Attleborough 2 - 1 Hellesdon
6th September 2009 – Home
Scorers – Dan and Sam
Man of the match – Jack
Match report
The Under 12’s team were very pleased and proud to be able to start the new season wearing their new kit sponsored by Millbank Estate Agents. Hellesdon kicked off and had most of the early pressure bringing a good save out of Jack, and shooting over the bar from a free kick. Our first corner went across the face of the goal without any positive outcome, but at the other end Jack was called on again to make a fine double save. However the second Boro corner, taken by Matty, resulted in the ball breaking loose to Dan whose shot took a deflection before creeping over the line.
After a somewhat scrappy first half Attleborough managed to hold on to their lead, but Hellesdon struck back early into the second half with a break down their right wing and the well struck shot brought the score level at 1-1. Following a double substitution with Robert and Tom coming on the boys regained their lead, by pushing forward finishing with Sam’s shot taking a deflection past the stranded Hellesdon keeper.
It was left to the defence to hold on to the lead, marshalled by Deano, and in particular our goalie Jack who made two brilliant match winning saves, including pushing one strong Hellesdon shot on to the post. Mikey had the ball in the net for Attleborough, following a fine move, only to have it ruled out for offside, leaving the final score 2-1 to Attleborough.
So, our first three points of the season are in the bag, after a positive performance, that also leaves room to develop for the season ahead.
Norman 2 - 3 Attleborough
13th September 2009 – Away
Scorers – Liam (x2) and own goal
Man of the match – Chris
Match report
Attleborough under 12’s worked extremely hard as a team to grind out a well deserved 3-2 win against Norman Wanderers. With a strong cross pitch wind we took an early lead when the Norman keeper failed to hold Liam’s shot, allowing the ball to roll across the line. We then had two good chances to extend the lead with first Mikey then Liam chipping the ball wide of the goal. Then, against the run of play Norman equalised with a quick break. Attleborough continued to attack the Norman goal with no less than six very good chances to extend their lead, and Chris causing the opposition some trouble with his throw-ins. However half time arrived and the scores were level Were we going to regret the missed opportunities?
Thankfully, Attleborough started the second half as they had finished the first with Mikey and Liam going close. But our worst fears became a reality when Norman took the lead with a very good shot that gave Jack no chance. However Attleborough kept pushing forward and from another one of Matty’s precision corners the ball was turned into his own net by a Norman player making it level at 2-2. Attleborough saved the best goal of the game as their winner, when Mikey knocked on a Chris throw-in for Liam to shoot on the turn into the Norman net, making it 3-2. Both teams had half chances towards the end, but Attleborough saw the game out to hold onto the lead.
A most pleasing team performance from all players, working well for each other and embracing the work done in training during the week. Well done!
Attleborough 2 - 1 Firside
20th September 2009 – Home
Scorers – Liam and Louis
Man of the match – Sam
Match report
Another fine battling team performance from the lads saw them grind out a 2 – 1 victory against Firside to maintain their 100% record this season. However they had to come from behind again, as Firside took an early lead when a long kick deep into the Attleborough half wasn’t cleared, allowing the Firside player to tap the ball in. A fine attacking move involving Chris, Adam and Liam resulted in an Attleborough corner, which was only cleared for a throw-in allowing Chris to throw it deep into the Firside box. Not for the first time this season the opposition had difficulty in clearing it allowing Liam to calmly score a fine equaliser on the turn.
Attleborough kept the pressure up with Sam and Mikey going close. It was then the turn of Firside to apply pressure, but the boys battled back into the game scoring a second before half time. A free kick taken by Chris found the ball loose in the box with Louis being alert enough to back heel it into the goal to make it 2 – 1. It was important for Boro to hold on to the lead up to half time, however they nearly scored a third when a Louis cross, after a fine run down the left wing went agonisingly across the Firside goal.
The second half started with three Attleborough corners on the trot, and a Chris long throw, all going close, but not close enough! Firside tried hard to get back into the game, hitting the post with one long range effort and Jack saving bravely on a couple of occasions. But the Attleborough boys, with Sam majestic in the centre of the pitch, held on bravely to win the game 2 – 1.
We were very tempted to give the Man of the match award to the team as a whole, but in the end decided that Sam deserved the award in his own right after another fine performance. A big well done to the whole team though, as all of you played an important part in today’s result.
