26/09/2015 – Brighton, Worthing & District versus ESBFL (The FA Inter-League Cup – R1)

THE FA INTER-LEAGUE CUP – ROUND ONE

 

BRIGHTON, WORTHING & DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE:               1.

ESSEX & SUFFOLK BORDER FOOTBALL LEAGUE:                               3.

 

Date:   Saturday 26^th September 2015.                               Venue: Southwick FC, Worthing.

 

The ESBFL had been looking forward to this fixture ever since the First Round draw was announced back in May when they were pitched against the Worthing & District Football League however, since that time that league has become the Brighton, Worthing & District Football League so it was off to Southwick FC in Worthing last Saturday.

 

These long away trips never seem to be without incident so despite losing several injured squad players in the build up to the First Round game the ESBFL travelled by coach with fourteen players and eleven supporters. So, if player issues were resolved with the fourteen confirming their fitness the next incident was for the Team Managers car to be shunted from behind whilst at a roundabout on the way to the coach pick-up point but shaken not stirred he remained upbeat about the forthcoming match. These issues normally come in three’s so when the Team Manager received a call from the goal-keeper following by car, advising that he had left his kit at home there were people frantically looking for Sports shops in the vicinity of the ground.

 

Upon arrival, with all the players sporting a shirt and league tie, they were allowed to walk across the large pitch, Southwick FC have clearly had better days and were on their way back up after promotion last season however the facilities looked tired and their players gradually arrived and started to get changed into a yellow and blue kit. Guess what, it had been agreed that ESBFL would wear yellow and blue with the BWDFL wearing green leaving the home manager with the issue of having to retrieve a maroon and black kit.

 

After the ESBFL committee and supporters were welcomed by the BWDFL Secretary, and the Southwick FC, Chairman, the Match Officials arrived and they had made a real effort to look smart, a compliment indeed, which was also complemented by their handling of the game which was excellent throughout. Match Referee was Alex Blake, a level 3 official from Portsmouth and he would be assisted by Robert Ablitt (Portsmouth) and Steven Currie (Southampton), both being level 4 officials.

 

With pleasantries and introductions over and the “Respect” handshake accomplished it was time for kick-off with the ESBFL playing down a slight slope and into the glaring sun. The ESBFL won an early free-kick, taken by Kioussis from the half-way line but was over-hit despite the BWDFL defence looking hesitantly at each other. When play restarted Palmer (M) fouled Neenan with Dobkin heading clear only for Vine the BWDFL captain committing a bad foul on Heath, to earn a stern lecture, Kioussis took the free-kick towards Gibson who headed down to Martin who lifted the ball lazily over the cross-bar from twenty yards out, a decent chance though. When Martin put a defence splitting pass forward towards Heath the ESBFL player was caught off-side and the keeper’s clearance only found Martin who passed to Oldhampstead with Palmer (M) forcing Newman into the first telling save of the match at the expense of a corner. This first corner was cleared for a second, taken by Palmer (M) and when Martin headed goalwards from six yards out the ball flew straight into the keeper’s arms. Kioussis conceded a throw-in as McGann threatened down the left side this time dealt with by Palmer (N) but catching Oldhampstead off-side as the ESBFL pushed forward on ten minutes. Eaton got into the action soon after chasing down a cross from Heath and with the compliment returned Heath shot at goal with Newman saving.

Having got a grip on the opening ten minutes the ESBFL continued to push forward backed by a solid defence, Dobkin ran wide from a long pass by Gibson to set up Heath for a chase towards goal with the goal-keeping getting to the ball first. A throw-in from Dobkin fell to Oldhampstead and when Dobkin crossed the return ball there was no ESBFL player to capitalise on the teasing cross. Ball, the ESBFL keeper had seen a quiet opening quarter of an hour but when calling for a high cross and meeting the ball high above the penalty spot he instilled confidence in his team, especially the defence. Eaton was guilty of losing the ball just inside the BWDFL half but gave chase to retrieve the situation forcing Hobden to cross straight to Ball, both teams had plenty to say, verbally, as one would expect in the early exchanges. Heath was running too early for through balls being caught off-side but when a long ball from Kioussis found Gibson who headed down to Heath who scuffed he ball wide of the goal, the ESBFL clearly needed to take one of the many chances created so far. When the BWDFL keeper, Newman sent a poor goal-kick down-field nearly everyone missed the flight of the ball so when Neenan flicked the ball through between Palmer (N) and Kioussis it allowed Cole (J) to race through and pass inside to Neenan who only managed to miss the target. Just before twenty minutes Dobkin passed to Heath who found Palmer (M) then Heath who won a corner, then Palmer (M) and Heath tried again with the final effort from Palmer (M) just drifting wide at the far post.

