2008/09 Match Reports
Division One Cup, Tue 28th April 2009
versus Marlborough Old Boys
Lost 1-6
Philo
Albion needed to win this group game by 3 clear goals if they were to progress but were up against it with only 11 players. Albion made a solid start to the game, attacking with purpose and defending well as a team. Jarrett had an early chance for the home side but it was Marlborough who took the lead, their striker firing home from 18 yards. Albion continued to battle and created a great chance on the half hour when Gorbould was through on goal only for the striker to power a shot wide of the upright. A team talk at half time saw Albion reshuffle the positions allowing a three pronged pacey attack of Edgerton, Philo and Martin to cause problems for the Old Boys defenders. With Albion sensing a place in the semi finals was out of reach, gaps began to appear and Marlborough doubled their lead early in the half. Minutes later Albion defender Jut Philo continued his fine form in front of goal with a scooped shot from inside the area looping over the keeper into the net. Despite the goal Albion continued to look disjointed and conceded four more before the final whistle to end Albion�s competitive season. The final match of the season sees the annual Wensum Albion v Wensum Albion Old Boys/Legends game take place on May 9th followed by the clubs Awards Evening at the Griffin Pub, Yarmouth Road.
League, Tue 21st April 2009
versus UEA Reserves
Lost 0-4
UEA were the opposition in Albion�s final league match of the season in this Tuesday evening rearranged fixture. In hot conditions and on a hard pitch Albion looked full of energy and creativity in the opening quarter of the match, applying plenty of pressure and forcing the UEA back four in to a number of uncharacteristic errors. Beard and Gorbould looked dangerous on the attack and midfielder Martin side footed a good chance straight at the UEA �keeper after a Mark Leeper cross. Against the run of play it was UEA who took the lead with their striker allowed to shoot from close range. Defender Jut Philo then saw a 20 year free kick fly inches wide before the students doubled their lead from another tap in after a cross from the right. Unlucky to end the first half 2-0 down Albion continued to put in the effort without really creating any clear opportunities to score. As the game progressed, more space opened up all over the pitch which allowed UEA to play their fluid passing game as the Albion players tired after a stressful day at work. Two more quality finishes saw the UEA end the game with a 4-0 victory, a score line that perhaps didn�t reflect the effort of the away side.
League, Sat 18th April 2009
versus Jarrolds
Drew 3-3
Beard (2), A Jarrett
Wensum were looking to pick up the points that would make them safe from relegation and push for a mid-table finish in the penultimate league game of the season at Jarrolds. Albion were slow off the mark in a poor opening twenty from both sides and it was Jarrolds who took the lead when their striker shot low from 16 yards past stand in �keeper Stefan Dunbar. Albion then pressed on and despite a number of dubious offside decisions found themselves back in the game when striker Beard unleashed an unstoppable long range volley over the Jarrolds goalkeeper who had previously denied Jarrett and Gorbould with fine stops. It was Beard again who put Albion ahead with another fine strike before Adam Jarrett made it 3-1 just before the break with a crisp half volley that hit the bottom corner of the net. The second half saw Albion once again attack with purpose, Martin having a goal disallowed in yet another close offside decision. Jarrolds then came back at the away side and scored a header from a corner. Albion defended deep in the closing stages hoping to hold on to the slim lead but it was Jarrolds who managed to scrape the point with a late equaliser that was celebrated like it was a cup final winner.
League, Tue 7th April 2009
versus UEA Reserves
Lost 0-4
The midweek fixture was the first time this season that the two teams had met, and the game started in the manner the league table positioning would suggest, with 4th placed UEA dominating play from the whistle. Although the visitors were ahead in the possesion stakes, Dunbar in goal was rarely troubled. This was both down to UEA efforts being directed straight at the GK and good tracking of the seemingly resolute Albion back four. On 20 minutes UEA opened their account with a well worked move. The ball eventually being passed, splitting Wensum's centre backs, through to the UEA striker who finished well on the turn. The rest of the first half saw the home side win the aerial battles and they started to win possession and test their oppositions defence, Gorbould coming closest to giving Wensum hope of an equaliser. A re-shuffle for Albion at half time saw them come out in a more attacking manner. However the home side struggled to contain UEA's movement both on and off the ball and their lead was soon doubled when a 12 yard shot rebounded off the up right and fell to the right foot of the away sides' attacking midfielder. As the game entered its 4th quarter, the hard pitch starting to take its toll on the full-time employee's, with the students soon gaining the edge in midfield who started to use the width with incisive effect. With Wensum's fullbacks made to graft, the UEA attacks started to become more regular and the deficit was increased in quick succession when the 3rd and the 4th goals were conceeded by the now tiring Albion defence. The final whistle couldn't come sooner enough for Wensum Albion, who'll be looking for a better result when the two teams meet again in 2 weeks.