Attleborough 1 - 2 Poringland
4th October 2009 – Home
Scorer – Liam
Man of the match – Liam
Match report
Attleborough’s fine 100% start to the season came to an abrupt halt today against a very average Poringland Wanderers side. Boro kicked off, with the wind behind them, with Mikey bringing a good early save from the Poringland goalkeeper after a nice move involving Matty and Alan. Danny had the ball in the net with a shot from outside of the box, but this was disallowed as a couple of Attleborough players in offside positions were judged to have been active. Matters turned worse when Wanderers went 1 – 0 up after a challenge on Jack left him on the ground, leaving an easy tap in for the opposition player. The game turned into a somewhat scrappy affair, but following a flick on from a free kick Poringland took a two goal lead that saw them through to half time, although Liam did hit the post in an attempt to pull one back.
Some tactical changes were put in place at half time, to try and kick start the game for Attleborough. There had been too much indecision and lack of effort in the first half, compared to their previous games this season. It soon paid off as, following a Matty long pass, Chris battled well to pass the ball to Liam who in turn took his chance well putting the ball high into the Poringland net. Attleborough finished the game much the stronger side, but unable to score an equaliser, although Robert had two good chances towards the end with one going wide and the other over the bar.
Overall, a disappointing result with a performance that did not hit the high standards that the players have set themselves in earlier games.
Attleborough 2 - 6 Old Catton (Cup)
11th October 2009 - Home
Scorers – Robert and Liam
Man of the match – Mikey
Match report
There’s not going to be any cup run this year, as Attleborough went out to a well organised Old Catton side 6-2. We kicked off into the wind, but it wasn’t long into the game that we found ourselves two goals down. The first came after some indecision in the ‘Boro defence allowed a cross from the right to trickle into the corner of the goal. Old Catton’s second goal was much better, again coming in from the right with their cross being finished off with a neat chip over Jack into the goal. Old Catton certainly had their tails up and a deflected shot nearly made it three. However Attleborough knuckled down, with Mikey battling well in midfield, and then as they began to believe in themselves more, they pulled level. The first goal was somewhat messy with Robert getting the final touch. The equaliser was well taken, as Liam chipped the Catton keeper after some fine work from Robert and Alan.
The game was being played at a frantic pace with opportunities at both ends, but a handball in the Attleborough area resulted in a penalty, converted by sending Jack the wrong way to make the score 2-3. As half time approached Attleborough attacks from Louis and Liam both came to nothing, and Callum cleared a further Catton attempt on goal off the line.
After the break, we nearly equalised straightaway as a big kick out of defence was almost put into their own goal by an Old Catton defender under pressure from Robert. However as the half progressed Old Catton played some attractive football, and we failed to utilise effectively the advantage of having the wind behind us. Two Catton goals, again in fairly quick succession, making it 2-5, put the game beyond Attleborough’s reach. Some chances were created as we set about pulling some goals back, with Liam having a good shot well saved and both Deano and Aiden going close with shots on goal. A sixth Old Catton goal flattered the final scoreline, but no one can deny their victory. As the game came to a close, the ball got stuck under Liam’s feet when he was through on goal, and Callum cleared off the line for the second time in the match.
At least we can concentrate on the league now!
Dereham 4 - 2 Attleborough
18th October 2009 – Away
Scorers – Alan and Mikey
Man of the match – Louis
Match report
Todays match was a very entertaining game played between two sides keen to play open, attractive football. Unfortunately for Attleborough, Dereham’s chances hit the back of the net whilst ours hit the woodwork! Both teams had early half chances, but following a goal kick, Dereham broke down the right wing and their winger shot them into an early lead. As the game was open, chances came at both ends. For Attleborough, Alan had a shot blocked after a nice lay off from Robert, Mikey had a long range effort and Liam chased hard to create an opportunity that went just over the bar. Then Dereham went into a 2–0 lead with a virtually identical goal to their first, only this time down the left wing. Again Boro pushed forward with Louis causing the Dereham defence problems, but just before half time Callum was adjudged, somewhat harshly, to have fouled a Dereham player in the penalty area. The resulting penalty was well taken making the half time 3-0 to Dereham, a scoreline that did not reflect fairly on our boys.
