2007/08 Match Reports
League, Sat 15th March 2008
versus Costessey Crown
Won 10-1
A Jarrett (4), Martin (3), Gorbould (2), Edgerton
After a difficult season in the top division Wensum Albion were looking to put in a good performance in their last match, hosting fellow strugglers Costessey Crown at Heartsease High School. Albion took the initiative from the start with wingers Gorbould and Leeper putting in some fine crosses early on that were not converted. Eventually the pressure paid off when Jarrett found himself free in the box to place the ball home. Ben Carter made an excellent save low down from a Costessey striker before a freak injury forced the ‘keeper off with a broken finger after another save. Dunbar took over goalkeeping duties and was soon picking the ball out of the net when a close range header crossed the line. The away side started to play decent football and dominated the latter part of the half without creating any meaningful chances. However, it was Albion who were 2-1 up at the break when a great ball into the box by Leeper was headed home by Micky Martin from 12 yards. Albion started playing some good football in the second half and Gorbould volleyed home to increase the lead. The flood gates then opened with further goals from Jarrett (3), Martin (2), Gorbould and Edgerton giving Albion their biggest win of the season.
League, Sat 1st March 2008
versus Yelverton
Lost 1-5
Martin
Wensum Albion were looking to gain all three points in the penultimate match of a disappointing season. In blustery conditions it was Albion who used the wind to their advantage with some early pressure, midfielder Edgerton narrowly volleying over the bar and Jut Philo seeing a close range free kick hit the wall. Yelverton were allowed back into the game and started to dominate possession, creating some decent chances but failing to rtes ‘keeper Ben Carter. Mid way through the half Albion took the lead when a precise Rochford cross from the right was met at the back post by Martin who nodded home from only a few yards. Yelverton scored an equaliser before half time and looked forward to playing with the wind after the break. The second half was always going to be tough for Albion and the home side took the lead with a close range effort. With confidence drifting away, Albion went on to concede three more goals in the half under difficult playing conditions and a torn up pitch. Overall there was plenty of effort from the Albion players but a lack of quality passing after the break proved to be costly.
League, Sat 23rd February 2008
versus Marlborough Old Boys
Lost 2-3
Farrow, Lewis
Having already been eliminated from the competition and with little to play for in this final group stage game the Albion experimented with players in different positions. Marlborough took control of the game from the off with stand in ‘keeper Nick Taylor pulling off a couple of good saves early on. Chances were few and far between at the other end as Marlborough pilled on the pressure. It paid off after twenty minutes as the away side opened the scoring. Only minutes later Marlborough doubled their lead when their midfielder was allowed to head home unchallenged from a corner. Albion pulled on back before the break when a Martin cross was well dummied by Gorbould before finding Lee Farrow who slotted the ball passed the onrushing ‘keeper. Another change of tactics at half time saw the home team come out fighting in the second period although it was Marlborough who scored their third of the game with a drilled shot beating second half ‘keeper Chris Dann. Marlborough were given a fright late on when Dave Lewis scored a close range left footed goal to narrow the deficit but it was too little too late despite a spirited Albion performance.
League, Sat 16th February 2008
versus Costessey Crown
Won 5-0
Taylor (2), Farrow, Martin, Leeper
Albion went into this game looking to build on some recent good form and knowing that they had beaten Costessey last season in the Division Two fixtures. It was all Albion from the off as Costessey started the game with ten men. New signing Nick Taylor scored the opener on is debut sliding the ball home from inside the box. Micky Martin should have doubled the lead but missed two good opportunities with his head after crosses from Andy Rochford and Pete Gorbould. The second came mid way through the half, Nick Taylor grabbing another from a similar angle as his first. As the half drew to a close right back Lee Farrow popped up inside the box and finished well to score his first of the season. Costessy began to come into the game a little more in the second half without really threatening the Albion goalmouth. The fourth goal was inevitable as Albion pilled on the pressure and Martin side footed home after controlling a Leeper cross-shot. Anthony Jarrett saw a few chances go begging before winning the away side a penalty late on that Mark Leeper slotted home to give Albion their biggest win of the season so far.
