Jez George reports:
CRC 2 Wroxham 1
This was a hard fought win against the FA Vase Semi Finalists in which we had to show character to comeback from conceding the first goal early in the second half. There was little to choose between the teams in a very tight and even contest where clear cut chances were at a premium.
We started really brightly and passed the ball with confidence in the opening 15 minutes. We lacked a cutting edge though as we failed to deliver crosses or get our shots off around the box. The worst culprits were Maz and JP, who must both learn to vary their game and do things at a higher tempo, not one to suit them. For players with great talent, they can both be too easy to nullify.
As we didn't carry enough threat going forward, it was possible for Wroxham to start releasing players into more attacking positions and they gained the upper hand through dominating possession. This foothold in the game eventually saw them exert sustained pressure on our goal and we failed to respond. Too many clearances were rushed, their front two caused problems by making decent runs off our shoulders and we were at full stretch to keep the scoreline goalless. When we did win the ball back, our passing was under par and we failed to build any attacks.
At half time we needed to sort out the mindset of some players more than anything and deliver a few home truths. A petulance has just started to creep into our team that will not be tolerated. We need to concentrate on doing our jobs properly, not berating the officials or trying to wind up the opposition. The saving grace that we got through this spell still on level terms and the conditions would be in our favour in the second half so the game plan was straight forward. We needed to get the ball in behind their back four and play on the front foot. Diagonal balls would be the key so the ball would not run out of play and it would also stretch their back four.
Unfortunately, we gift wrapped them a goal immediately after the re-start through hesitant defending, allowing Steve Spriggs to slot a scuffed finish beyond Laurie Walker. As usual we reacted well to going behind and were soon on level terms through a wonder strike from Darryl Coakley.
His 25 yard free kick arrowed over the wall and beyond Scott Howie into the top corner. From this moment onwards we seized the initiative and started to force Wroxham onto the back foot. However, with 15 minutes remaining we were still searching for a winner when Liam Hughes replaced Jack Eades, switching Jordan Patrick to the right flank and moving Ivesy wide on the left.
His height and prowess in the air paid immediate dividends when he caused problems in the visitor's defence from a wide free kick. As the ball was partially cleared, JP crossed and Maz tapped the ball home from 6 yards. The best piece of play of the night almost doubled our lead. Alex Bevan's long pass was expertly controlled on his chest by Luke Berry but his instant volley was brilliantly saved by Howie from point blank range.
We played out the last 10 minutes like seasoned pros rather than a youth team with Maz, JP and Luke Berry keeping possession on our right flank in their final third as the final whistle beckoned. In the context of our league position, this was a massive three points. In the context of developing players, this was a fantastic test and one that eventually we overcame. It was a different match to many we have faced this season and we really had to dig deep to grind out a win.
The character we showed in the second half plus the excellent performances from JT and Alex Bevan were particularly pleasing. If we could maintain the tempo that we created at the start and end of the game for 90 minutes, we really would look like a team.
Next on the fixture list is another huge challenge at Leiston, who are now our closest rivals in terms of league position and have an array of talented and experienced players at their disposal. We will need to be at our best to earn a result but even more importantly we want to build on our last two performances and continue to improve individually and collectively.
Team: Walker, Thorpe, Coakley, Bevan, Hudson, Ives, Eades (Hughes 75), Berry, Igglesden (Bailey 65), Marriott, Patrick