The second half saw more of the same open, end to end, football with Attleborough stepping it up a gear, passing through the Dereham side, with one move in particular involving Chris, Dan, Louis and Mikey deserving a goal. However, they were punished when they failed to clear a Dereham corner effectively and a shot from the edge of the box sailed in to make it 4-0 to Dereham. From the resulting centre Jack had to make a fine save to prevent a further goal, but this seemed to push Boro on. With Louis tormenting the Dereham defence down the left, Liam was unlucky to see a chance hit the post, but finally we broke through with Alan taking his chance well and shooting into the top of the goal to make it 4-1. This was followed by more Boro pressure, including a fine run out of defence into the Dereham box by Callum, and then hitting the cross bar twice, once from a cross from Louis, and another with Mikey’s long range shot, although he was soon to open his account for the season. From Matty’s corner the ball rattled about in the Dereham box, and when the ball broke loose Mikey made no mistake with what was to be virtually the last kick of the match, making the final score 4-2.
A positive performance from the lads that deserved more, but has given us something to build on.
Sprowston 1 - 1 Attleborough
25th October 2009 – Away
Scorer – Aidan
Man of the match – Dan
Match report
Attleborough took the advantage of having a strong wind behind them to put the early pressure on Sprowston, without creating many clear cut scoring chances. Chris had a shot go wide before a shot from Robert was saved by the Sprowston keeper, but only to Aidan who took his chance well from a narrow angle to make it 1 – 0. The boys kept the pressure on with Mikey’s long shot being saved well, and Robert going close following a long throw-in from Chris. Sprowston however battled their way back into the game with Callum stopping a good chance with an excellent timed tackle. With half time approaching, and Dan fighting for every ball in midfield, Mikey had another shot well saved, but it was Sprowston who came closest to scoring. With their attacker through on goal, his shot was blocked well by Matty, his re-bound shot then hit the post, and whilst it rebounded back to him, Callum charged the ball down with another excellent block.
Despite playing against the wind in the second half, Boro started the brighter trying to extend their lead. A shot from Dan was deflected wide, and Chris had a free kick to the near post pushed round the post, both resulting in corners. However we were unable to capitalise on either of the well taken corner kicks. As the game progressed Sprowston pushed hard for the equaliser, but Attleborough held on as the shots and headers either went wide or were well saved by Jack. That was until Sprowston scored an equaliser with the final whistle fast approaching. The loose ball was not dealt with and was put into the net making it 1 - 1. In the end Sprowston came closest to stealing all three points when a long goal kick was deflected just wide, and the resulting corner kick hitting the Boro post.
Attleborough 0 - 8 Lakeford
1st November 2009 – Home
Man of the match – Callum
Match report
This is going to be the shortest match report of the season! Todays game was played with a strong wind blowing, together with driving rain for most of the time. As a result we all got soaked including my notebook, and I can’t read any of my notes!
Put simply, Lakeford who are top of our table, adapted to the conditions far better than the Attleborough team. As a result Lakeford scored eight goals, six in the first half and two in the second.
As Jimmy Greaves said, “It’s a funny old game!”
Hethersett 6 - 0 Attleborough
8th November 2009 – Away
Man of the match – Tom
Match report
Todays game produced the best and the worst of the Attleborough Under 12’s. In the first half we saw one of the best moves seen at this level of football, but this was followed by a very disappointing second half performance that let everyone down.
Attleborough had most of the early first half pressure with Chris’s long throws and Liam’s running down the left causing problems for the Hethersett defence. At the other end Matty was calm in clearing his lines when under pressure from several Hethersett attackers, and Rob made one excellent, brave save at the feet of one of their forwards. As Boro continued to push forward Dan had his shot well saved following a good build up starting at the back with Matty, through Liam and Chris. With Callum, keeping the defence in order the boys were able to attack further, including probably the best move of the season. Again it started at the back with Matty and within seconds following wonderful, crisp passes by Tom and Liam, and a lovely cross by Chris, Louis had to watch as his header went just over the bar. A great move that deserved more. The whole team’s first half efforts were summarised by left back Tom, who had a long shot at goal, but on the counter attack from Hethersett was there, in defence to make a vital tackle to thwart Hethersett. Unfortunately, from the resulting corner, against the run of play, Hethersett took the lead with a messy goal as Attleborough failed to clear the ball, making the half time scoreline 1 - 0.
