THETFORD INDEPENDENTS FC
HAVE FUN AND PLAY FOOTBALL
TEAM WRITE UPS
Indie's travelled to Rocklands for only their second league game of the season. Indies were slow to start but soon found their feet. Ben Daynes opened the scoring from a well struck free kick, going 1-0 up, but Rocklands replied straight away with an equaliser. Then a corner from Ben saw Klae Tucker score with a header to put the visitors 2-1 ahead again, Rocklands soon came back with equaliser. But further pressure from Indies put them 3-2 up with a long range shot from Ben, and with a swift break Indies went 4-2 up. Rocklands again put up a brave fight and made it 4- 3. Reece Rudd and Justin Halford in defence remained solid for the rest of the game. But with only 4 minutes to go Ben scored again for his hat trick and made the final score 5-3 to Indies. A very close game, but Indies came out on top for their first points of the season.
BULLDOGS U13 V THETFORD INDIES U13S CUP GAME 4TH OCT 2 - 4 Indies travelled to local rivals Bulldogs in the first round of the KO Cup. The game started scrappy with neither team able to get the ball down and play. Indies create a couple of chances when Jordan Foster and Harry White both slipped through on different occasions but couldn’t beat the Bulldogs keeper. Just before the halftime whistle the home team took the lead after great work down the right gave the left winger an excellent opportunity who lifted the ball over Dom Barke in goal. The second half started how the first finished with the home team maintaining the pressure on the visitors, and it paid off when a sloppy back pass put the goalkeeper under pressure and the resultant poor clearance fell to a bulldog’s player who had an easy job of tapping it in. Indies soon got a goal back thanks to the hard working Harry White who tapped in at the far post. It was Indies now who were pressuring for the equaliser and it came when Charlie Read was put through and this time made no mistake. Minutes later the same player then gave Indies the advantage looping his header up over the stranded keeper. Luke Chappell then finished off the comeback with a left foot shot into the far corner. Great comeback from Indies but a great performance from bulldogs who were unlucky to lose. Final score Bulldogs 2 Indies 4
THETFORD INDIES U11S 4TH OCT Indies played their first game of the season last week against New Buckenham. They started with only 10 players but were soon 2 nil up. The 11th player arrived and Indies dominated the game and scored 2 further goals with the opposition scoring 1 in reply. The team worked extremely hard and should have won by a bigger margin. Well done the whole team. This week the team played against East Harling who are top of the league. They started well and were soon 2 nil up again. In the first half Indies had Harling pinned in their own half but Harling scored two on the break. At half time the game was evenly matched. Harling then dominated in periods and Indies seemed to have the energy knocked out of them. Harling scored a further 3 goals and Indies replied with one more. Final score 6 - 3 but the team again worked hard and the score line does not reflect the game.
THETFORD INDIESFC U9 A V THETFORD INDIES U9 B 4TH OCT 7 - 0 Friends and team mates on a Saturday at training, the players from Thetford Indies Under 9s 'A' and 'B' teams faced each other in their SNYFL league fixture this weekend. With gale force winds blowing across the Rugby Club pitch where the two teams play made conditions for playing football difficult, but it was that same wind that helped Indies 'A' open the scoring within the first 2 minutes of the game as a ball lofted forwards by Jordan Bowie was carried by the wind over the head of 'B' team keeper Harry Roberts. That early goal gave Indies 'A' the confidence to press forwards with two further goals during the first quarter coming from Kehan Whitby. The second quarter began where the first had left off with some skilful work in the opposing teams penalty area from Connor Noble and was rewarded with the first of what was to be two goals for him leading up to half-time. Indies 'B' pressed hard during the second half of the game despite being 5-0 down and some solid defending from Eddie Wilkinson, the 'B' teams Man of the Match, kept the 'A' teams chances to a minimum during the 3rd and 4th quarters. Kehan Whitby rounded off his hat-trick in formidable style with a well struck shot from outside the penalty area to make the score 6-0 but this proved to be the only goal of the 3rd quarter. Once again Indies 'B' worked the 'A' team hard in the final quarter and almost put themselves on the score sheet when a Lucas Fowles shot hit the left hand post and bounced across the goalmouth for keeper Jamie Humphrey to collect. Indies 'B' keeper Harry Roberts was also in fine form during the final quarter keeping out a string of 'A' team shots before Aiden Try broke away with the ball from the half-way line to slot home the final goal of the game making the score 7-nil to Indies A. Indies A Man of the Match was Jordan Bowie.
