Saturday 3rd May 2008
BLOATERS 2, SAFFRON WALDEN TOWN 1
There were many
pleasing asspects to this last afternoon of the season at the Wellesley. Not least of course was a win against one of the
division's season-long promotion prospects, a first for Yarmouth against Saffron Walden in Division One. Before
the game, Stewart Roach was finally presented with his tankard for making 200 appearances (though this occurred some weeks
ago), and at half time Brian Gibbs, the retiring Council ground staff attendant and former secretary of the Supporters Club,
was presented with a memento of his time at the Wellesley, a specially engraved whisky tumbler (accompanied by something to
put in it!).
The ground was bathed in brilliant sinshine
as Saffron Walden kicked off, but it was the brilliance of Mark Thompson that lit up the half in added time. Yarmouth were
the more positive side throughout the half and deservedly went ahead seconds before the interval when from the left wing Thompson
sent in a perfectly-aimed 30-yard shot which looped over everybody and in under the bar at the far post.
Saffron Walden equalised three minutes into
the second half through Ben Riches who looked yards offside but was allowed to run on and beat Elliott Pride.
However, Stewart Roach put the Bloaters back
in front on the hour: Adam Sewell crossed to the far post, and Danny Bartram, on as substitute, lifted the ball to Roach who
nodded over the line for his 16th goal of the season to maintain his goal-a-game average.
Saffron Walden then exerted considerable pressure
to maintain their promotion challenge but the Yarmouth defence, with Pride in commanding form, denied them time and time again.
In one five-minute spell, Pride rose to collect a 35-yard free kick, produced a finger-tip save to push a shot over the bar,
and made a flying save to push another effort wide of goal.
Later, Pride was using his feet to keep
a shot out as he showed his range of skills. Yarmouth were restricted to breakaways but looked dangerous when they did get
forward. Roach and Crawley had the best chances but Gareth Palmer took a break from defensive duties to get up for a shot
from a Crawley cross in added time.
Adam Sullivan, just back after injury, was
forced off early in the game with a twisted ankle and before half time Yarmouth lost another when Paul Dyer sustained
a groin injury, but Dean Bain and Danny Bartrum, their substitutes, proved able deputies.
Yarmouth -
Elliott Pride, Jphnathan Watt (c), Paul Dyer (Dean Bain 38), Steve Taylor, Gareth Palmer, Toby Gorbould, Adam Sewell,
Adam Sullivan (Danny Bartram 20 (Liam Bartley 72)), Stewart Roach, Nick Crawley, Mark Thompson.
Referee -
Mark Potkins (Woodbridge)
Attendance
- 66
