2009/10 Match Reports
League, Sat 3rd April 2010
versus Yelverton
Lost 0-2
The last game of the league handed Wensum Albion a tough away fixture against newly crowned league Champions, Yelverton. Boasting a full five man bench, Albion starting the game brightly and matched the home team for effort and work rate. Yelverton then started to probe for the opener and Chard, in only his second game for the club, did well to thwart the opposition’s attacks. The ensuing corners were also well defended and Wensum looked comfortable. So much so that Albion then went on to create a couple of good opportunities for themselves. A goal line save from the home sides ‘keeper and another from the defender only minutes later were the results of some positive play from Rochford and Egerton. From the clearance of the latter chance, Yelverton quickly turned defence into attack and took the lead when the forward latched onto a ball and struck it low and hard past Chard, despite the ‘keepers touch. The remaining 10 minutes of the half saw the away team play in the same positive manner, with Smith and Jarrett both attempting to get on the score sheet with encouraging efforts at goal.
After the break, Wensum were keen to level the scores and were confident after how they had played in the first half. Unfortunately, five minutes into the second half, Yelverton doubled their lead when the away side striker again ran on to a long ball and fired it past the onrushing Chard from an angle. Never a side to lower their heads, Wensum continued to battle for possession and contested every loose ball. Despite the off-putting noise from the neighbouring local livestock, Albion’s persistent pressuring of the ball reduced Yelverton to long range shots. The introduction of W.Farrow and Leeper for Wensum meant a change in tactics and formation, as they continued their efforts to get something from the game. The reward almost came when a Jarrett lob pass to Gorbould found the striker one-on-one with the ball bouncing in front of him. The final shot going agonisingly wide of the mark.
The last quarter of the match saw a Yelverton penalty claim waved away from the referee as Everett was judged of tripped the opposition fairly. With the adjacent cattle becoming more restless, clearly frustrated from being denied to eat the long grass on the pitch, the final whistle blew slightly earlier than everyone had expected, considering 6 second half substitutions and injury stoppages. Upon reflection, Wensum could have easily taken something from the game after they had made the league champions look distinctly average.
League, Sat 27th March 2010
versus Marlborough OB
Lost 1-5
The penultimate league game of the season saw only ten players turn out for Albion, making the match tough from the off. Albion worked hard early on and managed to cope with the Marlborough attacks, stand in ‘keeper Gorbould making a couple of good saves.
At the other end Albion forced a number of free kicks and corners without converting chances. Marlborough took the lead on twenty minutes when their winger latched on to the end of a deep cross to volley from close range. Two more goals meant Albion went into the break at 3-0 having played some nice football despite being a man down.
Albion gain battled superbly again in the second half Stu Jarrett firing wide from inside the box and both Philo and Gorbould going close with free-kicks. Albion conceded a couple more as the match wore with second half ‘keeper Everett making some decent saves. Late on a Jarrett through ball found Gorbould in space who lifted the ball over the advancing Marlborough ‘keeper and in to the net for a well deserved consolation goal.
League, Sat 20th March 2010
versus UEA Reserves
Lost 0-3
Albion took on the UEA hoping to put in a strong performance as they did in the corresponding away fixture earlier in the season. Albion again battled superbly in the opening period of the game and dealt with the many UEA attacks down the flanks, Lee Farrow clearing a shot off the line after a goalmouth scramble.
Albion created a couple of chances themselves as a Philo free kick flew narrowly over the bar and Jarrett came even closer with a similarly positioned free kick that crashed off the woodwork. UEA took a 1-0 lead into half time as a well struck shot hit the back of the net from 16 yards.
UEA started well in the second half and showed why they are always near the top of the league with some slick passing. They doubled their lead when their central defender hit a speculative long rang shot that caught the wind to sail fortunately over the reach of ‘keeper Hales and into the net. A third goal followed not long after as the game looked dead and buried. The last 15 minutes saw Albion play some encouraging football that hopefully Albion can take into the next match.
League, Sat 13th March 2010
versus Marlborough OB
Lost 0-4
Despite having a number of players missing Albion were still confident going into this match looking to pick up some much needed points in the battle against relegation. Both teams battled well in the opening exchanges with a number of fouls allowing Albion to deliver free kicks into the home sides area although few causing real danger. Lone striker Gorbould chased down every through ball but real chances were rare and Albion found themselves a goal down midway through the half, a Marlborough midfielder prodding the ball home from inside the box after a ball wasn’t fully cleared.
