AFC Holbrook

3 - 0

12/10/08

Orwell was back in league action this Sunday where they travelled to play AFC Holbrook away. Both teams were holding a 100% record, so the game was looking to be a good one.

There was worrying moments before the game, where a dressing room incident left player manager Ollie Rich in pain with a sore ankle, though he was able to soldier on and managed to last the whole 90 minutes.

The team was the same as the week before except for one change as the team welcomed Danny Case into the back four at right back for the injured Dickerson. The pitch was looking good and with a damp surface, conditions were perfect for Orwell and their passing.

Orwell couldn't get a grip on the game for the opening 15 minutes, with bad touches and unforced errors almost costing them a goal. After a while, the team relaxed and played some good football with one touch football being played throughout the field. The confidence grew in the team and chances were coming thick and fast. On the 30th minute, Hollands picked up the ball in the centre, ran 10 yards and played a ball to Rich. Hollands continued his run to receive the ball from a perfectly placed ball from Rich and slotted the ball past the keeper to give the visitors the lead. Players and spectators were relieved that Hollands didn't try his Robbie Keane celebration as its getting worse with every attempt!

The first half finished 1-0, the oranges were out and the main subject of the team talk was to keep our heads and to get the second goal. Dave Ainsley was replaced by Barry “I’m now an alcoholic” Stelfox who went into the centre of defence next to Lewis.

Orwell started the second half how they finished the first half, with more pulsating football and direct passing. There were numerous chances at both ends with Captain Turner being kept on his toes making a crucial one-on-one save. On the 65th minute, Orwell got their second goal and they could relax. Case took the ball forward and gave it to Clapp on the wing, who then returned the ball down low where Case managed to flick it on to manager Rich who rifled it into the back of the net. Holbrook then brought the game to Orwell and piled on the pressure. The back four of Abbott, Lewis, Stelfox and Case were holding out strong and were limiting Holbrook to long range efforts which were being dealt with well by Turner. On the 85th minute, the points were Orwell’s. Turner’s long boot up field was flicked on by Hopley to Hughes who managed to nod the ball past the oncoming keeper.

The full time whistle had gone and it was Orwell who maintained their 100% record and moved to the top of the league. This was a crucial result and the perfect response after a disappointing result in the cup last weekend. A good effort by the team and excellent performances in particular from Nick Hollands in centre midfield and Danny Case at right back.