Cole (J) had the ball in the back of the ESBFL net but was annoyed to see the flag raised for off-side but the quick attempted breaks by Cole (J), Neenan and Hobden needed to be watched carefully by the ESBFL defence but the home team had woken up after weathering the pressure applied by the ESBFL players. Oldhampstead and club-mate Eaton worked an opening to gain a throw-in taken by Dobkin to Oldhampstead and when the cross from Dobkin fizzed into the penalty area defender Porter headed just over his own cross-bar. The corner kick taken by Heath was over-hit allowing the BWDFL to get forward where Porter was flagged off-side to a pass from Neenan and the ESBFL needed to avoid some complacency and score the all important first goal. Eaton chased a long ball but volleyed just wide and another similar move saw Eaton get on the end of a cross from Palmer (M). At the other end Kioussis put in a superb tackle on Cole (J) in a one-on-one situation despite a call for off-side from the ESBFL defence, close call perhaps but the tackle was perfect to deny a goal-scoring chance which started with a poor clearance from Palmer (N).

Right on the half-hour mark the ESBFL scored, route one it may have been, as when Ball cleared his lines following a brief spell of BWDFL pressure the ball flew over both Cranford and Vine, the last two central defenders and STEVEN EATON used his pace to get in front and lift the bouncing ball up and over the advancing keeper who despite getting a hand on the ball could not stop it entering the net. Sensing there were more goals in this game the ESBFL pushed forward again firstly through Dobkin and Eaton and then through Carvey, Oldhampstead and Palmer (M) but once again the BWDFL forced their way forward. Oldhampstead was caught off-side, not sure how from where I was standing, and when play resumed Eaton raced down the left wing to find Heath who was unceremoniously dumped on the ground by the unfair sliding tackle from Vine who picked up a deserved yellow card. Kioussis could only find the keeper with his driven free-kick and the BWDFL attacked with Newman finding McGann down the left and from his cross Neenan attempted an over-head kick which just cleared the cross-bar. Carvey, as usual, was patrolling the midfield area breaking up play and pushing the ball towards his forwards where Oldhampstead dragged a shot wide whereas at the other end Vine picked up a loose ball to find Neenan in space but his effort cleared the cross-bar. Neenan and Cole (J) were quick running players and McGann looked to have a useful left foot but when that combination looked to capitalise, Dobkin cleared up then Martin did likewise when McGann tried again. McGann forced keeper Ball into another call and catch to a teasing cross and the half ended with the ESBFL in possession with a great attacking move involving Palmer (M), Martin, Eaton and Heath before Palmer (M) forced a save from keeper Newman.

 

HALF-TIME:       0 – 1

 

The ESBFL kicked-off the second half looking to consolidate their slender but deserved lead, Carvey found Eaton who took on defender Porter only to fire over the goal. McGann and Neenan worked an opening at the other end but Ball confidently saved the weak shot and Carvey worked the ball to Heath and then Eaton who was willing to chase any through ball. Five minutes into the second half and the ESBFL scored again, a right wing cross hit the head of Palmer (M) who was lying on the ground and when the ball fell at the feet of STEVEN OLDHAMPSTEAD he coolly lofted a dipping ball goalwards, clearing the keeper and finding the back of the net from just outside the penalty area. The BWDFL temporarily lost the plot and Cranford rashly dived into a tackle on Palmer (M) to concede a free-kick just on the half-way line, and earn a caution. Kioussis struck a rising free-kick towards the far post, Martin seemed to duck under the ball but STEVEN OLDHAMPSTEAD didn’t and headed gleefully home from close range. When Palmer (M) lost possession the BWDFL broke forward only for Neenan to be off-side and Palmer (M) seemed to be a marked man for when McGann scythed him down and he too saw a yellow card brandished by the on-the-spot official.

The BWDFL replaced Van Cruten and Hobden with Cole (A) and Kenard and Palmer (M) in trying to shield the loose ball out of play was dispossessed by Neenan who crossed to Cole (J) who put the ball into the net at the near post, start to celebrate only to see the Assistant Referees flag raised on the far side, a goal-kick was awarded so maybe Palmer (M) got out of jail this time as the ball was won outside the field of play! Keeper Newman made a fine save to deny Heath, in a one-on-one situation this after a terrible attempt to clear by Cranford who was chased down by Heath. Mighall committed a heavy challenge, on Carvey, a Heath corner found the head of Carvey but also the busier keeper, Newman and what I can never understand is how a keeper at one end can make a judgement call an off-side situation at the other end, perhaps there is a different ruling down south! McGann proved to be a useful home player, always willing to attack down the left side and cross with his trusty left foot but Ball was equal to these and to be honest, on the hour mark, I thought the job was done as the BWDFL looked slightly deflated and tiring.

Martin was back to help his defence when Cole (J) crossed and when play stopped Heath was replaced by debutant Eldridge and Oldhampstead should have scored his third but blazed high and wide with the keeper almost out of his penalty area. Kenard took out Oldhampstead with a poor tackle and when Eldridge broke forward Eaton was fouled as play had been allowed to continue, Kioussis took the free-kick and Martin was thwarted by keeper Newman. The BWDFL replaced Rowe with Warr but other BWDFL players also seemed to be tiring as well and the ESBFL replaced Carvey with McConnell another player making his debut in midfield. Martin made a rash challenge towards Cole (A) but fortunately made no contact and play was allowed to continue. With fifteen minutes remaining Eaton tricked his way past three almost static defenders but it was the BWDFL who managed to break forward from the goal-kick restart. For once the ESBFL defence stood still asking for an offside decision but only allowing McGann to make a raid down the left side and when his low cross flew across the six-yard box SIMON KENARD was on hand to score at the far post. The ESBFL made their last change with Sorrell replacing the exhausted Eaton, McConnell got his first touch blocking a home clearance whilst Dobkin was clattered by Mighall as the home side continued to adopt a physical approach towards the end of the game.

