25/03/2023 – REPORT – Barnston AFC versus Tiptree Heath FC

CHELMSFORD CITY RACECOURSE

ESSEX & SUFFOLK BORDER FOOTBALL LEAGUE

PREMIER DIVISION.

BARNSTON AFC.   1.                 TIPTREE HEATH FC.                3.

Date:               Saturday 25^th March 2023                 Venue:             High Easter Road, Barnston.

            A bright sunny afternoon welcomed players and spectators to High Easter Road, home of Barnston AFC, lying tenth in the Premier Division who today would be playing second placed Tiptree Heath FC. The race for the Premier Division title looks like going to the wire, as they say, Dunmow Town FC had won in mid-week against Chelmsford City FC Reserves to open a four-point gap, a win for Tiptree Heath FC today would see them move to just one point and the teams have to play each other before the end of the season.

There were only two Premier Division teams that I had not watched this season, today’s visitors were one of those so where better to come to see their credentials.

            Unfortunately, Dunmow Town FC’s match in the Knock-Out Cup was postponed due to a lack of players available for their opposition, so a majority of their management and players de-camped to Barnston hoping the home team could “do-them-a-favour”, it’s fair to say there was some good natured “banter” from the side-lines as they watched a competitive game.

            The pitch looked very good, albeit soft, today’s Match official was the experienced Dean Welham who would have appointed Assistant Referees in veteran, Keith Succamore and young, Louis Motley, one has officiated on many, Premier matches, the other is learning his trade, the pace, standard of play, the discipline, the complexities of positioning and application of the Laws of the Game, I just wish more players would learn and understand them too!

            Tiptree Heath started this match kicking away from the Clubhouse and down the slope and in their very first attack, a throw-in from Hunt (C), found Knill-Jones and from his lay-off Dialu fired over from close range and the visitors had immediately shown their attacking intent. Within five minutes of the start, thunder was heard in the distance and an ominous dark rain cloud was heading our way, some of us were prepared and some probably got a soaking when the rain did arrive, it did not spoil the game though. Cole for Barnston made a fine run down the right side to drive a deep cross to the far side where Hunt (C) fouled Dicker and received an early warning. Tiptree Heath countered with Knill-Jones getting away down his right wing before sending in a bouncing cross that found Dialu, unmarked inside the six-yard box, however his free-header was weak and keeper, Taylor, after one bounce, caught the ball on his goal-line. Allen fouled Dicker just outside the penalty area, Coopersmith (O) took the free-kick which hit the defensive wall to be cleared just as the heavens opened.

            On fifteen minutes Saccoh found space and tested keeper, Taylor, from the clearance, Cubberley fouled Michaels, the free-kick taken by Allen led to a poor clearance from Coopersmith (M) which fell to Saccoh who ran through only to be denied by the feet of the advancing keeper, Taylor and really Tiptree Heath should be two goals to the good by now. Keeper, Taylor was busy again within minutes, saving from both Knill-Jones and Chester and his defence cleared the ball from his initial saves. Atkinson-Purse chased back to defended when Saccoh threatened, running from half-way and when play got back to the top of the slope Tollhurst was adjudged to have fouled Dicker, Coopersmith (O) took the free-kick but Hunt (C) headed away. The game was threatening to be a midfield battle, defences looked strong, the visitors had chances but had not scored so who will get the first goal! Knill-Jones got away down the right side, once again his deep cross was fielded by Saccoh whose cross was clutched out of the air by keeper, Taylor. Tiptree Heath got forward again, Abrehart-Briggs made a fine challenge on Bowen to send the ball forward to Knill-Jones and from his cross Allen saw his rising shot deflected for a corner by Burton (D). Allen took the corner, sending the ball to the far post where JOE CHESTER ran in to head firmly past anyone standing on the goal-line.

            At the half-hour mark the visitors were in the ascendency and Barnston were forced to defend, both in depth and in numbers, effectively blocking anything heading goalwards whether on the ground or in the air, their best chance of getting back into the game came when Coopersmith (O) picked the ball up inside his own half and went off on a dribble before his right-footed cross drifted wide of the goal. After thirty-five minutes another goal for the visitors and it came from a fine flowing move, Hunt (C) started it deep in his own half, hitting a fine fifty yard cross-field pass to the right side finding Kensdale whose run from half-way saw him control the ball before crossing into the penalty area where MORLEY DIALU swept the ball home. A high up-and-under from Burton (D) saw Coppersmith (O) and Kensdale challenge for the ball which went out for a throw-in, from which Saccoh and Dailu linked up to chase down the ball, which was fumbled out for a corner by keeper, Taylor. Allen took the corner, towards the near post, Scott-Bell headed clear but only to Michaels who took one touch before shooting just wide, when play resumed Cubberley fouled Saccoh, near the half-way line, Allen sent in a fine free-kick towards the far-post where Chester headed home only to see the Assistant Referees flag raised.

HALF-TIME:    0 – 2.