Indies U13s entertained their parents in a ‘friendly’ game of 3 halves. Starting at a fast tempo with the parents taking an early lead when Mick Foster opened the scoring, Indies kept playing and pegged the parents’ bag when Charlie Read crossed for Harry White. Indies then had the chance to take the lead but Callum Crabb blazed over from the penalty spot. The parents then punished the boys when Pete Chappell raced through to score past Dom Barke at the second attempt. During the second third the parents dominated and extended their lead through two goals from Steve Francis. Andy Mac and Si Whitby who were bossing the midfield were unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions but Mick Foster once again had luck on his side when he scored his second for the parents. Brian Crabb then opened his account after a good run and finish. Dave Mason was unlucky not to score after his great run was halted at the last minute. Gareth Jones retired due to a knee injury which brought Dan Hutt on who completed the scoring of the third with a far post header. With the parents tiring, the final third was all Indies with Harry White completing his hat trick, it could have been more after Ryan Foster was brought down in the box only for Tom Mason to hit his penalty over, again with Mark Fowler not having to make a save from either penalty. Aaron Rowe and Ian Rowe were having a great battle down the right and Ty Whitby finished off the scoring for Indies. Only for good defending from Jordan Foster, Luke Chappell and Alex Mac kept the parents at bay in the final third. Final score Parents 7, Indies 4, MOTM Mick Foster (aged 49ish). Big thanks to all the parents and players for a most enjoyable day.
BRANDON U9S V THETFORD INDIES U9S A 11TH OCT 4 - 3 Thetford Indies Under 9s 'A' team suffered their first defeat of the season in a hard fought affair at Brandon Leisure Centre. Indies took an early lead after Connor Noble began what was to prove to be his Man of the Match performance by chasing down the Brandon goalkeeper to slot the ball neatly into the back of their net. Indies held this lead into the first break. The second quarter was all action however as goals went in thick and fast. Brandon were gifted an opportunity to level the scores after a push in the penalty area lead to a spot kick which was cleanly put away. This was followed minutes later by a second goal as Brandon stepped up a gear and sensed victory. Just 60 seconds later however, Indies hit back with the neatest passing move of the game involving 4 players before Noble finished off his second of the game from close range. Brandon's dominance in the second quarter was further rewarded with 2 more goals before the half-time break to make the score 4-2. Indies hopes were revived early in the third quarter after a through ball from Jordan Bowie was met by Connor Noble who confidently knocked the ball past the Brandon keeper and scored from distance to seal his hat-trick and give the visiting supporters some hope. Indies went on to dominate the final two quarters of the game with any breaks from Brandon dealt with by Indies keeper Jamie Humphrey who had a solid game in goal. Despite the dominance, Indies couldn't find the equaliser and went home having to settle for no points yet knowing they had been involved in a game which displayed the best in grassroots youth football. Final score Brandon 4 Indies 3.
THETFORD INDIES LADIES V SROWSTON LADIES 11TH OCT 10 - 4 Indies Ladies entertained Sprowston on Sunday in very windy conditions and put pressure on Sprowston from the start, within 5 minutes Kristy Harris put them in front. Indies continued to push forward and the pressure told as Sprowston deflected the ball for own goal, Harris added a second goal to her tally. Wilson had very little to do thanks to her defence of Steph Hughes and Teima Almeida. Tracy Barham ran her heart out made way for Leanne Warnes made an impact on the game with a good passing move with Kerry, Stewart and Warnes put Harris in to score where she added another from a poor goal kick. Warnes made a good run and fed Harris to add another. Sprowston got into the game in the second half and pulled one back but it was short lived. The trio of Harris, Stewart and Warnes played for Stewart to shoot but hit the post but Harris was on hand to tuck it away. Warnes was working very hard and was rewarded by picking up a poor pass and put her in to score with a good right foot shot. Sprowston struck again, but Indies hit back from Stewart who had an excellent game in midfield linked with Harris and Warnes for Harris to score her 7th. Sprowston pulled two more back but Warnes added her second. Final score Indies 10- Sprowston 4.