We started the second half with confidence that we could build on the first half hours work. Whilst the Hethersett keeper had to come out of his box to block Liam, we then went into a crazy 20 minute spell that totally turned the game. It started with an unmarked Hethersett player scoring a far post header from a corner, and finished with another where they ran straight through the middle of the pitch. In between there were three more goals scored with little or no resistance from the Attleborough team, making it 6 – 0.
Despite Liam’s endless efforts down the left Attleborough failed to hit the back of the net, although Louis did have one effort ruled out for offside, and Alan headed wide from a corner. A disappointing end to a game that promised so much, even when we were one down at half time.
Attleborough 1 – 6 Taverham
15th November 2009 – Home
Scorer – Louis
Man of the match – Callum
Match report
Attleborough started and finished brightly against Taverham, matching the oppositions passing game. But in between, at times, some of the players switched off allowing Taverham to take advantage, and all three points. Louis made an early run down the left, but his cross came to nothing. Callum, playing in a new role in front of the back four then took the ball into the Taverham box, knocking it back for Mikey for him to see his good shot go wide. At the other end Jack made a sound save from a shot that came to him through a crowd of players. However he had no chance as Taverham put the ball wide and crossed for a tap in to make it 1 – 0. Attleborough kept their heads up led by Captain for the day, Matty, and Callum’s inspirational performance in the middle, and it was from Matty’s corner that Louis got the ball over the line for the equaliser. It was at this point that some switched off allowing Taverham to take the lead back, and further to make it 3 – 1, when the ball wasn’t cleared. Despite Liam’s tireless running, the half time arrived with no further goals
Boro started the second half brightly requiring the keeper to come out of his goal to save. Liam’s clever run down the left hit the side netting, and his further effort, following a neat pass through from Robert, went just wide. But Taverham’s well taken fourth goal, and fifth when, once again, failure to clear the ball from defence was punished, put an end to any possible come back by Attleborough. A change to the team, following some substitutions, provided a battling end to the game for our boys. Callum fought his way through the middle for a shot that went wide, and Alan was unlucky to see a similar outcome for his shot following a nice passing move involving Louis and Aidan. Indeed Aidan did well when he came on, working hard and having a long shot at goal.
A Taverham penalty following a handball made it 6 – 1, and at the other end Liam was unlucky to see his volley go wide. The game finished with some half chances at both ends, and next weeks’ game-free weekend should allow the team to re-group and re-focus for the second half of the season that will, hopefully, see us return to winning ways.
Old Catton 6 - 1 Attleborough
29th November 2009 – Away
Scorer – Liam
Man of the match – Matty
Match report
Todays game was a match of two halves, in more ways than one! It started in rain and finished in bright sunshine, whilst Attleborough matched their high flying opposition in the first half, but failed to do so in the second.
With some tactical changes made and some players in new, different positions Boro absorbed the early Old Catton pressure well. Dan went close after a fine run and cross by Louis, whilst back in the Attleborough goalmouth Matty cleared off the line with a well timed header. It was end to end stuff, and Louis’ fine through ball found Liam on the left who cut in and shot sweetly into the Old Catton goal to make it 1 – 0. However an Old Catton long shot brought the score level soon after, and following a most unusual refereeing decision giving Old Catton advantage, they took the lead with a tap in following a cross from the left. Jack then saved twice, once from a looping shot and then from a header to keep the half time score 2 – 1.
At this point we felt that we were very much in the game, the rain had stopped and the sun shone brightly into the Old Catton goalkeepers eyes. Unfortunately we lost any grip we had in the game, particularly in midfield and Old Catton proceeded to score four more goals, some of which were of a high quality, making the final score 6 -1. Somewhat unusually we lost two players, Liam and Tom, to injury during the second half, and whilst this did affect us, Old Catton were deserved winners although the final score did flatter them.
