Watton (Home), 7 October 2007
Wymondham -v- Watton
Result: 5-3 Win
4-2 Halftime
Goalscorers: James Gayton, Joseph Bush (2), Nick Parker, Matt Elvin
Wymondham Player of the Match: Nick Parker
Another excellent game by one and all.
Pressure from the off meant that the Wymondham team dominated the first half with James Gayton scoring his first goal for the team early on. Watton fought back to tie the game, but Joseph Bush then reinstated the lead.
Nick Parker then did one of his crosses-that-are-really-shots to extend the lead. Jack Morris then made a piercing run flanked by two defenders before laying it off to an advancing Joseph Bush to score from.
Watton then punished another error to bring the score up to 4-2. Just before half time, Watton appeared to score again, but I then disallowed the goal as Wymondham ‘keeper Craig Woolrich had had a hand on the ball when it was kicked out of it and into the net. According to the 2007/08 Laws of the Game and Handbook and particularly the decisions of the International F. A. Board, the ‘keeper is considered to be in control of the ball and/or the player kicking the ball (and his hand) had committed an offence.
I had to have words with two of their players in particular for dissent even though I didn’t actually penalise them for it. Indeed, there were at least four bookable offences committed by their players. If only the rest of their team had been more like Watton’s Captain who showed skill, tenacity and sportsmanship.
Still, it was good for our team to let their football speak for them and show the Watton team that it was possible for a team to win on skill and sportsmanship alone, and that all they did by losing their tempers was to hand the game to us.
It was difficult choosing our man of the match with so many good efforts from the team. But in the end, Alex and I chose to reward Nick for his excellent running, passing and tackling.
Thanks to Mchael Elvin for running the line for us despite the abuse from the Watton supporters.
