Sat 26th April 2008 :Ridgeons League First Division

Walden left their promotion hopes in the hands of contenders Hadleigh after this thrilling top of table encounter at Catons Lane.  In front of a record crowd of 277 both teams started determined to gain the third placed promotion spot.

The Tangerines were first to take advantage of a defensive mix up and Diss captain Stephen Best was quickest to react to tap in past Badcock in the Walden goal.0-1 (8 minutes).  The Bloods responded with a Ben Riches volley cleared off the line by a defender while Joe Murphy should have scored the rebound but shot wide of the goal. 

Daniel Partridge then spotted Badcock of his line and tried a long range lob that skimmed the cross bar. From a corner kick, Joe Murphy out jumped the Diss defence but headed over the bar from close range. 

Walden came out for the second half fired up with a Peter Flack swerving volley going inches wide of the post. Flack then sent in a cross that  found Ben Riches to fire in the equaliser to the delight of the Walden supporters.1-1 (55 minutes.). 

The Bloods continued to apply the pressure with a  Kevin Vallis curling free kick going just wide of the mark. Substitute Spike Bell - on for the injured Jamie Solkhon -tried to increase the lead with a lob that skimmed the cross bar. Ben Riches then  shrugged of his marker to break free and shoot, only for Michael Hilton to pull off a fine save to deny Walden the lead. 

Attacking wing back Sean Anderson found room in the Diss area but fired over the bar while Tom Richardson’s header also sailed over the cross bar.  Diss replied when Daniel Partridge found a way through the “Walden Wall” but he fired wide of the post.  Mathew Ryland and Dale Vince both fired wide of the exposed Walden goal.

In the closing minutes substitute Brad Green fierce shot was cleared off the line by Edward Cussons to deny Walden the three points.

Walden’s slim chance of promotion now depends on next Saturdays final league game of the season.  A win against Yarmouth would see them hope that  Hadleigh lose to Diss with Whitton  losing to Godmanchester.

 Team. K.Badcock. S.Anderson. G.Strong. A.Riches(capt). P.Flack. Z.Collins. J.Murphy (T.Richardson 70) S.Kingham. B.Riches. K.Vallis. (B.Green85) J.Solkhon (S.Bell61)

Subs not used M.Clarke.D.Pledger.

Stats                    Saffron Walden                           Diss Town.

Corners                          10                                            2

Offsides                           3                                             1

Fouls conceded                9                                           18

Throw ins                       34                                           37

Attendance                     277