Division One League Cup, Sat 9th February 2008
versus UEA Reserves
Lost 0-2
Having taken a point off the University team earlier in the season Albion knew if they put in a good performance they were in with a shout of gaining a result from the game. The first twenty minutes were all Wensum as they applied the pressure looking for an early lead. Pete Gorbould found himself in the box with a half chance although decent shouts for a penalty were waved away by the referee when an obvious obstruction had taken place. UEA took the lead towards the end of the half when their midfielder struck a swerving shot beyond the reach of the Albion keeper form 20 yards. The second half saw the UEA come in to the game a lot more and doubled their lead when a well delivered cross was headed home by their forward. A header from Jut Philo hit the bar and went over as the game entered the final stages.
League, Sat 26th January 2008
versus Norwich Union A
Won 3-2
Leeper, Gorbould, Slowther
On the back of some recent good results Albion wanted to make amends for a poor performance against Norwich Union in the away defeat earlier in the season. Albion dominated the opening section of the game seeing much of the ball without threatening the NU keeper. Albion opened the scoring when Martin headed a poor goal kick back into the box where winger Mark Leeper was well positioned to lob the keeper with a nice finish. Albion then went to sleep as has happened on a number of occasions this season and allowed NU back into the game. Lack of communication saw their right-winger cross without a challenge, a cross that was met by the head of the NU striker who finished well despite the best efforts of right back Lee Farrow in punching the ball off the line. NU scored a thoroughly underserved second soon after when their central midfielder was not closed down on the edge of the box, his shot hitting the shins of Albion defender Den Slowther and spinning into the net for an own goal. Disappointed to be behind at the halfway point Albion came out fighting in the second half and equalised when a Rochford header found Gorbould in the area who finished smartly. The game opened up after this and there was end-to-end football to entertain the spectators. The shock of the game came on seventy minutes when Den Slowther took a couple of touches before unleashing a beast of a shot from 20 yards that flew over the NU keeper to help cancel out his atrocious own goal and secure Albion a much needed and well deserved three points.
League, Sat 19th January 2008
versus Taverham
Drew 2-2
Rochford, Own Goal
With both teams struggling at the wrong end of the table this was a real 6 pointer that Albion were confident of winning having beaten Taverham earlier in the season. It was Albion who played the early football creating a number of half chances before a Leeper corner was headed home by Rochford for his second of the season. Defender Jut Philo also came close with a header that crashed against the bar. Taverham equalised when a well work freekick ended with a drilled shot that beat ‘keeper Nick Parrott inside the right hand post. The second half saw Taverham come back into game but Parrott was quick off his line to block some one on one chances. Micky Martin came close when in on goal only to finish poorly with a left foot shot whilst Edgerton saw a long range effort clear the bar. A Leeper cross was diverted past his own ‘keeper by a Taverham defender to give Albion the lead for the second time in the match. Poor marking on a Taverham corner late in the game allowed their centre midfielder an easy header that equalised the score and that way it stayed till the final whistle.
League, Sat 12th January 2008
versus Drayton
Lost 2-5
Robotham, Dunbar
After a good performance against Marlborough Old Boys on the previous weekend Albion went into the game hoping to pull off a shock result away to table toppers Drayton. Albion took control of the match from the off, Ian Robotham heading wide after two minutes. Despite the early pressure from Albion it was the home team who took the lead with a close range finish. Albion levelled the score before the break when a Gorbould corner was met by Robotham who headed home from an angle. Not for the first time this season Wensum capitulated in the second half conceding three goals in succession including a dubious penalty decision, making the score 4-1 to Drayton. With five minutes to go a goal mouth scramble saw left back Stefan Dunbar expertly roll the ball down his shin into the net to pull another goal back. There was still enough time for Drayton to score a fifth goal that flattered the score line slightly.
League, Sat 5th January 2008
versus Marlborough Old Boys
Lost 3-4
Leeper, Martin, Rochford (pen)
After a much needed Christmas break of over indulging Albion were desperate to put in a good performance in the new year. Marlborough took an early lead when some slack defending allowed the Marlborough striker to slide the ball past stand in ‘keeper Ben Carter. Despite this setback Albion looked dangerous on the break with the pressure paying off on the half hour mark when a Martin cross was converted by Leeper inside the box to level the scores. The home side again took the lead before the break despite creating few other chances. With the wind and slope in their favour Albion were hopeful of an early goal in the second half but found themselves 4-1 down due to some poor team defending. This was the catalyst for a mini revival as a low Rush cross was slid in by Martin. A push on defender Lee Farrow in the Marlborough area resulted in a penalty that captain Mavis Rochford minced into the net to make the score 4-3. Albion piled on the pressure in the dying minutes but it wasn’t enough to grab an equaliser although they will take heart from the commitment and passing football that was played throughout.