League, Sat 4th April 2009
versus Taverham
Lost 0-1
After sharing a point with the league leaders last weekend, Albion were keen to build on this and take all three points against the bottom placed club. On a dry, hard pitch both teams initially struggled to control the ball and the result was plenty of untidy football. Midway through the first-half Taverham scored with their first chance on goal � a hopeful ball into the penalty area fell kindly for a Taverham forward who turned and poked the ball past unsighted Albion keeper Fitch. Although Albion dominated most of the play after the goal they struggled to settle into the game and couldn�t find a way through the Taverham defence. With half-time approaching Albion forced yet another corner that resulted in Martin heading the ball towards the top corner but the Taverham keeper made a fantastic save to push it clear. Albion spent most of the second half pushing for an equaliser, with Beard going close on three occasions. In the dying seconds, defender Chris Dann rifled a shot towards goal but it hit the keeper square in the chest.
League, Sat 28th March 2009
versus Yelverton
Drew 1-1
Philo
Having seen a number of players call off with injury prior to the match it was a depleted side that took on table toppers Yelverton in awful weather at Heartsease High School. The first half saw very little in the way of quality football from either side, Albion frustrating the away side with good team defending and strong challenges. The match livened up after the break, Yelverton pushed on and were awarded a fortunate penalty on the hour when Stuart Jarrett was adjudged to have brought down their striker in the area. The penalty was put away as Albion found themselves 1-0 down. Midfielder Gorbould then went very close for Albion with a cross shot that skimmed the bar with the �keeper stranded. With time running out Albion were awarded a penalty of their own, Gorbould again involved as his flick was handled in the box. Up stepped Jut �the Iceman� Philo to smash the ball down the middle for the equaliser. As the match ended as a draw Albion were left to reflect what could have been a big upset against all odds but were happy with the point and a great performance.
League, Sat 14th March 2009
versus Homecare
Drew 0-0
Homecare were the visitors to Heartsease High School as Albion looked to end a poor run of results. Homecare looked lively from the kick off, forcing the home side to defend deep. A number of Homecare corners were well defended with Albion looking far more organised as a team although it took a superb point blank save from Dave Lewis to prevent a corner being converted. At the other end Mark Leeper had a shot blocked with team mates unable to follow up. Albion started well in the second half, breaking down the Homecare attacks and attacking with purpose. Midfielder Martin fired high and wide when well placed after a quality Bowes Shorten through ball and substitute Beard shot straight at the Homecare keeper from close range. The draw seemed a fair result in the end, Albion putting in a committed performance that has been missing in recent weeks.
League, Sat 7th March 2009
versus Marlborough Old Boys
Lost 3-7
Gorbould (2), Leeper
Both sides went into this game needing the points that would cement their mid table positions. It was the worst possible start for Albion who found themselves 4-0 down in the first 15 minutes as Marlborough took the initiative and made a weary looking Albion pay for some poor passing and team defending. A shell shocked Albion started steadying the ship and pushed on looking to get back into the game but could only force few corners that were dealt with by the Marlborough defence. Marlborough scored two more before the break and Albion were happy to regroup at half time. With nothing to lose Albion came out of the blocks quickly in the second half and a powerful Gorbould strike from outside the box nestled in the Marlborough net to give the away side some hope. Only minutes later Gorbould grabbed his second when a looping cross caught the �keeper off his line and floated into the top corner. Albion scored their third of the game again only minutes later with Gorbould turning provider with a cross that found Mark Leeper in the box who controlled well and fired home. Sensing a comeback Albion attacked with purpose, Philo seeing a header go wide from a corner. Marlborough put the game beyond doubt with their striker heading home midway through the half. Albion will be embarrassed by their first half showing, similar to a poor start against Taverham two weeks previous but will take confidence from a better second half performance.