The second half began well for Albion as they played some decent football and created their best chance of the game when a superbly weighted Smith through ball allowed Gorbould to hit a shot first time with the ‘keeper advancing only to see the ball fly narrowly wide. As Albion pushed more players forward in search of the equaliser inevitably Marlborough exploited the gaps on the counter attack and added three more to their tally despite ruining the flow of the game with a number of poor challenges that resulted in Albion free kicks. Martin saw a header go wide from an Edgerton free kick for Albion but despite a great effort from all involved it wasn’t quite enough.
League, Sat 6th March 2010
versus Loddon Utd A
Lost 2-3
Gorbould, Egerton (pen)
Albion hosted Loddon United at Thorpe High School hoping to move out of the relegation zone and looking to make up for a poor performance in the corresponding away fixture where Loddon took all three points. Albion got off to the worst possible start when in the first minute a communication mix up between the stand in ‘keeper and defender allowed the Loddon striker and easy tap in from six yards. The early setback didn’t affect the confidence of the Albion players as they started to dominate the match with Slowther and Rochford winning the loose balls in midfield, the Albion defence dealing comfortably with the Loddon strikers.
Another piece of bad luck saw Loddon double their lead against the run of play, a mistake by the Albion ‘keeper allowing another easy tap in for the Loddon forward. Midway through the half Albion pulled a goal back when a clever Smith cross was nodded on by Rochford and top scorer Gorbould volleyed home a left foot shot from close range. Egerton saw a good heading chance go begging and Rochford had a goal ruled out for offside before the half time whistle.
The second half saw much of the match played in the middle of the park, both sides forcing a number of corners that were well defended. Loddon looked to have wrapped up the game on 70 minutes when a cross wasn’t dealt with by the ‘keeper allowing the striker to stab the ball home. Albion were given a lifeline on 90 minutes as Egerton was fouled in the area, cooling slotting home the penalty. However, it was too little too late for the home side as the final whistle blew seconds after the restart. With only four league games left Albion need to start grinding out results that match the performances of recent weeks if they are to play Division 1 football next season.
League, Sat 27th February 2010
versus Costessey Crown
Lost 1-3
Bowes-Shorten
Wensum Albion were the visitors to Longdale, and hosts Costessey Crown. With the appointed referee failing to arrive, the KO was delayed slightly as a volunteer was sought. The game soon got underway and both teams started lively, with possession changing hands quickly and frequently. It was Albion who began to take early control, snuffing out the opposition’s attacks and then consequently creating openings for the midfield to run into. 25 minutes in, and with Wensum now retaining the ball for longer spells, the away side took the lead. A Philo half volley was met with a flick header from Bowes-Shorten, whose touch re-directed the ball, and caught out the Costessey defence and ‘keeper.
Wensum played with confidence and passed the ball around well. Although Costessey’s aerial advantage was always going to cause Albion problems, the majority of second balls were being won by the visitors, and this provided them with the means to attack with pace and purpose. Gorbould having a couple of chances, and forcing the home ‘keeper into a finger tip save to the far post. Costessey Crown also had their chances, with Pickerill in the Albion goal, having to make a number of saves on his debut. With 10 minutes left of the half, Albion allowed Costessey too much time on the ball and with some neat work on the left hand side, the ball was crossed into the middle where the home striker was unmarked and able to fire his effort goal bound.
With honours being even at the break, Costessey re-shuffled some of their personnel and began the second half the brighter. Once again Pickerill was called into action with a fantastic save to keep Wensum level. The positive passing which Wensum displayed in the first half seemed to vanish, as the ball was intercepted on too many occasions for the visitors. Eventually the loss of possession punished Albion, as they saw a Costessey attack result in an effort directed to the near side of the goal keepers post. Wensum soon made changes and brought on wingers Smith and Gardner to provide more energy to the flanks. The move almost paid off straight away, as Smith kick started an attack down the right, which eventually ended with an attempt on goal going wide.
With Wensum desperate to grab the equaliser, they were frustrated into defending a number free-kicks and corners. Eventually in the last minutes of the game Costessey Crown scored their third when a deflected shot flew past Carter on the goal line, the defender having no time to adjust to clear the ball. Despite Wensum’s early dominance and ball retention, the home team were the busiest in the second half, and this proved to be the deciding factor.