Hellesdon 3 - 3 Attleborough
6th December 2009 – Away
Scorers – Liam and Mikey (x2)
Man of the match – Matty
Match report
The game today was played with a strong cross pitch wind, and the boys failed to hang on to a two goal lead against lowly Hellesdon. We were slow to settle, but Hellesdon did not make use of this and it was Attleborough who then had the early chances with Liam threatening down the left wing, and Callum shooting over following a nice passing move. Boro then took the lead, when Mikey’s shot from a Boro corner on the left sailed into the net. A few minutes later Mikey scored a second with a sweetly placed left footed shot, following Dan’s throw in from the right.
Hellesdon were having very few chances with Matty marshalling the defence and clearing up well at the back, in his sweeper’s role. However, a couple of players were caught out of position allowing the Hellesdon forward to dribble the ball into the area and around Jack to pull a goal back. Just before half time Hellesdon equalised from a penalty, when an Attleborough foul was adjudged to have been made in the box. The second half started well for Boro with Mikey putting a couple of nice through balls into the forwards, but nothing came of either. Then from Chris’s throw-in the ball found it’s way to Liam who calmly chipped the keeper to make it 3 – 2. Attleborough then battled to try to hold on to the lead, and possibly extend it further, but they failed to get the ball into good shooting positions. However they were punished in the final minute of the game, when they failed to clear a ball properly in their own penalty area, and after it had rattled from one player to another it landed at a Hellesdon players feet allowing him to put it into the net, despite a suspicion of a ‘Thierry Henry’ control of the ball! Final score 3 – 3.
Attleborough 2 - 2 Norman
13th December 2009 – Home
Scorers Liam and Louis
Match report
For the second week running the under 12’s threw away a two goal lead to finish up with only a single point from their game. We did however start brightly and took an early lead when Liam calmly placed a penalty kick wide of the Norman keeper, to make it 1 – 0, after Louis had been chopped down in the area. Moments later Norman had their own penalty appeal turned down for alleged handball. Attleborough continued to pressure Norman with chances involving Louis and from Chris’s free kick. This paid off when we took a 2 – 0 lead. Chris’s corner found it’s way to Daniel whose shot across goal was turned in by Louis. Norman tried to get back into the game shooting wide on a couple of occasions, but half time came with the score holding at 2 – 0.
The second half started with Robert and Liam going close, but just like last week Attleborough started to lose control of the game in the middle of the park allowing the Norman players to run at our defence. Alan heroically cleared the ball off the line, with Jack beaten, and Matty had to stay calm and clear the ball out for a corner with two Norman players bearing down on him. Unfortunately from the resultant kick the Attleborough clearance fell to an opposition player who crossed for their player to head the ball in to make it 2 - 1. It was end to end stuff with Chris having a long shot saved and Daniel’s solid shot bringing a fine save from their keeper. In addition, Tom and Liam went close towards the end. But in the very last minute Norman stole a point when we failed to clear the ball and their player turned our defender and shot passed Jack to equalise. Final score 2 – 2.
NO FIXTURE
10th January 2010
Poringland 2 – 1 Attleborough
17th January 2010 – Away
Scorer – Robert
Man of the match – The Whole Team
Match report
Despite the recent weather the game was played in sunshine with Poringland kicking off down the slope, into the sun. Both teams had early chances with Poringland heading wide at the near post from a corner, and Liam shooting just wide from distance. The game soon developed into a good battle between two keen sides with chances at both ends. Aidan had a couple of good shots saved, whilst at the other end Jack made a couple of excellent saves to thwart the opposition. Throughout the whole Attleborough team each player was holding their position well, and fighting hard to get possession whilst looking to feed the ball to the front runners. It was good to see the lads working so well as a team. Poringland finished the half slightly stronger and but for two more great saves from Jack, may have taken the lead, but at half time the match was still without a goal.
Boro came out at the start of the second half trying hard to break the ice with Louis having a long shot at goal, and Liam having a breakaway saved well at his feet by the Poringland keeper. Then a free kick from half way was launched into the Boro penalty area and when the ball was not cleared a Poringland player turned and shot past Jack to make it 1–0. Robert then came on for Aidan, and Attleborough continued with their bombardment of the Poringland goal with Louis going close on a couple of occasions. It was only a matter of time before an equaliser came, and following a quick throw in taken by Chris, the ball found its way to Robert in the area, who turned quickly to shoot into the bottom of the net, making it 1–1. Jack was called on again to make another great save from point blank range, whilst Attleborough nearly took the lead when Daniel shot over the bar from close range. The game had a final twist however when Poringland were awarded a penalty, and despite Jack saving the shot, there was enough spin on the ball to take it over the line making the final score 2–1. On the balance of play this was very harsh on the lads, as they certainly deserved something from the game, and a draw would have been a fair result.
