North Walsham 12 – 2 Loddon Utd Sat 19th Sept 2026 2.15pm ko

Loddon: Paul Sturman; Lewis Hill, Liam Kent, Gary Summons, Louis Day:
Ashton Godfrey, Josh Knights, JJ Godfrey (capt.); Kiarno Perez; Steven Wise,
Reece Humphries.
Subs: Harry Gidney, Shane Smith, Charlie Branford, Sam Tyrrell, Noah Wattam
Manager: Mark Boggis; Coaches: Shane Smith, Dale Geary
Lino: Ian Tink

Another tough week for Loddon first team….or should I say those willing to bravely turn out and put themselves in the firing line. That includes the now greying stalwarts of old, Knightsy and Gaz! And there is no criticism of those that did make the journey north to take another battering. As a team, we are struggling but that’s not to say there is no heart or effort in the side. You only have to look at the performances of the Godfrey brothers to see that. Paul, in goal, could do little to thwart Walsham after his defence so often parted in front of him. The travelling posse felt his frustration.
Walsham could have scored inside the first minute but Paul was out quickly to force a wayward shot. We then had a chance as Reece H went through but a timely tackle prevented the shot. Then on 9 mins Walsham raced down their right, squared and slotted home as our defenders were rooted. 1 – 0
Two minutes later a 50/50 shoulder barge by Louis was deemed a foul, maybe because the Walsham lad fell over. The free kick was curled into the box and a free header gave Paul no chance. 2 – 0
A minute later it was 3 -0 from another square ball similar to their first.
Paul then made two good saves but another easy goal from a corner made it 4 – 0 on 15 minutes…and the Posse were stunned into silence.
We struggled to find a pass or to keep pace with the home side as they again ventured right and found a spare man in the box. Liam was beaten but Gaz made a great block.
On 27 mins number 5 arrived, and Gaz had to retire with Sam coming on.
Another square ball undid us again for goal number 6, followed by an injured Wisey going off for Shane. (vets dropping like flies).
Paul brought down Walsham’s no.9 for a penalty duly converted for 7 – 0. A chip over the top led to 8 – 0, but we managed a corner then long throw by Louis before Reece H fired a volley wide and Knightsy fired another over.. HT

After the break the ‘comeback’ began. Subs had been made and inside 3 minutes of the restart, Shane played a sweet pass to Reece H. He took the ball in his stride, turned and took a pace forward and fired the keeper from the edge of the box. 8 – 1
After some decent possession and recoveries when the ball was lost, JJ found Reece H in a similar position to before…he finished as before, with aplomb. 8 – 2
Although we played a bit better, Walsham were far better, scored four more and ran out easy winners. (Basically I can’t be bothered to write any more…sorry)

See you at Home to Yelverton on Saturday for an interesting local derby.
New signings on the horizon???…..JC