League, Sat 20th February 2010
versus Salhouse Rovers
Lost 3-4
Leeper (2), Philo
Wensum Albion entertained Salhouse Rovers in yet another important fixture for both clubs. It was the third meeting of the season for the teams, and with Salhouse triumphing in the previous two matches, Wensum were determined to force a different outcome. On a wet and boggy pitch, it took both teams the first 15 minutes to find their feet. An equal number of opportunities fell to both sides, but it was Salhouse who gained the advantage first. Following a Wensum goal kick, the ball was headed back towards goal and straight to the Salhouse striker, who was a couple of yards offside. Once the striker realised no whistle was forthcoming, he rounded Wensum 'keeper Briggs and passed it into the goal.
The disappointed home side then took the game to their opposition and soon equalised following a trade mark Gorbould run, taking the ball to the right hand side of the penalty box and laying it off to Leeper, who spotted the 'keeper off his line and lobbed him from 25 yards. With the momentum with Albion, they soon took full advantage as a half cleared ball from a Wensum free kick fell to the right foot of Philo, who fired a looping shot past the flapping Rovers 'keeper. The half continued in the same manner, with play being broken up with free kicks being awarded to both sides. Salhouse then got an equaliser themselves just before halftime after a ricocheted ball found the Salhouse forward who's shot was fired into the roof of the net.
The 2nd half started where the 1st half finished, with plenty of free kicks awarded in a very scrappy game. The pitch no doubt being a contributing factor. This was then made evident as the visitors once again took the lead when centre back Philo slipped before heading the ball and inadvertently directed it into the path of the Rovers forward, who slotted it neatly into the goal. Wensum continued to battle for the ball and were rewarded with a third goal. The best move of the match saw three passes, starting from Carter in defence, then to Bowes-Shorten, who took the ball down the left flank and passed it inside to Rochford. It was his final through ball that found Leeper, who grabbed his brace with a low, hard shot into the back of the net.
In a see-saw style match, both teams started to create half chances, but it was the away side that capitalised when a sudden change in possession meant that the Salhouse forward was able to pick up the ball 30 yards from goal and run at pace at the Wensum defence, who were temporarily outnumbered. The striker finishing his run with a calmly placed shot inside the right hand side of the goal. As Salhouse defended and Wensum probed and prodded for yet another equaliser, there was always going to be one last chance for the home side to secure a share of the points. This fell to Bowes-Shorten, who's run was spotted by Leeper with a through pass between the centre back and left back. Unfortunately for Wensum, the subsequent shot was directed the wrong side of the post, and the final whistle soon followed.
League, Sat 13th February 2010
versus Drayton
Lost 0-1
Wensum Albion were the visitors to King George Playing Field as they took on 3rd placed Drayton. The away side started shakily as Drayton took early control of the aerial battle and saw a far post headed goal chalked off for a clear offside. Albion responded to the wake up call and started to battle for the ball and win possession. This lead to opportunities for Gorbould to continue his goal scoring run, but his attempts were wide of the mark. The deadlock was eventually broken on around the 20 minute mark when the Drayton striker turned on the half volley, and from an acute angle, fired the ball goal bound. Albion 'keeper, Hales, managed to get fingers on to the ball but not enough to prevent it hitting the side netting.
More bad luck was to follow for Hales as an innocent looking goal kick left the Wensum shot stopper clutching his knee in agony. The resulting substitution gave the opportunity for Slowther to enter the affray and display his defensive qualities as CB. Another Gorbould chance was the only other significant action in the remaining half as the majority of play was then confined to the middle third till the midway whistle.
Wensum started the brighter following the break and some good retaining of possession forced the home side to chase the game. It wasn't long before Godbould again came close with another effort. Drayton then replied with an attack of their own but the ambitious volley was closer to the corner flag than goal. With the Albion defence now looking in control of the aerial battle, and the midfield winning the loose balls, the visitors again started to play some neat attacking football.
Gorbould, Jenkins and Rochford, all then attempted to grab the deserved equaliser, but all failed to hit the target. Despite the possession, the number of chances and constant pressure in the Drayton half, from late corners and free kicks, Wensum were not able to find the goal that would of secured an equal share of the points. A battling performance from the visitors, and one which should give encouragement for the oncoming games, if nothing else.
