Sunday 4th September 2011 had finally arrived, the start to the new Dockyard League season!! The players all turned up on time & raring to go. After a pre match warm up it was down to business, the team was picked with debuts for Robbie Jones, Alan Major & Gareth Spicer. It seemed the team wanted to get the season off to a flying start. The game kicked off with a heavy down pour the night before, the pitch had a very wet top this playing to the advantage of Freehouse’s passing game as they dominated the early exchanges, keeping possession well but in fairness frustrated by the closing down from the opponents River Bowl. It was to pay off for their hard work brought the first goal much against the run off play 0-1. With the shock off the goal the heavens opened up & so did Freehouse's defence 0-2. At half time a rollicking was swiftly dealt by manager Wayne Lawton stunned & shocked to be losing it was now up to the players to sort the mess out. Again much like the first half Freehouse had all the ball but couldn’t break a solid looking defence open. Changes were made bringing on fresh legs adding some pace to the attack line Neil Smith & Nathan Hickley for the ever running Robert Kirby & Shaun Hounsome pushing Ben(10) Hounsome up front Matthew Jenkins back to centre half & Andy Shaw on to the right wing. It seemed to have an instant affect. Shaw charging down the wing into the box& with a willing never to give up won the ball from the by-line & duly pulled it back to Ben (10) for a tap in. 1-2. Game on, its what Freehouse deserved River Bowl looked shaken & Freehouse found themselves with further opportunities to level the game, but wasteful in front off goal was going to cost them, Ben (10), Major, Hickley all missed good chances but Smith had the best & wasted it with only the keeper to beat he tried a little lob which ended up high & wide. It wasn’t to be Freehouse’s day. Jenkins limped off injured to be replaced by Richard Jackson & Freehouse pushed everyone forward, only to leave gaps & Jack (The Cat) Tabbner exposed. River Bowl running out eventual winners 1-4. The score line looks worse than the game was. Freehouse dominated but goals win games. Freehouse may be missing Vass & Cooke from the previous season. A Goal Scorer is needed & soon!!!
Match Report: Andrew Shaw
