2010/11 Match Reports
League, Sat 5th February 2010
versus Costessey Crown Res.
Lost 2-4
Mackenzie, Gorbould
After a spirited performance last week Albion travelled to Costessey Crown Reserves looking to turn performances in to much needed points. Against a strong wind Albion managed to take control of the game in the early periods, Gorbould working hard up front as the lone striker. The home side took the lead against the run of play when a ball in to the area was headed home by a Costessey Crown forward.
Albion were 2-0 down soon after, a shot from inside the area eluding Albions stand in keeper Will Farrow who had previously made an excellent save. Minutes before the break Nick Mackenzie scored his first goal for the club, and gave the away side a lifeline, bundling the ball over the line from close range.
Albion were again in control during the second half, Mark Leeper hitting the bar from long range as the away side looked for the equaliser. It arrived from the boot of Gorbould who chased a long ball over the top before finishing superbly well from an acute angle. The game seemed to be heading for a draw when undeservedly Albion went 3-2 down, the Costessey winger scoring from the left. A goal in the final minute skewed the score line somewhat in a match Albion should have taken at least a point from.
League, Sat 29th January 2010
versus UEA A
Lost 3-5
Philo, OG, Martin
Albion were unlucky to not take a point if not more against an always strong UEA side. From the start Albion seemed up for the match and took the game to the league leaders. Albion passed the ball with confidence giving the away side very little time on the ball, Mark Leeper using the space well down the right hand side.
Albion took the lead on the half hour when a well delivered corner found Jut Philo who directed his header superbly in to the top corner of the net. UEA were on level terms when a weak shot squirmed past the Albion ‘keeper. Albion striker Gorbould was then upended in the area but the resultant penalty was place wide by Leeper. UEA went in at half time 2-1 up when a shot was parried into the path of a UEA forward who knocked the ball in.
After the break Albion again started brightly and were deservedly back on level terms when a corner was sliced into his own net by a UEA defender. With the game flowing from end to end UEA were again ahead when their right back found space in the box to finish. Albion’s Nick Mackenzie saw his right footed strike well saved by the UEA ‘keeper as the home side looked to find the equaliser. UEA went 4-2 up soon after and looked to have won the match until midfielder Martin pulled a goal back for the home side, bundling the goal over the line. At 4-3 Albion forced a number of corners but couldn’t convert any in to goal scoring opportunities, leaving themselves open at the back it was UEA who put the game to bed with their fifth goal, the ball looking suspiciously out of play in the build up.
League, Sat 22nd January 2010
versus Sprowston Beehive
Lost 1-4
Leeper
Another solid first half performance but yet again another defeat for Albion who failed to kill off a match that was there to be won. Albion started the brighter team and threatened in attack. The pressure paid off when Pete Gorbould was fouled in the area resulting in a penalty to the home team. Mark Leeper stepped up to bury the spot kick.
Albion again pushed to double their advantage Bowes-Shorten seeing an effort narrowly miss the target and Leeper guilty of volleying over the bar from close range. Against the run of play Sprowston scored an equaliser when a long range effort sailed over the Albion ‘keeper and in to the net.
After the break Sprowston started to create chances but Albion held strong in defence helped out by the aerial dominance of Andy Rochford. Sprowston did make the breakthrough when a cross floated in to the back of the goal. It was 3-1 seconds later from another well hit long range effort. Despite their best efforts Albion failed to get back in to the game, conceding one more before the final whistle.
League, Sat 13th November 2010
versus Mousehold Athletic Reserves
Won 2-1
Rochford, Firman
Not the best performance, it has to be said. The game should have been done and dusted a lot sooner than the 88th minute, but through poor decision making, we gave ourselves a bigger job to do. We could have lost this game quite easily had Mousehold hit the target a few more times – but a wins a win, and we’ll take as many as possible ! Just as long as lessons are learned.