League, Sat 6th February 2010
versus Jarrolds
Won 5-2
Gorbould (5)
Bottom of the league side Jarrolds met third from bottom Wensum Albion, in questionable the most important game of the season so far for both teams. A classic '6 pointer' match, which started in favour of the away side. With less than 10 minutes on the referee's watch, Wensum produced an attack down the left through Leeper whose direct pass to Gorbould enabled him to control and dribble the ball past left back and centre back alike, slotting the ball in to the bottom right hand corner of the goal. Both teams then created chances in a very open start, bringing both 'keepers into action with some strong punches and saves.
Jarrolds were then able to level the score through a penalty, converted by the home sides' captain. Wensum replied in the best possible fashion when a through ball by Jarrett found a marauding Gorbould, who unleashed a venimous shot past the goalkeeper. Gorbould soon made it a hat-trick with a superb solo effort, after riding several challenges he was able to turn both centre backs to shoot and nestle the ball into the back of the net. Before the half time interval arrived, Jarrolds were able to compose another attack but the strikers effort fell well wide of the mark.
The second half started with Jarrrolds on the front foot, as Albion's defence were put under some early pressure. Hales in the Wensum goal produced a fantastic reaction save with his foot to deny what looked like a certain goal. Soon after, the home side were left to rue the early miss as Gourbould grabbed his fourth goal with another very well taken effort. Picking the ball up outside the penalty area, he again managed to turn the pair of centre backs and power home an unstoppable shot. It was at this point Wensum started to play their best football of the match with some great one and two touch passes, enabling the ball to flow from defence to attack with relative ease.
Going for broke, Jarrolds put more bodies into attack and their strategy was rewarded when a goal mouth scramble saw the ball eventually cross the line. Jarrolds continued with the attacking approach, which lead to large spaces in the middle being left open for Wensum to exploit on the counter attack. It was after Wensum had seen further efforts by Egerton and Jenkins avoid the target, that them and Gorbould bagged goal number 5. Jenkins' corner finding the head of Gorbould, who directed the header into the net and put any chance of Jarrolds stealing any points out of reach. An open game with both teams having chances but Wensum proving to be a lot more clinical.
League, Sat 23rd January 2010
versus Salhouse Rovers
Lost 0-3
After the longest Christmas break any player would care to remember, both teams were relishing the opportunity to once again take to the field, with Salhouse Rovers the visitors to Thorpe High School in Round 2 of the Shoe Trades Cup. Unfortunately the match official did not appear to have the same enthusiasm as no referee had arrived by the scheduled KO time.
The opening 15 minutes saw some scrappy play as both sides tried to find their rhythm. It was Salhouse who created the games first real goal scoring opportunity when their right sided midfielder cut in, and saw his effort clip the crossbar. Wensum then replied with an attempt of their own, when Gorbould came close with a well struck shot. The rest of the half continued in the same manner with both teams having opportunities to break the deadlock. Rochford, Bowes-Shorten and Philo all attempting to get on the score sheet for Wensum, but failing.
After the interval it was Salhouse that took the initiative and had the better start, forcing Albion 'keeper Hales into action with some fine saves and handling of the ball. Wensum started to look nervous, and with the run of play, it was Rovers who took the lead on 55 minutes. A scramble just outside the 6 yard box resulted in the ball being passed to the opposing striker, who from 2 yards and from behind a floored Hales, poked the ball home. Despite the calls of offside, the goal was given and Albion kicked off once again.
Continued pressure by the visitors resulted in a free-kick 25 yards from goal, which was laid off and struck with venom into the top right hand corner. Wensum found it hard going and struggled to pass the ball, especially in the final third. Subsequently, more responsibility fell on the defence as continued lost possession forced them to work hard. Gardner, particularly rising to the challenge with a consistent display of solid tackling and pressurizing of the ball. This seemed to spark Wensum into action and a good spell for the home side ensued. Gorbould twice coming close with low, well driven shots. A break away from another Albion attack saw Salhouse put the game to bed as an 18 yard shot forced a save from Hales, who could only push it towards a well advanced Rovers forward, who had the easiest of finishes. With minutes left on the clock, calls for 'keeper Hales to join an attacking corner were met with the big man sprinting the length of the pitch. The Leeper corner kick almost found its target of Hales, but for an intercepting header. With a counter attack now in full flow, Hales yet again sprinted the length of the pitch. A long distance effort followed and just as it looked like Salhouse were going to add to their goal tally, the Wensum goalkeeper dived and slid along the muddy surface to get a solid fist to punch the ball wide of the post. That was going to be the last meaningful piece of action as the final whistle then blew. Disappointing result for Albion, but a number of positive performances gives encouragement for the real battle that is the league.