League, Sat 28th February 2009
versus Costessey Crown
Lost 0-2
Albion hosted Costessey Crown at Heartsease High School looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat to lowly placed Taverham the previous week. Costessey started the brighter of the two sides passing the ball effectively around the midfield. Albion defended well and reduced the away side to long range efforts, two of which were saved superbly by �keeper Dave Lewis. At the other end Albion showed plenty of effort in attack but lacked that killer instinct as lone striker Gorbould huffed and puffed his way through the half. After the break Albion started playing some nice football but it was Costessey who took the lead after their striker was put through to round the �keeper and place the ball into an empty net. Albion created chances of their own with Mark Leeper seeing his corner hit the bar. Carter then volleyed over before Slowther side footed a long range effort against the woodwork. Despite a good team effort it was Costessey who finished the game off when their midfield playmaker rode a number of challenges before finishing well from outside the box.
League, Sat 21st February 2009
versus Taverham
Lost 2-4
A Jarrett, Holmes
After last weeks disappointing draw, Wensum Albion were looking to get back to winning ways against bottom of the league side Taverham. The game started at a frantic pace with Pete Gorbould for Albion having a great opportunity to score in the first few minutes but for a fine save from what was going to be the start of an impressive display from Taverham shot stopper. Another chance involving the same two players followed with yet again the goalkeeper coming out on top. Taverham replied with an attack of their own, starting and ending from the left hand side. A ball taken to the by-line and whipped into the 6 yard box was met by a stooping forward who headed the away team into the lead. The young Taverham side doubled their advantage on 20 mins when a corner ball was headed in from close range. Poor Wensum defending handed the visitors a 3rd two minutes later when the Taverham forward struck a venomous shot from 5 yards. Proving a team is always vulnerable when they have just scored, Wensum were able to reduce the deficit within seconds of the re-start, when Adam Jarrett scored his 7th of the season with a superbly struck shot low past the post. Buoyed by the start of a comeback, it was unfortunate timing when an injury to the Wensum skipper Andy Rochford saw him replaced by Aaron Bowes-Shorten just after the half an hour mark. The rest of the half saw the home side take the game to Taverham, forcing corners and calling the keeper into action. The second half was an open affair with both teams initially failing to capitalize on well worked moves. Predictably, it was the away side who found their shooting boots first when yet another counter-attack was converted into a goal. The Taverham left sided attacker running with the ball to the 6 yard box, cutting inside the right back and shooting past the keepers near post. Introduced in the final 10 mins, Wensum substitute David Holmes' first touch saw a curled effort palmed past the post by the flying goal keeper. On 86 mins Wensum were rewarded a corner, from which a flick on by Jut Philo was met by Holmes who nodded it home. With not enough time to force a comeback Wensum were left ruing earlier chances and fully accept handing your opponents a 3-0 lead will always give you an almost impossible mountain to climb.
League, Sat 14th February 2009
versus Jarrolds
Drew 1-1
Barnston
With the honours going Jarrolds way after the first encounter earlier this season, Wensum were determined to make amends. Although Albion were feeling the effects of a 'Valentines Massacre' with 5 regular players unavailable, confidence was still high. The opening 25 minutes saw Wensum take the initiative, creating a plethora of chances through the new attacking partnership of Dan Twite and Adam Jarrett. So it was against the run of play when Jarrolds took the lead on the half hour mark. From a corner, the ball was headed onto the crossbar only to rebound directly on to the oppositions skipper's head, who placed the ball into the top right hand corner of the goal. The remainder of the half continued in the same manner with Wensum forcing a number of corners and seeing chances from Jarrett, Leeper and Twite go begging. After the break both teams cancelled each other out in the centre of the park and neither team really created any meaningful opportunities to score. As the 2nd half continued, the pitch became increasingly slippery with players from both teams finding it harder to stay on two feet than Todd Carty on ice skates. This contributed to a more open game and it soon became end to end action. On the 70 minute mark, the home side made their only available substitution and introduced Dan Barnston to the affray. Wensum pushed for the equaliser and thought they had got their just rewards on 80 mins when Leeper from the left pulled back a cross to Egerton, who, from the edge of the 18 yard box, struck a lethal shot above the defence and passed the flapping goalkeeper. However the Jarrolds linesman had seen a contravention of the rules and raised his flag and the goal was disallowed. This did not dampen the spirits of Albion and their persistence finally paid off on 85 mins when Barnston picked up the ball from just inside the box and directed the ball with composure and precision low into the corner of the goal. With little time left on the referee's stopwatch the game ended in a draw, which was the minimum that the home side deserved.
