26/02/2022 – REPORT – Abbey Fields FC versus Great Bentley FC Reserves
ESSEX & SUFFOLK BORDER FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION FOUR
ABBEY FIELDS FC: 1. GREAT BENTLEY FC RESERVES: 2.
Date: Saturday 26th February 2022. Venue: Birch Park, Birch.
Saturday, saw the meeting of Division Four table-toppers Great Bentley FC Reserves, visit second placed Abbey Fields FC over at Birch Park, its over thirty-five years since I played Cricket there, not much has changed, the rabbits still play havoc with the pitch, a few trees have gone, and the mansion sits proudly at the end of a challenging country lane!
Abbey Fields FC joined the ESBFL, upon the demise of the Colchester & East Essex Football League, initially in Division Three, their first “curtailed” season perhaps saw them out of their depth and they dropped a division, however their playing fortunes have changed for the better this season. Great Bentley FC Reserves almost didn’t start this season, virtually their whole First Team from last season opted to leave and join local teams in the Premier Division and Division One resulting in the “A” team folding but the true spirit of the Club came together and currently the First Team sit second in Division Two with this Reserve Team also looking for honours.
For a change there was little wind, the temperature was seasonally chilly for February and the sun shone throughout with a smattering of support for both teams, for a game officiated by Ben Ridge.
Home Manager, Charlie Wood bemoaned the fact that he was short of players either through suspension or injury but reckoned his team would put up a good fight against a team that had beaten them by six goals to two before Xmas and so to kick-off with the home team kicking off playing into the bright sunshine. Within a minute of the start Evans (H) showed his intentions by firing over the goal, the same player then took the first free-kick from around the centre-circle, but the shot drifted well wide. Abbey Fields FC worked the ball down the left side, Peace was adjudged to have handled the ball, MacDonald took the free-kick, right-footed but driven over the cross-bar, the home team had upped their game slightly and pushed forward again only to meet a well drilled visitors defence who won possession and attacked on the counter, this game certainly had promise. MacDonald tried his luck from twenty-five yards, again the ball drifted wide, team-mate Thompson defended well against the lively Evans (H) conceding a throw-in which was cleared by Thompson to Ajiamah who was beaten to the ball by keeper, French who fly-kicked the ball away outside his penalty area.
Just past the fifteen-minute mark we saw an awkward moment, the home Club Assistant flagged for an offside decision, which was given, a visiting defender verbally called him out from fully fifty yards away, the Club Assistant decided he had had heard enough and put the flag down to be replaced by another volunteer. That defender was in no position to question that decision and the language used has no place at a football match, unfortunately the referee was in no position to identify that player so he should count himself very lucky indeed, let’s move on. Home midfielder, MacDonald showed some good footwork to get out of a tight spot inside the centre-circle, finding Wood who pushed the ball forward to Henry who held the ball up well until veteran Smith stepped in to dispossess Henry. Home keeper, Kedar advanced to punch clear a cross from Durrell, colliding with Evans (H) who asked for a penalty but needed treatment all the same, when the game was stopped and restarted with a drop ball to Great Bentley who had retained possession. Great Bentley had weathered the early home pressure and were pushing forward having more of the ball at their feet and trying to get the ball behind the home defence and using the pace of Evans (H). When Rehlings was fouled by McMillan the ball was cleared up-field to De Loup whose driven left-footed shot forced keeper, Kedar into a fine save at the near post, conceding a corner, taken by Evans (H) with Smith heading straight to keeper, Kedar standing on his goal-line, was the ball over the line, a discussion after the game suggested VAR would not have given a goal but a majority of the ball was seemingly over the line before the reactions of Kedar saved the day. Crane, for Abbey Fields possesses a huge throw-in and one such throw to the far post was headed over by Henry, a free-kick taken by Beaird led to another corner, taken, in-swinging, by Evans (H) with keeper, Kedar equal to it, the visitors put another flowing move together, De Loup, Peace set up Morton who had strayed off-side but the visitors were linking up well prompted by Durrell, in most positions with Abbey Fields having to defend and this they did, not always pretty, but effective.