League, Sat 12th December 2009
versus Homecare United
Lost 1-2
Egerton
Albion were left to rue some missed opportunities as their poor run continued with defeat at Homecare. Albion looked the stronger of the teams during the first half playing some nice passing football all over the park. The early pressure paid off on the half hour when a clearance fell to the left boot of midfielder Edgerton who put the ball and a bit of turf into the net from 14 yards.
Albion continued to push on in the second period and created a number of good chances Gorbould going close on a couple of occasions and Edgerton forcing the ‘keeper into a fine save after some decent build up play. It was a lucky goal that was to change the match as a speculative ball into the area looped over both players and ‘keeper to hit the back of the net and put Homecare on level terms.
Albion lost their shape after the goal and Homecare started to play passing football, creating massive gaps in the Albion team. The winner came around the 70 minute mark as a defended cross was hammered home by an unmarked Homecare midfielder.
League, Sat 5th December 2009
versus Yelverton
Lost 1-4
Gorbould
Table toppers Yelverton were the visitors to Thorpe High School as Albion looked for some bouncebackability from a poor result last weekend. Albion matched the away side in the first quarter of the match but were a goal down soon after when poor team defending from a set piece allowed a Yelverrton defender to poke the ball home at the back post.
Yelverton doubled their lead in similar fashion when another set piece was converted from close range. At the other end Albion forced a number of free kicks but failed to test the ‘keeper in a meaningful way.
The match opened up more in the second half as Albion pushed forward looking for the equaliser, Stuart Jarrett going close with a well struck freekick that hit the crossbar. Striker Pete Gorbould popped up to pull a goal back with a quality strike from the right hand side. Philo also saw a freekick go close but the away side regained their two goal cushion with an attack down the left allowed their striker to finish in the box despite calls for a foul by the forward.
Albion left themselves open at the back as they pushed numbers forward and scored their fourth after a quick counter attack from an Albion corner. Not the best result but a half respectable performance against good opposition.League, Sat 28th November 2009
versus Loddon Utd A
Lost 0-7
Albion fell to their heaviest league defeat of the season with an awful performance against a well organised Loddon side. Albion were up against it from the first whistle as Loddon attacked at every opportunity, the away defence just about managing to contain the Loddon strikers.
Adam Jarrett saw a couple of shots fly wide at the other end but Albion struggled to get going. Albion were a goal down midway through the half as a Loddon defender was allowed time in the box to pick his spot in goalkeeper Hales’ net.
Lucky to still be in the game Albion should have came out fighting in the second period but instead lacked any form of motivation as Loddon won the individual battles and scored another five without reply, Stuart Jarrett going closest to scoring a consolation for Albion.
Despite some great results against the higher placed teams in the league Albion yet again lost to opposition struggling near the bottom and now find themselves at the wrong end of the table.League, Sat 21st November 2009
versus Jarrolds
Lost 1-2
Gorbould
Albion continued their poor run of form, losing in disappointing fashion to bottom club Jarrolds. It was the worst possible start for the home side when Jarrolds scored within the first few minutes, Albion unable to make that important tackle as their striker scored from close range.
Albion looked dangerous going forward, Ian Edgerton unlucky with a header from inside the box and Adam Jarrett going close with a low shot. Midfielder Gorbould came closest to the equaliser but saw his powerful volley well saved by the Jarrolds ‘keeper.
Jarrolds doubled their lead going into the break as a through ball found their striker who finished an easy one on one. Slowther and Rochford entered the game in the second half and made an instant impact creating space for Pete Gorbould to cut in from the right and lash a left foot shot into the top corner.
