Gorleston FC 5 - Saffron Walden Town FC 1

Walden lose 5-1 away to Gorleston FC

Gorleston FC 5 – Saffron Walden Town FC 1

12th August 2017

The Blood’s came away with an unexpected heavy defeat on the Norfolk coast. Both teams came into the match in good form, but in a game of two very different halves, the Blood’s fans didn’t expect a 5-1 defeat.

In true fashion, the Blood’s started the match with pace and energy. James Crane stormed down the wing, and crossed the ball over the defence to Tom Lakin. Lakin found Jake Noble in space and Noble went for a first time shot, but his effort was wide of the post.

Moments later, Walden won a corner which was delivered by Spike Bell. Bell found Connor Molloy at the back post, but his towering header went over the bar.

It took 10 minutes for Gorleston to retaliate, and came very close. The Blood’s defence tried to clear the ball while under pressure, but the striker intercepted it and ran at the goal. Ryan Fleming did well to force the player wide, and his final shot went over the bar.

Gorleston started to pile more pressure on Walden, and Neil O’Sullivan produced and excellent diving save. The assistant referee did flag for offside, but O’Sullivan did not take any chances.

With five minutes remaining of the first half, Gorleston scored from a corner. The ball was delivered into the box, and Connor Deeks’ bullet header was just impossible to save.

This didn’t let the Blood’s heads drop, as they continued to attack. James Crane was awarded a penalty after being tripped in the box. Inform strike Charlie Portway stepped up, sent the keeper the wrong way and brought the Blood’s back level.

Moments before half time, Gorleston took the lead from a counter attack. The ball was crossed into the box, and Connor Ingram skilfully volleyed the ball into the back of O’Sullivan’s net.

HT: Gorleston FC 2 – Saffron Walden 1

Walden had an early opportunity to put them back level. Charlie Portway shrugged off the defender, but his shot was slightly scuffed, and comfortably saved by Tourean Molloy.

Walden were under a lot of pressure, and Neil O’Sullivan pulled off an excellent diving save to give the Blood’s a life line. But the pressure continued, and O’Sullivan could not do anything about Gorleston’s third goal. Connor Ingram ran at Ryan Fleming, and Fleming did his best to stick with Ingram, but he managed to get the space he needed, and buried his shot in the back of the net.

Two minutes later, O’Sullivan made another incredible save to keep the Blood’s in the game. He managed to get to the ball; which was traveling with pace, and palm the ball away from danger.

Walden’s best chance of the match came from a corner, which was delivered by Spike Bell. Jake Noble got his head to the ball, but his effort went wide.

Gorleston last two goals came in injury time, and O’Sullivan could only watch as both efforts sailed over him and dropped in the back of the net.

FT: Gorleston FC 5 – Saffron Walden Town FC 1 Attendance: 126

MOTM went to Neil O’Sullivan

The Team:

Neil O’Sullivan, Spike Bell (C.), Oliver Emsden (Mason Naylor 73mins), Matt Snelling (Ronnie Ledwith 30 mins), Ashley Skeggs, Ryan Fleming, Thomas Lakin, Connor Molloy, Jake Noble, Charlie Portway, James Crane. Subs not used: Stuart Wardley.
Walden’s next game is at home on Tuesday 15th and is against Histon. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.