Wroxham started their 2021-22 season in the same way as they finished the curtailed 2020-21 season with a victory away at Walsham Le Willows. Jordan Southgate’s side are now 11 wins from 11 games over the two seasons.

Second half goals from Joe Keeley and Ryan Curtis were enough to bring the three points back to Norfolk although the 2-1 score line flattered their hosts. In a game which at times resembled a basketball game with attack by Walsham was followed by attack by Wroxham, it was entertaining for the large sun-drenched crowd.

The game started well for the hosts and it was not against the run of play when Walsham took the lead in the 12th minute. The goal came from Wroxham’s mistake as the visitors had a throw-in on the left, gave the ball away and Matt King was able to fire home past Ollie Sutton.

A feisty half where Ed Spampanato was very fortunate to escape from going into the referee’s notebook as he took Wyatt Hill out of the game as the Yachtsman full-back looked to launch an attack.

In the 40th minute, Wroxham were fortunate not to not find themselves further behind. A corner from the left was crossed into the six yard box and Sutton looked to punch away the danger. Walsham played the ball back and Sutton made an excellent block to deny the attacker.

As half-time approached, Wroxham’s best chance of the game so far came from a Joe Keeley cross from the left with the ball just eluding the sliding Joe Taylor.
The second half started with Walsham again looking to increase their lead. A shot by Ryan Clark was well saved by Sutton.

Jordan Southgate decided to change his attack in the 57th Minute when the hard-working debutant Joe Taylor was replaced by Ryan Miles. This extra pace proved decisive as Wroxham scored a deserved equalizer in the 60th minute. An exquisite ball from man of the match, Brad Spooner to Joe Keeley on the left edge of the penalty area was fired across goal in to the far corner of the net much to the joy of the travelling Blue Wave, who celebrated their first goal of the season.

It didn’t take long for the Yachtsmen to make it two and take the lead on 66 minutes. Again, Brad Spooner had a pivotal role in the goal. Wyatt Hill won the ball on the right midway in his half. He played it to Brad Spooner who travelled with the ball towards the Walsham goal. Seeing Ryan Curtis in space, he laid the ball off to him and the attacker switched the ball from his right foot to his left before powering into the net. It was exactly what Wroxham deserved. Curtis will get the plaudits but Spooner deserves praise for his powerful run.
Spooner was really getting to the Walsham players as he was constantly taking the ball off them or creating dangerous moments. Ryan Clark eventually becoming the referees first booking as he put in a challenge high up Spooner’s leg.

It was almost a hat-trick of assists when Spooner played a lovely through-ball to Shaun Taylor. The midfielder elected to try to scoop the ball over the keeper rather than try to take it around him and Steve Fenner made the save. Ryan Miles’ follow-up was just wide of the post.

Shaun Taylor returned the favour to Spooner as the game entered the final 5 minutes. Joe Keeley played a delicious pass to Ryan Miles who held the ball up, played it across the edge of the area to Taylor. He flicked it on to Spooner but his shot was over the crossbar.
The referee brought the game to an end much to the cheer of the Blue Wave and the Wroxham management. A satisfying start to the season which continues with Thetford Town the visitors to Trafford Park on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

Walsham Le Willows:
Steve Fenner, Ian Miller, Jed Wigley, Matt Collins, Karl Saffrey, Scott McGavin, Cameron Nicholls, Ryan Clark, Jamie Smith, Charlie Norman, Ed Spampanato. Subs: Kyran Cooper, Ryan Twinn, Harvey Hubbard, Kiran Twinn, Dan Stobbart.
Goal: Collins 12.

Wroxham:
Ollie Sutton, Wyatt Hill, Joe Keeley, Jordan King, Chris Skipper, Tom Huckerby, Ryan Curtis (Poynter, 79), Harley Black, Joe Taylor (Miles, 57), Shaun Taylor, Brad Spooner (Urry 90+2). Subs: Conley Poynter, Jamie Forshaw, Ryan Miles, Ray Urry.
Goals: Keeley 60, Curtis 66.

Photos: https://www.wroxhamfc.club/photos/walsham-le-willows-away-3172021-982551.html