Claydon 07

2 - 3

05/10/08

Orwell made a trip up the A14 to face Claydon 07 in the Suffolk Sunday Trophy. Sprits were high in the Orwell Camp after the boys had recorded two wins from their opening two fixtures. Orwell had received the sad news that one of their top players Will-I-Am Burton had left the club, amazingly no one spotted this on teletext or sky sports news! However there was some good news with the return of goalkeeper Gavin "Joe Hart" Turner and Kieren "I drank too much for my birthday" Lewis.

The wet weather made conditions better for Orwell's slick passing. The game was only 4 minutes in when Orwell won the 1st corner of the game, the ball was perfectly swung in by the left foot of Simpson for manager Ollie Rich to rise like a salmon at the front post and power a header into the top corner! The match had quietened down until the 25th minute when Claydon 07 went on the attack, the ball was slotted to the no.9 who finished calmly to bring the scores level.

5 minutes later Claydon 07 almost took the lead, a soft back pass by Lewis was picked up by the no. 17 who went for the bottom left corner only for Turner to save Lewis's blushes by getting down well to make the save. The score ended 1-1 at half time. The half time team talk must have gone well for Orwell as they started very well once again, with the midfield trio of Simpson, Rich and Hollands pulling the strings. However it was Claydon 07 who made the brake through, on the 65th minute a long clearance with the wind was not delt with at the back by Orwell and the no.17 striker for Claydon got in behind the Orwell back four of to volley home Claydon's second of the tie. With the score still at 2-1 Orwell began to push men forward, but with no luck.

Claydon 07 caught Orwell on the counter attack, the ball was fed through for the Claydon striker to fire past Turner to give the home team a two goal advantage. Orwell Pushed forward once again, and 5 minutes later had pulled one back. It was again the left foot to James Simpson that this time found Hollands 8 yards out who headed home to keep the tie alive. Orwell Kept up the pressure and should have had a free kick when Rich was fouled on the edge of the Claydon box, only for the Ref to dismiss his claim and blow for the final whistle.

Disappointment for the Orwell boys as they knew it wasn't their best performance and could have done better. A special mention to Danny "Tevez" Abbott who continues to impress. Man of the match goes to James Simpson who had a solid performance in the middle. Now Orwell's attention is back to the league next week where they travel to AFC Holbrook, with both teams holding 100% records.