With time running out, a long ball forward from Gibson saw Palmer (N) get on the end forcing keeper Newman to save, this time with his feet. Porter lofted a free-kick straight to Ball who took the ball off the head of Mighall and from the clearance McConnell and Eldridge put Palmer (N) away down the right side and from his cross Martin headed over.

 

FULL TIME:        1 – 3

 

After the shenanigans preceding this game being played it was relief for the ESBFL to lay this game to rest with a sound three goals to one victory, the selected players had done their league proud, played some good football, scored well taken goals, resisted, the opportunity to retaliate against sound physically robust challenges and not get involved with the match officials. The ESBFL would like to thank all those Premier Division Clubs who allowed their players to take part in this fixture, with your club and your player support these cup games might not create such interest locally.

 

Given that I considered this match to have been played by the whole team I’m resisting any chance of naming an individual Man of the Match, all the players and management may have their own opinions but it would be unfair to single out just one player, a great squad effort though.

 

I would normally not pass comment on the Match Officials but only one word comes to mind , excellent from start to finish.

 

After the match, in the clubhouse, Jim Wicks on behalf of the ESBFL made a short speech and presented a memento to Graham Preston who wished the ESBFL well in Round 2, whereupon a welcome meal was served with the customary drink, or two.

 

As I write this report, the next round, Round Two, has today been drawn by the Football Association, my understanding is that the ESBFL have not surprisingly been drawn away, against our old friends, the Jersey Football Combination who as we know from earlier this year now use a 4G pitch. A lot of organisation will be involved in this next fixture, to be played on or before Saturday 5^th December 2015, no doubt friendlies will be arranged, clubs will be notified of player inclusion and ESBFL League and Cup matches rearranged accordingly.

 

Teams:

 

BRIGHTON, WORTHING & DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE:

Colours:             Maroon Shirts, Black Shorts and Black Socks

 

Starting Eleven:

1. Mark Newman Woodingdean Wanderers FC          (1)
2. Kia Porter Sompting FC                               (2)
3. Luke Mighall Romans United FC                        (17)
4. Harry Cranford Worthing BCOB FC                       (4)        (C)
5. Spencer Vine (Captain)            Sompting FC                               (80)      (C)
6. Martin Rowe Romans United FC                        (6)
7. Daniel McGann Goring Cricket Club FC                  (7)        (C)            (70^th Minute)
8. Sam Van Cruten Goring Cricket Club FC                  (8)
9. Ricky Neenan Worthing Leisure FC                     (9)                    (55^th Minute)
10. Jack Cole Goring Cricket Club FC                  (10)
11. Kelvin Hobden Sompting FC                               (11)                  (55^th Minute)

Substitutes:

12. Ryan Warr Worthing BCOB FC                       (45)                  (70^th Minute)
13. Andy Cole Goring Cricket Club FC                  (31)                  (55^th Minute)
14. Simon Kenard Not Known                                 (27)                  (55^th Minute)

 

 

Managers:                      Trevor Frost and Tony Woods.

Assistant Manager:           Graham Matthews.

 

ESSEX & SUFFOLK BORDER FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Colours:             Yellow Shirts, Blue Shorts and Yellow Socks

 

Staring Eleven:

1. Alex Ball Holland FC
2. Nicky Palmer Little Oakley FC
3. Jamie Dobkin Little Oakley FC
4. Sean Kioussis Little Oakley FC
5. Gareth Gibson (Captain)            West Bergholt FC
6. Ryan Carvey West Bergholt FC                                                 (76^th Minute)
7. Mark Palmer Little Oakley FC
8. Joe Martin Holland FC
9. Jordan Heath Little Oakley  FC                                                  (65^th Minute)
10. Steven Oldhampstead Holland FC
11. Steven Eaton Holland FC                                                          (79^th Minute)

Substitutes:

12. Sam McConnell Alresford Colne Rangers FC                                   (76^th Minute)
13. Keelan Sorrell Holland FC                                                          (79^th Minute)
14. Sam Eldridge Little Oakley FC                                                   (65^th Minute)

 

Manager:                        Tony Armstrong.

Assistant Managers:          Lloyd Pentney.

Coach:                           Matthew Carmichael.

Physio:                           Mark Sharpe.

Kit-man:                         Barry Vernon.

 

 

Referee:                        Alex Blake          (Level 3)                        (Portsmouth)

Robert Ablitt       (Level 4)                        (Portsmouth)

Steve Currie       (Level 4)                        (Southampton)

 

 

Men of the Match:          The Whole Squad and Management Team – A big team effort.