League, Sat 7th February 2009
versus Drayton
Lost 1-3
A Jarrett
Albion were confident going into the game after thrashing Dyers Arms last week and securing a credible draw against Drayton earlier in the season. Albion went at the home side from the off and took the lead on ten minutes when a precise Slowther through ball put Adam Jarrett one on one with the �keeper before finishing well with is left foot. Some solid football saw Albion continue to dominate and press forward looking for a second. Drayton then began passing the ball well and equalised when a long cross was headed home by their striker. The away side were soon 2-1 up when their right winger volleyed in from inside the box after a corner was half cleared. After the break it was Drayton who took the initiative with some useful attacks. The match was brought to life midway through the half when Albion midfielder Gorbould was punched in the face by a Drayton attacker who was bizarrely not sent off, Gorbould receiving a yellow card for his retaliation. As the match came to a close Drayton made it 3-1 with a headed goal from a corner.
League, Sat 31st January 2009
versus Dyers Arms
Won 8-2
Rochford (3), A Jarrett (2), Gorbould, Martin, Slowther
Despite the low league position of the home side Albion were not going to take this game lightly, only narrowly beating Dyers Arms 2-1 in the previous meeting. In blustery conditions Albion used the wind to their advantage first half and attacked from the off. The breakthrough came on 10 minutes when skipper Andy Rochford turned like a truck and shot home from inside the box. A number of Leeper corners went close to finding the net before Adam Jarrett doubled the away sides lead latching on to a Slowther pass. Slowther himself grabbed his first and probably only goal of the season when he powered a shot into the roof of the net after a pull back from Martin. There was still time in the half for a Stuart Jarrett goal line clearance but Albion went into the break 3-0 up knowing the wind would cause them problems in the second half. Surprisingly it was Albion again who came out looking for more goals in the second half and Rochford scored his second with a weak shot that luckily held up in the wind and floated slowly over the Dyers Arms �keeper. The floodgates remained open for the next five minutes as a Martin lob, Gorbould tap in and an Adam Jarrett low shot saw Albion take a 7-0 lead. The home side then started dominating play as Albion took their foot off the pedal and pulled two goals back despite some resolute defending by the Albion back four. Albion held out and in the final minutes with Rochford bagging his first hat-trick for the club, celebrating this feat all by himself. A decent performance for Albion characterised by some quality finishing that has been missing in recent weeks.
League, Sat 3rd January 2009
versus Mousehold Athletic
Drew 1-1
Gorbould
The last derby game between the two sides saw Mousehold take the honours so naturally Albion were up for this match from the start. Both sides tried to maintain possession in the first half with the defences holding out well. It was 25 minutes before the deadlock was broken when the ball dropped fortunately for a Mousehold striker who poked home from no more than 4 yards in their first dangerous attack of the game. At the other end a couple of corners caused Mousehold problems, Martin going close with a header. It was another Leeper corner that led to the equaliser when his whipped ball found Philo at the back post who headed back across goal for striker Gorbould to nod home from close range. Mousehold started to take more control of the game in the second half, themselves forcing a number of corners and creating a few half chances with �keeper Stefan Dunbar making some quality saves to keep the scores level. As the match wound down Andy Rochford saw a shot curl wide of the Mousehold post before the match ended 1-1.
Division One Cup, Sat 20th December 2008
versus Yelverton
Lost 0-2
Albion welcomed Yelverton to Heartsease High School after being convincingly beaten by the visitors the previous week. It was Albion who took early control of the game with some lively attacking moves creating half chances for Martin and Gorbould. At the other end some decent defending sniffed out any Yelverton attacks and corners were dealt with effectively. Despite Albion�s domination it was Yelverton took the lead against the run of play when a long ball took a lucky deflection off defender Dann, falling to their striker to slot home past stand-in �keeper Dunbar. The second half again saw Albion put plenty of pressure on the Yelverton back four, Rochford having the pick of the chances with a header over the bar from a Leeper delivery. Some good saves by Dunbar kept Albion in the match until the killer blow midway through the half saw Yelverton double their lead and that is how it finished, 2-0 to the away side.