League, Sat 15th December 2007
versus St Johns A
Lost 0-4
A good first half where it was about 50/50 in terms of possession & chances. However, the 2nd half we didn't continue in the same manner and conceeded some sloppy goals.
League, Sat 8th December 2007
versus Taverham
Won 4-1
Gorbould (2), Martin, Jarrett (A)
Following our first draw of the season last week, we now have our first win ! A good performance in terrible conditions. Albion passed the ball about as well as anybody could with the pitch resembling something from Glastonbury ! And we were a bit more clinical in front of goal as well.
League, Sat 1st December 2007
versus UEA Reserves
Drew 0-0
Albion surprisingly picked up their first league point of the season against one of the tougher teams in the division having previous lost to the UEA Reserves earlier in the campaign. In a closely fought battle it was the home side who looked the likeliest to open the scoring, Micky Martin seeing a weak shot cleared off the line with the UEA keeper stranded after a poor clearance. Albion’s defence looked strong and restricted UEA to a few half chances from distance with corners being dealt with effectively by the team as a whole. UEA lifted their game in the second half but again the commitment and attitude of the Albion players meant UEA rarely threatened. At the other end Den Slowther saw a shot fly the wrong side of the post and substitute Rushy cleared the cross bar from inside the box. A dogged performance from Albion and a well deserved point that will hopefully kick start the season that has failed so far to live up to expectations.
League, Sat 24th November 2007
versus Drayton
Lost 1-5
Leeper
Within 25 minutes of the first whistle Albion found themselves 4-0 down in a luckless season that goes from bad to worse. Despite spending a majority of the first five minutes in the Drayton half a mistake at the back allowed the Drayton forward to shoot home from 12 yards. A second was added soon after with the third goal a low shot from outside the box that was closed down but luckily evaded the flailing legs of the Albion players. Albion conceded one more and looked dead and buried with just over a quarter of the match played. Albion held out till half time when some strong words were said by all. The second half saw a more positive approach from the home side as Albion started passing the ball around more fluently Leeper seeing an early chance fly wide. Midway through the half Pete Gorbould put in a first time cross from the right with Leeper on hand in the area to head home with a fine finish. Albion were certainly matching the opposition in all areas but the deficit was too much to drag back. The club hit an all time low when in the final minutes a Drayton corner was delivered near post where ‘Des’ nipped in front of his marker with alarming pace and headed home. Des is in his 60’s!
League, Sat 10th November 2007
versus Homecare
Lost 1-2
Jarrett (A)
A closely fought battle where a point would have been fair reward for the hard work and determination put in by everybody. Albion did have chances to win the game or at least grab a point but poor finishing let them down.
League, Sat 3rd November 2007
versus Yelverton
Lost 2-3
Dann, Carter
Yelverton were the visitors to Heartsease High School as Wensum Albion looked to register their first win of the season after improved performances in the previous weeks. The match was evenly fought out in the opening minutes before a Yelverton corner was not cleared and the subsequent goal mouth scramble inevitably ended up with the ball in the back of the net. Albion defender Chris Dann popped up unmarked from a Mark Leeper corner heading Albion level.. Albion took the lead again towards the end of the second half when Ben Carter scored a superb half volley from the edge of the box after Yelverton failed to clear another Leeper corner. Yelverton came out fighting in the second half and took control of the game passing the ball around the park. The equaliser was scored midway through the half when a Yelverton midfielder was allowed to shoot from distance and dispatched a pile driver into the top corner of ‘keeper Nick Parrots goal. At 2-2 Albion were holding on until the killer blow arrived on 70 minutes when slack marking on a corner saw a Yelverton player head home. Another disappointment for the home side after a bright first half.
League, Sat 27th October 2007
versus St Johns A
Lost 0-3
Albion were once again made to regret missed opportunities in a score line that certainly didn’t reflect the commitment and performance shown by the home players. Albion matched the visitors for a majority of the first half and dominated much of the play, Mark Leeper put through with a half chance without converting. The second half was a more open affair and chances were created by both sides, the Albion keeper making some good saves. Striker Dan Barnston looked to have put Albion in to the lead when Andy Rochford crossed low across the box but somehow skied the ball from 6 yards. St Johns broke the deadlock midway through the half when their midfielder smashed the ball into the roof of the net from outside of the box. Gorbould and Philo had more chances for Albion without converting before St.Johns added a second again with a superb shot from the edge of the area. It was 3-0 before the end as Albion heads went down in a final score line that flattered the away team.