Attleborough 3 - 5 Dereham
24th January 2010 – Home
Scorers – Robert, Liam and Alan
Man of the match – Liam
Match report
For the second week running Boro put in a battling performance, this time against a Dereham side who will always try to play good football. As a result there were plenty of goals, the first of which came after only a couple of minutes with a Dereham attack down their right wing. Jack pushed the first shot out only for a Poringland player to chip in for 1 – 0. Both teams had further chances with Robert and Liam having off-target shots for Attleborough. Then, from a Chris throw-in, the ball found its way into the box where Robert turned well to tap in the equaliser. With Tom fighting hard to win the tackles in his wide midfield position the boys went in search of the lead, with Liam turning well but having his shot blocked. Dereham continued to attack down their right, then together with some poor marking in the Boro defence, they passed the ball into the Attleborough net to make the half time score 1 – 2.
The second half started with Dereham pressure, shooting across the goal, and then over the bar. Then soon after Mikey had headed wide following a good run from Liam, Dereham were awarded a free kick just outside the box. With a fine high shot the ball flew into the top corner for a 1 – 3 lead. At the other end Mikey put a fine shot over the bar, but once again Dereham took the ball down the other end and in a goalmouth scramble the linesman spotted a foul and a penalty was awarded, which was put away for 1 – 4.
All credit to the Attleborough lads who then scored two goals in quick succession to make it 3 – 4 giving themselves a good chance of a great come back. First Liam ran on to a good through ball and shot well, then Alan scored from outside the area. However Dereham sealed the game with a neat header from a corner, and although Mikey volleyed wide and Adam came close at the far post, the final scoreline stood at 3 – 5.
Firside 2 - 3 Attleborough
7th February 2010 – Away
Scorers – Robert and Liam (x2)
Man of the match – Chris
Match report
Attleborough got back to winning ways running out 3 – 2 winners in a tense match against Firside. Things did not get off to a good start though, as the first Boro player to touch the ball was Adam when he picked the ball out of the net, Firside having kicked off and attacked down their left, unchallenged, to score and make it 1-0. This proved to be somewhat of a wake up call as, to be fair, the boys got themselves together and began to put pressure on the Firside goal. Chris’s long throws were causing problems for the opposition. On more than one occasion Louis flicked the ball back with his head from the throw, but we were unable to score as shots were blocked or cleared off the line. Attleborough continued to attack down the left with Chris, Louis and Liam linking up well.
Firside had their chances, on the break, with one shot going across the face of the Attleborough goal. However most of the action was at the other end, as Tom had a shot blocked, and then Louis was fouled in the box. The resulting penalty was put away solidly by Liam for the equaliser. The second goal soon followed when Alan put the ball through, and after Tom’s shot was blocked Robert was on hand to keep up his ‘goal-a-game’ record for 2010 to make it 1 – 2 at half time.
The second half was more of the same, with plenty of chances as Boro took a tighter grip in midfield. However, it was Firside who attacked down the right wing, crossed the ball and scored their equaliser, to make it 2 – 2. Both sides went in search of a winner and Liam was unlucky to see his shot go wide following a battling run from Louis. The winner did eventually come when Matt’s pass found Mikey down the right, who then cut inside and put a perfect through ball into Liam’s path for him to score. The teams played out the last few tense minutes, but there were no more goals making the final score 3 – 2 to Attleborough.
Attleborough 5 - 2 Hethersett
14th February 2010 – Home
Scorers – Liam (x2), Robert, Louis and Mikey
Man of the match – The Whole Team
Match report
Attleborough recorded a fine 5 – 2 win in a most entertaining encounter against Hethersett. However it was the visitors who settled into the game the quickest, hitting the post and shooting over the bar twice in the first 10 minutes. Boro then worked their way into the game, with two corners coming to nothing. It was end to end, as Hethersett counter attacked and but for a perfectly timed tackle by Callum may have made more of their move. But they then took the lead when, direct from a free kick on their left, the ball crept into the goal at the far post. To their credit Attleborough knuckled down, and with Mikey starting to make his presence felt in the middle, they pushed forward. Indeed it was from Mikey’s nice pass that Liam ran on to calmly tuck the ball into the net for the equaliser. The roles were then reversed as following a long ball from Chris, Liam turned provider when his great cross was put away by Mikey to make the score 2 – 1. The lead was short lived though as Hethersett attacked down their left and when the ball came across it was turned into our own net. With two more Boro half chances, that came to little, the half time score stood all square at 2 – 2.
