saturday 12 January 2008 - Ridgeons League First Division

Saffron Walden Town travelled to Gorleston on Saturday 12th January despite the bad weather and were held to a 2-2 draw.

The “Bloods” twice led the Ridgeons First Division encounter and were very disappointed to leave with a draw. Some poor decisions by the officials especially one extremely influential assistant referee, angered Saffron Walden players, managers and supporters.

Saffron Walden’s work rate, effort and commitment in difficult conditions was first class and they deserved to take home all three points.

Walden started strongly and saw early chances from Kevin Vallis, Paul Stokes scrambled clear by the home defence in the first two minutes. On five minutes Ben Riches headed one just over the bar. Gorleston’s Dale Cockrill glanced one over the visitor’s goal on sixteen minutes.

However Walden took the lead after 22minutes. A free kick from Dean Godden eluded the home defence and Richard Chadwick was on hand to volley past the keeper Nialli. Walden came close to doubling their lead when captain Tommy Butchart’s long range effort hit the bar. The Gorleston keeper was changed when Niaiil was taken off with a knee injury at the half hour mark and the “Bloods” went in at the break with a slender advantage.

Gorleston must have had a rocket at half time as they came flying out of the traps in the second half and equalised after two minutes when John Bell rifled home, this was controversial as the goal was at least four yards offside but the assistant failed too raise his flag much to the visitors dismay but to the surprise and delight of the home crowd.

The “Bloods" did not let their heads drop and almost took the lead again immediately but Chadwick’s lob grazed past the post. Midway through this half Stokes headed Chadwick’s cross against the bar, but five minutes later Walden were back in front.

Spike Bell was brought down on the edge of the box and from the free-kick the Gorleston defence failed to clear the ball and at a third attempt Chadwick beat Ingram with a low drive into the bottom left hand corner.

The “Blood’s" held on to the lead until five minutes from time when Ryan Cannon was clearly failed by the Gorleston player at the sideline under the official’s nose, but a disgraceful decision from the assistant when he awarded a free kick to the Gorleston player resulted in Peter Lambert heading home Gorleston’s second to put them back on level terms.

Walden went all out to push forward and with only a few minutes remaining Chadwick was unjustly shown red after being head butted, but the assistant again made a bad decision when the Gorleston dug out gave him severe grief he then ran 80 yards to tell the referee that Chadwick should walk for violent conduct, unbelievable.

With four minutes left on the clock Walden nearly stole the three points when Tom Richardson had beaten the defenders then the goalkeeper and was watching his effort headed goal wards, when the referee blew for full time !!!!!