR 2 and PROBERT 1 clinched 3 valuable away points.

Squad
LYNN, BROCK, MORTON, BIRCH, COBBOLD, CURTIS, BOLTON, THORROLD(MCGILLIGAN), GAUGHT, PROCTOR(KEMP), PROBERT(DENNY)

Match report taken from the Grt Yarmouth Web Site

Ridgeons Reserve League
Walsham Res 2 v Gorleston Res 2
Walsham were under strength for this game due to some regular players not available for selection. The game was an even contest for the opening minutes then after 8 minutes Gorleston took the lead when a 20yd shot crept inside the post. After 25 minutes Walsham’s problems continued when defender Fenner had to leave the field with a nasty facial injury. After 30 minutes Gorleston increased their lead when another shot from outside the box went in off the post. Following good build up play down the left hand side Proctor had a good effort hit the post, then just on half time Francksen had a good header go over the bar, then Gorleston nearly increased their lead when they hit the post. Walsham were looking more positive in the second half and after 55minutes Proctor crossed for Gaught to score. Gorleston nearly increased their lead when from a scramble in the box Bryant made a good save. Walsham were now putting some good moves together and after 75 minutes a good ball found Gaught who crossed for Probert to equalise. Both side had chances to win the game but in the end a draw was a fair result for which Walsham can take credit for fighting back from a 2 – 0 deficit

BRYANT,DIAPER,MORTON,COBBOLD,FENNER(MCGILLIGAN),FRANCKSEN,BOLTON,THORROLD(LAWERANCE)GAUGHT,PROBERT,PROCTOR


QUOTES FROM GORLESTONS WEB SITE, MANY THANKS

"The Reserves are travelling to league leaders Walsham Le Willows with a very strong squad,which i'm sure will be a very tough game,Lewis Hammond returns after being absent for the 1st team last week,he will need a run out with the Reserves at Walsham."



CLICK TO SEE HOW GORLESTON SAW IT

New players to sign on for the club are James Denny from Scole, Matt Miles from our U18's/Cockfield and David Lampshire, who is just getting back into football after being away at university.

RIGEONS RESERVE LEAGUE
WOODBRIDGE RES 0 - WALSHAM RES 2
17th October 2009

Walsham had to battle hard to overcome a determined Woodbridge side. Probert and Proctor both squandered good chances to put Walsham ahead in the first ten minutes and fine save by Ross from Kemp kept the game scoreless at half time. Ross came to Woodbridge's rescue again at the beginning of the second half, tipping KEMP's free kick over the bar. However he was powerless when Proctor headed Walsham into the lead and again ten minutes from time when Gaught headed the second to give the visitors the points.

K Gaught

Walsham continued their good run of form with an emphatic win over Diss. PROBERT put the home side ahead on five minutes with a tremendous drive from the edge of the box. The expected avalanche did not materialise and STOLLIS equalised for Diss after a defensive blunder. Walsham pressed forward and were rewarded when GAUGHT quickly followed up a rebound off the post just before half-time. The second half was a much different story with Walsham pinning Diss in their own half. PROBERT added his second and PROCTOR and GAUGHT both hit the post before COBBOLD added a fourth. BARKER in the Diss goal performed heroics with save after after but was finally beaten by BIRCH and substitute DIAPER.

K GAUGHT

THE draw for the 2nd Round of the Chell Trophy (the knock-out cup for Ridgeons Reserve League teams) has been made:-

Braintree Town v Lowestoft Town or Wivenhoe Town

Gorleston v Dereham Town or Thetford Town

Great Yarmouth Town v Debenham LC

Hadleigh United v Diss Town

Halstead Town v Walsham-le-Willows

Ipswich Wanderers v Leiston

Stowmarket Town v Felixstowe & Walton United or Haverhill Rovers

Whitton United or Stanway Rovers v Norwich United

Matches will, wherever possible, be scheduled to Saturdays during November

Due to the state of football pitches (ground hard)in the Grt Yarmouth area Saturdays game is postponed.

Next game is Home v Diss Res. 10th October

Taken from Grt Yarmouth Town Web Site

GY COUNCIL BAN Gt Yarmouth Council have today (Wednesday 29th September) announced a ban on all football on its pitches due to the severe rainfall shortage. The Youth and Reserve matches scheduled for this week are thus OFF.

Ridgeons Reserve League, Debenham L C Res 1 v Walsham Le Willows Res 3
Walsham Res continued there good start to the season with a good win away to Debenham Res. the first half was an even contest with Walsham slightly the better team and if they had taken their chances they would have been in front, the second half was dominated by Walsham crating numerous chances and they went in to comfortable 3 – 0 lead with goals by LEE GAUGHT and RICK PROBERT 2, Rob Francksen had an excellent shot against the cross bar before Debenham scored a consolation goal towards the end.
With a number of players with the First team, this was a very good win for the team, the team was made up of this years and last years Under 18's all makeing telling contributions during the game.

TEAM:- LYNN,KEMP,MORTON,COBBOLD,BROCK(FENNER)CURTIS,FRANCKSEN,BOLTON,GAUGHT(MCGILLIGAN,BRAME(DIAPER),PROBERT

Walsham started the stronger of the two sides and it was no surprise when Kemp put them in front with a glorious free-kick. To their credit Thetford then took the game to Walsham and deservedly equalised through the impressive Almeida and only minutes later went in front following a superb lob from Dean. Whilst Thetford can claim most of the possession it was Walsham who equalised on the stroke of half-time when Proctor shot home from fully twenty-five yards. Walsham dominated the second half, Gaught had a shot acrobatically cleared off the line before Proctor gave them the lead from close range. More chances were wasted before Proctor claimed his third hat-trick in three matches with a fine shot. Terry in the Thetford goal pulled off a fine save and Diaper hit the post as Walsham continued to dominate.

