2011/12 - Match Report & Photos

Fixture: 9/11/2011

Score: Soccer Stars 2-1 Taverham FC

Report:

After what seemed an eternity it was great to be back. There is nothing quite like the first match of the season, especially when pitched away against a tough Soccer Stars side. The Thorpe based outfit started last season with a 2-1 win against East Coast and went onto win their next 10 games ... that was the task.

We had a fully fit squad to choose from with Capt Ethan back from 2 weeks in the sun. Chopper and Will started on the bench with Ethan slotting in alongside Brad, Daniel and Diddy in defence. Big Tom, Rico, CJ and Alex were in midfield with Ben and Jake up front.

Soccer Stars kicked off and we were soon into our stride. Jake fired a low ball across the box which nobody managed to get a touch on. Ben also went close. We looked assured at the back with Daniel and Brad striking up a good looking partnership.

Soccer Stars were awarded a free kick outside the box which went agonisingly close, however in truth we dominated play. CJ had a shot which went just wide and was also proving a handful for SS on the left wing. Alex also put some early runs in down the right wing without return. Shortly after we justly went one ahead. CJ linked up well with Jake who broke through the SS defence to find himself 1 on 1 with the keeper. The newcomer slotted it away in style.

We continued to push with Jake, Alex, Ben and CJ all having efforts on goal and all slipping by. With Wes having very little to do up to this point it was disappointing when a lone SS player broke through Brad and Daniel to slot one passed him.

h/t 1-1

We started well despite a head wind, Diddy and CJ were linking up well down the left with Alex continuing to surge down the right. However everything into the box proved too much with most whizzing through or landing in the keepers arms. Soccer Stars gave a slightly better account early on and had a couple of close efforts, however in truth we continued to dominate the game. We fell to a sloppy 2nd which made its way through after a dubious free kick went through our back line. SS managed to scramble it past Wes to take them 1 ahead.

With 15 or so to go we continued to push and continued to dominate play. Alex again linked up well with Ben and Harry as did Jake, however the striker was out muscled by 2 or 3 players on each occasion. CJ sent one in which hit the crossbar. Ethan also made a surging run down the right wing and popped one in, however the ball failed to really trouble the keeper.

f/t 2-1

A frustrating way to start the season. We certainly deserved better from the game with the Soccer Stars manager admitting as much afterwards. We dominated possession, created the better chances and played the better football, however it just wasn't meant to be. More of the same next week at home against Aylsham. Well done boys.

MOM - Brad

 

Photos: