Martlesham Old Boys 9-0 Playford

Another Sunday and another game for Chris Smith’s playford side, this week we had our first away game of the season, we travelled to the Ransomes sport pavilion to play on possibly the nicest pitch we will grace this season. Playford remained unbeaten in league action going into this fixture, looking for a reaction for last weeks cup exit.

Chris named a side with some changes, Andy started in goal once more, Chris changed to a back 5 this week, Jez and Sticks at wing back, with a back 3 of Hunty, Luke and new signing Ciro. The midfield was made up of Chris, Dan and Kingy, which allowed Ellis to play in the attacking midfield role hoping to be the supply for Daryl who was up top. This was the second week in a row in which Ellis was not just on time but early, really showing that the team are fully buying in to Chris’s regime. The sideline wasn’t graced by the usual ultra Grant, but we were graced by an appearance from the injured Cam Overett, gutted he missed the away day at St Mary’s with Ipswich, he made up for it with an appearance at the mighty Ransomes sport pavilion cheering on Chris Smith’s Barmy Army.

The first half started and it was a fairly cagey affair, both teams struggling to mount significant attacks and struggling to maintain possession. Old boys were looking to use their size advantage and came close on occasion, corners providing them with their best opportunities, Playfords best chances came from distance as Luke was lucky not to get some repair bills from car park and daryl hit the side netting. The deadlock was broke inside the first half as Old boys scored the only goal of a very competitive first half.

The second half was more of the same, both teams battling very hard for control in a scrappy affair, the referee not willing to let the game flow blew for some dubious fouls which stopped either team creating momentum. Old boys again dangerous from set pieces added a second and then shortly after added a third. Playford responded with some changes, Josh replaced the gaffer, Ben came on for sticks and Chris came on for Jez. These changes had no impact on the result, Playford started to tire and the hosts found an increasing amount of space and joy in wide areas, they were relentless in taking their chances as they added more goals, the best Playford could muster was an effort from range by Kingy. Old boys ended the scoring with 9, it was a disappointing outing for playford as at times were more dangerous, hopefully the boys can put this result right next week with a home game against Northam Celtics.