A fine run through midfield by MacDonald saw him cross towards Henry who only managed to turn and foul Smith in the process and from that free-kick Morton found Evans (H) who turned to his right and gained a corner off defender Rehlings then a cross from De Loup was met by the head of Smith who forced an excellent save from keeper, Kedar, tipping the goal-bound ball over the cross-bar. Keeper, Kedar picked up the first caution when he rashly ran out of his penalty area to clatter Evans (H) wide on the left side and down near the corner flag, one for the team I think they call that! Evans (H) took the free-kick himself only for McMillan to arrive at the far post and head into the side netting, are goals coming, the visitors are getting nearer. Thompson defended well against the run of Morton, another corner followed, McMillan latched onto the loose ball at the far post only for Evans (H) standing near the near post, to intervene and steer the ball out for a goal-kick when if he had left it, the ball would have entered the net! McMillan won possession finding Evans (H) who again forced his way forward, Morton was in support, but the chance was missed. De Loup forced keeper, Kedar into another fine save, made all the more special as he would have seen the ball late through a crowded defence. MacDonald for Abbey Field picked up the second and last caution of this match an attempted high challenge missed Morton, but it was more about intent with no contact. A cross from Morton was headed over the cross-bar by Mannings, Evans (H) took the corner with McMillan heading against the far post and in the melee around him Smith was injured and took no further part with Archibald taking his place.
HALF-TIME: 0 – 0.
Not quite sure how this game remained goal-less at half-time, the home team had shown early promise, defended well and the visitors might rue the number of chances created but stopped by a workmanlike home defence with an inspired keeper behind them.
Great Bentley re-started this match, Thompson defended well against McMillan who looked to get on the end of a cross from Maunton and with the home team breaking forward they gained a throw-in, Crane wound himself up and launched the ball towards the penalty area, Henry completely missed the ball, keeper, French also missed the ball which ran behind him, MacDonald was closing in and being wrong-footed, completely missed his kick towards an open goal which allowed a defender to clear from almost on the goal-line! De Loup wriggled his way through to set up Walker whose rising shot was almost past keeper, Kedar who managed to pull off yet another timely save. The start of this half had again been open, both teams trying to play football and it was, maybe a surprise, when Abbey Fields stole the lead on fifty-two minutes, Wood won possession in central midfield, finding Ajiamah running wide on the right side and from his cross FRED PENNICK ran through to place the ball, low past the advancing keeper. Great Bentley hit back within minutes, De Loup ran deep, towards the corner flag, when he turned and played the ball across the pitch CALLUM DURRELL ran in to rifle a fine shot., from twenty-five yards past the despairing dive of keeper, Kedar, game on! Now back on even terms Great Bentley, through Evans (H) forced the home team back, Crane and Thompson did well to shackle his every move allowing MacDonald to move forward with the ball from his own penalty area, across the half-way line finding Henry whose lay-off found Pennick whose left-footed shot flew wide.
On the hour mark, only some desperate defending by Archibald stopped the home team from regaining the lead, the ball was bouncing around, hitting players likes skittles until Archibald got a good connection and found touch, everybody breath! When Evans (H) fell to the ground inside the penalty area when surrounded by Crane and Thompson, the referee indicated no foul, I did agree with that call, and play continued with play stopping for a throw-in leading to the visitors replacing De Loup with Winney. Pennick dived into a challenge on Durrell, who was becoming very influential this half, the free-kick was defended well though by a combination of Anzalone and Wood. MacDonald sent a bouncing shot towards keeper, French as did Ajiamah and Wood sent Pennick through but despite eluding the advancing keeper, could only find the side netting and the game remained evenly poised. When the ball was cleared out of the visitors, defence, Wood rose with McMillan, a short player against a taller player and a clash of heads saw both players requiring treatment with Wood sporting a large bump on his forehead after the match ended. Thompson sent the ball long to Henry, initially he held the ball up well until it ran away from him which allowed defender Archibald to shield the ball out for a goal-kick. This half had livened up and both teams were having a go, one more goal would probably be the winner, Pennick and Crane attacked down the left-side but defender Peace put the ball out for a throw-in, taken by Crane, long to Henry who was crowded out inside the penalty area.
