09/11/2019 – REPORT – ESBFL versus SAFL – FA Inter-League Cup R2
ESSEX & SUFFOLK BORDER FOOTBALL LEAGUE
FA INTER-LEAGUE CUP – ROUND 2 {for STEP 7 LEAGUES}.
ESSEX & SUFFOLK BORDER FOOTBALL LEAGUE (ESBFL): 1.
SOUTHERN AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE (SAFL): 3.
Date: Saturday 09th November 2019. Venue: War Memorial Ground, Little Oakley.
There is never a dull moment in trying to arrange and complete matches in the FA Inter-League Cup, a competition for Football Leagues at Step 7, this Round Two match was no exception. Despite agreeing too and arranging as long ago as early October that this cup match would once again be played at Harwich & Parkeston FC, we have no control over the weather and with the heavy and persistent rain we had last week, Fixture Secretary, Michael Willmore successfully managed, on Friday, to arrange that the match be switched to neighbouring Little Oakley FC. Not a problem, we thought excepting that the SAFL, have a catchment area from north, west and south London and had opted to travel by train from Liverpool Street to Dovercourt then enjoy a five-minute walk to “The Royal Oak”. Obviously, those arrangements changed on Friday, when the match was switched, meaning that the SAFL had to engage numerous taxis to ferry them to the new venue. Fortunately for them, the Football Association will pick up those additional costs, the SAFL, who won this competition in 2008, and who beat the Thames Valley Football League in Round One, were accompanied by numerous League Management Officials as well as a contingent from the Amateur Football Association, their parent “County”, I trust they also enjoyed their visit.
The Representative Team Manager, Tony Armstrong had kept faith with most of those players who appeared in the last round or the arranged friendlies but once again was forced into late and last minute, changes as players dropped away. Team Captain, Luke Taylor who had been suffering from a badly bruised leg had some physio from Brian Owen, thanks go to him as well, as he arrived at the match to carry out a fitness check which proved positive, with Keiran Baker stepping in late morning as additional defensive cover. In mentioning Little Oakley FC, earlier, the ESBFL extend thanks to Chairman, Michael Good, supported by his excellent team of helpers, including Timmy Gooch, for allowing the use of what is an excellent venue, their facilities, and their hospitality, as usual was top notch.
Turning to the match officials, the original appointed referee was replaced early last week, by Graham Swanton, then one of the Assistant Referees had to call off due to a family concern, only for his replacement having to also step down, within thirty minutes of being appointed, owing to Remembrance Day duties in London! A third Assistant Referee was forthcoming from the FA, however, on the day, the referee was ably assisted by local referee’s Stephen Tymms and Stuart Gillman and personally I thought they were a good team, some may beg to differ, that’s life!
And, so to Kick-Off, the Respect Handshake was held on the field of play then all the players gathered around the centre-circle for an impeccable one minute, silence to commemorate Remembrance Day.
The SAFL kicked-off and started to push the ball around nicely until Baker intercepted a cross-field pass to send the ball forward to Nial who played the ball inside to Hewes who threaded the ball wide to Farley-Hearn whose cross was too high, and a goal-kick followed. In the second minute a trade-mark long throw-in from Farley-Hearn was cleared by Barber, back defending to forward, Raji who fouled Taylor just on the edge of the ESBFL penalty area. Keeper, Cook, sent the free-kick long toward Cripps however Parker rose higher to head clear to Baker who put in a sound challenge on King getting the ball forward to Durling. This game already had the makings of a tight affair, the SAFL were clearly well drilled in how they should play, that said the ESBFL stuck to their game plan to compete likewise. Cripps fed the ball wide to Ifield whose right footed cross was cleared upfield, Baker did not connect properly with his intended clearance, the ball was picked up by Eguae who danced one way then the other before sending a cross into the penalty area where Baker nodded the ball back to his keeper, Cook. Baker slid into another tackle on Elliot finding Yarwood who linked up with Farley-Hearn, then Cripps to Hewes whose shot was blocked by Parker and the fast start continued. On a point of note, and maybe other referees might adopt a similar approach, this referee was never far away from the action, and was talking to the players at any opportunity, especially at free-kicks and throw-in’s, giving players every chance to obey the rules of the game, punishing any discretions as thought fit. Another fast and direct attack from Eguae was stopped by a thumping challenge by Taylor just inside the penalty area, perfect timing from a player, not feeling any effects of his injury and when the clearance was picked up by Salt, Baker stepped in to block any further advance by the SAFL.