The second half started with more of the same, end to end action. Both Chris and Louis had long shots, and Chris made a surging run into the opposition’s box, but the ball just didn’t sit right for him when it came to the shot! Eventually the Attleborough pressure paid off as, following Liam’s battle with two defenders, the ball fell to Louis, outside the box, who’s shot sailed into the net for a contender for goal of the season! The Attleborough goals then came thick and fast. Chris’s throw-ins had caused Hethersett a few problems throughout the game, and when one found Robert in the six yard box he drilled it into the net to make it 4 – 2. Soon after Hethersett had shot wide, Liam made it 5 – 2, and at the other end Matty’s cool goal line clearance cemented the fighting team spirit that proves how well these boys can play together. Once again the man of the match was too difficult to call, and so it goes to the whole team.
Attleborough 0 - 4 Sprowston
7th March 2010 – Home
Match report
A below par performance from Attleborough resulted in a 4 – 0 loss against Sprowston, who played half the game with only ten players. Sprowston were able to play some neat passing football scoring two goals in each half. Attleborough offered little in the first half with only a free kick from Chris going just over the bar, and Deano’s long range effort being saved well. Sprowston scored two well taken goals, the first a long range shot and the second from a diving header, and they were well worth their lead at half time.
Unfortunately little changed in a second half that Sprowston played with only ten players on the pitch. Attleborough started to battle a little better in front of goal, without actually threatening, whilst Matty tried to marshal the defence. Two more Sprowston goals followed to make the final score 0 – 4, and no one can really complain at that.
In the same way that the Man of the match award has been given to the whole team in previous weeks when the team played well as a unit, they must all collectively take responsibility when they don’t play as a team, and so there is no Man of the match this week.
Attleborough 1 - 4 Old Catton
21st March 2010 – Home
Man of the match – Callum
Match report
Attleborough kicked off the first half and Danny as captain for the game, really stepped up to the mark teaming up well with Louis down the line. During the first few minutes of the game Attleborough put Old Catton under pressure but Old Catton were very good on the counter attack.
Thomas completed a great tackle to stop Old Catton's attack and Matty also covered well with a crucial tackle after Callum slipped. Matty went on to help clear away from goal during Old Catton attack.
Robert was working hard in attack but as he was the sole attacker it was difficult for him.
Old Catton continued to attack and Callum made an important tackle to keep Attleborough in the game. Attleborough's defence was working hard and not giving Old Catton a chance of a shot on goal.
The first goal came as Old Catton's shot hit the cross bar and came back out to an Old Catton player, Matty was unlucky not to get to the rebound first, but the Old Catton player struck the ball well and Attleborough went one goal down.
Old Catton continued their attack and Attleborough sat back deep giving Old Catton the chance to attack. Old Catton's second goal was a chip up and over the keeper, which gave Jack no chance.
Attleborough could have let their heads go down but credit to all the boys they were all putting in 100% effort. Attleborough were awarded a free kick and Callum passed the ball to Sam who passed to Danny, who then passed the ball on for a controversial off side to be given.
Old Catton continued to attack, Alan made a great tackle but was injured in the process and came off and Deano came on to take his place.
Attleborough continued to defend well and were unlucky with a lot of their clearances. Thomas made a crucial tackle to stop an Old Catton attack.
Attleborough kept working and won a corner. Chrissy took the corner and from the medley of players in the Old Catton penalty area Old Catton came away with the ball on a counter attack and scored their third goal.
Attleborough still had their chances as Robert passed a ball on to Mikey, whose shot was deflected for a corner.
Half time score 0-3.
Second half Attleborough were not playing so deep but Old Catton's no. 7 was giving Attleborough problems with his speed and skill. Mikey and Thomas were substituted and Alan and Aidan came on for Attleborough.
