Acklam Football Club

BEDALE v ACKLAM

Sunday 3rd December 2006 

It was TJFA cup week and Acklam had the long trip to Bedale for their 2^nd round challenge cup match. A rainy morning resulted in a heavy pitch, together with a strong wind, conditions were always going to be difficult for both teams.

Acklam kicked off against the wind and after early forays into the Bedale half, none of which resulted in a shot on goal Bedale took control of the game. Strong running and neat passing, helped by the strong wind saw them pressurise the Acklam defence and goal. Acklam were finding it difficult to clear their lines and most of the game was being played in the Acklam half. Good play from the Bedale midfield and impressive movement  from their forwards saw shots rein on the Acklam goal. Goalkeeper Joe Parkin had to be in top form, especially in the first 10 minutes when he made four excellent stops. The pressure continued and Joe and his defence performed magnificently to keep the scoreline blank.

Acklam eventually managed to get a foot on the ball and make inroads into the Bedale half, these were easily dealt with by the Bedale defence.

Finally a good move out of defence found Jordan Wales who dribbled past his marker, ran into the penalty area and shot past the Beadle keeper to put Acklam 1-0 ahead.

The goal spurred Acklam on and they started to get more possession of the ball. The game was now end to end but good defensive play and fine goalkeeping prevented more goals. Bedale, helped by the wind always looked dangerous. Bedale eventually put the  ball in the net but it was ruled out when the Bedale forward strayed offside.

Acklam’s attacks became more frequent as the half wore on but Bedales defence held firm.

Half time – Bedale 0 v Acklam 1 

The second half kicked off with Acklam having the advantage of the wind, now it was Bedales turn to withstand Acklam’s pressure.  Bedale were the team playing on the break and Acklam’s defence had to be alert. Acklam, like Bedale in the first half found it difficult to make their pressure pay. Bedales attacks became more frequent and their persistence was rewarded halfway through the second half when the impressive Bedale striker Damon Reaks pounced upon indecision between the Acklam keeper and defence to finish well.

Bedale 1 v Acklam 1.

The game was now end to end with both sides creating chances. Bedale almost got a second goal but Sandy Davison in the Acklam defence cleared the ball from the edge of the six yard box after it had beaten the keeper. Acklam pushed for a winner and were rewarded, when with five minutes of the game remaining, a great pass from midfield found Adam Lane who ran clear of the Bedale defence and finished brilliantly to put Acklam 2-1 ahead.

Both teams ran their socks off in the remaining time left, chances were created at both ends but Acklam managed to hold out for the win. A tremendous advert for the TJFA ended with the final score

Bedale 1 v Acklam 2 

Both teams can be proud of their efforts after this match. The heavy pitch and inclement weather meant that silky skills and slick passing were always going to be difficult to produce, however neither team let the conditions spoil the game. Every single person on the pitch gave 100%, and contributed to a very enjoyable game of football.

Acklam had to battle like mad to keep in the game in the early stages, good goalkeeping, stubborn defensive work and the determination not to concede a goal, were the cornerstones of the victory. The first goal came against the run of play but when you get the chance it is important to put them away. Bedale bounced back and scored a well deserved equaliser which says a lot about their character. Acklam came storming back after this setback which also says much about their will to win. In the latter stages legs were understandably getting heavier and the game could have gone either way, fortunately for Acklam they finished clinically to win the game. It was hard luck on Bedale who battled well and gave Acklam one of the toughest games they’ll have this season.

M.O.M -  Joe Parkin – his saves in the early stages of the match were crucial, great handling in difficult conditions kept Acklam in the game.