Saturday 2nd February 2008 :Ridgeons League Division One

The Bloods record unbeaten home run came to an end on Saturday against top of the table promotion favourites Tiptree United.

Before the start of the game Alex Riches was presented with a trophy for completing 300 games for Walden while Michael Barker received his for completing 200 appearances.

Matt Danbury was first to test the Tiptree defence with a header from a corner that skimmed the crossbar while paul Stokes' fierce volley was saved by Smith in the visitor’s goal.

From the clearance Owen latched onto a through ball although his shot was parried by Pledger. Minutes later Noble shrugged of his marker to set Alrick up with a shot that beat Pledger to take the lead. 0-1 (13 minutes)

Tiptreecontinued to pressure the “Walden Wall” when an Alrick header was deflected wide of the post. Owen should have increased the lead when he was unmarked in front of goal but shot wide of the target. Pledger was also on hand to deny Alrick a second goal after saving his curling shot.

Strong found space on the wing and his pass set up Vallis whose volley was well saved by Smith. Shortly after, some good work by Ward led to a cross across to English, who flicked onto the head of Owen to head into the Walden goal. 0-2 (39minutes)

The second half Walden started off determined to get on the score sheet and Tommy Butchart came close with a volley that Smith tipped over while Stokes was wide of the mark with a shot on the turn.

The impressive Ward broke through the Walden defence but was brought down on the edge of the area. Prolific scorer Tommy English then curled the free kick into the far corner of the net to increase Tiptrees lead. 0-3 (77 minutes)

In the closing minutes Pledger was at full stretch to parry Websters shot round the post. A crowd of over 200 witnessed an in form and impressive Tiptree team that seem certain to gain promotion with 13 points ahead of second placed Ely City .

Walden 

D.Pledger, M.Barker, R.Cannon, A.Riches, M.Danbury, T.Butchart (capt) (Z.Collins), S.Bell, K.Vallis, B.Riches (S.Kingham), P.Stokes (T.Richardson),

Subs not used J. Harvey, E.Lewis.