Midweek Musings 14-17 March 2016

Midweek activity this past period consisted of activity from Monday, 14th, to Thursday, 17th March, commencing with the Premier Division encounter over at Gander Green Lane where hosts Sutton Common Rovers welcomed second placed Ashford Town for the evening on Monday. Having recorded a narrow 3-2 home victory Saturday last against Bedfont Sports, victory for the 'Ash Trees' would put them on level points with leaders Hartley Wintney for at least 24 hours should they secure maximum points from their trip to Gander Green Lane where hosts Sutton Common Rovers awaited. The 'Commoners', prior to start of play, having played the same amount of League games as Ashford Town, secured 37 points from 31 League games played; a hefty 34 points behind plus a huge gulf in League placings. Saying that though, First Team Manager Darren Salmon has, on their day, a side who can be a match for many a side in the Premier Division and can never be taken lightly. Nene Adams secured a 30th minute lead for the hosts who, in the contest, actually led twice only to be pegged back though, as, within four minutes, Mark Bitmead made it 1-1. Five minutes before the interval though, the 'Commoners' were again in the lead thanks to Phil Page which was how things stayed until 65 minutes when, again, Mark Bitmead got his name on the score sheet courtesy of a converted penalty. Fifteen minutes from time, SCR had their playing numbers reduced which, as a result, saw The 'Ash Trees' take the lead for the first time courtesy of Samad Kazi who followed this up six minutes later making it 4-2 for the visitors which was how proceedings ended come final whistle.

Our other match Monday evening saw Chertsey Town secure a most impressive 8-1 home victory against Cove in the Grant-McLellan Youth Cup - no details are at hand from this game except to advise you that details of the Semi-Final draw can be found elsewhere on our Pitchero website.

Moving the clock forward 24 hours, Tuesday evening out and about our Premier Division fixture list initially comprised of seven fixtures. Regretfully though, due to the continual difficulties experienced over at Chalky Lane, the Chessington & Hook United versus Horley Town game fell victim on the evening.

HOWEVER: Of the six remaining League games, Premier Division leaders Hartley Wintney, with a little help from Steve Duff and Dean Stow, secured a narrow 2-1 home victory against a very hard working Farnham Town team who, like their hosts, ensured that those present were rewarded with a highly entertaining evening of football. For the record, folks, John Lancashire netted the Farnham Town goal.

Third placed Epsom & Ewell were grateful for a couple of minutes added on time as visitors Cove conceded two minutes into the additional period through Matt Farrell to secure maximum points in one of those games that saw luckless Cove beaten right at the death despite putting up a brave challenge.

Camberley Town ensured they keep in touch with the chasing pack; latest encounter saw them 5-2 home winners against Hanworth Villa.

Goals from Simo Mbonkwi (68 minutes) and then Callum Mackay saw hosts Spelthorne Sports secure maximum points against Windsor.

Over at Knaphill, three first half goals from Charlie Postance, Jamie Doble and Danny Taylor set the 'Knappers' well on the way to another maximum points haul against near rivals Westfield. Alex Lumley made it 4-0 with eight minutes left. Last word, though, was with James Marine in the final minute when he made it 4-1.

Redhill were big scorers over at Kiln Brow hitting visitors Badshot Lea 6-0 thanks to goals from Sam Marks (2), Marlon Pinder, Aaron Murphy, Ketch Kedze and a penalty converted by Mac McCardle.

FINALLY: Tuesday evening, visitors Staines Lammas needed just the one goal to further progress in their 3rd Round RPM Records Division One Cup tie against Dorking.

The Division One game at Chalky Lane involving Epsom Athletic and South Park Reserves fell victim to a waterlogged Chalky Lane pitch on Wednesday evening.

Thursday night saw hopes of Badshot Lea progressing further in the Aldershot Football Association Senior Cup come crashing down as, on the night, visitors Fleet Town (Southern FL) inflicted a 3-0 defeat upon them over at Young’s Drive.

Woking Park saw visitors Guildford City secure a good 3-0 victory against hosts Westfield in the Premier Division thanks to goals from Sanchez Benali, on 24 minutes, followed by second half efforts from Tom O'Connor, 55 minutes, and then Darren Cassar eight minutes later. All square over at Knaphill, though, as, thanks to a converted 92nd minute penalty from Jimmy Norman, they and evening visitors Farnham Town shared four goals.