League, Sat 20th October 2007
versus UEA Reserves
Lost 1-5
Jarrett (A)
Once again Albion put up a spirited performance against the young students but couldn't avoid another league defeat. The ball was moved around well for the whole match and players heads were never down.
Shoe Trades Cup, Sat 13th October 2007
versus Jarrolds
Lost 1-4
Gorbould
This was the third year running these two sides have drawn each other in the Shoe Trades Cup and Jarrolds were looking to restore some pride against an Albion side who pipped them to promotion to the top division last season. Jarrolds took the lead in the first half when a free kick on the edge of the box somehow eluded the wall and landed in the back of the net. Albion started controlling the game mid way through the half and it paid off when Pete Gorbould shot home from an angle inside the box. Jarrolds went 2-1 up before the break when their midfielder jinked his way through the Albion defence and saw a weak shot roll over the line. The game was still very much in the balance as the second period got underway as both teams seemed to cancel each other out. The turning point cam e when Albion midfielder Pete Gorbould was sent off for two yellow cards leaving the away side with ten men. Inevitably Jarrodls began to pile on the pressure with some superb defending from Jut Philo and Den Slowther preventing the floodgates opening. Albion couldn’t cope under so much pressure and Jarrolds scored two more late goals although AJ Jarrett had a good shot saved at the other end.
League, Sat 6th October 2007
versus Norwich Union A
Lost 0-3
Wensum travelled to Pinebanks to take on Norwich Union in what was going to be a close but winnable match for the away side. First blood went the way of Norwich Union after their striker found himself 6 yards out and finished from an angle. Albion nearly equalised when forward Dan Barnston rounded the keeper but couldn’t quite squeeze the ball home. Andy Rochford and Pete Gorbould had half chances as Albion took control of the game before half time, Norwich Union failing to create anything at the other end. The second half started quietly before Norwich Union doubled their lead when the Albion keeper spilled a low cross allowing their midfielder to tap the ball into an empty net. This was a wake up call for Albion who began to make some good chances with Barnston, Philo and Martin seeing goal scoring opportunities go begging. With the clock running down there was still time for Norwich Union to be awarded a penalty as defender Tom Coulby handled in the area. The retaken penalty was put away to make the final score a more than flattering 3.0 to Norwich Union.
League, Sat 29th September 2007
versus Marlborough Old Boys
Lost 0-3
Albion hosted Marlborough Old Boys who like the home side were promoted from Division 2 last season. Albion continued the simple passing football that was seen in the previous week against Easton but again lacked the cutting edge in front of goal, Pete Gorbould coming closest but shooting over the bar with only the keeper to beat. Marlborough took the lead against the run of play when a failure to clear the ball allowed their striker to stroke the ball home from inside the box. The away side doubled their shortly before the break when a player who was not closed down in midfield placed a superb shot in the top corner of the net leaving the keeper no chance. Albion once again dominated the second half with their passing and seemed to have an answer for Marlboroughs attacks. Dan Barnston saw a chance fly over the bar when put through by Andy Rochford but that was as good as the chances got for the home side. A decent performance again from Albion but a disappointing chances cost them dear.
Junior Cup, Sat 22nd September 2007
versus Easton
Lost 0-3
Albion knew they were in for a tough test against an Easton team three divisions higher in the local league hierarchy. However, it was Albion who started the brighter of the two sides, playing some neat football and causing the opposition some problems., Pete Gorbould saw a volley blocked early in the half and some good saves at the other end by the Albion keeper kept the game level. Easton took the lead when a floated cross was headed backwards towards the goal leaving their striker to chip the ball easily into the net. Albion started slowly after the break and were soon two goals behind when poor marking from a corner allowed an Easton midfielder an unchallenged header that flew beyond the keeper. Albion created a number of chances themselves, Dan Twite seeing a one on one saved after a Micky Martin through ball and Tom Coulby hitting the post in a goalmouth scramble. Easton scored one more before the final whistle but Albion should take confidence from a much better performance that in previous weeks was missing.
