Dragon's Lose Key Game

It was a disappointing afternoon at the Maple Tree Cars Stadium as the Reserves went down 2-0 to league leaders Saffron Walden Town. Two goals in the second half condemned Wivenhoe to their second league defeat of the season. The Dragon's welcomed back Jake Hearn, Michael Schofield and Luke Goldie-McSorley, whilst Liam Dadds made his second debut for the club.

The opening exchanges saw the fast and entertaining football expected by two teams at the top of the table, along with ferocious yet passionate tackles. Most notably from Liam Dadds and the Walden left midfielder and Jake Hearn who was cautioned and head-butted for his foul outside of the area. Surprisingly the head-butt also deemed worthy of a yellow card. Both teams had opportunities to score with Wivenhoe wasting good opportunities at one end and Elliot Ringe making saves expected of a player of his standard.

HT- Wivenhoe 0-0 Saffron Walden

Wivenhoe changed from a midfield three to a five. With Evan Culmer leaving his forward position to take position on the right hand side of midfield. The football continued at a fast pace and it looked as though nothing would separate the two teams until the visitors made a substitution before a Wivenhoe goal kick. Ringe's kick dropped before the centre circle. Adam Frost attempted to flick the ball on but was tackled by the Blood's centre forward. With the momentum he went through on goal and gave Walden the lead.

Wivenhoe continued to press and play the football which created so many chances before the opening goal. Luke Goldie with the best chance volleying from a Liam Dadds cross. His shot incredibly saved by the Saffron Walden goalkeeper to maintain their lead. Walden sealed the game when Wivenhoe pushed men forward, a long ball deflected off of the head of Ben Fowler as the Saffron Walden centre forward anticipated his run. Adam Frost ran across in an attempt to block the shot, however the ball was crossed into the box. Jake Hearn was inches away from clearing the ball but it landed at the feet of another Walden player who gracefully played the ball back across to the an unmarked player who gratefully finished the game off.

FT- Wivenhoe 0-2 Saffron Walden

A bitter pill to swallow for the reserves, but result aside another smashing performance from a 'weakened' squad. Consistency is the key for the squad now to get the best results for the rest of the season.