Bungay High School U18's vs. Thurston Community College U18's Match Report
ESFA National Cup – Round 4
Thurston's Sixth Form team, consisting of players from years 12 and 13, made the trip to Bungay for this fourth round tie. The team were in high spirits after they had seen off Newmarket Upper School and Kesgrave High School in the previous two rounds, and were looking to continue their surge in the competition. The team line up wasn't too dissimilar from the previous round, boasting a lot of experience, with the only absentees from the squad being Tom Driscoll who was still unavailable with a groin injury and Jono Dorrington who had work commitments.
Team Line Up: Subs:
O.Whiteman H.Turner
P.Frank J.Marcham
H.Yallop J. Reeder
T.Debenham S.Cole
D.Palfrey
J.Yallop
D.Parkington
G.Evans
D.Grant
J.Edwards
M.Tandy
Manager: Mr S.Lewis
The game started very tense, with both teams battling and working hard to gain the early dominance. The scrappy opening ten minutes produced few chances, however a dangerous ball from the Bungay midfielder was dealt well by the commanding Whiteman in goal, seeing off any real threat. It wasn't long before the first real chance came, when after a Bungay corner, the ball deflected towards goal, only to be saved on the line heroically by Palfrey, who headed clear to prevent the home team taking the lead. However, it wasn't long before the break through did come, and it was Thurston who went behind. After a good attack from the hosts, which resulted in a viscous strike, Whiteman produced a great save, with Palfrey blocking the rebound, however the Bungay striker slipped in to casually finish the loose ball and put the home team 1-0 up. Thurston were shocked by going a goal down, but did respond quickly, with an effort from Debenham producing a controversial goal line decision, as the goal was not given when it looked to have gone over the line. From this, Bungay broke away and if it were not from another good save from Whiteman, flying through the air to palm it wide, Thurston would have been two down. This scare seemed to spur Thurston on more, and when they won a corner, which was then swung in by Evans, Edwards connecting with a lovely header at the near post to equalise. This was the goal that Thurston needed just before half time, pulling them back level with Bungay, in what had been a scrappy and tense first half.
The teams came out after half time, with Thurston confident in the knowledge they could get the win, after some inspirational words from Coach Mr Lewis. Thurston started the half on top, with the defence blocking off anything Bungay had to offer and the midfield working hard to keep possession. This new found confidence was highlighted with a Grant effort, that although was ambitious, just flew past the post. Thurston were really starting to get hold of the game, with Edwards being the most creative, producing many fine runs included one that resulted in a shot being tipped away by the Bungay keeper. Soon after, a delightful pass from Frank down the line was collected by Tandy who slipped in Parkington who was unlucky the ball didn't fall for him, as the keeper was committed and it would have been an easy finish. Thurston were starting to dominate Bungay now, and another flowing move involving J.Yallop and Edwards, fell nicely for Evans, whose left footed drive was inches wide of the post. Thurston's second goal was becoming more and more inevitable as the half grew, and when a Grant corner expertly picked out Edwards, his brilliantly timed header flew in to the back of the net to make it 2-1, much to the delight of the Thurston team, subs and coaching staff. All that was left now was to see the game out, and this was reflected when Turner came on to replace Frank in order to hold the ball up and cause a physical presence for the last ten minutes. Just when the game seemed to be over, Bungay managed to produce one last chance, as they won a throw-in right by the corner flag. The throw was darted in to the box and was firstly well headed away by H.Yallop, only for a Bungay player to win the ball back and strike towards goal, with the shot palmed away by the consistent Whiteman, and the loose ball cleared finely by Palfrey, who was under pressure to get the ball away. Moments later the referee blew his final whistle, much to the delight of the Thurston players who had dealt well with a late scare. The game was a scrappy affair, however the Thurston players put a good shift in and got the result to keep them in the competition. This was echoed by manager Mr Lewis, who was pleased to get the result and praised his team's hard work and desire. The players made the hour long trip back to sixth form on the minibus, safe in the knowledge they were through to the 5th round of the competition and down to the last 64 in the country, with the potential of a brilliant cup run on the horizon.
Author: Tom Driscoll