Albion were given a lifeline in the last ten minutes when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Jarrett in the box but Philo fired wide from the spot kick. A clash of heads in midfield saw captain and club funny man Andy Rochford taken to hospital minutes before the final whistle.League, Sat 7th November 2009
versus Mousehold Athletic
Lost 1-3
Gorbould
After an unlucky defeat in the corresponding home fixture Albion felt this was a match in which they could take three points. It was a poor start for the away side and Albion found themselves a goal down after 5 minutes when a Mousehold winger lobbed stand in ‘keeper Andy Rochford from the edge of the box.
Albion pressed the game and looked dangerous going forward. The pressure paid off when Pete Gorbould superbly fired home from an acute angle to level the scores. Albion battled for the remainder of the half, Martin seeing a good opportunity clear the bar after solid work from Edgerton.
Mousehold started off strongly in the second half as Albion lost their grip on the game. Mousehold took the lead again after Albion failed to close down a swerving shot from a Mousehold defender. The game heated up during the second period with some strong challenges from both sets of players and a number of puzzling decisions from the referee.
Slowther came closest to scoring for Albion, shooting wide from distance as Albion struggled to trouble the Mousehold ‘keeper. Mousehold scored a third goal late in the game as Albion fell to another disappointing defeat against average opposition.League, Sat 24th October 2009
versus Costessey Crown
Won 1-0
Gorbould
Albion were full of confidence going into this game after a good performance last week at the UEA. Albion started off the better of sides and the pressure paid off after ten minutes when Philo flicked on a throw in to Gorbould who turned and finished from inside the box.
Costessey came back into the game as the half progressed and were awarded a fortunate penalty when Ian Edgerton was adjudged to have handballed in the area. The resultant spot kick was smashed against the bar and the ball cleared to safety. Philo hit the post late in the half but Albion couldn’t add to their solitary goal before half time.
Costessey came out fighting in the second period with Albion defending a number of corners, ‘keeper Tim Hales making some solid saves to keep out the opposition. Albion themselves had a number of shots that didn’t really trouble the Costessey ‘keeper. Albion held on to what was a deserved victory and another three points on the board.League, Sat 17th October 2009
versus UEA Reserves
Lost 0-1
Albion were hoping to put in a solid performance at Colney against a UEA side who are always well organised and difficult to break down. Albion started brightly giving the opposition little time on the ball and attacking with purpose. However, it was the home side who scored early on, a UEA striker finding space to fire past ‘keeper Hales from the angle.
Despite the setback Albion kept their heads up and played some good football, Mark Leeper saw a free kick go close as the away side looked for the equaliser. Albion continued to play well into the second half although the final ball often lacked quality.
Adam Jarrett saw a corner hit the woodwork and Ian Edgerton clipped the bar with a cheeky looping shot but it seemed Albion were out of luck, certainly deserving of a point but leaving with nothing.League, Sat 10th October 2009
versus Mousehold Athletic
Lost 2-3
Martin, Philo (pen)
Albion hoped to continue their good start to the season with three points against rivals Mousehold at Thorpe High School. The home side looked sluggish from the kick off and were deservedly one nil down after just ten minutes when a Mousehold midfielder was allowed time to fire home from inside the box.
Albion soaked up more pressure but looked dangerous on the counter attack. The scores were level midway through the half when a Pete Gorbould cross was poked home by Micky Martin from close range. Adam Jarrett then headed over for Albion as they picked holes in the Mousehold defence. It was Mousehold who went into the break in the lead when their midfielder was again given time in the box to slide in his second of the game.
The second half saw Albion create more chances, Martin hitting the bar with a long range effort before Leeper blazed over from six yards with the goal at his mercy. Albion were awarded a penalty on the hour as defender Ben Carter was fouled inside the box, Jut Philo converting with a class penalty.
The final stages saw some frantic end to end football with Egerton, Jarrett and Slowther all going close for the home side. In the dying minutes Mousehold scored their third and the winner, Albion unlucky not to take a point despite a lacklustre performance.League, Sat 26th September 2009
versus Homecare United
Won 2-1
Gorbould, A Jarrett
Homecare were the visitors to Thorpe High School as Albion looked to double their points total with a winning performance. Albion were quick out of the blocks putting pressure on the away side to break up their passing game.
Pete Gorbould opened the scoring for Albion with a powerful shot from an acute angle after a flick on by midfielder Mark Leeper. Chances were few and far between for both sides in the opening 45, Homecare going close on one occasion, their striker seeing a shot headed off the line by defender Ben Carter.
