GREATYARMOUTHFC.CO.UK

Saturday 8th August 2009

IPSWICH WANDERERS 1, BLOATERS 3

Last season, Great Yarmouth were the best away team in their division. If they continue to play like they did last Saturday, they could well repeat the feat. 

On a dry, difficult pitch for their flowing football, the Bloaters nevertheless mastered all that an improved Ipswich Wanderers could throw at them, then hit them on the counter. 

Wanderers picked up the lucky breaks (and there were several with the bouncing bomb – sorry, ball) and more than a few free kicks but Adey Ager and Marcus Saunders were equal to all Wanderers bluster, and new goalkeeper signing Stephen Lewis used all his experience when anything did get through. 

Yarmouth had their chances – with one “goal” disallowed for offside – but were unable to show the passing fluidity in attack that was a feature of the pre-season games. 

Then on the stroke of half time came the breakthrough. New Portuguese player Vida Formoso sent a pass through the middle for Jake Reed to run onto and despite the attentions of a tracking defender, the youngster kept possession, and his head, to finish coolly past the advancing Gary Hammond in the home goal. 

Not thirty seconds into the second half and Jake Reed doubled his – and Yarmouth’s – tally. This time it was strike partner Stewart Roach who supplied the pass to the left for Reed to latch onto and drive on into Wanderers area and shoot with aplomb past Hammond. 

Scott Woodcock had replaced Mark Thompson at half time and some typical forcing runs on the left gave promise of more goals. But a typical example of the pitch problems came when Reed nodded down to Roach on the edge of the area but the ball took a wicked bobble and even the mighty Roach was unable to master the bounce. 

A third goal did come after 80 minutes – but from the only way the home team looked likely to score. Adam Sewell was adjudged to have tripped home centre-forward Maurice Fiko in the box and James Buckle scored with ease past Lewis; it was Wanderers only shot on target in the second half. 

However, Yarmouth immediately restored the two-goal cushion when captain Ager powered home a far-post header from a Woodcock corner – and it looked nothing more than the kind of goal scored by past Bloaters’ captain, the legendary Mark Vincent whom Ager is coming to resemble in many ways. 

“The pitch was poor and they gave us a tough game,” said manager Paul Tong, “but we got the breaks at the right time. Great credit to Jake for the way he took his goals – he belied his tender years to finish very coolly. 

“Roachy broke a bone in his foot in the summer so we’re very pleased he is back and showing why he is an invaluable part of the team. But we’ve got a great team spirit throughout, and there’s high potential in the young lads who play for us. However, one swallow doesn’t make a summer – or a season – and we have a tough month of fixtures ahead of us. But its so far, so good.” 

Yarmouth – S Lewis, J Bernardo, A Sewell, D Smith, A Ager (c), M Saunders, V Formoso (T Gorbould 82), M Magee, S Roach, J Reed (L Bartley 75), M Thompson (S Woodcock 46). Unused subs: B Hill, A Formoso.

Attendance – 56.

Referee – A Snell (Little Clacton)