Ridgeons League First Division

Saturday 3 May 2008

Walden missed out on their promotion spot after a defeat at Great Yarmouth Town in the final game of the season

From the kick off Sean Anderson shot was saved by Bloaters outstanding keeper Elliot Pride who was quick to save a back header from his defender that was goal bound. Kieron Badcock then had to be alert to tip Stephen Taylors long range lob over the crossbar with the sun in his eyes. From the corner kick Stewart Roach headed over the bar from close range. 

Pride was quick off his line to parry Greg Strongs header while a  Ben Riches shot was cleared off the line. On the half hour Spike Bells cross picked out Greg Strong whose header was saved by Pride in the Yarmouth goal. 

On the stroke of half time Mark Thompson on a run down the line sent in a cross that curled in over the head of Kieron Badcock into the Walden goal.1-0 (45minutes). 

In the second half Walden were straight into the attack looking for an equaliser.  Substitute Joe Murphy (on for Kingham) curled in a cross for Ben Riches to fire past the busy Elliot Pride for the equaliser. 1-1 (49 minutes). 

Yarmouth replied when Adam Sewell crossed to Danny Bartram whose shot was parried by Badcock but Stewart Roach was quick to react with a header into the Walden goal. 2-1 (57 minutes).  Pride was at full stretch to deny a shot by Ben Riches while Zac Collins saw Pride deny a goal with his feet. 

In a ten minute spell - with Walden looking for an equaliser – Pride proved his worth with saves from shots by Kevin Vallis and Ben Riches.  He made the save of the match after tipping Tom Richardsons volley over the bar. Bloater keeper Elliot Pride justly earned the man of the match after a string of finger tip saves to deny Walden the spoils. 

Team. K.Badcock, P.Flack, G.Strong (T.Richardson 82), A.Riches (capt), M.Danbury, S.Anderson,S.Bell (M.Clarke 61), S.Kingham (J.Murphy 46), B.Riches, K.Vallis, Z.Collins.

Subs not used D.Pledger.

Stats                                   Great Yarmouth                             Saffron Walden.

Corners                                         5                                                          6

Offsides                                        4                                                         11

Fouls conceded                           17                                                           4

Throw ins                                    19                                                         20

Shots on target                             5                                                        12