The second half saw both sides play nice football without really troubling the 'keepers. Midway through the half a Stuart Jarrett clearance fell to younger brother Adam Jarrett whose pace put him through to slide the ball under the Homecare 'keeper.
Homecare came back into the game later on and pulled a goal back to make it a nervy last ten minutes for Albion who managed to cling on for a hard fought victory and a place in the top three.Norfolk Junior Cup, Sat 19th September 2009
versus The Albion
Lost 1-8
Egerton
Wensum were handed a tough tie in the first round of the Norfolk Junior Cup against last year’s semi finalists The Albion. The away side looked comfortable on the ball from the start and caused Wensum problems when they pushed forward. Despite some resolute defending Wensum found themselves two goals down early with two top quality finishes from the Albion attackers, ‘keeper Tim Hales could do nothing about both strikes.
At the other end Pete Gorbould battled well as the lone striker as Wensum looked for a way back into the game. Ian Egerton went very close with a strong shot over the bar whilst a Jut Philo header inside the box was again narrowly wide of the mark. It was the visitors that showed more composure in the final third and scored two more goals before the break to go in 4-0 up at halftime.
Wensum started well in the second half and started to contain the Albion attacks but found themselves another goal down when a cross luckily floated into the Wensum goal. The home sides heads dropped and despite Gorbould going close midway through the half it was The Albion who scored 3 more to take an 8-0 lead, their number two failing to make it 9 with an awful miss from 2 yards.
Ian Egerton finished well after good work on the left to score a consolation in a match where Wensum were simply not good enough to win.League, Sat 12th September 2009
versus Drayton
Won 1-0
Leeper
Drayton were the visitors to Thorpe High School as Albion got their home campaign under way looking for their first points of the season. Albion took the initiative early on maintaining plenty of possession and creating some half chances, Slowther shooting wide from distance and Gorbould clearing the bar from a tight angle.
Midway through the half the home side deservedly took the lead when Mark Leeper lofted a 40-yard free-kick over the Drayton goalkeeper who completely misjudged the flight of the ball. Wensum continued to push for a second goal, Chris Everett missing a golden opportunity from six yards with the ‘keeper nowhere to be seen. At the other end Drayton looked handy in attack and were unlucky to see a number of goalmouth scrambles cleared to safety.
Drayton came out fighting after the break and started to dominate play forcing a number of corners that brought Albion ‘keeper Tim Hales into the action with two superb saves. Defender Farrow also saved an equaliser with a goal line clearance on 70 minutes.
Albion could have put the game to bed in the final ten minutes as Pete Gorbould was put through on goal on two occasions but his finishing wasn’t quite up to the standard of his tan as Albion held on for the victory and three points.League, Sat 5th September 2009
versus Salhouse Rovers
Lost 2-5
Slowther, A Jarrett
Albion kicked off the new season at newly promoted Salhouse Rovers and went into the game full of confidence after being unbeaten in their four pre-season friendlies.
Salhouse were sharpest of the two teams in the opening quarter of an hour and this eventually resulted in a goal for the home side. Their main threat up front wasn’t closed down by Albion and a low drive from outside the box escaped the reach of keeper Hales, who was making a welcome return after two seasons out with a knee injury. With half an hour gone, Salhouse had increased their lead to 3-0 - two identical free kicks finding their way into the Albion net.
Albion were soon back in the game though, as Slowther thundered a loose ball into the top corner from 12 yards out after Salhouse failed to clear a corner. Albion had numerous attempts on goal before half-time to reduce the deficit with Philo, Egerton and Gorbould all coming close to scoring.
The early stages of the second half were controlled by Albion as they continually put pressure on the Salhouse goal. On the hour mark they pulled the score back to 3-2 when Adam Jarrett nodded home after a cross by Rochford. Rochford then smashed a 20-yard drive against the post as Albion searched for the equaliser. As Albion pushed forward, Salhouse capitalised on this and put the game out of Albion’s reach when their number 10 grabbed his 4th and 5th goals of the match.
Despite Albion worked hard until the final whistle they were not to be rewarded with more goals. A game in which Albion probably deserved a point considering the amount of play they had and the number of chances they created.back to top
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