Wroxham FC 4 - 0 Ipswich Wanderers

The first home league game of the season is always a special occasion. For many supporters who have not travelled to away fixtures it is a chance to become acquainted with new players. For the Yachtsmen early season has been rather dominated by away FA Cup fixtures, so this was an opportunity to get back to Trafford Park and hopefully gain their first league points of the season against new promoted Ipswich Wanderers.

With two games in 40 hours, not surprisingly manager, Jordan Southgate, adapted his team selection. However it was the visitors who dominated possession and created the best chances. It was ten minutes before the Yachtsmen fashioned a scoring chance. Ryan Miles found Harley Black whose pass reached Josh Harvey, but on this occasion his shot was comfortably saved.

At the other end the visitors continued to threaten and after 38 minutes were awarded a penalty. The ball ricocheted up and hit the arm of Tom Huckerby . The referee showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot. The spot kick however brought a fine save by Ollie Sutton in the Wroxham goal. Sutton’s save brought the Yachtsmen to life and within minutes they scored the opening goal.

A defensive error in the Ipswich defence, presented the ball to Josh Harvey and he beat the Ipswich keeper convincingly from 10 yards. In fact Wroxham had a chance to increase their lead before half time , Ryan Miles was fouled on the edge of the box, but Harley Black’s free kick evaded the wall but was at a comfortable height for the keeper to save.

Whatever was said in the home changing room at half time certainly inspired the Yachtsmen, they started the second half far stronger and appeared to gradually wear down the opposition, who came into the game having faced a gruelling 120 minutes of cup football during the week. Within 5 minutes Wroxham had extended their lead Josh Harvey made a break down the left and at first glance appeared to have moved away from the goal, however the striker had the insight to turn inside and fed the advancing Joao Rangel who fired an unstopped shot high into the net.

At 2-0 with the points seeming secure, Wroxham began to make changes, and in additional time doubled their lead against tiring opposition. First Josh Harvey scored his second goal of the game with an unstoppable drive that left the keeper rooted on the goal line and then with the final move of the game, Wroxham’s talented young full back, Rio Abodunde, appeared on the left wing , he cut inside and spotted a scoring chance, slotting the ball home at the near post.

Not surprisingly Josh Harvey was chosen as man of the match, but after the game in an interview with BBC Norfolk, Jordan Southgate, reflected on the key role his keeper, Ollie Sutton had made. Saving not only a penalty, but also making valuable saves in the first half, when the visitors were in the ascendancy. This stability at the back provided the foundation that allowed his team to go on and convincingly win the game.

Wroxham - Sutton, Abodunde, Dodsworth, King, Hazell, Huckerby, Rangel,( Hawkins 62) Black (Batch 80) Harvey, Davis(Taylor72) , Miles
Subs not used : Linford, Mackie.