2011/12 - Match Report & Photos

Fixture: 18/9/2011

Score: Taverham 2-0 Dereham

Report:

The season is once again upon us but this time we start as defending champions with fortress ‘Hinks’ as our home.

Injuries to Reece, Tom and Austin meant a complete re-shuffle of the team pre-match (inc. Joey in goal) and no substitutes....far from ideal against a good Dereham team.

It was Dereham who started brightly with a ball over the top of our defence calling Joey into immediate action and then Harley was forced into a sliding block in the six yard box. Taverham looked nervous and the visitors were taking full advantage forcing two consecutive corners and hitting the bar in the process – Taverham were having to dig in. Despite the visitors dominating early possession, when Taverham had the ball we looked dangerous and when Harley played a superb ball through for Toby, the deadlock was almost broken with a sublime chip that was cleared off the line.

As the match unfolded it was clear this was going to be a real test for our back four. Toby, Lewis and Georgie combined to create the next chance, Georgie running at pace but his first time strike was wide. Toby created another chance this time for Damon, whipping a great ball to the far post, but Damon was unable to connect.

Taverham had still to get going in the match and Dereham continued to pile the pressure on, a fast counter attack down the left and a diving header just wide of the post was a real scare. Another Dereham attack - another superb save from our stand-in keeper. The half-time whistle was a welcome break and an opportunity to re-focus.

A half-time talk by the manager seemed to have done the job as Taverham started the second half with some purpose and belief, Damon unlucky not to break through the defence with a great solo run and Harley grazing the outside of the post with a long range strike. Joey was forced to make a terrific diving save to turn the ball past the post and then another strike from distance had Joey scampering across his goal mouth.

The game was end to end now and our back four were tested time and time again but they held firm. Damon opened up the defence with a lovely weighted ball for Toby, who held off the defender to get a decent strike in on goal. Dereham counter-attacked hitting the bar again, then Taverham countered, Damon forcing a save from the visiting keeper. Taverham were enjoying a good period of possession now, forcing a corner and shouts for hand ball....a second consecutive corner was awarded and this time it was not cleared and Rob was there at the far post to head into the top corner for his first goal for the club (1-0). Shortly after the re-start a back-pass inside the box was awarded to Taverham and with the entire Dereham team on the line, DJ blasted his shot inches over the bar.

Taverham were finishing the game stronger with Georgie causing problems on the right and Toby down the left. After some excellent work by Taylor and Lewis, another corner was awarded and cometh the hour cometh the man...Damon rising at the far post to loop a header into the opposite corner to secure the first, and hard-fought win of the season (2-0).

Gary’s Man of the Match: Joey – a magnificent performance playing out of position...watch out Tom!

 

Photos: