Blues rise to the challenge against Long Melford

Knowing that we were unable to grab the top spot as Saffrom Walden had won their game on Saturday could've meant that we were feeling a little sorry for ourselves but the fact that there was still second spot up for grabs showed there was still a lot to play for and with Long Melford just a point behind us (despite having 3 points deducted) meant that we had to be up for a battle ahead.

On paper we had a stronger team with the addition of a few first team squad regulars (who were looking to regain their fitness levels) but as we all know, the game isn't played on paper and everyone was made quite aware of what lay ahead and what efforts were required from all.

We started the game in a nice positive manner and moved the ball around well however we didn't quite match up to Long Melford in the physical battles and were slower to react than the away side. Despite this it was Wivenhoe who created the better of the chances in the first half as Ollie O'Hare saw two efforts come back off the post and we also had a couple that flashed just wide.
Matt Griffin and Hasan were working well together down the right hand side and Migs was composed and getting forward down the left and with Dan Morgan providing protection for Michael Schofield and Luke Mcsorely Goldie to play in behind Ollie it was nice and positive and some tidy stuff on display but the breakthrough just wouldn't come.

At the other end we were coping with Long Melfords more direct approach although there was always a threat and with the game tight anything could happen.

As it was, neither team managed to find the crucial moment and the half time score remained at 0-0.

The second half kicked off with the mist closing in and good pressing by Ollie O'Hare led to a poor back pass that was intercepted by Michael Schofield who rounded the keeper and finished to make it 6 in 6 for him in the reserves and give Wivenhoe a lead to settle nerves a little (and which they probably deserved).

However in stead of having the effect of 'kicking the team on' it meant we seemed to sit back a little and allowed Long Melford more time and they duly accepted and started to put more of thier own play together causing problems both on the floor and also in the air along the backline and Elliot Ringe was being called into action more and more.

The away sides pressure paid off for them as Wivenhoe failed to clear a ball and a Long Melford player finished past Ringe who sadly couldnt get enough on the ball to keep it out and therefore make the scoreline 1-1.

Worryingly for a period we looked to be feeling sorry for ourselves and heads were down and the energy was lacking, another Long Melford attack saw Ryan Gooch clear off the line and this appeared to act as a catalyst for a wake up call for the home side.

Joe Heron suddenly found himself a magnet for the ball and every time he ran at the Melford defense he caused nightmares and even despite doubling up on him they couldn't get the ball off him. This spurred everyone else on and we started to increase the tempo and get playing again and the belief came back.

The next goal was going to be crucial and as Joe Heron ran at the defenders they seemed to back off him (although one of them was probably still dizzy from the last time he went 1v1) he drove into the middle of the pitch and played a one-two with Ollie and cooly finished past the keeper to make it 2-1 to Wivenhoe.

This time the back line stood firm although a couple of last minute changes were required with players picking up knocks (hopefully not too serious) and Jake Hearn came on for Migs, Ryan Gooch for Liam Dadds and Joe Steel for Hasan Ayten meaning Dan Morgan moved to Centre back and did a fantastic job alongside Ben Fowler.

in the final minutes Michael Schofield almost added another after some good build up from the forward line and individual trickery from him just inside the box created a chance but a crunching block tackle as he got his shot away meant that the scoreline was added too and the ref blew up for full time before the corner could be taken.

A MASSIVE result for Wivenhoes Reserves in their quest for runners up spot meaning that we've released a little pressure on ourselves but still have to get the job done as there will be no gimmies.

Overall I was delighted with the attitude of the players and the quality on display at times was fantastic, also pleasing was the way we dug in and stood firm again as a team who were far more physical (not in a negative way) than we were threw a lot at us.