o After last week’s poor performance Freehouse were eager to get started & put things right. A tough cup against BDML Spartans from one division above. Changes had to made Freehouse welcomed the return of David Ough & Luke Roystone to the starting lineup, Shaun Hounsome & Gareth Spicer missing out. There was a tough wind & Freehouse elected to battle against it first half, as the game got under way Freehouse like many games before again dominated the early possession. But were soon a goal down. A long ball lofted high into the wind caught the Freehouse defense sleeping; Spartan’s striker had time to pick his spot & duly finished 0-1. One followed two shortly after a free kick outside the box crossed to the far post to another unmarked striker with a simple header three yards out 0-2. Was it all going wrong again?. Ben(10)Hounsome picking up a knock was replaced by Neil Smith, Andrew Belshaw & Roystone were to change flanks, this seemed to inspire Freehouse with attack after attack, Wayne Lawton, Robbie Jones & Robert Kirby all having good chances, it was only a matter of time before Spartan’s would brake broke them down. Smith found himself on the left wing & with some neat footwork twisting & turning he got the better off the fullback, with a good cross in Belshaw rose like a salmon on heat between two defenders for a bullet header that went in the top corner 1-2. Heads up & a spring in their step Freehouse were again on the attack, Smith, Kirby & Jones again all with chances. There was a feeling last week could happen all again but some good work once more down the left by Lawton he looked up to lay the ball back to Jones edge of the box his shot taped in from five yards by Kirby, but unfortunately it was ruled out for off side. Seconds later a Beckham like cross from Lawton found Kirby & on the volley finished into the bottom corner 2-2. Half time & what Freehouse deserved, there was a lot of encouragement in the team talk. With the wind now on their backs Freehouse started the second half relentless pressure Spartans couldn’t handle the quick movement & passing from Freehouse’s attacking line. Alan Major getting more time & space from the right traveled forward picking out Jones on the edge off the box again with a low drive towards goal Spartans keeper found it to hot to handle & could only palm it into Roystone path with no mistake left footed slotted it home 3-2. The comeback completed. Freehouse were playing some of the best football the locals had seen, it seemed a million miles away from what had been witness just the week before. More great work In the centre off the park by Lawton & Jones freed Roystone this time his effort again saved & parried to the feet off Belshaw 4-2. Freehouse weren’t finished just yet. A poor clearance presented Kirby with the ball taking one touch to steady himself curled a stunning effort into the top corner left peg! 5-2. In truth there could have been more the crossbar & post keeping Freehouse out. Spartans who had created little since the start through a big man up top to try & save some pride but Jack(The Cat)Tabbner with a finger tip save kept the score 5-2. A far better result & performance from the pervious week. Can Freehouse maintain it?
Match Report: Andrew Belshaw & Wayne Lawton
