Thorpe Athletic FC win A.V. Lee Memorial Trophy
CHELMSFORD CITY RACECOURSE
ESSEX & SUFFOLK BORDER FOOTBALL LEAGUE
A V LEE MEMORIAL TROPHY. (2023 / 2024)
THORPE ATHLETIC FC. 3. TIPTREE HEATH FC 1.
Date: Tuesday 06th August 2024. Venue: War Memorial Ground, Little Oakley FC.
This match is usually the opening match of a new season, with last season Champions, Colne Athletic FC folding and second placed Silver End United FC players moving on, and withdrawing from the Premier Division, it was third placed Tiptree Heath FC who played lasts seasons Knock-Out Cup Winners, Thorpe Athletic FC, the latter team also won the prestigious Essex Junior Cup and Division One, to gain a deserved promotion.
On a fine evening, on an excellent pitch, prepared at Little Oakley FC, the League appointed referee for this match was Andrew Denikiewicz, who was assisted by Philip Barham and Scott Vine with Mark Jones acting as 4th Official. The relative team sheets submitted showed that Thorpe Athletic have kept all of last seasons players and added a couple more to what is still a strong squad, Tiptree Heath on the other hand have lost a few players and numerous new faces were on show for this season opener.
Before kick-off, the Respect handshake was performed in front of a growing crowd, Tiptree Heath were to kick-off, Richardson committed the first foul on Elliot just outside the penalty area, Blanchett took the free-kick, left-footed but to the right side of keeper, Lawrence, with Cowler clearing up field to Barnard (L) who took on Kensdale and forced keeper, Taylor to save, a bright opening five minutes. Barnard (L) was to see plenty of the ball in the first half, and when cutting in rom the left side, minutes later, saw his effort cleared off the goal line. Thorpe Athletic were quicker to the ball as Tiptree Heath stuttered, but tackles were becoming competitive but fair with the match official allowing play to flow whenever possible. A break by Cowler, down the right side was stopped by Creegan, then a poor clearance from keeper, Taylor, reached McAndrews whose return effort took a deflection for a corner. The corner taken by Shuttlewood was headed high and wide by Lamb, Richardson, fired the ball across field to Barnard (L) but he was caught off-side, as he was twice more in quick succession.
Thorpe Athletic were now on top, moving the ball confidently around and forcing their opponents to defend deep in their own half, however, Ridley found Michaels running through in space, keeper, Lawrence advanced to the edge of his area, collected the ball and summarily flattened by Michaels, let’s just say the ball was there to attack! Another corner taken on the right side by Shuttlewood, skimmed off the head of Lamb to Barnard (L), his return cross was cleared by Kensdale. McAndrews, boasts a long throw, being able to reach the penalty spot from most places in the opposition half, so on twenty-two minutes, one such throw-in reached BRANDON HUNT, whether he had the last touch or whether it was defender, the ball looped up over keeper, Taylor who could only help the ball goalwards and Thorpe Athletic were ahead. The Tiptree Heath response started with Creegan playing a long ball forward to Blanchett who gained a free kick, the same player was looking for another foul inside the penalty area when Lamb challenged strongly, nothing given though, but another free kick taken by Blanchett hit the defensive wall and was cleared away by Cowler.
Thorpe Athletic increased their lead on thirty-two minutes, Barnard (L) strode down the left side passing inside to Hunt who moved the ball on the McAndrews, his first time shot was blocked but TAYLOR McANDREWS struck his second effort into the back of the net. Kensdale was have a good game against Barnard (L) and having won the ball in a challenge played the ball forward to Blanchett, who was fouled by Shuttlewood, LEWIS BLANCHETT took the free kick, sending in a low effort that took at least one deflection before entering the net at the far post, there is, perhaps, hope here for Tiptree Heath, but a poor goal for Thorpe Athletic to concede. Smith fouled Hunt through mid-field on the half-way line, from the restart, Barnard (L) found Thompson then McAndrews whose shot was charged down by Kensdale, Thorpe Athletic thought they had scored a third but it was ruled out foe off-side but Tiptree Heath had been under pressure for most of the half.
HALF-TIME: 2 – 1.
Thorpe Athletic restarted this match, Tiptree Heath started well and put pressure on Thorpe Athletic but too many fouls and stoppages disrupted the match, Barnard (L) did win a corner on the far side, but Tiptree Heath defended well with Craig heading clear. McAndrews was pushing forward down the right side, his pass inside to Thompson, who chased forward only for Kensdale to get back and cover his defence, and at a stoppage Tiptree Heath substitute Hart for Mouat. A long ball forward from the left foot of Shuttlewood found McAndrews, sadly offside, but Thorpe Athletic were prepared to switch play whenever a chance was seen.
Thompson was just short of reaching a cross from Barnard (L), Thorpe Athletic replaced Cowler with Daniels, and Tiptree Heath made another change with Smith making way for Oliver. McAndrews fired over the crossbar, then he forced holder and keeper, Taylor to clear a loose ball away for a corner. From the corner taken by McAndrews, a goalmouth scramble ensued with OLIVER LAMB turning to slam the ball into the net off the under-side of the crossbar, nobody was going to stop that!
Another substitution followed as both teams sought to give everyone a game, Thompson was replaced by Justice, Shuttlewood found Daniels who cleared the cross bar with a snatched effort, Hunt rode a tackle to move forward to set Barnard (L) away, but he fouled Kensdale in the process. Harms and McAndrews were replaced by Smith and Hayes, for Thorpe Athletic, whilst Tiptree Heath sent on Lizzimore and Lodge as the game petered out in the final minutes.
FULL TIME: 3 – 1.
No question of whom deserved to win this match, Thorpe Athletic FC have a fine work ethic, it was seen regularly last season, they have a team of players who work hard and do not give up a cause. Tiptree Heath FC, have a relatively new manager but players need to return and become available, in order to compete, in the Premier Division, the new season starts on Saturday, that’s the time to prove they have the quality and desire.
After a few spoken words from League Treasurer, Brian Reed, League President, Lt Col Peter Andrews OBE, handed over the mementoes to the four match officials, followed by Tiptree Heath FC players and winners, Thorpe Athletic FC.
Teams:
THORPE ATHLETIC FC:
Colours: Grey Shirts, Black Shorts and Grey Socks.
Team:
Oscar Lawrence., Harvey Cowler., Scott Humphries., Oliver Lamb., James Shuttlewood (C)., Jake Richardson., Brandon Hunt., Kalon harms., Taylor McAndrews., Sam Thompson., Luke Barnard.
Manager: Harry Barnard.
Used Substitutes: Adam Daniels., Ben Justice., Bradley Smith., Alex Hayes.
Unused Substitutes: Nathaniel Spencer.
TIPTREE HEATH FC.
Colours: Green & Black Shirts, Black Shorts and Green Socks.
Team:
Harry Taylor., Kieran Michaels., Alex Holder., Toby Creegan., Luke Craig., Ben Kensdale (C)., Alfie Smith., Joe hart., Kane Elliot., Cameron Ward., Lewis Blanchett.
Manager: Jacob Colson.
Assistant Manager: Noel Pennick.
Used Substitutes: Tyler Mouat., Aiden Lizzimore., Ben Lodge., Liam Ridley., Ralph Oliver.
Referee: Andrew Denikiewicz.
Assistant Referees: Philip Barham & Scott Vine.
4th Official: Mark Jones.
About Post Author