TEAM:- LYNN,KEMP,BIRCH,MORTON,COBBOLD,SWALLOW(CURTIS)BOLTON,BRAME(DIAPER),GAUGHT(MCGILLIGAN),PROBERT,PROCTOR

By Kev Gaught

On Tuesday evening, the RESERVES played at home against our local
neighbours, Walsham-le-Willows Reserves, the ' Villagers' continued there
One Upmanship against the Old Gold & Blacks, by winning on the night by
three goals to one, our single strike coming from Simon BERNARD. It was
a fast & furious encounter, we missed plenty of chances to get ourselves
back in the game, but couldn't cope with the quick & fast raiding Walsham
side who looked very good on the night.
We can't seem to beat our neighbours at any leval over the last few season's
Walsham really do seem to have 'the evil eye ' over us, so perhaps we
should take them on at either darts or pool or even tiddlywinks !!

THANKS TO GREENUN AND STOWMARKET TOWN WEB SITES

Walsham were ahead after 4 min when a great move was finished well by WAYNE PROCTOR slotting home from 12yds.
Stowmarket who were using the wind well with their direct over the top ball tactics equalised using when the Stow forward running through on goal after some sloppy defending slotting home well.
The away side were lucky to be still in the game as several of these types of attacks by Stowmarket caught out the Walsham defence with only the poor finishing letting Stowmarket down.
As Walsham got more into the game great movement from Brown and Proctor in the Walsham attack started to open up the home defence and it was WAYNE PROCTOR again with a fine volley from a Brown cross to send the away team 1-2 up at half time

After some sorting out at half time Walsham came out with more purpose and had several attempts on goal but found the home goal keeper in great form to keep the score down.
With Probert replacing Swallow and Tarpley replacing the hard working Gaught Walsham turned on the heat with Probert unlucky not to score a hat trick.
Stowmarket tried and tried to get back into the game but found the defence of Birch, Morton, Cobbold, and Kemp in a more determined mood and it was Captain WAYNE PROCTOR who finished off the game with a great finish for Walsham to take home their first 3 points of the season.

TEAM;- LYNN,MORTON,KEMP,BIRCH,COBBOLD,SWALLOW(PROBERT),BOLTON,ROBINSON,GAUGHT(TARPLEY),BROWN,PROCTOR

For the Reserves first game of the season it looked all good going ahead early through LEE GAUGHT but Norwich got back on level terms after some bad marking. We then went ahead again through SCOTT SWALLOW, after good work on the wing by Gaught, but yet again a mistake and the home team drew level.

Just before half time the home team once again took advantage of a mistake and went ahead for the first time in the game. H/T 3-2

The second half was all Walsham attacking trying to get a least a draw from the game but it was not to be. Norwich who play neat one touch football kept Walsham at bay, with the game in the final minutes and with Walsham pushing so many players forward Norwich had three one on one chances, but they just could not beat Barry Lynn in the Walsham goal. Final 3 - 2

On reflection Norwich 3 shots three goals, as for Walsham we looked tired, and made mistakes, hopefully players will reflect on their performance ready for the next game.

The Reserves lost against Bacton on Tuesday night.

With 10min remaining and well on top of the game winning 2 - 1 with goals from Will Brown the Reserves made two mistakes and were duly punished by a spirited Bacton side that just would not give up.
In fact Bacton had 3 shots and scored 3 goals in the game but some great defending and goalkeeping kept them in the game to secure a good win. The game was well referred by Chris Pollard.

Reserves next game is Away in the League against Norwich United 22nd August

The Reserves entertained Hundon from the Kershaw Prem. League on Thursday 6th August in their second pre-season game and produced a fine performance beating Hundon 7 - 3 with goals from Will Brown(2) Wayne Proctor,Rick Probert(2), Luke Austin, and Baden Holmes. Babden had an eventful game, he came off the bench and scored with his first touch and then later scored an own goal...

Squad:- LYNN,MORTON,KNIGHTSON,BROCK,KEMP,PARTRIDGE,HEAD,BOLTON,AUSTIN,PROCTOR,BROWN,ROBINSON,HOLMES,PROBERT,COBBOLD

Reserves next game is against the Walsham Sunday Under 18's at Watisfield 2.30pm K/Off

Chell Trophy Draw
(for teams in the Ridgeons Reserve Divisions)

First Round
AFC Sudbury (holders) v Norwich United
Brantham Athletic v Ipswich Wanderers
Cornard United v Halstead Town
Debenham LC v Woodbridge Town
Dereham Town v Thetford Town
Felixstowe & Walton United v Haverhill Rovers
Hadleigh United v Long Melford
Harwich & Parkeston v Great Yarmouth Town
Lowestoft Town v Wivenhoe Town
Needham Market v Walsham-le-Willows
Whitton United v Stanway Rovers
Witham Town v Braintree Town

Byes
Diss Town
Gorleston
Leiston
Stowmarket Town

Matches will be scheduled to Saturdays - actual dates dependent on ground availability