            Blue sky welcomed the players back after half-time, Barnston had replaced Cole with Fossey and the home team were to kick-off down that slope, the first effort, a left footed shot from Dicker flew wide but there was more intent at the start of this half from the home team. Chester, so often in the thick of the midfield action found Dialu who scuffed a decent chance wide, then Tollhurst brought the ball out of defence, moved across the half-way line and into home territory before losing the ball and had to chase all the way back to defend. Knill-Jones another player who gets involved in the action in most areas of the pitch played the ball to Saccoh whose deft footwork saw him leave Coopersmith (M) on his back-side but from a low cross Allen sent a decent curling chance just wide. Chester received a caution for a rather robust challenge on Scott-Bell, Saccoh received a blow to the head in a challenge but was able to continue after treatment. Just before sixty minutes, Knill-Jones drove forward, a trade-mark, long mazy run from half-way and having let off a shot at goal the ball took a deflection over the cross-bar for a corner, taken by Allen and cleared.

            Barnston has been much better this half, more positivity going forward, and they were rewarded on the hour mark, strangely they were aided by some indecisive defending by Tiptree Heath which allowed ED ATKINSON-PURSE to scramble the ball home at the far post. At this point Barnston replaced Burton (D) with Williamson and the previously injured Saccoh was replaced by Ward, Coopersmith (O) and Dicker worked the ball along the goal-line to gain a corner off Abrehart-Briggs, the corner was comfortably cleared by Tollhurst. Michaels started another move finding Knill-Jones, the ball was played back to Michaels who set up Ward whose rising shot as he fell struck the outside of the right-hand upright. When Tollhurst fouled Fossey, the free-kick was struck straight to keeper, Rouse, who having earlier conceded a goal had little else to do so far. Coopersmith (M) got the better of Ward in a tackle out by the by-line and these two players were involved again soon after. Knill-Jones sent the ball wide to the right side, Ward gave chase, leaving Coopersmith (M) in his wake, keeper, Taylor rushed out of his area in an attempt to clear the ball to safety, whether he missed the ball or whether Ward just got a touch to move the ball away from the keeper’s running trajectory, it didn’t matter. This allowed CAMERON WARD to run on and stroke the ball low towards the near post, Coopersmith (M) made a valiant attempt to reach the ball which just had enough pace to creep across the goal-line and Tiptree Heath had some breathing space once again.

            Coppersmith (O) was cautioned for a foul on Kensdale, and on seventy-five minutes Barnston replaced Cubberley with Tetteh, who immediately showed some skilful touches for such a young player, one for the future I suspect. Coopersmith (M) followed his brother into the referees notebook for holding Ward back as he turned across the centre-circle. When Allen fouled Tetteh, near the penalty area, the free-kick taken by Atkinson-Purse struck the defensive wall, Chester doubled up in pain and after treatment left the field of play before gingerly running back on. As Barnston pressed again, Abrehart-Briggs fouled Fossey, again right near the penalty area, this time the free-kick was tame and keeper, Rouse collected with ease. Dicker worked the ball down the right side gaining a corner taken by Atkinson-Purse but easily cleared by Hunt (C), before Tiptree Heath made two quick substitutions with Leavett and Luyeye replacing Allen and Dialu. As we reached the final minutes, Tiptree Heath still looked dangerous, a throw-in from Kensdale found Ward who was closely shackled by Coopersmith (M) who conceded a corner, taken by Knill-Jones and with the ball in the air the final whistle sounded.

FULL TIME:     1 – 3.

            This was a decent game, plenty of endeavour and commitment from both teams, Tiptree Heath FC play an open, expressive game, they use all of the pitch to good effect and have players who are fit and comfortable throughout, so much so they deserved to win this game, but Barnston AFC made them work hard to achieve the three points. Dunmow Town FC, who will have watched this game with interest, know that the crucial match when first play second could determine the title, looking forward to that one.

            Finally, turning to my “Star Player” choice, for Barnston, they are a good honest side, the Coopersmith brothers work hard, as do the Burtons, Cubberley and Scott-Bell use their height to good effect, Dicker, Atkinson-Purse and Bowen I have not seen before but look to be useful additions to the squad which was missing two or three players today. For Tiptree Heath FC, a team effort, Tollhurst leads from the back along with Abrehart-Briggs, Hunt (C) and Kensdale, up top, without a recognised centre-forward, they rely on Saccoh and Dialu but its in midfield where they shine. Allen and Michaels hold the line allowing Chester and Knill-Jones to roam wherever, today both were excellent but despite a goal from Chester, I’m opting for Knill-Jones who was a consistent player throughout.

Teams:

BARNSTON AFC.

Colours:                        Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts and Blue Socks.

Team:

Andrew Taylor., Matthew Coopersmith (C)., Adam Burton., Alex Scott-Bell., Charlie Dicker., Daryl Burton., Luke Cubberley., Rob Cole., Alfie Bowen., Oliver Coopersmith., Ed Atkinson-Purse.

