29/10/2022 – REPORT – Great Bradfords FC versus Boxted Lodgers FC (KOCup – R1)

CHELMSFORD CITY RACECOURSE

ESSEX & SUFFOLK BORDER FOOTBALL LEAGUE

KNOCK-OUT CUP – FIRST ROUND

GREAT BRADFORDS FC 2.       (PENS: 3 – 1)       BOXTED LODGERS FC    2.

Date:               Saturday 29^th October 2022.

Venue:             The Bell Inn, Kynaston Road, Panfield, Essex.

            Most matches this weekend revolved around the “First Round” of either the Knock-Out Cup competition, for Member Clubs “First” teams and the Reserve Knock-Out Cup for “Reserve and “A” Teams”. A few surprises were seen when the results can in, with teams from lower divisions getting the better of higher placed teams, a number going to “penalty shoot-outs” as was the one I watched.

            I have to say that the weather on Saturday was more like summer than autumn, the pitch at Panfield Bell, looked in excellent condition, lush green grass for a start, something we have not seen for many months and there was a decent support for both teams upon kick-off. The referee for this cup-tie between Division Three, Great Bradfords FC, one league victory, and Division Two, Boxted Lodgers FC, undefeated in the league, was the experienced Joe Wrigley, and with only one late caution the game was played in good spirit.

            Great Bradfords FC kicked-off, lost possession and Boxted Lodgers FC pushed forward and put pressure on the home team who conceded an early free-kick when Mills impeded Sage, could be a good battle that, but from the free-kick taken by Hayter, the ball eluded everyone through the penalty area until BARRY SAGE popped up, unmarked, at the far post to nudge the ball home and that was not the start the home team wanted! Lewis for the visitors showed his pace down the right side giving Breen a torrid time in the early exchanges and from one cross the ball missed Stevens with Munro getting his left foot to the ball which flew into keeper, Smiths (H) hands on the goal-line. Davey for the home team showed his ability and pace to get down the left side but again the cross fell behind everyone except Hemmings who virtually stumbled over the loose ball at the far post, a glorious missed opportunity to equalise. Boxted showed their commitment going forward with Great Bradfords happy to defend although some of the clearances left a bit to be desired at this early stage, stage fright maybe, against the higher placed opposition. Percival clipped the progress of midfielder, Davis, when he tried to get his home team playing and as Great Bradfords worked their way down the slope a long throw-in from Castell was firstly fumbled then regained by the Boxted, keeper, Panton.

            On eleven minutes Boxted increased their lead, after suspicion of handball through the centre-circle the ball was played wide to Hayter and when he ran forward, his cross was met at the far post by JOE STEVENS who scored a fine goal, good move, good cross, well taken goal, that’s two assists from the wing back. With Boxted on top, and two goals up, lone home striker Taylor had to forage for any sight of the ball against a tall visitors back-line, but he stuck to his task and his team raised their game, not wishing to concede again. Hayter, again, for Boxted, found space to send in a cross which saw Lewis try a spectacular overhead kick, the ball dipping over the cross-bar. A pass through the Boxted defence from Castell saw Hemmings running through but given off-side by the female Boxted Club Assistant, I thought she had an excellent game running the line. The game became a bit scrappy through the middle of the half, disrupted moves, niggly fouls and no further efforts on goal from either side. Hayter fouled Davey wide on the right side, Breen guided his free-kick to the far post where Mills headed down and Castell showed either his athleticism or enthusiasm when trying an overhead kick himself, the ball falling to keeper, Panton. The over-enthusiasm of Davey saw him scythe down Hayter, a quick word from the referee and play continued, Great Bradfords regained possession with Castell and Davey forcing a corner deep on the far side, Breen curled the corner kick into the penalty area and Percival headed clear.

            With thirty minutes gone, Great Bradfords got forward, Castell drove the ball across the penalty area with Taylor latching onto the ball which was deflected for a corner by Kenny, Percival was injured during the corner clearance and received treatment before returning minutes later. Stevens fouled Davis through midfield and Kayley whacked Munro to earn a verbal warning, the free-kick from Reynolds going straight to home keeper, Smith (H). With five minutes of half-time remaining another run and cross from Hayter was plucked out of the air by keeper, Smith (H) belying his short stature, then Lewis fouled Davey, play continued and Taylor set up Hemmings but a throw-in followed. The Boxted outlet down the right continued to be Hayter and another fine cross towards the far post was headed back to his keeper, Smith (H) by skipper Mills who was under pressure from both Sage and Stevens. As the half ended, a cross from Kenny bounced once before going out for a goal-kick, then Percival shot side from outside the penalty area, territorially Boxted had the upper hand, two goals up and that should have been more with the home team relieved to hear the whistle or a break.

HALF-TIME:    0 – 2.

            I dare say, there were probably two contrasting management discussions, at half-time, one to gee up the home team and one for the away team to keep going and focus on winning, Boxted made an unforced change with Percival being replaced by Cursons. A good run from Breen down the left side saw him set up Taylor but Reynolds, was there to cover the threat, Boxted countered, Sage crossed from the right side, Lewis pounced and struck a fine shot goal-wards only to see keeper, Smith (H) make a fabulous save, tipping the rising ball over the cross-bar, now there’s encouragement for a team that is two goals down. Boxted continued their assault at the home goal, Munro and Smith (L) linked up to set up Hayter whose shot flew well wide. A mistake, in fact, a poor back pass, by Kayley should have led to another goal but keeper, Smith (H) was quickly off his line to the edge of the penalty area to take the ball off the toes of Sage and buoyed by these two bits of goal-keeping the home team awoke and both Hemmings and Davey set about running at the visitor’s defence on both sides of the pitch. Another howitzer of a throw-in from Castell found Davis who returned the ball to Castell who drove a fierce shot just over the cross-bar. The home teams renewed efforts had given them some hope and on fifty-five minutes a goal, a fine goal, in fact a great goal, Hemmings outstripped the retreating Boxted defence, checking back onto his left foot, he sent a fine cross to the far post where the flying SONNY TAYLOR headed home.