On the balance of play after fifteen minutes the visitors had shown perhaps the more positive approach, Cripps was reprimanded for a clumsy challenge on Syrett, I thought the defender made a meal of it wide down the left side, but the referee was having no nonsense! Eguae tried to turn Pannell who stuck to his defensive task to block the first cross, but Barber managed to get round Pannell, at the second attempt to cross goal-wards to Eguae whose shot was fortunately weak and keeper, Cook collected on his goal-line. The SAFL continued their pass and move approach, nothing was being rushed, the midfield duo of Salt and Lancaster (T) being instrumental in their next attack which led to Eguae firing goal-wards, stepping inside Durling to unleash a fierce shot that Baker headed away, six-yards out, with keeper, Cook probably beaten, I could sense some players might have ducked that shot, excellent defending though. Eguae was again found running at the ESBFL defence, skipping past Farley-Hearn to send in a cross that reached Raji, whose header glanced off the underside of the cross-bar, then strike the inside of the far post, onto the head of Ifield standing on the goal-line with Baker completing the clearance. The SAFL had stepped up their play and when an in-swinging corner taken by King fell inside the six-yard box, keeper Cook made a great save on his goal-line. Barber fouled Farley-Hearn just inside the home half, Farley-Hearn took the free-kick but over-hit the ball for a goal-kick when the ESBFL had pushed all their tall players forward. On twenty-three minutes Cripps chased a loose back-pass towards keeper, Lancaster (B), Cripps dived in, the bouncing ball was loose on the edge of the penalty area and was definitely there to be won but in clattering into the keeper, who was injured, a free-kick was awarded, and Cripps cautioned, probably because he had earlier been warned. Play continued with Hewes spraying a superb pass wide to Ifield who ran on only to be denied a crossing opportunity by a fine tackle by Syrett, although a corner was awarded. Taylor was spoken too for an over zealous challenge, when diving in on Barber, this despite the player allowing to get his shot away, albeit over the cross-bar, the ball being brought back to the scene of the tackle.
On the half hour mark a long throw-in from Farley-Hearn fell to Taylor who found Ifield running down the left side, he found Cripps with Nial shooting left-footed over the cross-bar but a better approach from he ESBFL. Eguae for the SAFL was blocked by Baker who cleared left-footed into the visitors, half and Salt moved forward again with purpose with Taylor fouling Barber whose free-kick was headed clear by Baker. Another long throw-in from Farley-Hearn was punched clear by keeper, Lancaster (B), Taylor headed the ball back into the danger zone with defender, Parker also heading away for a corner. The corner, from Ifield was sent long to the far post where Baker rose highest but only to head into the arms of the keeper, Lancaster (B). Ifield scuffed a weak left-footed shot to keeper, Lancaster (B), this from a pass from Durling, then at the other end, Barber won a corner off Taylor way out by the corner flag, Barber took the corner with Cripps heading clear to Eguae firing back to keeper, Cook. The ESBFL, as we approached half-time, had been on the back foot for a few minutes now, Eguae teased the ball past Farley-Hearn and when defender Karamath over-lapped his cross towards the far post eluded the stretch of keeper, Cook, the ball bounced once before hitting the shin of TOM KING standing six-yards out, only to loop back over the keeper and a defender, standing on the goal-line, to find the back of the net. This “fluke” of a goal was scored in the forty-sixth minute and was a cruel blow to the ESBFL, as despite not having the majority of the possession, they had competed well against a well organised opposition team.
HALF TIME: 0 – 1.
The ESBFL re-started this poised match, they needed to raise their game, get back on level terms and work from there, Baker had to track back to defend as Raji threatened, more sound defending from the debutant. Ifield made a run down the left side crossing deep towards Nial who hesitated for just a second which allowed defender Karamath to nick the ball away. Four minutes into the half and Eguae made a forceful dribble down the right side, his low cross was smashed home from ten yards by TOM LANCASTER, running in, for a well taken goal. On fifty-one minutes the ESBFL made a double substitution replacing Hewes and Ifield with Bethell and Rotaru and the home team looked more positive going forward until they ran up against the resolute SAFL defence. Salt fouled Rotaru, to earn a rebuke from the referee, Rotaru took the free-kick to Cripps who found Nial who only managed to drag his cross into the path of Salt who moved forward and away. Another break from Nial led to a corner, once again cleared by the tall SAFL defence, Eguae once again caused problems, tricky footwork and lightning pace forcing the ESBFL onto the back foot and defending.
On sixty-four minutes the ESBFL replaced Yarwood with Harrington, then Salt received a caution for fouling Rotaru, once again, the player had previously spoken too, however the free-kick taken by Farley-Hearn cleared the first line of the visitor’s defence, eluding any ESBFL player and was gathered by keeper, Lancaster (B). Play remained end-to-end with chances at a minimum however a forward run and cross from Cripps left defender Parker on the ground nursing an injury but he was able to continue after treatment. On seventy-three minutes, a killer goal, Salt and Lancaster (T) linked up through midfield and with the ESBFL defence drawn across into the centre of the pitch the ball played into the huge space found PETER EGUAE which was only going to lead to a goal, which happened as this player ran on to beat the advancing keeper Cook.