Indies U13s hosted Morton Hall in the league, the visitors who struggled for a team only turned up with 9 men. Indies started off slow and took a while to get going but they did get the ball moving with Luke Jones making some nice passes out to the left and after some sustained pressure Charlie reed broke the deadlock when his corner curled in over the keeper. Indies still didn’t use the extra numbers they had to great effect but were doing just about enough, Charlie Reed then doubled his tally when he headed in after a great cross by Luke Chappell. Just before half time Harry White got on the score sheet to give indies a comfortable lead at the break. The second half Indies improved in front of goal but were sloppy at the back. Charlie Reed then delivered another dangerous corner which Charlie Hutt got his head to and put it into the top corner. Indies then got too complacent and conceded to give Morton Hall a glimmer of hope but that was soon extinguished when Jordan Foster finished off the best move of the match with Shey, Chappers, Jordan and Charlie all involved. Ty Whitby then got in on the act when he lobbed the keeper from 20 yards but the visitors kept going and got another goal back after a lapse in concentration from indies. Harry white completed the scoring when put through he confidently slotted his shot past the keeper. A good result for the lads to give them confidence to push on, final score: Indies 7, Morton hall 2.
After a break of three weeks following postponements caused by weather and opponents cancelling games, Indies A got back into winning ways with an emphatic 19-1 victory over Garboldisham. The opening 5 minutes of the game gave Indies cause for concern after Garboldisham quickly levelled following an early Connor Noble goal that initially gave Indies the lead. This concern was unfounded however, as Indies went on to dominate the rest of the game with Noble netting shortly after with his second of the game. Two goals from Alfie Cooper were followed by another from Noble, completing his hat-trick in quick time. Aiden Try rounded the goal scoring off in the first quarter, finding the net from a corner kick, to make the score 6-1. Indies continued the fine work early in the second quarter when a cross from Cooper was met by Noble at the far post who soon after scored his 5th and arguably, best goal of the game when a good through ball from Kehan Whitby found Noble who confidently toed the ball past the keeper from distance after he had tried to close the angle down. Aiden Try then netted goals nine and ten for Indies with the second of those goals the pick of the bunch after Try had left his marker, drove inside and tucked the ball away from the edge of the penalty area. Noble completed the scoring in the second quarter to make the half-time score 11-1. Noble, who by the time the third quarter had started, was brimming with confidence, put two more away with a fourth goal from Try sandwiched in between. Any Garboldisham breaks were comfortably dealt with by Indies keeper Jamie Humphrey who prevented any further goals being conceded. Kehan Whitby, who had fought hard throughout the game, was rewarded with his first goal early in the final quarter, driving down the right hand flank before striking the ball neatly into the back of the net. Noble's ninth and tenth goals of the game soon followed, rounding off a well deserved Man of the Match performance. A long throw by Try was met by Whitby's head for his second goal of the game before an extremely patient Konnor Dixon, who had been solid in defence all game, scored Indies 19th and final goal, finishing off a long run from the back of the pitch in style. Despite the scoreline, the Garboldisham players should be praised for their spirit and sportsmanlike performance as they never let their head drop throughout the game.