League, Sat 13th December 2008
versus Yelverton
Lost 0-5
Albion never looked up for this game from the start as Yelverton adapted quickest to the windy conditions and poor pitch. Within 15 minutes the home side had taken a 2-0 lead with long balls from the flanks finding Yelverton players in the area who finished from close range. At the other end Albion striker Pete Gorbould fired over when put through on the �keeper. It got worse for Albion when Yelverton were again given time in the area, their striker turning and firing home. Just before half time it was 4-0 when their winger headed home a corner unmarked. The second half saw a much more spirited performance from Albion as they chased the game, Philo shooting low from the edge of the box but the �keeper smothering the ball well. Jarrett and Martin both missed chances to pull one back but it was Yelverton who killed off the game when their forward slotted home after being gifted possession from an Albion free-kick. Dave Lewis made some fine saves in the Albion goal but a thoroughly miserable result after a positive draw against the Champions last week.
League, Sat 6th December 2008
versus Drayton
Drew 4-4
Philo (2), A Jarrett, Martin
Champions Drayton were the visitors to Heartsease High School for a match played on a heavy boggy pitch. Albion never got out of first gear in the opening minutes absorbing plenty of Drayton pressure, Wensum �keeper Dave Lewis making some fine saves. Drayton opened the scoring when a long ball from the left was poked home from close range. The away side doubled their lead not long after when their forward was allowed to drill the ball inside the near post. With half time approaching and Albion looking a beaten side at this point it was Jarrett who pulled one back against the run of play. A Lewis goal kick was flicked on by Martin to striker Jarrett who jinked inside his marker to finish low in the corner of the net. Albion started brightly in the second half and pushed forward looking for the equaliser which eventually came via the head of defender Jut Philo from a Leeper free kick. Albion sensed the match was turning in their favour and it was Philo involved again as he volleyed the ball back across goal where midfielder Martin nodded home to put Albion 3-2 up. Drayton equalised with 15 minutes to go with another short-range tap in. They took the lead soon after the restart when their midfielder, who looked to have controlled the ball with his hand, unleashed a shot through a number of players, the ball ricocheting off a Drayton player before hitting the back of the net. Heading for a thoroughly undeserved defeat it was Man of the Match Philo who saved the day with his second of the game shooting low into the corner after a scramble in the Drayton area to level the score at 4-4.
League, Sat 29th November 2008
versus Costessey Crown
Won 3-2
A Jarrett, Leeper, Bowes-Shorten
Albion went looking for their second victory against Costessey this season at Longdale after narrowly winning in a cup game earlier in the year. Albion were out of the blocks quickest putting pressure on the away defence and forcing a number of corners, Adam Jarrett going close with a left foot shot. It was Costessey who took the lead after 25 minutes when their forward unleashed an unstoppable shot in to the top corner of the net. The goal left Albion deflated and Costessey started dominating the game, doubling their lead only ten minutes later when a scramble in the Albion area ended up with the ball in the back of the net again. Never a team to give up Albion found themselves back in the game when Gorbould squared a ball to Jarrett who finished well from 12 yards. After the break Albion came out with a fighting spirit that has seen them pick up many points this season. Midfielder Bowes Shorten fed the ball to Mark Leeper whose shot was fumbled over the line by the Costessey �keeper to level the score. Only minutes later Albion took the lead as Bowes Shorten fired home a half volley beyond the luckless Costessey �keeper. Albion held out for the remainder of the match to secure a well deserved 3 points. Mention should go to Andy Rochford who didn�t miss a header all afternoon and even used his feet to move the ball around the pitch for a change, well done Andy.
League, Sat 15th November 2008
versus Dyers Arms
Won 2-1
Philo (2)
Albion hosted Dyers Arms at Heartsease High School looking for their second league win of the season. Albion pushed on from the start and looked dangerous in attack. Albion forced a number of corners but could convert any half chances. The first goal of the game came after 30 minutes when a Gorbould corner was headed into his own net by a Dyers Arms defender under pressure from Philo. Not long after a penalty was awarded to Albion for a deliberate handball in the box, Jut Philo placing the ball home convincingly to put Albion 2-0 up. Just before the half time whistle Albion let Dyers back into the game when a short corner ended in a scuffed shot looping into the goal via an unlucky deflection off defender Dunbar. The second half was a good battle between two hardworking sides, Albion soaked up the pressure and Gorbould was unlucky to see a goal chalked off for offside midway through the half. Overall, a well-fought performance from Albion and a well deserved three points.
