In their first League match under lights the Reserves entertained Woodbridge Town in what always proves to be a lively encounter.
After Saturday’s slow start it was encouraging to see Debenham setting the early pace with high tempo football, influenced in part by the presence of Beaton in midfield. The movement and passing were causing Woodbridge concern and when Teeder released Liam Smith a score looked certain, but slight indecision cost the striker and the keeper saved well.
On 16mins a promising move from deep in their own half was superbly finished by Nathan Smith from the edge of the box. Surrounded by three defenders, the Debenham No. 10’s deft curling chip found the top corner. 1-0
Further shots rained in from Seccombe and N. Smith, the latter bringing out a fine block from the keeper. Woodbridge responded moments later and forced Chilvers in the Debenham goal into action with a fine low save.
Debenham countered and were able to sustain a tide of pressure, forcing a number of corners, but were somehow kept at bay. L Smith came close latching onto a clearance from Chilvers but could only shoot high under a last ditch challenge.
Debenham were playing with the confidence and assurance that their efforts merited.
Seccombe again came close when his brave header beat the keeper, but agonizingly drifted wide.
On 40mins Debenham got a richly deserved second. Seccombe’s neat flick  releasing L. Smith  for a one on one, the striker coolly finishing the job. 2-0
To their credit Woodbridge came back with spirit and two minutes later reduced the deficit in similar fashion. 2-1.
As half time approached N. Smith was denied again by the keepers strong hands at point blank, but the latter was powerless a minute later when N. Smith was again put away and slotted home in style.  3-1

Half Time          Debenham LC FC Reserves  3   Woodbridge Town FC Reserves   1

The second period began as frenetic as the first had ended, play switching from end to end at a furious pace with, it seemed, everyone playing their part to the full both on and off the ball. Beaton, Teeder and Bowler’s tireless work was ruling midfield and provided the platform for the strikers to exploit any weaknesses in a stretched Woodbridge defence.
Again Woodbridge refused to lie down and it was only the brave keeping of Chilvers that maintained the breathing space between the sides.
On 67mins Teeder was replaced by Burton with Seccombe dropping into midfield, from where he continued to cause problems with sniping runs and was unlucky not to score, but failed to keep his shot low under pressure.
On 74mins, having already removed Teeder, manager Jason Pettit replaced the midfield duo of Bowler and Seccombe with Plummer and Jennings.  This changed the shape of the game for Debenham and shortly after, arguably against the run of play, Woodbridge scored to set up a tense ending to the match. 3-2.
Debenham continued to create chances, Burton hitting over, a teasing corner that unbelievably went begging and N. Smith’s powerful shots parried by the keeper, who was having an outstanding night.
On 88mins the ball was dummied to Jennings on the six yard box, but the player was so surprised that the golden chance to seal the game was squandered. Woodbridge ceasing their chance immediately broke out and with the midfield out of position were able to get away an opportunistic looping shot that beat Chilvers to his left. 3-3.
The final whistle blew leaving Debenham to reflect on a fine performance full of effort and enterprise that for 75mins they had dominated. All credit to Woodbridge for taking the few chances offered them, but if they can eradicate the few lapses in concentration and discipline, Debenham will surely reap the reward it deserved if this standard can be maintained.

Full Time          Debenham LC FC Reserves   3    Woodbridge Town FC Reserves   3

Report from Club Member Dave Smith