Yet again we enjoyed the luxury of 4 subs, so competition for places is yet again present within the club, which can only help us climb the table.
Credit goes to Jamie for stepping up and volunteering to go in goal.
League, Sat 6th November 2010
versus Costessey Crown Reserves
Lost 0-3
Top of the table Costessey Crown Reserves were the visitors to Thorpe High School to play Wensum Albion. Albion started the brighter of the two teams with Slowther and Rochford taking control across the middle of the park and the team as a whole passing the ball well.
As Costessey gained more confidence they started to create chances but were fortunate to open the scoring on 10 minutes when a cross from the right eluded Albion ‘keeper Chard to put the visitors 1-0 up. Pete Gorbould made a number of good runs ending with shots on goal but never really tested the Costessey keeper.
The second half saw Costessey dominate more of the possession with solid defending from Jarrett keeping the chances to a minimum. A goalmouth scramble on the hour mark saw Costessey double their lead whilst at the other end Martin missed a headed opportunity and Gorbould saw a fierce shot cannon back of the post. Costessey rounded off the scoring in the closing minutes with a good effort from the edge of the box beating the Albion keeper.
League, Sat 30th October 2010
versus Yelverton Reserves
Lost 2-3
Martin, Bowes-Shorten
Another disappointing result for Albion despite a hard fought match against a youthful Yelverton team. It was the away side who started more brightly and took the lead on 20 minutes. Albion started to create some chances of their own as striker Gorbould found space on the right firing in a number of shots that lacked the power to beat the keeper.
Albion equalised on the half hour when a Gorbould flick on was buried from close range by midfielder Martin. The extra pressure then started to pay off for the home side as Aaron Bowes Shorten took his time to lob a superb shot over the Yelverton ‘keeper from the edge of the area putting Albion 2-1 up. It was all square before the break when Yelverton tucked away a penalty given for a foul on their striker by Albion defender Philo.
Both sides knew the next goal was important and not long in to the second half it was Yelverton who took the initiative a worked the ball on the left allowing their forward to fire home from inside the area. Albion pushed on looking for an equaliser, Mark Leeper going close but seeing his long range effort skim the bar. Despite a much better performance than the previous week Albion still left empty handed.
League, Sat 23rd October 2010
versus UEA A
Lost 0-6
With only eleven players available Albion knew they were in for a tough game against a strong UEA team. It was the home side who applied the pressure from the whistle with the Albion defence holding firm and dealing with the attacks, Jarrett and Philo competing well with the tall UEA strikers.
Albion then began to make inroads into the UEA half forcing a number of corners, Martin volleying a good chance wide of the mark. Striker Gorbould then looked likely to score when the UEA ‘keeper fumbled the ball but was well tackled in the area.
Having kept the score at 0-0 for the first half Albion knew they had to maintain concentration for the second 45. The deadlock was broke on the hour mark when a UEA forward squeezed the ball in at the near post from close range. Despite making some very good saves Albion ‘keeper Chard was picking the ball out of the net again 5 minutes later when Albion struggled to defend a UEA corner, the finish doubling the home sides lead.
With Albion players tiring a number of gaps opened up over the park, the UEA then started dominating the game and created many more chances to stretch the score line and end the game 6 goals to the good. Credit must go to the eleven Albion players who despite the score line put in a solid first half performance.
Norfolk Primary Cup, Sat 16th October 2010
versus Corpusty & Saxthorpe Res.
Lost 4-6
Gorbould (2), Jenkins, Leeper
Albion travelled to Corpusty looking to make it into the 3rd round of the Primary Cup for the first time in many years. The away side made the best possible start when within the first minute Pete Gorbould squared the ball to Andrew Jenkins who side footed home from close range. Against the wind Albion struggled to take advantage of their early goal and found themselves pegged back for the latter parts of the half.
Corpusty were awarded a fortunate penalty before the break as Albion ‘keeper Chard was adjudged to have fouled their striker in the box despite clearly getting something on the ball. The resultant penalty was tucked away as the sides came in all square.