Old Catton moved on to the attack and after some lovely passing scored their 4th goal.
Robert came off after really playing well as the lone striker for Attleborough and Crouchy came on.
Old Catton continued to attack but on a counter break Sam was unlucky not to be able to get his cross in for either Aidan or Crouchy to connect. Attleborough continued to attack and another off side was given against Attleborough. Attleborough kept their heads up and there was more good play from Louis to Adam to Aidan. The game was end to end and Callum made a great tackle to stop Old Catton's attack.
Chrissy had worked hard in defence and came off for Thomas to return to the game. Attleborough continued to work hard and this was to be proven to be a good tactic as Danny crossed the ball into Old Catton's penalty area where Crouchy volleyed the ball into the back of the net, to make the final score 4 – 1 to Old Catton.
Lakeford 2 - 0 Attleborough
28th March 2010 – Away
Man of the match – Jack
Match report
Attleborough kicked off on a glorious Sunday morning at Eaton Park, against table topping Lakeford. Unfortunately the home side settled quicker, as the Boro team did not move around the pitch quick enough. This left space in the middle, and allowed the Lakeford forwards to play deeper in to our half, and so during these opening 10 minutes Lakeford had several chances hitting the bar and the post. In fairness to the lads, they all responded to sideline comments, closed the gap in the middle and the defence pushed further up the pitch. This allowed the team to pass the ball themselves, limit the chances for Lakeford by giving them less time on the ball, and build on putting their own mark on the game. This they did, and they should all be pleased with themselves in the way they did it. Chances were then limited at both ends, but any Lakeford attack found Jack in fine form, and at the other end Liam was unlucky with a shot coming from a fine through ball by Sam. Just before half time Lakeford were awarded a penalty for hand ball. However Jack produced a fine save from this, keeping the first half goal less.
Not for the first time this season Chris’s long throws were giving the opposition something to think about, but Attleborough were unable to capitalise on them, or the corners. Lakeford continued to create several chances, but our defence held firm closing them down so that not enough time was given to them to shoot on target. At the other end Liam’s shot was saved, but no one was on hand to tap the rebound into the net, and Mikey’s shot was easily saved by their keeper. With around five minutes to go Lakeford broke down their left wing, and a sliced clearance wrong footed Jack to give them a 1 – 0 lead. It was so unfortunate, as the boys were nearly there and were moments from getting a point their battling deserved. As Boro pushed forward for an equaliser Lakeford scored a second with another deflected shot making the final score 2 – 0 to the home side
Taverham 5 - 0 Attleborough
18 April 2010 – Away
Man of the match – Alan
Match report
This was a very harsh scoreline for our last game of the season against high flying Taverham. If statistics were recorded for this game it is likely that possession would show that it was 50/50 between the two teams. The difference was that Taverham took their chances scoring breakaway goals.
Attleborough kicked off playing into the sun, making it difficult for Jack and the defence in front of him especially, although the heavy slope and what appeared to be a spring loaded ball made it tough for all! The boys worked very hard across the pitch matching Taverham all the way, although a well worked move involving Aidan, Daniel and Liam came to nothing. Chris and Alan were solid at full back and did well to provide attacking options down the wings, with Chris’s long throw-ins giving the opposition something to think about. Taverham were reduced to half chances, and it was most unfortunate for Boro that when Chris was injured, from the drop ball Taverham attacked straight down their right exploiting the situation, to score a break away goal just before half time. Both Sam and Liam went close, in search of the equaliser, in the remaining 5 minutes before the break but we went in one down, a scoreline that was harsh on the lads.
Rob, having come on as substitute, was proving too strong down the Attleborough left wing in the second half and several corners resulted from his battling runs. Unfortunately from one of these corners Taverham broke away to score a second. Adam came on to replace Aidan as Boro pushed forward to get something from the game, and in one frantic attacking move Daniel’s shot hit the bar with no one able to follow up and convert. A lucky break gave Taverham a third to effectively put the game beyond our reach, and Boro even went three at the back, pushing Callum up into the forward line. This left us vulnerable for the counter attack and Taverham scored two more to finish as 5 – 0 winners, something that all watching would agree was something that the Boro boys did not deserve.
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