Acle United Reserves 1, Martham 1MARTHAM, with a few players missing, knew they were going to be in for a tough Dolphin Autos Anglian Combination Division Three game.

Acle United Reserves 1, Martham 1

MARTHAM, with a few players missing, knew they were going to be in for a tough Dolphin Autos Anglian Combination Division Three game.

It started as expected for a local derby, with some big tackles going in from both sides.

Early on Acle seemed to maintain most of the possession, but Martham looked the most dangerous, counter-attacking with great pace from their young midfield and strikers.

However, it was Acle who took the lead, when a well-taken free-kick found the net from around 25 yards.

The game stayed like this for around 15 minutes as Martham attempted to find an equaliser.

It finally came when Danny Gowing got Adam Betts in behind the defence for him to square a perfect ball for Robert Blogg to tap in at the far post.

A well-made and finished goal, typical of Martham's play over the last few weeks. It was 1-1 at half-time, with Martham finishing on top.

The second half saw Acle get lots of balls into the box, tricky in a swirling wind, but Martham's keeper and defence of Scott Nickolson, Ben Utting, Ryan Farrow and Paul Punchard looked unbeatable, protected well by Chris Jermy returning from injury.

Martham still looked dangerous in the second half with Chris Southern and Greg Evans causing the defence all sorts of problems.

Ian Smith went close with a long chip, when the keeper was stranded, but Martham just couldn't find the net.

The breakthrough nearly came in the last minute, when Chris Southern finished well, but was ruled to be

offside.

It was a good performance from Martham, especially from young bloods Adam Betts, Chris Southern and Ryan Farrow.

Although they were all pipped to

man of the match by Ben Utting, who didn't give an inch all game.

Next, away at Morley with Tracey back in charge.