Sat 8th September 2007 :Ridgeons League First Division

Walden continue in their unbeaten start to the season with a draw against a strong Debenham side, who are one of the promotion favorites. With a reshuffled team, the Bloods new signing Ryan Cannon making his first start and Matt Clarke coming in to partner Ben Riches in the forward line looked the lliveliest on the day

Walden were straight into their passing game and Kingham's header was cleared off the line in the fifth minute. Bell, Clarke and Cannon also combined well to set Riches up with a shot that Ellis did well to save.

On the half hour Canifer out jumped the Walden defence to head onto the crossbar and Gedny's wild shot sailed over the bar. Cannon on a run down the line with a pass to Vallis, whose curling cross into the box found Clarke's header skimming the bar.

Half Time : Saffron Walden Town 0 Debenham LC 0

Early in the second half Riches came close with a shot on the turn that Ellis gathered well. Then, Debenham replied with the lively Gedney volleying a shot that Pledger tipped over the bar.

From then on Walden dominated the play, with the leagues top scorers Jopling & Gedny being frustrated by captain Alex Riches and Danbury's close marking.

Twice Bell outpaced the visitors defence and cut inside and unleashed shots that skimmed the bar. Alex Riches pass from defence set twin brother Ben on a run, but his shot curled wide of the post. Vallis showed off his dribbling skills around three defenders to cross to Flack who headed wide of the unsighted Ellis.

Debbenham's only shot in the final half hour came from substitute Warner who tried a lob from outside the penalty area. Walden continued to pressure the visitors defence, Riches shot on the turn rattled the crossbar.

Kingham beat the offside trap but saw his near post header tipped over the bar to deny Walden the lead. The strength of Ben Riches paid off, when he shrugged off a heavy tackle, broke through the defence to fire home, only to see Ellis pull off a fingertip save.

The Bloods were disappointed not to have taken the 3 points, with a display that puts them in good stead for the FA Cup on Saturday.

A “Big New Signing" is expected to be unveiled at Catons Lane, once he undergoes  and passes a vigorous fitness test by coach Simon Day. (watch this space!)

Full Time : Saffron Walden Town 0 Debenham LC 0

Walden

D.Pledger. M.Clark. G.Strong. A.Riches.(capt). M.Danbury. S.Bell. S.Kingham. R.Cannon. (M.Barker). B.Riches. K.Vallis. M.Clarke (P.Flack).

Subs not used - M.Das. B.Newman. A.Choat.