Boro put up a fight

Attleborough Tn 0, Hellesdon 3

ATTLEBOROUGH showed confidence, determination and ability in an encounter that was closer that the scoreline suggests.

Despite dreadful conditions, Boro and Hellesdon produced a game packed with entertainment for the handful of hardy souls that braved the elements.

In the first half Attleborough played with the wind at their backs.

However, on the greasy surface, there was little advantage to take from this and the chances that came were created by neat passes and decisive movement.

In the first five minutes Attleborough almost profited from this when Jay Webb and Luke Squires combined to set David Greenwood free.

Greenwood strode confidently into the area but was denied when his well-hit shot stuck the base of a post.

Cevan Edwards and Tim Jeckell continued to provide a solid backbone to the Attleborough team with determined challenges and a creative approach in attack. Hellesdon were a well-organised opponent and used their strengths to good effect.

Dale Alden had to be alert to the potent threat presented down the Hellesdon right and was ably supported by Shaun Waterson.

The first half ended in a torrential downpour, but as the players sprinted for the shelter of the changing rooms, there as a sense of anticipation that the second half would produce the required decisive moments.

Unfortunately for Attleborough when the breakthrough came, it favoured Hellesdon.

On the stroke of the hour a misplaced Boro pass was seized on and dispatched beyond the fingertips of Wells.

This setback rattled Attleborough and the team's confidence soaked away.

Boro were suddenly struggling to string passes together and any attacks were repelled by either stout defending or the ball holding up in the increasing wind.

Within 10 minutes, Hellesdon doubled their advantage and even the introduction of Andy Cunningham failed to galvanise the chances needed.

A third goal three minutes from time added a flattering scale to the scoreline.