The First Team began life in Division 1 with a trip to Somersham who narrowly missed out on promotion last season. We expected a tough match against a strong side who are very direct and in your face on the infamous sloping pitch.
Kicking up the slope the game started at a quick pace. We had most of the ball in the first five minutes but found ourselves behind when Somersham scored with their first attack of the match.
Before we could recover from this setback a mistake at the back allowed their striker to run through and double their lead. So 2-0 in the first 10 minutes of the opening match of the season!
Understandably our opponents tails were up, and 15 minutes into the match keeper Joe Keeley made a good save as we struggled to cope with waves of attacks. We were giving our opponents too much time on the ball allowing them to have runners from midfield and fullback thus overloading our defence, and they looked threatening every time they came forward.
As the half progressed we slowly started to get a foothold in the game and created our first real chance on 28 minutes when the keeper saved well from a shot from Will Stebbings (sponsored by Whin Joinery) following a good passing move.
Another chance was created on 32 minutes when Charlie Felton (sponsored by L.A.F. Construction) sliced wide. However a minute later Somersham unfortunately added to their lead making it 3-0 and leaving us with a mountain to climb.
In the 42nd minute we were fortunate not to go further behind as our opponents hit the bar, and just before the half time whistle we almost pulled one back when Joe Moore (sponsored by Xtra Time Sports Development) shot wide. Half time 3-0.
We changed shape to start the second half aiming to get on the front foot and prevent the time on the ball we had previously given our opponents. We began quickly and almost immediately Will Stebbings saw a header from a corner fly over the bar.
With a commanding lead Somersham were sitting back allowing us more time on the ball. Just before the hour mark Dan Blowers (sponsored by Porter Farms Walpole Ltd) volleyed over the bar after a good move, and on 65 minutes we had our best chance of the match when Joe Moore hit the top of the bar from six yards out following a good cross from Dale Pearse (sponsored by JM Soccer Stars).
With 15 minutes to go we were caught with the sucker punch as Somersham increased their lead through a disputed goal through their striker who received the ball in an offside position. Our linesman Deano immediately raised his flag but the referee chose to ignore him completely, not even going across to speak with him.
This goal completely killed our momentum and any slim chance we had of getting back into the game. We continued to press and had further half chances, the best through Ryan Noy (sponsored by A Pearse Builders) who saw his shot turned round the post.
The match ended in a 4-0 defeat and we simply have to accept that we were beaten by the better team on the day. Credit to the players who kept going, and we will dust ourselves down and learn from this as we move onto next Saturday with a home match against Bramford Road Old Boys.
Finally, many thanks to Jackey L Jewellers for sponsoring the kit which we wore for the first time today.
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