Thetford Independents hosted Dereham Wanderers Yellow and despite dominating the early play in the first quarter, Indies had the quietest start to any game that they had played this season and were very shy in front of goal until Konnor Dixon popped up towards the break to make sure a shot fired into the box from Alfie Cooper made its way across the goal line. Indies stepped up the pace in the second quarter and looked more effective around the penalty area. Jordan Bowie found the net with a shot from range to make the score two-nil and a superb blast from Cooper rebounded off the crossbar into the arms of a Dereham defender who therefore conceded a penalty. Cooper tucked the penalty away with ease leaving the Dereham keeper with no chance and sending Indies into the half-time break with a 3-0 lead. Connor Noble extended the lead early in the third quarter followed by Indies fifth goal of the game which was scored by Kehan Whitby, getting his foot to the ball to guide a long shot from Aiden Try beyond the keeper and into the net. Try then scored his first goal of the game after he completed a long run from the left wing with a thunderous shot which found its way into the bottom right hand corner of the Dereham goal. Dereham began the final quarter as if they meant business and narrowed the gap after a fine free kick from a tight angle looped over the Indies defence and keeper to make the score 6-1. Aiden Try then restored the six goal gap after a fine piece of passing football ended with Noble crossing for Try to tuck away his second. Defender, Brandon Dawson became the final Indies outfield player to get his name on the score sheet when he ended a long run from his defensive position with a superb shot which the keeper got his hands to, but could not prevent Dawson tucking away Indies eight and final goal of the day. It was Dereham who had the final say on the score line however as they finished off the game with a fine shot from the edge of the penalty area to make the score 8-2 to Indies. Aiden Try was awarded the Man of the Match honours.
Thetford Indies U10's hosted a local derby match against Thetford Bulldogs B in there league fixture. The match started slowly, but indies soon found their feet going up 1-0 by a deflected shot by Ryan Fox , but the lead was short lived when Bulldogs equalised after a well worked move. Continued pressure by Indies was rewarded when Bulldogs handled in the area .A decisive and well struck penalty by Reece Rudd made it 2-1. Not settling on this Indies made it 3-1 by a powerful shot by Ben Daynes, but Bullbogs rallied and scored again 3-2 .After the break continued pressure and a well worked move put Klae Tucker through to slot home 4-2, Reece struck a marvellous shot from outside the area 5-2 .Bulldogs fought back again making it 5-3.Indies defence Justin Halford and Harrison Lambe held out for the rest of the match. But again well worked moves from Aaron Byford and Ben was enough for Indies too take the points with further goals from Klae and Ben making the final score 7-3 .A fine team performance . Final score Thetford Indies 7 - Thetford Bulldogs 3
THETFORD INDIES U13S V HADLIEGH CUP GAME 15TH NOV 3 - 0 Indies travelled to Hadleigh for a cup game and came away 3-0 winners. Indies started brightly and were soon controlling the game in the middle of the park with Jordan foster, Ty Whitby and the impressive Tom Mason dominating and it was the latter who scored the opening goal after some sustained pressure from Indies, Shey Spears goal bound shot was only parried by the Hadleigh goalkeeper but Tom Mason was hand to help the ball in. It was all Indies in the first half and they doubled their lead when Charlie Read was put through by Ty Whitby and he rounded the keeper to give
RED ROSE LADIES V THETFORD INDIES LADIES 15TH NOV 1 - 1 Thetford played this match a player short due to work and sickness trying to make up for a lacklustre game last week. Thetford took the game to red rose Leanne Warnes won the ball in midfield and went on a fine solo run beat three rose players to slot it home after only one minute, Indies pushed forward even more to make sure of the points but could not get the ball in the net. Rose started to make use of the extra player and push forward but the defence of Steph Hughes and Teima Almeida who both had an excellent game mopped up anything that got through, when rose did break down Indies defence they found stand in keeper Kristy Harris in fine form stopping three point blank shots. After the break rose started to come into the game more making it end to end stuff indies midfield Kerry Stewart and Tracy Barham worked tireless the whole game, with ten minutes left Barham took over in goal so Harris could try and make sure of the points, but the extra player was beginning to tell rose pushed forward after a goal mouth scramble indies tried to clear the ball only for it to rebound into indies net, with five minutes left indies made a big push for the second goal Harris and Sterwart both went close but to no avail game ended 1-1 but a good result for indies after last week Indies were in confident mood after