Musings for Saturday 16 January

As mentioned in our last edition of Midweek Musings ahead of Saturday Scene, we briefly look back over the news from the Grant-McLellan Youth Cup match that took place over at Short Lane on Wednesday evening between Ashford Town and Sandhurst Town just before we break into Saturday Scene. Unlike their first team, who progressed further in the Cherry Red Records Premier Challenge Cup, the Youth team at Ashford Town bowed out having found themselves, on the night, on the wrong end of an 8-3 scoreline to Sandhurst against what look to be a very good Sandhurst Town team who, as a result, now can look forward to a place in the semi-final in the near future once the draw and date have both been set.

So then, my friends, we roll the clock forward now to Saturday afternoon where news came that the game between Bowers & Pitsea (Essex Senior FL) and Sutton Common Rovers fell victim to a waterlogged pitch and has been hastily re-arranged for Saturday next, 23rd January. Other games involving member sides to fall were the Epsom & Ewell versus Spelthorne Sports, over at High Road, Chipstead, and, in addition, Raynes Park Vale versus Redhill, Premier Division wise, along with the South Park Reserves versus Dorking Wanderers Res. from Division One.

So then, to commence our analysis out and about, first stop naturally takes us over to Hartley Wintney where, at the second time of asking, Football Association Challenge Vase, 4th Round, football received the thumbs-up against Tool Station Western League boys Bradford Town who provided the opposition against our current Premier Division League leaders. Early exchanges saw the visitors take a tenth minute lead through Sam Jordan in this hugely competitive contest which, despite conditions not being at their best, deserved and received huge acclaim from those fortunate enough to have been in attendance knowing that, potentially for the winners, the prospect of welcoming Hereford (Midland Alliance) or Leicester Nirvana (United Counties FL) would be the reward for a secured victory. The 'Row', as always keen to show their great fighting spirit, got themselves back on level terms within six minutes thanks to Steve Duff. Both sides then pressed onwards in search of a winner hopefully inside the regulation ninety minutes. A whole hour had passed with no additional scoring addition arriving from either side despite continual efforts. ENTER: Ross Cook who, not for the first time this season, showed why he is so widely regarded out and about. Minute 77 saw him warm the home faithful when he put the 'Row' 2-1 up and a place in the 5th Round for the first time in their history draw closer. Understandably, Bradford Town tried desperately to pull level. It was not to be though as, in early stages of added on time, Cookie bagged his second and Hartley’s third to secure a home tie against newly formed Hereford who ran out 6-0 winners in their game which promises to be a peach of a game in prospect in a few weeks time. Credit both Hartley Wintney and Bradford Town though as both sides, on and off the pitch, showed us again just what is so good to enjoy in the non-league game with new friendships made - we all wish Bradford Town well for the remainder of this season.

No such joy for Knaphill though following their trip to Kidlington who, as I write, ride high in the UHLSPORT Hellenic League, Premier Division. In attendance on behalf of our League on the day was our Chairman Chris Conlon who most kindly put pen to paper with his thoughts from the game which, as always, we share with you via our Musings. Knaphill took part in a very exciting Football Association Challenge Vase, 4th Round, tie at Kidlington of the Hellenic League. A crowd of around 220 cold fans had assembled around a surface that had been frozen the previous night but had thawed enough for the match to go ahead. The first half started with Kidlington on top and most of the action was in Knaphill’s half. However, the match was not one sided and the tactic of sit back and defend and hit Kidlington on the break almost worked. However, Knaphill keeper, Luca Berteloni, was kept busy during this period and made several fine saves early in the match; one a thunderous drive from Kidlington’s Ryan Brooks and a double save from Anaclet Odhiambo. The first goal came in the 18th minute but was down to a Knaphill mistake. A free kick was won just outside of the Knaphill area and Luca Berteloni came out to take it. The kick by Berteloni was mishit and went straight to Lewis Gabbidon who provided to Anaclet Odhiambo and the resulting chip could only be parried into the net by Berteloni who had raced back to try and cover. Knaphill had several breaks but most were ineffective and only really troubled the Kidlington keeper in the 27th minute. Kidlington made it 2-0 following a 33rd minute corner which was headed home at the far post. Knaphill changed formation for the second half and had to take the game to Kidlington. This worked and had them in the driving seat for the vast majority of the second period which was played mostly in the Kidlington half. However, despite the pressure, it was not until the 78th minute that substitute Danny Taylor burst through and chipped the ball over the Kidlington keeper to bring the score back to 2-1. The Knaphill pressure increased after the goal resulting in an off the line clearance and hitting the post. Knaphill had pushed everyone forward searching for an equalizer as we entered added time and they were caught on the break as Kidlington’s Eric Odhiambo ran in from his own half to put the ball past Berteloni and make it 3-1. Most sides would have lost the impetus at this reverse but Knaphill continued to push and, in the 6th minute of added time, Jack Mazzone finished off a smart move to make it 3-2. Unfortunately, there was no time to find an equaliser and Knaphill’s adventure in the Vase is over for this season and Kidlington get to travel to Cleethorpes Town (Northern Counties East FL) in the last 16.