            On the hour mark Boxted replaced Smith (L) with Webster, and minutes later Great Bradfords replaced Shearer with Mears but Boxted had the next chance when Lewis ran one way then the other before firing over the goal, the home team must keep focused. A corner, taken by Breen was headed down by Davis but Daley snatched at his free shot the ball flying wide but the home intent, was definitely there, however when Castell, misplaced another back pass, the ball was effectively put on a plate for Munro who shot weakly at keeper, Smith (H), this game is by no means over! On seventy minutes Boxted made their third substitution with Reynolds being replaced by De’ath but three minutes later, Great Bradford equalised, Davey, used his considerable pace up the slope to gain yards on a Boxted defender, stopping dead in his tracks he played the ball inside to the unmarked JOSHUA MEARS who turned inside the penalty area and stroked the ball past the despairing dive of keeper, Panton, another well worked goal, game on!

            Right, fifteen minutes to go, two goals apiece and penalties might yet be needed, this game was now evenly poised in more than one way, Great Bradfords replaced both the injured Breen and Davey with Fox and Wilson. Castell sent a cross in towards Taylor but Kenny headed clear, at the other end Munro was through until Fox got back to make a fine tackle but conceded a corner with Holland replacing Stevens before the kick was taken. A long clearance from keeper, Smith (H) saw Taylor race away but he lost his footing when in on goal and minutes later keeper, Panton denied Taylor with a fine save, this game had certainly turned round and Great Bradfords kept up their final push with Hemmings running riot down the right side before crossing left footed into the danger zone with Hayter heading clear. Cursons received the only caution of the match for a foul on Wintrip across the half-way line, Mills headed over from the free-kick and with just three minutes remaining Lewis scuffed wide of a gapping goal, then put another effort over the cross-bar, De’ath had a shot deflected away for a corner by Kayley, this was end-to-end stuff now, desperate perhaps, nobody wanted penalties, or did they!

FULL TIME:     2 – 2.

PENALTIES:

GREAT BRADFORDS FC                                              BOXTED LODGERS FC

1. Wintrip              scores               (1 – 0)              1)         Cursons             misses              (1 – 0)
2. Fox                   scores               (2 – 0)              2)         Kenny               scores               (2 – 1)
3. Taylor               hits post            (2 – 1)              3)         Hayter              saved                (2 – 1)
4. Davis                scores               (3 – 1)              4)         Lewis                saved                (3 – 1)

RESULT:

GREAT BRADFORDS FC:        2          (3)                   BOXTED LODGERS FC:           2          (1)

            An excellent cup-tie, played in an excellent spirit throughout, the proverbial game of two halves as they say, as on the first half balance of play Boxted Lodgers FC should have had this game sewn up, two goals should have been enough, but more chances went begging in both halves. Whatever was said to Great Bradfords FC players at half time, clearly worked, as they were a different team in the second half and did not just claw back the two goals but made this game worth watching with two fine goals and other chances as well.

            Now, let’s turn to my “Star Player”, for Boxted Lodgers FC, Hayter provide two assists with excellent crosses, he might not take penalties again though, Percival looked sharp until injury intervened at half-time, Stevens and Sage were always a goal threat and Lewis showed some intelligent play but failed to score when given numerous chances, even his penalty was saved. For Great Bradfords FC, where do I start, a fine effort after being under the cosh for much of the first half, Castell belied his “portly” figure to cover most of the pitch, Davis belied his age to do the same, Mills set a Captains example leading from the back aided by Wintrip, Taylor worked hard up front, scoring an excellent goal with Davey and Hemmings causing numerous problems in both halves with some direct and fast running down the wings, overall the latter player gets my nod but only just as I was helped by a watching referee and player parent.

            Great Bradfords FC will now be play, away, to Division One, Stanway Pegasus FC Reserves who overcame Premier Division, West Bergholt FC.

Teams:

GREAT BRADFORDS FC:       

Colours:                        Red & Black Shirts, Black Socks Black Socks.

Team:

Hadley Smith., Aiden Breen., Callum Wintrip., Christopher Davis., Harry Mills (C)., Haydn Castell., James Shearer., Joseph-Jon Hemmings., Liam Davey., Michael Kayley., Sonny Taylor.

Manager:                      Michael Kayley

Assistant Manager:        John Seeks.

Used Substitutes:           Alfie Wilson., Connor Fox., Joshua Mears.

Unused Substitutes:       Neil Rivett

BOXTED LODGERS FC

Colours:                        Navy Blue Shirts, Navy Blue Shorts and Navy Blue Socks.

Team:

Chris Panton., Tom Hayter., Mark Kenny (C)., Callum Reynolds., James Lock., Jack Percival., Jack Munro., Joe Stevens., Lewis Smith., Isaac Lewis., Barry Sage.

Manager:                      Gareth Williams.

Assistant Manager:        Andrew Watson

Used Substitutes:           William Cursons., Matt Webster., Jack De’ath., Sam Holland

Unused Substitutes:       Robbie Tunn

Referee:                        Joe Wrigley.

Star Player:                Joseph-Jon HEMMINGS                     (GREAT BRADFORDS 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

November, December & January:                                   14:00pm

February:                                                                      14:30pm

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 FIVE SUBSTITUTES to be named before kick-off and ALL FIVE 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, 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 September, there have been 30+ players dismissed and nearly 300 cautions, there have also been 7 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.