their Cup victory over Bulldogs the day before and didn't stop working from the start to finish of this SNYFL league encounter at East Harling. Kehan Whitby started what was to become his Man of the Match performance by opening the scoring half way through the first quarter. This goal then opened the floodgates as Jordan Bowie followed soon after with a shot from the edge of the penalty area. Alfie Cooper's long run down the pitch and eventual goal was then followed by a defensive lapse which lead to Harling scoring their first goal of the game. This was to be one of few lapses during this game and normal service was resumed when Connor Noble scored his first of the game followed by a further two goals from Cooper, the second of which was delivered to him by defender Brandon Dawson who superbly cleared the ball up the pitch for Cooper to latch onto. Whitby pounced onto the resulting centre kick to immediately score a 7th for Indies before former Indies player, Jay Smith, wrapped up the scoring in the first quarter by getting a second for Harling. Konnor Dixon commanded the ball in the second quarter, frequently bringing it up the pitch and turning defence into attack. This lead to Indies 8th goal as a Dixon cross was met by Noble to tap in from close range. Further goals came from Aiden Try, Noble and Whitby (2) to make the score 12-2 at the half way point. The weather started to turn in the 3rd quarter as the rain fell but there was no let up in the Indies attack which became even more relentless. The best passing play of the game between Try, Noble and Cooper resulted in an early goal for Cooper netting his 4th of the day. He followed this with a 5th and 6th goal before Aiden Try's strike from the edge of the penalty area found its way through a crowded box for Indies 16th of the match. Cooper, whose strength played a big part in the game, added a further two more goals in the 3rd quarter along with an additional goal from Noble. Cooper's 9th and final goal of the game came early in the final quarter, by which time the heavens had opened and the rain torrential. Whitby sealed his 5th of the game in style which was then followed by a thunderbolt of a free kick from Brandon Dawson from the edge of the penalty area to make it 22 goals. A Harling own-goal made the final score 23-2 to Indies.
BULLDOGS U9S V THETFORD INDIES U9S A 21ST NOV CUP GAME 1 - 6 This local derby was the SNYFL 1st Round Trophy fixture rearranged after the heavy downpours from 3 weeks ago and the largest crowd that the Indies players had performed in front of came to witness a superb team performance. Indies put pressure on the Bulldogs goal from the first minute of the game with the lions share of ball possession going to Indies. However, a determined performance from the Bulldogs keeper was the only thing that was preventing Indies from taking the lead until the closing stages of the first quarter when a long run down the right flank ended with a tame shot from Aiden Try which bobbled on the ground in front of the keeper and bounced over his hands for Indies first goal. Despite the fortunate nature of the goal, it was well deserved and the score line reflected the early pressure that Indies had placed on Bulldogs. The second quarter continued where the first had left off with more Indies pressure and a solid performance from the Bulldogs keeper all that stood between a heavy score line. The only goal of the quarter came from a superb free kick from defender Konnor Dixon that would have graced any professional match which was whipped into the penalty area and finished off by Aiden Try for his second goal of the game. Indies confidence grew and the players determination really paid off in the third quarter as they finished this Cup game off in style. Some neat passing football between Alfie Cooper and Kehan Whitby ended with Whitby cooly slotting the ball home from the edge of the penalty area. Cooper then somehow scored directly from a corner kick only to nearly repeat that feat two minutes later getting the crowd excited who had thought it had gone in again from the angle they were watching the game at. Towards the end of the third quarter Connor Noble took an opportunity the lob the keeper from distance after he made found himself stranded on the edge of the penalty area and couldn't have connected with the ball more cleanly to make the score 5-0. Indies keeper Jamie Humphrey had to keep on his toes however as Bulldogs showed that they were capable of something dangerous, forcing a good save from Humphrey. Towards the end of the quarter Bulldogs were rewarded with a superbly taken goal as their striker clipped the ball neatly will the outside of his boot past Humphrey. Bulldogs applied some pressure at the start of the final quarter buoyed by the confidence their late strike in the 3rd quarter had given them. Noble wrapped up the scoring for Indies however, with a tap in from close range after some more neat passing football, making the score 6-1 to Indies who progress to the 2nd Round of the SNYFL Trophy where they will meet Dereham Wanderers Yellow. Man of the Match went to Konnor Dixon.
