Saturday 16^th August 2008

F. A. Cup Sponsored by E.On Extra Preliminary Round

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Match Report by Tony Collins

First Division Diss were beaten by neighbours Walsham-le-Willows from the Premier Division in the opening round of this season’s F. A. Cup competition. The Final on the last Saturday of May 2009 seemed a long way away but both teams were looking to make progress as they met for the first time in a competitive fixture. Diss manager Rob Taylor was forced to leave Ed Cussons, Adie Hayes and Danny Partridge out of the starting line up due to injuries picked up in the match against Gorleston. George Wilson was away on Norfolk Under-18 duty but summer signing James Wilson made his debut after serving a two match suspension collected at Dereham at the end of last season.

Both sides forced early corners but it was Walsham who opened the scoring in the 22^nd minute. Will Brown burst through the middle as Diss called for the offside flag. Mark Camidge stood his ground and did well to block Brown’s shot with his feet but the ball fell kindly for Andy Cusack to shoot in from ten yards out.

Luke Catchpole was less than a yard wide with a snapshot from 22 yards out after Robbie Lawrence won the ball in the 28^th minute. A minute later Barry Lynn was forced to push the ball round his right hand post after Osiris Gomes burst through and hit a shot from 12 yards out. A further minute into the game the visitors opened up a two goal lead. Shaun Thorrold counter attacked down the right and pulled a perfect ball back for James Tatham to shoot in with his right foot from 12 yards out.

Lynn maintained the two goal advantage by pouncing to his right to keep out a 34^th minute Andy Moody header. Five minutes before the break Lynn stood his ground to keep out a shot from Catchpole after Ben Deacon ran deep into Walsham territory and found Steve Wright. His first time shot was blocked. Catchpole was allowed to continue after being fouled a minute before the break and played a fine ball for Gomes to run into the penalty area and have a shot kicked off the goal line by Trevor Newman.

Diss pulled a goal back in the 57^th minute. Brendan Foley sent a free kick from wide on the right with pace for Deacon to send a diving glancing header into the corner of the net from seven yards out. Thorrold had a chance to increase the lead but shot high in the 65^th minute. Two minutes later Camidge held a low 20 yard free kick from Cusack. The final chance for Diss to force a replay came in the 86^th minute. Another Foley free kick caused problems. Catchpole hit a shot from the edge of the penalty area and Deacon turned it over the bar from close range.

Diss team:  Mark Camidge, Mark Shadrack, Brendan Foley, James Wilson, Leighton Miller, Luke catchpole, Osiris Gomes, Robbie Lawrence, Ben Deacon, Steve Wright, Andy Moody.

Diss subs:  Gavin Pauling (for Moody 70 mins), Ed Cussons, Craigh Beckham, Adie Hayes.

Attendance: 162.

Match Sponsor: Diss Town F C Directors.