League, Sat 1st November 2008
versus Marlborough Old Boys
Drew 0-0
The same fixtures last season saw Marlborough come out on top in both the home and away games so Albion were looking for a decent performance at Heartsease High School. In a scrappy first half Albion struggled against the wind but defended well as a team and restricted Marlborough to a number of wayward long range shots. At the other end Albion forward Gorbould couldn�t quite get on the end of a number of through balls. After a fairly incident free first half Albion pressed on after the break and took the game to the visitors, Dunbar, Leeper and Slowther went close with long range efforts as again Albion defended well against the Marlborough attacks. As the match headed towards a stalemate substitute Ben Carter found space in the area only to see his poked shot tipped round the post. Overall a spirited performance from Albion and a well deserved point.
League, Sat 25th October 2008
versus Mousehold Athletic
Lost 1-5
Gorbould
This fixture has always been a close affair in recent seasons and despite a number of injuries Albion still fielded a strong side that very nearly caused an upset in the Junior Cup last week. The match was played largely in the middle of the park in the opening exchanges before Mousehold took the lead with a low shot. Albion pushed on looking for the equaliser and were rewarded for their efforts when a long throw was controlled and poked home by Pete Gorbould. It was most certainly a game of two halves as Wensum as a team went to sleep and despite �keeper Dave Holmes making a couple of good saves Mousehold went on to score four more with little effort and Albion heads dropped. Overall a disappointing performance against average opposition from a tired looking team.
Norfolk Junior Cup, Sat 18th October 2008
versus Downham Town Res.
Lost 1-2
Leeper
Albion were most certainly the underdogs in a match against a team over 60 places higher in the league hierarchy but confident of an upset. Downham showed early glimpses of their class, passing the ball well at the back but without really threatening Lewis in the Albion goal. A few long range efforts were an indication of what was to come as Downham took the lead with a scooped shot lobbing the Albion �Keeper. Unlucky to be losing Albion started showing they were no pushovers and pressed for an equaliser. Mark Leeper grabbed a goal before half time with a powerful shot come cross flying over the �keeper in to the net. Downham came out fighting after the break but Albion matched them in terms of effort and determination. Downham took the lead again with a fortuitous show again looping over the �keeper and hitting the back of the net. Chances of taking the game in to extra rime were few and far between with Martin shooting over on the volley but the Albion players certainly gave their all against the Anglian Combination team.
Shoe Trades Cup, Sat 11th October 2008
versus Costessey Sports
Lost 3-4
Martin (2), Own Goal
Second Division Costessey Sports entertained First Division Albion in the cup looking to cause an upset in the early rounds. Albion seemed sluggish from the start but looked dangerous on the break and forced the opening goal on 15 minutes when a Rochford throw in was flicked on by Gorbould to the feet of midfielder Martin who finished first time from close range. Costessey kept playing their football and put plenty of pressure on the makeshift Albion back four. The equaliser came from a fortunate penalty when defender Philo was judged to have fouled their striker in the box. Albion went ahead again not long after with Mark Leepers whipped cross spooning of a Costessey defender and nestling in the net. Costessey equalised from a corner, a low shot eluding the outstretched arm of Albion �keeper Lewis. Just before half-time Albion conceded again putting Costessy in front for the first time in the match. After the break Albion created some half chances Beard going close but it was Martin again who made the score 3.3 when he created space in front of his marker to side foot home a low Gorbould cross from the right. The remainder of the match was played largely in the Wensum half as tired legs saw stand in defender Jarrett concede a penalty for a challenge in the box which was converted. Dave Lewis in goal for Albion made some good saves and dominated his area in the second half but it was enough as Albion fell to a disappointing defeat after a good start to the season.