MULBARTON U9S V THETFORD INDIES U9S B 22ND NOV 2 - 3 The match kicked off on a bright and breezy morning with the Indies in
THISTLE U10S V THETFORD INDIES U10S SUFFOLK 22ND NOV 3 - 0 Indies lost this game in the first 10 minutes as Thistle took a quick 3-0 lead. A lack of concentration across the team allowed Thistle to create chances which were well converted. Indies regrouped and started to become more effective in their play, gaining some possession and presenting some attacking purpose. Indies saw out the first half without further loss and went into the second half presenting an increasing threat. Indies pulled back two goals through Charlie McGill and then saw a string of chances fail to be converted, as they finally took control of the game. A draw was looking increasingly likely as Indies pressed their advantage but with time running out Thistle managed to score a fourth goal from a rare attack. The boys can take some encouragement from the fact that if they had played as well in the first half as they did in the second they would have won this game comfortably.
THETFORD INDIES U13S V BURY TOWN B U13S 22ND NOV 2 - 3 Thetford Indies U13s entertained league leaders Bury Town B. The game started evenly with neither team creating many chances. Bury Town did start to get on top and after 3 successive corners where they were unlucky not to be ahead, some brilliant defending and a fine save by Dom Barke prevented them from taking the lead. Indies started to move the ball around well and it was Tom Mason and Charlie Reed who linked together brilliantly down the right and it was the latter who crossed for Harry White to come in back post to finish off a great move. It wasn’t long before the visitors replied with a good counter attack and again just before half time to lead 2-1 and knock the stuffing out of Indies. Indies calmed themselves down and came out for the second half fighting, competing for every ball and matching the league leaders. The game didn’t have many chances mainly down to good defending from Luke Jones, Callum Crabb, Alex Mac, Charlie Hutt and Luke Chappell but a lapse in concentration and Bury punished Indies with their second 25 yarder of the game. Indies could have quite easily folded and let their heads drop but the boys picked them up and pulled a goal back thanks to Shey Spears who placed his right foot effort low in the corner to create an exciting finish. Indies then took gambles throwing bodies forward in search for that goal they need but Bury who showed they are good on the counter attack earlier in the game used it to good effect catching Indies out when they was light at the back. Best performance of the season. MOM Ty Whitby
Tense but excited, the Red Dragons hoped for a win on their home ground.
The game kicked off under a threatening sky but with the great sounds of
football already coming from the pitch next door. Immediately, the
pressure was on. The game moved to Toftwood's half, repeatedly testing
their defence with some great passing around outside the box. Lucas Fowles
quickly found the back of the net at the beginning of the first quarter.
The pressure continued. Again and again Harry Roberts served up the
corners while Shannon Richardson and Lucas tried to hammer the ball home.
Surely a goal had to come - but it didn't.
In the second quarter, Toftwood managed to occasionally push through and
challenge the Red Dragon's defence but the pressure was mainly on
Toftwood. With this worrying trend the tension mounted - could the Red
Dragons hold on to their lead? Could they score again and boost their
confidence?
In the third quarter Phoenix Bartram-Gorzelak and Eddie McGill's
determination got the ball off Toftwood and up to Kit Heathershaw, Callum
Brown and Shannon for some fine passing; some great chances were made, but
nothing made it home. Despite the good work and determination from Phoenix
and Eddie McGill, Toftwood managed several surprise pushes right through
the defence. Only Jaden Bernard stood between the Toftwood attack and the
Red Dragon's goal. The crowd looked on, wondering if the lead was lost.
Several times Jaden saved the Toftwood shot and their hopes.
The fourth quarter saw both teams move up a gear. With the Red Dragon's
slim lead, there was everything to play for. No signs of tiredness here -
just speed and commitment. With the play more in the centre now, Harry
Blake did his stuff, doggedly chasing the ball. Eddie Wilkinson stayed
right back making sure that any Toftwood escapes from the midfield didn't
cause any problems. An excellent near miss by Lucas brought the excitement
to a head and the match to an end.
A win! The first of the season, it was particularly well deserved after
the hard work but demoralising results of earlier matches.
