The Old Times

6 - 2

02/11/08

After two weeks off Orwell were back in action against The Old Times hoping to reclaim top spot and preserve their 100% record. There were a few changes to the starting line up with the injured Turner assisting player manager Rich with the managerial duties from the sidelines, inspirational midfielder Hollands donned the gloves for the first time in two years. Dickerson came in at right back, Case slotting into the left wing and free-scoring Jacobs called up from the reserves to start up front.

Orwell didn't start the way they would have liked to as they were unable to settle and play their free-flowing football with the team unable to string passes together. Orwell managed to get the break through on the 18th minute a low cross from Jacobs was superbly finished by Clapp. 5 minutes later and Orwell fortunately found themselves 2 up, a free kick 20 yards out from skipper Simpson was hit straight at the keeper who seemed to have the easiest of saves to make, managed to allow the ball through his hands and to drop into the net, Orwell had luck on their side. 32 minutes had gone and Orwell were 3 goals to the good. Brilliant work from Hopley and Clapp freed Jacobs to slot the ball past the keeper. On the 38th minute, Lewis had control of the ball at the back and played a pin-point ball over the top to Clapp who took the ball down well and finished past the keeper to give him his second of the game. Orwell had limited The Old Times to a few chances but towards the end of the first half, Randall raced clear down the right, Hollands raced out to the corner of his box and with a rush of blood had taken down Randall with a clumsy challenge to give The Old Times a penalty and a chance to start a comeback. Mitchell stepped up and finished well from 18 yards. Half Time 4-1

The second half started better than the first and Orwell were starting to enjoy their football again with some nice passing moves. The game opened up and chances were coming at both ends. In the 52nd minute, Orwell hit a counter attack with the impressive Hopley, Case, Clapp and Jacobs pushing forward into The Old Times' box, Orwell had shot after shot with the defenders and keeper making crucial blocks, the ball then fell to Case who tapped in the ball into the bottom corner. A few minutes later and The Old Times had got what now seemed to be a consolation goal, Randall chipping the flat-footed Hollands in his goal. Turner rung the changes on the hour and brought on Hughes and Ainsley to give Dickerson and Case a deserved rest. Orwell pushed on and gained a corner on the 70th minute. Simpson curled the ball into the box and Hughes was at the backpost to smash the ball into the net. Full Time 6-2

The points were in the bag and Orwell were top of the league again. A great performance from Orwell especially from Lewis, Hopley and Clapp with the latter receiving man of the match for his two well-taken goals. Next game is away to HSF were the boys from Felixstowe hope to keep their league 100% record intact.