BACK IN THE RACE

Freeland A 2 - 1 Witney Athletic

Freeland A battled their way back into the promotion race with a spirited display in front of a packed Elms Road crowd. Mills and Hardy gratefully welcomed midfield war horse Lee Tomas back into the side, Dave Titcombe was also back after a week out and pocket rocket Joel Holden started his first game since breaking his ankle back in October. Freeland went back to basics lining up with a four four two formation, with Parker and Footitt lining up in attack.

Freeland started well as they were roared on by the passionate Elms Road crowd, desperate not to see their beloved Freeland A fall further behind in what is becoming an enthralling promotion battle. Although dominating Freeland could not find a way through the Athletic defence. With Fenwick winning every header and Panting at his assured best Freeland rarely looked troubled, and it was only a matter of time before they eventually scored. Hardy and Footitt missed chances after January transfer window signing Callum Parker had headed them clear, and Parker then thundered a shot against the post when put clear.

" raising a few Athletic tempers in typical Tomas fashion"

Having Tomas back in the side was a massive boost to Freeland and the difference he made from last weeks awful performance showed as he controlled the game with ease alongside Pyrah, whilst also raising a few Athletic tempers in typical Tomas fashion. Freeland eventually took the lead when Footitt ran on to another Parker flick on and he made no mistake this time as he slotted the ball past the keeper and into the bottom corner.

The second half was much of the same, with Freelands spine of Tomas, Pyrah, Panting and Fenwick proving to be far too strong for Athletic. Bower was also combining well down the left with Holden, as he looks more and more assured as the weeks past. Holden then got out his bag of tricks with two outrageous pieces of skill that sent the Elms Road faithful wild. The winger should have then bagged himself a goal, but he volleyed straight at the keeper.

" a goal fully deserved by the man that scored it"

Freeland doubled their lead just under the hour mark, and it was a goal fully deserved by the man that scored it. Pyrah picked the ball up in the centre circle, and waltzed through a couple of Athletic challenges before slotting through a perfect ball for Parker to run onto, the burly striker then calmy slotted the ball home into the corner of the net to cap a fine move. Moments later and live wire Richard Stanley replaced the injured Hardy, and he showed glimpses of what he can do during his cameo appearance. Harris came on for the tiring Parker as Freeland looked to see out the final twenty minutes.

This is Freeland though, and nothing is ever easy, and after dominating for eighty minutes they then proceeded to put pressure on themselves, giving the ball away needlessly, and they eventually paid the price when a mishit shot bobbled past Mobeys reach and into the corner of the net. It set up a grand stand finish as Freeland defended to hold onto their slender lead, when the whistle of the ref (Mark Venn who did well after being let down at the last minute) pierced the cold Cassington air Freeland had gained a well earned three points. Three points that look all the more better after defeats for AFC Marlborough and Stanton Harcourt.