The First team finally had a home game after several long trips, and a good crowd gathered at Carlton Park for the match v Sporting 87 Reserves (someone said they counted 87 spectators which is ironic when you consider our opposition).
We have already played our opponents away and the result was a 0-0 draw, so we knew we would be in for a tough match.
The first half was very tight. We had a lot of possession without creating too many clear cut chances. Those of note were a shot from Rob Stephenson (sponsored by Jeffery & Associates) after a good move, and a header from Will Stebbings (sponsored by R&R Carpentry) from a corner which just went over the bar. Half time 0-0.
We started the second half on the front foot and it was not long before we took the lead through a cool finish by Joe Moore (sponsored by Xtra Time Sports Development), after a flowing move.
However, shorty after, we gifted the lead away as Sporting scored an unfortunate equaliser. This knocked us back and Sporting had a good 10 minute spell where they put us under pressure.
We made changes from the bench which seemed to spark us back into life, and we went in search of a winner. Chances came and went with Kyle Messenger (sponsored by Ensors Accountants LLP) heading over from a great cross by Dan Blowers (sponsored by CDC Blowers Ltd) and Dan himself firing over the bar.
Most of the play was in our opponents half but it was beginning to look like the winner was not going to be forthcoming, until about 5 minutes to go when a Joe Moore corner was met by an unmarked Dale Pearse (sponsored by M&R Cars) who thundered a header into the net.
We saw out the game for a vital 2-1 victory, which was well deserved as we had controlled most of the match. It was a very entertaining match and the celebrations carried on in the clubhouse for a few hours afterwards.
The management team are constantly stressing the need for a strong squad, and it is about the 16 players not just the starting 11. This was a good example, as the strength we had from the bench helped us win the match.
The Reserves travelled to Stowupland Falcons A looking for a much needed victory, and returned with a fantastic 5-0 win. Goals were scored by Olly Seymour, Sam MacGregor, Ben Crush (sponsored by Revells Removals) and a brace from Jermaine Haynes.
Next week sees the First team on the road again, this time to Bardwell Sports, and the Reserves entertain Hadleigh United Brettsiders at Carlton Park.
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