Match Report
Boxted Lodgers vs Sudbury Athletic
Festive spirit and goodwill was sadly in short supply for Boxted Lodgers as Sudbury Athletic put the “icing on the cake” with a late flurry of goals to give the visitors a joyous holiday win at Cage Lane. Indeed on the evidence of their performance it could be a difficult new year for the “Lodgers” as they strive to return to the top flight of Border League football.
The home side occupied third place at the commencement of play and were hoping to follow up their significant victory over fellow hopefuls Holland FC Last week.
On a sunny but chilled afternoon the home side looked dangerous early on and should have taken the lead such was their dominance.
Inside two minutes skipper Jamie Bradbury did well down the right before setting up Gary Trueman with a cross to the far post that poor control and good defensive work by Sudbury’s Chris Jackson denied the clear scoring chance. A more difficult opportunity arose moments later when Liam Macklin’s long throw to the near post found the unmarked Bradbury - Boxted’s leading scorer - but his header flashed wide of the post.
The home side were having the better of the early exchanges and went close again in the 12th minute when Kieron Francis and Macklin exchanged passes setting up Trueman who stabbed his shot just wide.
As Sudbury eased their way into the game Danny Twyman struck a shot inside the box but the attempt was charged down by the well positioned Chris Sturdy. The visitors were unfortunate when Steve Benson sent a well weighted free kick into the box but Twyman’s was adjudged to have run into an off side position.
Boxted who had a greater share of the play forced several corners and from one Sudbury keeper Ben St. Ledger made an excellent near post punch clearing his lines whilst under pressure.
Despite their pressing the home side fell behind in the 30th minute. Mark Theobald fastened on to a loose ball and from 30 yards threaded a pass through he Boxted defence finding MARK ADAMS who touched the ball home from close range.
The home side had a great chance to level in the 34th minute when Simon King released the ball to Bradbury but the marksman was again off target.
At the other end the visitors nearly went further ahead in the 37th minute when Stuart Lilley won a header following a free kick that fell into the path of Twyman whose volley was well saved by keeper Neil Addington and the subsequent loose ball was met by Jamie Ratcliffe who fired wide of the gaping goal.
Bradbury drove a free kick low through the defensive wall that was partially saved by the keeper but he held a speculative shot from Andy Driver.
Just before the break Adams ran into the box and drove his shot straight at Addington and Michael Owen had a shot cleared off the line by Owen Richards as the visitors finished strongly.
Half Time: Boxted Lodgers 0 - Sudbury Athletic 1
“Athletic” had a great opportunity when Twyman got behind the home defence but shot across the keeper and past the far post.
Boxted lacked a “cutting edge” to their offensive play as Francis advanced into a good position but lacked conviction at the crucial moment and then Trueman scuffed his shot when well placed six yards out.
The visitors then went further ahead in the 63rd minute. They produced a fine flowing four man move that culminated in Adams rounding the keeper and from the ensuing wide angle squared the ball across goal and the advancing STEVE BENSON drove home from two yards.
Two minutes later Boxted pulled a goal back when Trueman’s inch perfect cross was well met by JAMIE BRADBURY whose firmly struck header from eight yards flew past St. Ledger.
However a minute later Sudbury regained their two goal cushion when MARK ADAMS chased a long but high ball to head past the advancing keeper.
At the other end Francis released substitute Chris Price who sent a fierce shot inches over. Bradbury then struck a fine shot that was well saved by the keeper as Boxted attempted to retrieve their precarious position.
In tremendous finale Sudbury made sure of the points although the home side put in a spirited finish.
The visitors increased their lead in the 84th minute when a long clearance went beyond Boxted’s high defence and DANNY TWYMAN superbly logged the oncoming keeper from the edge of the box with great aplomb.
A minute later referee Mr Brock awarded Boxted a penalty when Francis was held back in the area and substitute CHRIS PRICE dispatched the resultant spot kick. Incredibly a minute later the impressive DANNY TWYMAN dispatched a terrific drive that nestled high in the roof of the net and injury time Boxted’s man of the match KIERON FRANCIS unleashed a tremendous left foot drive from 20 yard that passed the keeper inside his far post.
It will have been a great disappointment to home manager Carl Thompson who was not helped by an under strength side and it will be interesting to see whether they have the character to put this result behind them and a make a consistent challenge in the weeks ahead. Certainly they will need to retain the services of Kieron Francis who arguably is playing a level below his capabilities.
As for Sudbury Athletic they were well served by the dual threat of Danny Twyman and Mark Adams. Also “Jules” Mumford has joined Gary Watson as joint manager who with his previous experience should be a great asset to the “Athletic” Club. Indeed Adam has previously had a spell as manager at the Club and with the sprinkling of ex Long Melford players in their ranks sight of the Premier Division should be in range sooner or later.
Well done to referee Mr Tony Brock who officiated without fuss and was well positioned in awarding the penalty kick.
Finally Boxted have a good set up served by good football people and deserve to succeed if they are good enough.
Full Time: Boxted Lodgers 3 - Sudbury Athletic 5
Teams:
Boxted Lodgers-
Neil Addington; Chris Jackson, Andy Lawson, Andy Hart, Simon King; Chris Sturdy, Owen Richards, Liam Macklin, Andy Driver, Gary Trueman; Jamie Bradbury, Kieron Francis.
Substitutes: Chris Price, Josh Congdea, Mark Healy, Scott Fowler, Carl Thompson.
Sudbury Athletic -
Ben St. Ledger; Chris Jackson, Michael Owen, Justine Ambrose, Adam Mumford; Jamie Ratcliffe, Mark Adams, Steve Benson, Mark Theobald; Danny Twyman, Stuary Lillie;
Substitutes:
Julian Mumford, Byron Long, Brian Devereux, John Walker.
Referee - Mr Tony Brock (Cold Norton)
John Campany.