So, then, to our League activity for the day commencing, naturally, with news from the six Premier Division games that got played.

First call on this tour takes us over to the Wibbandune Sports Ground where hosts Colliers Wood United welcomed Westfield for the afternoon. Having fallen behind to a 24th minute Ben Placito goal, hosts Colliers Wood, within five minutes of falling behind, thanks to Dan Harding, drew themselves back on level terms. On 74 minutes, Harding doubled his tally for the club and himself when he converted a penalty to put them 2-1 ahead. It was left then to ensure that maximum points were secured as up popped Charlie Emery to make it 3-1.

Good to see that Cove got themselves back in League action Saturday after their recent problems. Despite numerous new signings, their opening game back saw them go down to a 6-1 home defeat against Farnham Town for whom Mark Corbett bagged four goals along with one each courtesy of Jack Dillon and Matt Glass.

Hanworth Villa were also amongst the goals Saturday afternoon over at the 'Ranch'. League new boys AFC Hayes found themselves on the day on the wrong end of a 5-0 scoreline.

Horley Town took an 82nd minute lead over at Guildford City through James Clarke only to concede three minutes into added on time courtesy of a 35 yard screamer from Adam Ntini to ensure the home side secured a point from this closely fought encounter.

Over at Alwyns Lane, hosts Chertsey Town cruised to a 3-0 home victory against Chessington & Hook United who had their keeper sent off just before half-time. On target for the 'Curfews' were John Pomroy, from the spot, along with James Ross and Lee Docherty.

Finally, over at Young’s Drive, hosts Badshot Lea secured a narrow 2-1 home win against Windsor thanks to a 96th minute winner from Darren Blake. Earlier in the proceedings, Adam New gave the hosts a very early lead only to be pegged back by Stephane Deed nine minutes from the regulation ninety minutes.

Over at Frimley Green, a Sam Boultwood goal was enough for the hosts to inflict a second League defeat of the season on leaders C.B. Hounslow United.

For second placed Worcester Park, the trip over to fellow high flyers Bedfont & Feltham saw them take an early lead. However, within five minutes though, Luke Craig pulled it back to 1-1 which, in the end, was how the contest ended up.

Third placed Eversley & California fell behind midway through the first half in their home encounter with Staines Lammas. By half-time, they had got themselves back on level terms though. Different story second half, though, as the 'Boars' scored another two to secure a 3-1 home win courtesy of goals from Brad Smith, Lewis Robson and Brad Brown.

Abbey Rangers, thanks to treble net busting activities from Ben Kersley and Paul Hodges and additional efforts from Sam Workman and Tom Bentley, secured a breathtaking 8-1 home win against Sandhurst Town over at Addlestone Moor.

Sean Bradley gave hosts Banstead Athletic a 1-0 first half lead over at Merland Rise against Cobham which was then followed by a second half effort from Sean White to secure a 2-0 victory.

Mid table Dorking, despite being pegged back within a minute over at Sheerwater, came away with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Nathan Turner and Dan Bransbury. On target for the 'Sheers' was Ben Hancock.

FINALLY: Over at Farleigh Rovers, they and Epsom Athletic played out a highly entertaining encounter which saw the hosts register their third League victory of the season.