Walsham le Wilows Res

The

Hornets

Maitlands Football Ground

The Home of Debenham LC FC

Where football is fun

Season 2011 - 2012

Debenham LC FC

Also Sponsored by
Hamilton Smith Estate Agents
Maitland Homes Builders

Ridgeons Reserves League
North Division
Walsham Le Willows FC Reserves v Debenham LC FC Reserves
5th November 2011

On a typically grey damp bonfire night afternoon, 12 man Debenham travelled to Walsham, hoping to set alight a fixture that always promises fireworks.
Steady morning rain had left the grassy pitch slippery but firm, a problem for those with inadequate studs.
A cagey opening from both sides saw much effort for little gain. A clumsy challenge from Johnson on 6 mins saw Walsham come close from the free-kick, but the Striker steered the ball wide.
With their long ball tactic being dealt with by a determined Debenham defence, it was the pacey elusive No.11 who tested Chilvers with a direct run on goal. The big keeper going down at his feet did well to thwart him.
The keeper was called into action saving low to his right from an unchallenged header from a corner, as Walsham enjoyed a territorial advantage.
Debenham were not without their own chances, but this was limited to the occasional free-kick or corner. Smith was unlucky when a neat interchange with Cole was adjudged offside and minutes later Jennings firm header was just high.
At the back Barker, Johnson & Hambling were dealing well with the uncharacteristically ragged Walsham attacks and Alexander, with the task of marking the No. 11 was proving to be dogged opponent.
With half time approaching, Debenham’s persistence was gaining them the upper hand and it was Walsham’s back four under pressure from Smith Cole and Jennings, who were beginning to link as an attacking unit.

Half Time Walsham Le Willows FC Reserves 0 Debenham LC FC Reserves 0

Debenham were quickest out of the blocks and soon found themselves in the opposition area. However, their eagerness was to be their downfall, as a long clearance over the advanced defence fell to the on rushing Red’s No 9. His crisp shot on the run beating Chilvers high to his left. 1-0.
This score seem to inject a noticeable increase in tempo as Walsham kicked on and Debenham tried to regain their earlier impetus. A storming run from Johnson culminated in a long range shot, but unfortunately the No 6 was unable to get over it and it sailed high. However, this spurred the side on and Seaman, perfectly picked out by Smith’s floated pass, was denied a shot on target by a timely tackle to save Walsham’s blushes.
With neither side able to create clear cut chances they were becoming entrenched in a midfield struggle that offered little excitement for the chilling crowd to enjoy. Long hopeful balls to space, poor passing and a general lack of control were negating any flashes of individual skills on show, that promised more.
On 75 mins Walsham doubled their lead with yet another ball over the top, met this time by the No 6, whose well placed lob left Chilvers well beaten. 2-0.
With the midfield tiring, Debenham were becoming increasingly stretched. McDowell was introduced, but one replacement was never going to be enough.
To their credit the boys continued to battle hard and play, but inevitably this left them exposed to counter attack from the now buoyant Reds front line. Chilvers blocked bravely a number of times, but it was the hand of Barker that sealed the game for Walsham on 89 mins, when the tireless defender launched himself in the path of a close range shot, but illegally blocked it. The resulting penalty was competently dispatched by the No 11 with barely time for the restart. 3-0.
Whilst there was no argument that Walsham, having taken their chances well, deserved the victory, the scoreline did not truly reflect the result that this spirited effort from a much depleted and relatively inexperienced Debenham side deserved.