STONE THE CROWS

Stonesfield Reserves 0 - 2 Freeland

Freeland travelled to Stonesfield for this local derby boosted by the inclusion of new signing Chris Gilkes and long term absentees Ben Glastonbury and Adam Longford. After a delayed kick off due to the match referee not turning up, Freeland mascot, and Freeland A target, Tom Warby ably stepped up to take the whistle.

Freeland started brightly, having nearly all the possession. They played some very patient build up play but could not capitalise on their sustained pressure. New boy Gilkes looked lively upfront and was causing the Stoney defence all sorts of problems with his mazy runs. Simon Calley went closest when his thunderbolt shot hit the top of the crossbar.

Stonesfield posed no real threat to the Freeland defence from their long ball tactics and goalkeeper Jamie Leach was mainly a spectator. Gilkes was a constant threat to the Stonesfield goal and was unlucky not to open his account on a number of occasions. Freelands Belcher and Salter also went close.

The deadlock was finally broken when a cross from the Freeland left found Rob Belchers near post run and he calmly headed home.

The second half started as the first ended, with Freeland having most of the ball, this forced the Stonesfield strikers to drop off to look for the ball, leaving them with no real threat up front.

Freelands Gilkes produced a great save from the keeper after his thirty yard shot was tipped over the bar. Freeland were dealt a blow when front man Salter got injured in a tackle, but this paved the way for portly summer signing Glastonbury to make his long awaited Senior League debut. Freeland continued to push forward and Stonesfield were content to try and hit Freeland on the counter attack.

It looked like Freeland were going to have to settle for a 1-0 win, until they got a free kick on the right touchline and another long term injury victim making his come back, AJ Sick Note Longford hit a near post free kick to Langfords head and the keeper could only palm into it into the net.

This ensured Freeland would get a well deserved three points to continue their title challenge.