Well done the Red Dragons - come on you Reds!
the ball directly to Shannon in front of the goal who looped it over the bewildered keeper for a 3-1 lead. Lucas Fowles and Eddie McGill brought the pressure to bear in the second quarter with fine passing and severalshots at goal later on in the quarter which didn't quite make it. Again, Phoenix and Jaden managed to handle most of the loose balls popping out at the Red Dragons end, normally chased by a very determined Garboldisham striker. One more goal was conceded to Garboldisham. Half time clearly refreshed the Red Dragons who came out with renewed energy, especially Lucas who managed an excellent shot from the corner of the box after 8 minutes to make it 4-2. A few minutes later, after plenty of determined running, he found himself in the goal mouth watching a Garboldisham corner glance off Jaden along the goal line. His hand, with a mind of its own, reached out to help the ball away. The resulting penalty changed the score to 4-3 and placed a storm cloud over Lucas' head. Even more determined now, Lucas managed an excellent cross in front of Garboldisham's goal within seconds of the penalty, confounding the keeper and setting Harry Blake up for a well controlled fifth goal for the Red Dragons. The frenzy continued in the fourth quarter, boosted by Lucas' early goal but the control and passing remained despite the energy that was being put in. Some excellent control and defensive work up into midfield from Kit Heathershaw and Eddie McGill kept Garboldisham frustrated. Garboldisham finished the match with the final goal a couple of minutes from the end. Shannon was named man of the match. Final score, Indies Red Dragons 6, Garboldisham 4.
In the second half, Harling tightened up and started the comeback. There were plenty more challenges for Heathershaw, Bartram-Gorzelak, McGill and Wilkinson as they populated defence and plenty of challenges for "safe-hands" Bernard behind them. In the third quarter, the challenges were comfortably repulsed. Indies confidence was increased with a brilliantly aimed corner from Heathershaw and the ball went in off their near-post defender taking the score to 2-0. The fourth quarter saw Indies a little confused by Harling's continuing improvement. Indies were unable to keep the lead and lost two goals in quick succession but managed to prevent a loss. Final score was 2-2. Man of the match was "safe-hands" Bernard.
comfortable raising the pressure on Harling. The pressure grew and something had to give - Fowles found himself in front of the goal with the ball and scored. Having a taste for it now, Fowles scored again from the corner of the box after an express delivery from the Indies goal by Heathershaw. The second quarter started confidently. McGill's determination in midfield was rewarded with an opportunity which was taken and thoroughly exploited. Breaking free, he had one man and a difficult pass between him and the strikers. The man was dodged and the pass was made in brisk fashion enabling Fowles to score again 5 minutes in. Harling
raised their game and matched the pressure, hungry for equalisers. For the Indies, here began the hard slog of defending their lead in miserable weather. For the rest of the match, great saves and kicks from handy Heathershaw behind some solid defence from Batram-Gorzelak, Wilkinson with Brown and McGill joining in, keeping Harling frustrated. Blake, Brown and
McGill ignored the cold and enthusiastically kept pushing the ball up against the considerable headwind providing several chances for Richardson. With only one goal conceded in the third quarter, the Indies secured a well deserved victory: 3 goals to Harling's 1.
good spirits. There wasn't a settling period - the Indies got straight on
with the job in hand. The passing was impressive from the beginning but
would they move to the ball, chase it and work hard to get it? Heathershaw
showed some impressive kicking in midfield, both delivering and clearing
the ball. One such delivery by Heathershaw from a corner, dropped the ball
right into the crowd in front of the goal where Blake found a chance and
then brilliantly found the back of the net. The second quarter saw some
adjustments up front leaving the stalwarts, McGill and Wilkinson in
defence with "safe-hands" Bernard in goal. Fowles, now back in midfield,
was able to showcase his footwork, quickly beating a strong challenge from
Mulbarton followed by a precise pass up to Richardson. Richardson, denied
on that occasion, was able to finish the job a couple of minutes later, by
kicking a very nice penalty into the net right up against the left hand
post. McGill also managed a fine feed up to Richardson. Brown's hard work
and determination kept Mulbarton under pressure in midfield into the
second half with the Indies resolved to keep their lead. Mulbarton's first
goal from a free kick was quickly replied to by McGill who managed to
score after a scramble and several exciting attempts in front of the goal.
As the final quarter approached, a brief lapse allowed Mulbarton's
dangerous number 4 to score an unsaveable goal taking the score to 3-2 to
the Indies. Dogged determination in the final quarter held the score to
the finish. Man of the match was Richardson.