The match came to life in the second half as within the space of minutes Corpusty had made it 3-1 with carbon copy goals, their left winger crossing from the flank, the ball looping over the ‘keeper in to the net. Striker Gorbould pulled Albion back in to the game with two well taken goals as the football continued to flow from end to end. Jarrett, Jenkins and Rochford also went close for Albion with headed opportunities.
Despite a dominant 25 minute period and a succession of well delivered corners from Leeper, Corpusty went ahead again with a well finished volley from outside of the box. Mark Leeper then made it 4-4 firing a lofted free kick inside the back post. With the match looking to go to extra time the home side converted yet another speculative long-range opportunity before scoring once more to make the final score 6-4 in an exciting but ultimately disappointing game for Wensum.
League, Sat 9th October 2010
versus Jarrolds
Lost 1-3
Slowther
With both teams relegated from Division 1 last season it was a familiar fixture as Albion hosted unbeaten Jarrolds at Thorpe High School. With a bare eleven players Albion knew they were in for a tough game and started brightly enough, passing the ball effectively in the opposition half. Albion took a deserved lead midway through the half when a jinking run by Gorbould released Den Slowther in the area who calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the net for his first and goal of the season.
Solid defending meant any pressure Jarrolds applied was effectively dealt with by Philo and Jarrett as Albion maintained the lead going into the break. Within a minute of the restart Albion were made to pay for allowing a Jarrolds midfielder time and space to cross the ball where after a goalmouth scramble the ball was fired home from close range. At the other end Gorbould had two good chances to score firstly firing at the ‘keeper before lifting a shot high over the bar.
A penalty shout for Albion when a Jarrolds player handled on the line wasn’t given as Albion’s luck seemed to be running out. Jarrolds took the lead on 70 minutes and as Albion pushed on looking for an equaliser scored their third with a looping shot over advancing ‘keeper Hales. Albion, disappointed not to take at least a point from the match will be looking forward to the return fixture hoping for a little more luck.
League, Sat 2nd October 2010
versus Horsford A
Won 2-0
Gorbould, Firman
After two disappointing defeats Albion were desperate to get some points on the board at home to Horsford A. The match started well for the hosts as they applied pressure through Leeper and Smith on the flanks. Albion were rewarded on 20 minutes when a long punt up field found Gorbould and with back to goal managed head the ball over the advancing keeper, nestling in the top corner of the net. Albion continued to dominate the half with some fluid passing moves, Everett seeing a header fly wide of the post.
Albion had keeper Tim Hales to thank for keeping them in the game with a superb double save from the Horsford striker as he looked almost certain to score. Albion doubled the lead closer to the end of the half as a poor Horsford clearance found Matt Firman who fired low from 12 yards to make it 2-0. The goal being his first for the club.
Albion seemed to take their foot off the pedal in the second half as Horsford made the most of the extra space over the park playing some passing football. Horsford were given a lifeline midway through the half as defender Everett was harshly adjudged to have handballed in the area. The resultant penalty was well saved by the on form Hales and cleared to safety. There was still time for Jarrett to head wide with a good opportunity for the home side but Albion saw out the match with relative ease from a hardworking performance.
Norfolk Primary Cup, Sat 25th September 2010
versus Hingham Athletic Res.
Won 2-1
Gorbould (2)
Wensum Albions return to the Norfolk Countys Primary Cup saw them take on Hingham Athletic Reserves from Division 2 of the Central and South Norfolk League. The home side got off to the best possible start when on 3 minutes, a Rochford through ball found Gorbould, who let it bounce over his marker and as the on rushing goalkeeper advanced, lobbed the ball sweetly over him. Albion continued with the pressure and it was not long after they had the ball yet again in the back of the net, but the jubilation was short lived - the referee giving an offside decision for Gorbould’s second. A prolonged spell of dominance ensued for the Business Houses team, as a number of chances to increase the lead followed. Despite being in command of the early stages of the game, Albion failed to convert, and as the wind picked up, a floating long range shot from the visitors saw the ball hang in the air enough to deceive Hales in the Wensum goal. The away side had grabbed an equaliser with their first attempt.