On seven-six minutes the SAFL replaced Lancaster (T) with Folan, Harrington received the ball from Durling, held it up well before crossing into the penalty area where Rotaru was inches away from connecting with the loose ball, just six yards out. With seven minutes remaining the SAFL replaced Elliot with Redman, this is a player who had played for the ESBFL several years ago when he studied at and played for the University of Essex. The ESBFL scored their goal on eighty-seven minutes, Cripps won the ball just inside the SAFL half and threaded the ball into JACK HARRINGTON who ran on to score, at which the SAFL replaced King with Swarbrick. Eguae continued to cause problems for the ESBFL with his control and direct running but the home defence did their job despite Eguae setting up Barber for a shot at goal which was too high, however the ESBFL did not concede again despite a lot of pressure coming in their direction. A floated cross from Bethell almost reached Taylor, diving in at the far post, the home captain just inches away from any connection that would have led to a goal and in a final flourish Farley-Hearn found Cripps who laid the ball off to Rotaru who struck a fine rising shot goal-wards forcing keeper, Lancaster (B) to clutch the ball at his near post, perhaps too little too late from the ESBFL.
FULL TIME: 1 – 3.
Close or not so close, so near yet so far, I suppose that’s how the ESBFL will sum up their match, to be fair the SAFL were worthy winners, the ESBFL did compete and worked solidly throughout, the first goal was always going to be important but to concede to a “fluke” goal right on half-time was crucial. Conceding a second soon after the re-start made it very hard, even harder after their third, the SAFL were and had experienced players and going forward in this competition could be hard act to beat, the ESBFL wish them well.
Now, for my Player-of-the-Match choice, both teams had players who stood out, no player actually had a bad game, but with the danger of naming or shaming and then missing somebody out I’ll stick to just a couple from each team, For the ESBFL, Keiran Baker, on his debut was a rock in defence alongside the dependable captain, Taylor whereas for the SAFL, Salt and Lancaster (T) ran their midfield but if any player stood out for them it was Eguae, with one partial assist, one actual assist and a solo goal.
After the match conclusion, the ESBFL had, courtesy of Little Oakley Football Club, laid on food and drinks for the match participants and officials, once again our thanks go to that Club for allowing their facilities to be used at short notice and providing the hospitality and refreshments. Lastly a big thank you to all the ESBFL players and Management, to their respective Member Clubs who allowed them to participate in this competition.
Foot-Note:
Tony Armstrong, the ESBFL Representative Team Manager, had made it known at this year’s ESBFL, Annual General Meeting that this seasons FA Inter-League Cup competition would be his last as Team Manager, and on behalf of the ESBFL we thank him royally for his considerable time and dedicated efforts over many years in charge. The ESBFL will at some stage be looking for a new Manager / Management Team.
Teams:
ESBFL:
Colours: Yellow & Black, Yellow & Black Shorts and Yellow & Black Socks.
Team:
Brad Cook Harwich & Parkeston FC Reserves
Regan Farley-Hearn White Notley FC
Jack Pannell White Notley FC
Keiran Baker Great Bentley FC
Luke Taylor Gas Recreation FC (Captain)
Aran Yarwood Great Bentley FC
Lewis Nial Hatfield Peverel FC
Charlie Durling Great Bentley FC
Sam Cripps West Bergholt FC
Harry Hewes Gas Recreation FC
Lee Ifield White Notley FC
Used Substitutes:
Cosmin Rotaru Hatfield Peverel FC
Jake Bethell West Bergholt FC
Jack Harrington West Bergholt FC
Unused Substitutes:
Matthew Geen Harwich Rangers FC
Daniel Keeble Little Oakley FC Reserves
Manager: Tony Armstrong
Assistants: Michael Wallace
Anthony Wood
& Gary Wood
Physio: Mark Newell
SAFL:
Colours: Red Shirts, Red Shorts and Red Socks.
Team:
Ben Lancaster Nottsborough FC
Matt Syrett Alleyn Old Boys FC
Alex Karamath Old Wilsonians FC
Iain Salt Old Owens FC
Richard Parker Notts borough FC (Captain)
Ben Elliot Alleyn Old Boys FC
Peter Eguae Actonians FC
Tom Lancaster Polytechnic FC
Lee Raji Polytechnic FC
Tom King Winchmore Hill FC
Dan Barber Nottsborough FC
Used Substitutes:
Andrew Folan Old Owens FC
Luke Redman Civil Service FC
Lewis Swarbrick Winchmore Hill FC
Unused Substitutes:
Will Deamer
Manager: Bob Leeds
Physio: Pat Folan
Referee: Graham Swanton
Assistant Referees: Stephen Tymms (Colchester)
and Stuart Gillman. (Wivenhoe)
Player/s of the Match: Keiran BAKER (ESBFL / GREAT BENTLEY FC)
Peter EGUAE (SAFL / ACTONIANS FC)
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Additional Reporting:
YOU TUBE., FACEBOOK (x2) & TWITTER
Once again, this season the ESBFL is widening its match-day reporting coverage, in addition to a full report written by Brian Reed, our other roving reporter, Spencer Hume, has once again made himself known during the friendlies season and he will also attend games reporting via You Tube, Facebook and Twitter to communicate up-to-date information and replicate other match reports. In addition, John Campany, Vice Chairman will continue to provide a weekly summary, published in The Gazette.
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