Great Bentley made their third player chance with fifteen minutes to go, Evans (L) replacing Morton, MacDonald blocked a shot from Durrell, those two had been the pick of the players on each team so far. On seventy-seven minutes, a goal, could this be the winner, Maunton played the ball forward to HARRY EVANS who ran to his right, got round Thompson, and fired a well-placed shot past keeper, Kedar, who for only the second time was again given no chance to save. Abbey Fields then used their sole substitute with Newman replacing Thompson, Evans (L) raised a high boot against MacDonald and Rehlings did extremely well when defending against Evans (H), a free-kick taken from distance by Crane found Henry, but Archibald stood firm to defend gaining a goal-kick. A cross from Evans (L) was destined for McMillan glanced his header just over the cross-bar and when the ball was moved quickly to the other end, a corner was gained, taken by MacDonald but unfortunately headed against the post by Henry, clearly not his day, game over!
FULL TIME: 1 – 2.
For a Division Four match, the first I have watched this season, and that has not been for the want of trying, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of some the football played and I commend both teams for the effort and spirit, bar one incident, in which this game was played. This Division of twelve has no fewer than eight Reserve / “A” teams in it and I intend to see more from this Division before the seasons close. Overall, and I know both Charlie Wood of Abbey Fields FC and Mark Gridley of Great Bentley FC Reserves felt a draw would have been a fair result, the visitors stay top, the home team drop one place due to Gas Recreation FC Reserves winning, but they have played one game more, so a tight finish looks to be one the cards in this Division.
Now, let’s turn to my “Star Player, many of these players I have never seen play before, for Great Bentley FC Reserves they had a blended mixture of youth and experience and it showed when composure was needed. I was impressed by Evans (H), always a danger when running at goal and despite scoring the winner I felt midfielder Durrell was very influential and the scorer of a fine goal himself. For Abbey Fields FC a totally unknown entity, they worked hard throughout, backed by an inspired keeper, they defended well, kept the ball then used it wisely but although Pennick scored the opener and was dangerous throughput I’m opting for Ollie MacDonald, he was everywhere, defending when required, breaking out of defence to link up with midfield and he even had chances to score.
In closing, commiserations to Wormingford Wanderers FC who bowed out by 3 – 0, in the Essex Junior Cup at the semi-final stage against a strong Catholic United FC Reserves team, however, congratulations go to Belle Vue Social FC who triumphed 3 – 2 against Hastag United FC Reserves, this after extra-time, to secure their cup final berth.
Teams:
ABBEY FIELDS FC:
Colours: Purple Shirts, Purple Shorts and Purple Socks.
Team:
Keaz Kedar., Sean Mannings., Aaron Thompson., Joe Rehlings., James Crane., Alexander Anzalone., Ollie MacDonald., Charlie Wood., Donnell Henry., Fred Pennick., Anetekha Maxwell Ajiamah.
Manager: Charlie Woods.
Used Substitute: Daniel Newman.
Unused Substitutes: Ali Alamin., Lawrence Devon.
GREAT BENTLEY FC RESERVES:
Colours: Blue & White Shirts, Blue Shorts and Blue Socks.
Team:
Jack French., Alfie Peace., Matthew Maunton., Callum Durrell., James Smith., Matthew Beaird., Adam Morton., Thomas Walker., Harvey Evans., Elliott McMillan., John De Loup.
Manager: Mark Gridley.
Used Substitutes: William Archibald., Lewis Evans., Samuel Winney.
Unused Substitutes: Gareth Evans.
Referee: Ben Ridge.
Star Players: Ollie MacDONALD (ABBEY FIELDS FC)
REMINDERS:
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 Cup Matches, if scores are level at the end of “normal time” the match will proceed directly to penalty kicks.
SUBSTITUTES
The ESBFL continues to allow FIVE SUBSTITUTES to be named before kick-off but only “THREE SUBSTITUTES” may be allowed to participate.
Note:
In Essex County Cups (Premier & Junior) 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 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.
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.
DISCIPLINE
Since the start of the season there have been 45+ players dismissed and over 600 cautions, there have also been several 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
Refreshments for BOTH teams and Match Officials MUST be provided by the home Club at half time unless these are declined before the game. Clubs in default shall be fined.
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