Sat 26th January 2008 :Ridgeons League First Division

Walden took the spoils in this top of the table clash against second placed promotion favourites Ely City.  A late Stuart Kingham header secured the points for the Bloods as they continue their push for promotion,in this high octane match.

In the opening minutes Greg Strongs overhead scissor kick tested Pacey in the Ely goalmouth. Both sides thjen settled into their game with some fast attacking flair,
before Dean Blackburn falling awkwardly after a clearance dislocated his knee cap. The game was then held up for over an hour as all local services were busy and the ambulance had to travel from Loughton.

The match restarted with Pledger saving a Mason goal bound header and then Chatters found space on the far post but blasted his shot wide of the goal. Walden replied with an Alex Riches long range shot skimming the bar while Vallis tested Pacey with a powerful volley that the Ely keeper managed to hold onto at the second attempt.

Ryan Cannon's penetrating run down the line to pass to Tommy Butchart, who chipped a pass onto the head of the unmarked Greg Strong but he headed over the bar from close range.  On the half hour mark Richard Chadwick beat his markers to set Vallis up with a shot that struck the post to deny Walden the lead.

In the second half both sides pushed for the lead and top scorer Mason saw Pledger pull off a reaction save to deny the visitors a goal. The volatile Mason received his marching orders for retaliating with a stamp aimed at Ryan Cannon's head. Greg Strong spotted Pacey off his line and tried a lob that the back pedaling Ely keeper did well to save. From the clearance Daniels slipped through the "Walden Wall" to
unleash a shot that Pledger gathered well. Walden pushed forward and were rewarded when a short corner from Vallis to Chadwick whose neat flick found Alex Riches with a rebounded shot onto the head of Stuart Kingham, to head home to the delight and relief of the record 268 supporters.1-0 (82minutes)

Josh Beech was next to receive his marching orders after an over the top tackle in the closing minutes.  With a no nonsense referee who produced his book a total of 9 times including two red cards, Walden stuck to their game plan and produced some excellent fast flowing football, while all about them were losing their cool with some over the top challenges.

The Bloods lucky mascot 6 year old Reece Pledger (pictured) as well as the world famous "Wacky Macky" Bear (not pictured!) were delighted to have led their team out to maintain their home record and entertain this more than patient record crowd of the season.

Team. D.Pledger. M.Clark. R.Cannon. A.Riches. D.Godden. T.Butchart.(capt) (S.Bell), G.Strong. S.Kingham. B.Riches (T.Richarson), K.Vallis. R.Chadwick.
Subs not used Z.Collins. P.Stokes. J.Harvey.

Stats                                         Saffron Walden                                     Ely City.    
Corners                                              3                                                      3
Offsides                                              6                                                      3
Fouls Conceded                                  8                                                     10
Throw ins                                            28                                                   18
Shots on Target                                   8                                                      4
Attendence                                         268