League, Sat 4th October 2008
versus Homecare
Won 5-2
Beard (3), Gorbould, Martin
Albion were in buoyant mood after making progress in the Junior Cup at the expense of higher league opposition in their last match and keen to take revenge for the thumping they received in the same fixture last season. With the wind behind them Albion went at the opposition from the off looking dangerous with some balls over the top. Beard opened the scoring with a crisp shot eluding the Homecare �keeper and nestling in the back of the net. Minutes later a quick free kick saw Beard one on one with the Homecare �keeper and he finished well at the second time of asking. Homecare then switched on and started putting together some good attacking moves one of which saw the home team pull a goal back from close range. Just before half time another good through ball from Slowther put Gorbould through on goal with the Homecare �keeper doing well to get to the ball first but seeing his save ricochet off the striker and hit the back of the net. There was still time in the half for Homecare to score a second again from close range to make the half time score 3-2 to Albion. After the break Albion expected Homecare to pile on the pressure against a strong wind but restricted the home side to long-range efforts. Beard bagged his hat-trick with a half volley from 16 yards whilst defender Dunbar cleared off the line and Albion �keeper Lewis made an excellent save when Homecare attacked. The match was put to bed on 70 minutes when Martin headed a Mark Leeper cross home. Midfielder Rochford put in a good performance and received a bottle of Blue Nun wine from the opposition for his efforts.
Norfolk Junior Cup, 1st Rd, Sat 20th September 2008
versus CNSOBU FC
Won 2-1
Philo, Gorbould
This years Junior Cup draw gave Albion the chance to test themselves against a CNSOBU side two divisions higher in the league hierarchy playing in the Anglian Combination Division 5. Albion started the far brighter of the teams and went at the away side from the whistle with some attacking football. Aaron Bowes Shorten had an early chance after a cross from Gorbould but saw his effort fly over the bar. The Wensum striker found himself in on the keeper again later in the half after a Martin through ball but was shoved by a CNSOBU defender as he threatened to shoot and a penalty was given. Defender Jut Philo stepped up to calmly slot the penalty in the corner of the net and register his first goal for over a year. Against the run of play CNSOBU drew level before half time when a scramble in the area allowed their forward to fire home. Albion again applied the pressure in the second half and created a number of chances. Midfielder Pete Gorbould then converted a chance finishing well with a left foot shot from inside the box after a Rochford through ball. Albion held on for the remainder of the half for a well-earned victory and a place in the second round.
Division One Cup, Sat 13th September 2008
versus Jarrolds
Lost 2-4
Beard (2)
Albion went into this game confident after a good win last week at Costessey Crown. It was Jarrolds who were quickest out of the blocks as Albion were put under pressure from the start. Jarrolds forced a number of corners and opened the scoring after just 10 minutes their striker finishing from close range. Only minutes later Albion were further behind when a failure to clear a Jarrolds attack saw another ball poked home from inside the area. To their credit Albion heads never went down with more fluid passing and better defending allowing the forwards Adam Jarrett and Graeme Beard to create a number of half chances. After seeing a near certain penalty turned down Albion eventually pulled a goal back when a Gorbould cross was calmly placed home by Beard. Jarrolds went 3-1 up early in the second half against the run of play as Martin and Gorbould missed chances at the other end for Albion. Beard pulled Albion back into the game for the second time again finishing well after good build up play in midfield but it was Jarrolds who ultimately ended the match ahead scoring a fourth late in the game to win 4-2.
back to topDivision One Cup, Sat 6th September 2008
versus Costessey Crown
Won 3-2
Beard (2), A Jarrett
Both sides were glad to back in action after a long summer break as Costessey Crown hosted Wensum Albion at Longdale. Against the wind and playing up the slope Albion struggled to get a grip on the game in the opening exchanges but defended solidly as a team when under pressure. Despite this it was Albion who took the lead when Adam Jarrett took the ball around the �Keeper to score from close range. Midway through the half Albion were unfortunate to concede a penalty when the ball struck Jut Philo on the arm accidentally. The Costessey skipper scored the penalty and the home side were soon 2.1 up with a well struck shot inside the box. Decent defending in the second half allowed Albion to attack further down the pitch and the pressure paid off when a slick through ball put through Greame Beard who rounded the �Keeper to level the scores. A quality save from the Wensum goalkeeper from close range and a tiff between Slowther and Martin were highlights in the closing stages as the match looked to be heading for a draw. However, in the dying minutes Beard hit a snap shot through players that wriggled past the keeper to win the game for Albion.
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