Manager:                      Neil Bell.

Assistant Manager:        Mark Williamson.

Used Substitutes:           Taylor Williamson., Emmanuel Tetteh., Jordan Fossey.

TIPREE HEATH FC:    

Colours:                        Green & Black Shirts, Black Shorts and Green Socks.

Team:

Tom Rouse., Charlie Abrehart-Briggs., Callum Hunt., Ben Kensdale., Jack Tollhurst (C)., Joe Chester., Rory Allen., Kieran Michaels., Ryan Knill-Jones., Morley Dialu., Tejan Saccoh.

Manager:                      Danny Hunt.

Assistant Manager:        Noel Pennick.

Used Substitutes:           Cameron Ward., William Leavett., Chris Luyeye.

Unused Substitutes:       William Henly.

Referee:                        Dean Welham.

Assistant Referees:        Keith Succamore

                        and:      Louis Motley

Star Player:                Ryan KNILL-JONES                             (TIPTREE HEATH FC)

MATCH NOTIFICATIONS

Fixture Secretaries of Clubs are required to notify all match details, date, venue, kick-off time, colours etc, to their opposition and any appointed official/s, at least FIVE days before the match.

KICK-OFF TIMES

March, to end of season:                                               15:00pm

ESBFL CUP TIES:                                                           30 minutes earlier, if necessary.

ECFA CUP TIES:                                                            Kick-Off as advertised.

CUP TIES

There will be NO requirement for “Extra-Time” to be played in ESBFL Cup Matches, if scores are level at the end of “normal time” the match will proceed directly to penalty kicks.

SUBSTITUTES

The ESBFL allows ONLY FIVE SUBSTITUTES to be named before kick-off and ONLY those FIVE may be allowed to participate. Referees have been advised to consider any other named substitutes as ineligible.

Note:

In Essex County Cups (Premier & Junior & Trophy) the Rule allows FIVE SUBSTITUTES to be named and those FIVE SUBSTITUTUES may be used on a “Roll-On / Roll-Off” basis.

TEAM SHEETS

Team Sheets should be shown or sent to the Referee and the Opposition team either by text, email etc

The BLUE “League Copy” of the Team Sheet, FULLY completed, should be sent by First Class Post to reach Mick Willmore by the Thursday after a Saturday match.

This is the ONLY item of correspondence that is required by post.

(Allowances have been made for weeks where “Postal Strikes” have occurred)

RESULTS REPORTING

Rule 21(B)

BOTH Clubs shall notify/SMS the result of each Competition Match to the Competition within 30 minutes of the finish of the match. This will include Football Association and County Football Association matches.

The results of all League and Cup matches in the Competition should be reported by the FA Full-Time “SMS” (text) System.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

FA FULL-TIME

The Referees marks, team, players, substitutes, goal scorers, red / yellow cards, and sin-bin, etc MUST be entered to “FA Full-Time” by the end of the Tuesday following a Saturday match (ie 48 hours after any match).

Failure to complete “FAFT” correctly and on time WILL incur a League Fine/s.

“MATCH DAY APP”

This “App” is run by the Football Association and if Clubs have any issues on its use, then please refer to ECFA in the first instance.

As a Competition, the ESBFL does not recommend use of the “Match Day App”, it has known faults and any Club using it should check that all details are fully recorded before exiting the application.

A known issue is “Referees Marks” which have a habit of dropping off once the team statistics are entered, a number of Clubs have had Fine Warnings and / or Fines for these details being omitted.

DISCIPLINE

Since the start of the season, till the end of October, there have been 35+ players dismissed and over 550 cautions, there have also been 9 reported incidences of misconduct towards players, Match officials, members of the public and county officials.

These are situations the ESBFL Management feel very strongly about, and the statistics make poor reading, the ECFA will deal with all these cases as deemed appropriate but bear in mind these actions can be very costly both for players and your, Clubs.

WHOLE GAME SYSTEM (“WGS”)

All Club Secretaries should check “WGS” on a regular basis, if you don’t, the ECFA levy a fine (25%) for late acknowledgements and payments of fines and the Club could be put into a “SINE-DIE” situation meaning they cannot play until those debts are cleared.

Club Secretaries are also responsible for adding the matches missed by players who have been suspended.

Whilst the ESBFL regularly reviews the whole Club contents on “WGS” it is not their responsibility to monitor failures by Member Clubs to follow basic procedure/s.

REFRESHMENTS

Rule 20A

The Rule {Rule 20(A)} on Page 120 of the ESBFL Handbook states:

Refreshments for BOTH teams and Match Officials MUST be provided by the home Club at half time unless these have been declined before the game.

Clubs in default shall be fined (£15.00).

NB: Whilst the Rule does not actually detail what constitutes “refreshments”, for clarity, it is in the form of drinks, these can be hot, in the form of tea or coffee or cold, eg bottled water, diluted squash or bottled energy drinks are sufficient.