Wensum continued with their passing game, and further attempts by Smith, Martin and Gorbould were all unsuccessful. As the interval approached, the game opened up and play switched from end to end, although neither team were able to come in ahead.
The 2nd half started brightly for Hingham as an early attempt subsequently led to a corner, which saw the ball miss the target – a warning shot for the home side. With Everett and Philo winning their aerial battles as centre backs, Wensum were able to push on and start their attacking moves from midfield. Good link up play by Bowes-Shorten for Martin and Gorbould ensured Albion were a constant threat and tested the opposition’s ‘keeper on numerous occasions.
With Slowther and Leeper brought into the affray for Bowes-Shorten and Jarrett, the home side took the initiative and searched for the goal that would eliminate the possibility of extra time and a replay. Finally on around the 80th minute Gorbould secured his and Wensum Albion’s second, when a ball from the left found him on the penalty spot and after getting the ball under control, slotted it into the back of the net. Wensum looked to put the tie beyond doubt, as another Gorbould attempt was palmed by the goalkeeper to Leeper, who calmly passed the ball into the back of the goal. Although unfortunately for the Norwich team, another offside decision was to deny Wensum their third. The final minutes saw Hingham throw caution to the wind but Wensum were equal to anything their counterparts could muster and the whistle was met by triumphant cheers by the Albion players who rather made hard work of the result. Nonetheless, Wensum are through and in the hat for the next round.
League, Sat 11th September 2010
versus South Walsham Res.
Lost 1-4
Philo
Hoping to bounce back from a disappointing defeat last week Albion travelled to South Walsham to take on their reserve team. Albion dominated the opening ten minutes and pushed forward looking to break the deadlock. The quality of the final ball was poor and often over hit leaving striker Gorbould too much to chase.
The home side took the lead with a slick move ending with a solid finish. South Walsham doubled the lead soon after with only their second chance of the game. Albion still dominated possession but created few chances, Smith, Slowther and Bowes Shorten all trying their luck from long range without success.
It was 3-0 just before half time, a South Walsham defender rising to head home a corner back post. Playing against the wind after the break Albion knew the next goal would be important but it went the way of the hosts when a cross looped over the Albion ‘keeper and into the top corner of the net.
With ten minutes remaining Albion managed to make the pressure pay off when a well-delivered corner was headed in by Philo.
League, Sat 4th September 2010
versus Blofield Utd A
Lost 1-3
Martin
Albion kicked off their season with an away tie against newly promoted Blofield A. It was a bad start for the away side losing midfield Ian Egerton to a nasty eye injury after just five minutes of the match. Blofield took the lead not long after with a close range finish eluding Chard in the Albion goal.
It was 2-0 midway through the half again Albion switching off at the wrong time to concede a well finished header. Albion had some excellent chances themselves with Stu Jarrett seeing a superb volley well saved by the Blofield keeper and makeshift striker Everett having a lobbed shot cleared off the line by a defender. With the first half nearing an end Albion pulled a goal back when a throw in was flicked on by Everett and volleyed home by Martin.
In a scrappy start to the second half few chances were created by either team. The home side made it three on the hour with a corner converted by their tall defender with a powerful header. Striker Pete Gorbould was introduced from the bench and nearly scored within minutes of coming on, a lobbed shot again cleared off the line by the Blofied defender.
Another twist to the game late on saw a Gorbould shot was palmed round the post by a Blofied player, the referee having no choice but to send the player off and award a penalty. Such was Albions luck in this match that Jut Philo saw the resultant penalty very well saved by the away keeper.
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