SUFFOLK COUNTY MINOR CUP

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BOXFORD ROVERS U15 1 WOODBRIDGE TOWN 3

Sunday 04th November 2007

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As The Blooming Scribe nervously headed up the A140, hoping to enjoy the main event ‘Slaying the Canary’, directed by Super Jim, the job of make-do scribe was left to me! The lads had made the relatively short journey to the salubrious venue of Stoke-by-Nayland Rec, changing rooms were not on offer, the chaps leaving from ‘The Sunday Morning Kickaround’ told us they were for adults only! There was however a lovely toilet block on offer; a wall and the smell of the country. The morning sunshine was slowly giving way to cloud and after the vigorous pre-match warm up we kicked off on a very good playing surface down a slight slope. Woodbridge’s opposition today was Boxford Rovers under 15’s from The Colchester & District League Division 1.

The lads started well forcing two well taken corners by Jack K and Tom, Boxford were working on the break. Woodbridge had a chance from there third corner from Jack K his wonderful cross evading everyone, then a free-kick from Jack K, Reg and Harry not gambling in anticipation of a raised flag which didn’t come! Boxford then had a couple of chances on the break, the second of which saw Tom make a great save down to his right pushing away for a corner. Boxford then exerted the pressure with two corners, the number 5 was jostling for position at the near post with Harvey and the perfectly placed corner brushed both of them before beating Tom at the near post.

The Boxford keeper then made a series of saves from Jack E, Harry and following a corner pushing a great shot from Miles onto and over the bar. At the break 1-0 to Boxford.

The midfield four of Crispy, Jack E, Tom and Jack K had worked tirelessly in the first half, Jack K making way just before the break for Dan to come on for his second appearance for Woodbridge, all the lads looking to find feet, pass and move to play the front pairing of Reg and Harry in. The back four of OJ, Harvey, Miles and Andy had defended well until Miles had to leave the field with a strain, Luke coming on to make his debut with great effect, all the lads at the back realising a ball to feet keeps possession rather than a big boot upfield.

The second half began with news that ‘The Canary That Fought Back’, was what was on offer at Carrow Road, not as previously billed.

A number of chances fell to Woodbridge early in the half notably Jack E seeing his shot saved after good work from Harry and Reggie shooting over when well placed after further spade work through the midfield. Then the turning point in the match as Sillsy touched a shot onto his bar when the ball looked as if it had passed him, the ball bounced down and the defence somehow cleared. Great play first by Dan and Harry saw the latter’s shot aimed to the top corner, brilliantly taken and held by the keeper, then from Reg and Harry midway through the half, Harry finally getting what Woodbridge had deserved as he fired home into the corner.

Play was fairly even, Andy coming off with an arm injury to be replaced by Jack K , Harvey succumbing to a slightly late challenge, Miles refreshed coming back on and Crispy making way for Charlie to sit behind the front two, the midfield squeezing tighter. Sillsy also came off wondering how his Dad was going to earn £20 beer money after Colchester’s second year demise, Matt Stevens replacing him. With about 15 minutes left and Woodbridge looking the fitter team they started to ‘boss’ the game.

The pressure told and with ten minutes remaining a corner from Jack K saw Tom head home giving the keeper no chance. Cue jubilation from the travelling fans. Boxford threw everything at Woodbridge but the lads stood up strong, a clearance from the back found Tom who ‘drove’ his way forward, with three options, a player either side or a shot Tom chose the latter, firing home under the keeper. The game was now won, a tremendous performance from everyone. Well Done Lads on getting to the last 16 of The Minor Cup.