League, Sat 15th September 2007
versus Homecare
Lost 0-7
Wensum Albion returned to top flight action after more than two years absence as they travelled to Rackheath to take on Homecare. Albion matched the home side for the opening twenty minutes before going a goal down from a close range effort. Homecare doubled the advantage when their midfielder was seen to punch the ball in to the net without the referee bringing back play for a freekick. Albion created a decent chance of their own when Pete Gorbould put striker Dan Twite through one on one to finish well only to see the goal chalked off for a marginal offside. Albion went into the break 3-0 down conceding another close range shot. Only seconds after the restart Albion saw any hopes of a comeback disappear when from their own kick off Homecare regained possession and played two passes before shooting low into the net. Albion struggled to get hold of the ball for the remainder of the half and conceded three more before full time to lose convincingly although the effort certainly deserved a less impressive score line.
Division One Cup, Sat 8th September 2007
versus Drayton
Lost 2-4
Barnston (2)
After an unlucky defeat in the previous Division 1 cup game Albion were looking to gain three points away to Drayton. Albion took control of the game early on without threatening as poor final balls into the box eluded the lone striker. Against the run of play Drayton took the lead when a hopeful ball into the area bounced over many heads before being nodded home at the far post. Mark Leeper nearly levelled the scores but saw his free kick skim the bar and fly out for a goal kick. Albion started the second period slowly and paid for some poor defending conceding a second goal from inside the box. A strong challenge from Stefan Dunbar saw the referee award a penalty to the home side to make the score 3-0. Wensum Albion started making a fight of the game and a Paul Buttle cross was spilled by the Drayton keeper allowing Dan Barnston to place the ball home from 6 yards. Barnston grabbed his second goal not long after as Albion pushed for the equaliser. However, slack marking from Albion at a Drayton corner allowed their midfielder to head home to make the final score 4-2.
Division One Cup, Sat 1st September 2007
versus St Johns
Lost 0-2
Newly promoted Wensum Albion opened their season with a tough tie away to St.Johns in the Division 1 Cup. The opening minutes were played at a quick tempo with St.Johns moving the ball effectively around the park as Albion tried to adjust to the pace of the game. Despite their domination the home team couldn’t break down the Albion defence limiting St.Johns to a few long range efforts. Albion managed to create a few chances at the other end Dan Twite seeing a shot chested off the line. Albion managed to see out the half playing some good spells of football with chances few and far between for both sides. The second half again saw St.Johns dominate possession and it paid off on the hour mark when their right winger shot low into the corner of the net. Albion again managed to carve a couple of chances with Micky Martin shooting at the keeper and Dan Twite side footing wide. The game was put out of reach when a dubious penalty awarded to St.Johns was converted to make the score 2-0 and that way it stayed till the end of the match.
Pre-Season Friendly, Wed 22nd August 2007
versus Norwich Union B
Won 2-1
Barnston (2)
Another pleasing performance, with us creating a few more chances than the last friendly. A bit more clinical and we could of won this by a few more goals. Again, at times, we were able to knock the ball around and play some good football. A deserved victory.
Pre-Season Friendly, Sat 18th August 2007
versus Thorpe Village A
Won 2-1
Farrow, Rochford
Another encouraging performance, with us dominating possession throughout the majority of the 90 minutes. The scoreline indicates a tight match, but with the exception of the first 5 minutes, Wensum never looked like losing this one. At times, our passing was accurate and penatrative, with our wingers having great success getting behind their defence and delivering crosses. Overall, many reasons to be bouyant for the up coming season.
Pre-Season Friendly, Wed 8th August 2007
versus Norton Athletic Res.
Lost 0-1
A far better performance than the first friendly of the season, with Wensum having around 10 attempts, to their 2 or 3. A game we didn't deserve to lose, with the goal we conceded coming from a cross, which dipped just under the bar.
back to topPre-Season Friendly, Wed 1st August 2007
versus Wymondham Town A
Lost 2-4
Barnston, Twite
Action packed game, with a few talking points........which will be discussed at a later date. Football wise......not a bad 1st game to get under our belts. Obviously a little match rusty, with a much better 2nd half display, where we hit the post and were unfortunate to concede a soft goal. It is worth noting that the Wymondham Town side were made up of 1st team players and reserves. Their 1st team plays in Div 2 Central & South Norfolk League and their Reserves play in Div 4 of the Anglian Comb. So Wensum put in a reasonably good performance considering the level we were up against.
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