RAF Marham FC

Match Reports

22 February

RAF Marham v RAF Coningsby

Another long away day (never a close one for Marham) to Coningsby (game played at Woodhall Spa), a location where we have struggled to get a result in recent seasons. Stretched thin for numbers, several 2nd team players and one new player stepped up and came on the journey, the team compromising of only 11 players plus manager as the 1 sub.

A quick start saw 2 big chances go begging for Marham, when deadlock was broken at 13 minutes with an exquisite free kick by AS1 Wilson (LSS), nestling in the top corner from 20/25 yards. Marham dominated the 1st half with 1 shot saved by Cpl Ralph in the Marham net. AS1 Brotherton had a huge 1v1 chance to make it 2-0 shortly before halftime, but the shot went agonisingly past the post. Cpl Worthington had another chance which was saved by the GK, with AS1 Wilson hitting the post from another free kick

2nd half, Coningsby made some changes and had some early success with a few half chances. The lack of subs playing its part, and the new player AS Trohear came off at the 55 min mark. 65min went past with Marham seeing scraps and 1 or 2 half chances. Coningsby hit the woodwork twice, a few shots off target, and 2 big 1v1 saves from Cpl Ralph kept us in it. Then, from a corner, the ball bobbled around the area, and fell nicely to Coningsby who blasted in from close range (a deserved goal on their 2nd half). Another chance for Coningsby which saw the ball bounce off the post and fortunately back in to the GK hands. Marham battled through and tried to gain controlled possession an try and hit on the counter. 7 minutes to the end, with the ball worked up top, a free kick in a dangerous position as awarded. Up stepped AS1 Wilson (again!) who hit the target and managed to find a way past their keeper to make it 2-1. Marham defended brilliantly, to hold on for a big win.

Player of the Match – AS1 Clapcott. A brick wall in defence, winning his duels and headers, organising the defensive line and communicating well with his team, a huge performance from the Centre back! A big mention to AS1 Wilson for his 2 match winning goals.

8 March

RAF Marham FC 1st v RAF Coningsby A

Lincolnshire Services

Armed Forces League

Another league game against RAF Coningsby. Both teams struggling for numbers which meant Marham’s Manager, Sgt Ramsden having to Don the boots and the OiC, Flt Lt Mabbott braving the ankle strap and playing the 90. 2 new debutants for the season in Cpl Morgan in goal, and Sgt Cook at fullback.

A strong start by RAF Marham saw 1 or 2 half chances go by, then around the 20 mark, Cpl Nicholas played an exquisite pass into AR Loraine who turned and finished past the keeper. Marham playing well in the opening 30, a loss of concentration saw a loose pass across the back picked up by their striker, Cpl Kendrick recovered well to delay the shot, and Cpl Morgan pulling off a big save to deny the visitors a way back into the game. Some half chances including a header of the bar went by as the half drew to a close.

2nd half started like the 1st with Marham enjoying some good possession. The cavalry arrived as 2 subs rocked up midway through the 2nd half, and on the 60 min mark, Ramsden and AR Van Der Linder made way for AS1 Wilson and AS1 Durrant. Only a few minutes later and free kick to Marham was awarded on the edge of the box. Both teams knowing full well what comes next, up steps Wilson to curl it straight into the top corner, 2 0. Flood gates opened as Coningsby chased a way back into it, a perfectly flighted corner from Wilson was met by the head of a flying (like the pun) Mabbott who rifled a header past the keeper, 3 0. 18 to go and Marham after more, another in swinging corner from Wilson was bundled in by a Coningsby player much to the distraught of AS1 Hall who attempted to claim a rare goal, 4 0. Time for more as the Captain, Cpl Kendrick met a delightful cross and looped a header in over the keeper to make it 5 0. A late sub, Van Der Linde back on for last 12 replacing AS1 Carter.

Player of the Match - Cpl Kendrick – led by example and controlled the midfield from start to finish, starting most of Marham attacking play off whilst breaking a lot of Coningsby efforts to play through the middle, fully deserved.