AYRES ROCK

Freeland A 2 - 3 Eynsham SSC

Freeland were unlucky in defeat as they battled hard against their bogey side Eynsham Sports and Social Club in front of a bumper crowd at The Simon Hole Memorial Ground. A turbulent pre match did not help Freeland, but they were quick out of the blocks and were a goal to the good within minutes. Footitt pounced after a scramble in the area and rammed the ball home past the Eynsham keeper.

Freeland were looking much better than they had on Saturday, and Phil Mills was proving a real handful up top. With The Pirate back in the heart of midfield alongside Langford, and with McNaughton and Hardy on the wings Freeland always looked dangerous. McNaughton was full of running as always and he made some storming runs down the left hand side.

Just as Freeland looked like they were in control, with Mason and Panting marshalling the dangerous Ayres well, Eynsham scored. Freeland though came back strong, and took the lead again, Phil Mills whipped in a superb free kick and McNaughton was on hand to nip in and flick the ball home for his fourth goal in five games, the delight on Pakkas face was there for all too see.

Eynsham though are a handy team, and they proved this by scoring a wonderful equaliser on the stroke of half time, Hardy gave away the ball on the edge of the Eynsham area and they swept the ball up field, a superb cross was then met by Hodai, and the traitor superbly volleyed home to a chorus of boos from the home crowd.

Moments after the restart and John Ayres got his first chance of the game, and the outcome was enevitable. Panting made only his second mistake of the season, flicking the ball into his path, and the rapid striker slotted the ball home past Leach.

Freeland tried in vain to get back into the game, they should have had a penalty on the hour mark, but somehow the ref waved play on after Langford was blatantly tripped in the box. Mason made some great runs from the heart of the defence, but Freeland could not quite muster an equaliser. Parker almost got one back after the ball smashed into his face and rocketed just wide.

It was a good effort by Freeland against a very good young side in Eynsham, Freeland will now have to battle for third with Chippy Town.