SAFFRON WALDEN 2 (R Chadwick, G Strong) CORNARD UNITED 0 A DECISIVE first-half performance from the Bloods was enough to secure them the three points in their Ridgeons League First Division clash against Cornard on Saturday. Saffron Walden struck twice b

SAFFRON WALDEN 2

(R Chadwick, G Strong)

CORNARD UNITED 0

A DECISIVE first-half performance from the Bloods was enough to secure them the three points in their Ridgeons League First Division clash against Cornard on Saturday.

Saffron Walden struck twice before the break with goals from Richard Chadwick and Greg Strong enough to seal the victory for the home side.

Assistant coach John Butchart said: "In the first half we were too good for them. We played some good one two passes and moved the ball about well. It was the kind of football I like them to play and it was entertaining for the crowd.

"In the second half we lost our concentration and there were a lot of bookings. I was disappointed Matthew Danbury got sent off for two yellows, and Chadwick picked up a booking as well."

Early pressure from the Bloods put the opposition defence in difficulty and they conceded a free kick in a dangerous position. New signing Zac Collins picked out Greg Strong on the far post who headed on to Richard Chadwick who was able to slot the ball home.

Saffron Walden had all the possession and their defence snubbed out the few Cornard attacks quickly. Their goalkeeper Anthony Choat was rarely troubled.

Winger Ryan Cannon picked up the ball in his own half, beat his marker and passed the ball through to Chadwick who continued the run and beat another Cornard defender. Chadwick's pass found striker Greg Strong who scored Walden's second by beating goalkeeper Athey.

In the second half the away team came out with more determination not to concede another goal and blunted Walden's attack with some heavy tackles. Eight players were booked and Walden's centre back Mat Danbury was sent off for his second offence in five minutes.

The hosts should have killed off the game early in the second half, but Vallis had an effort cleared off the line.

From a free-kick Cornard had their best chance at goal and Whybrow curled the ball over the wall, but keeper Choat was on hand to catch the ball comfortably.

Despite a long list of injuries Walden showed their strength with a mix of youth and new signings that have settled in quickly to become a team to be reckoned with and have only lost one game out of 11 in the Ridgeons League.

Walden are now in fifth place in the table, but they will be hoping to climb higher by getting a result when they play away at Whitton United on Saturday.

They will then visit Godmanchester Rovers on Wednesday in a First Division KO Cup game.