Musings for Saturday 30 January 2016

Waving goodbye to what has been a very harsh and cruel month fixture wise, many of us are glad to see the back of January as the month ended with an additional eleven fixtures falling victim to the horrendous weather that has plagued us since the turn of the New Year.

January 30th did, however, end with a massive cheer as, over at Krooner Park, hosts Camberley Town continued to keep alight their aspirations of Football Association Challenge Vase glory for this season having demolished what, on paper, looked to be a very useful Northern League, Division One, side Newton Aycliffe by a most resounding 5-0 scoreline in front of a very good crowd of some 460 which included a number of visitors from fellow member clubs who found their league fixtures suffer those dreaded waterlogged pitch syndromes again along with a League Press & Media Secretary and Vice-President in attendance additionally fully admiring how events unfolded on this late January afternoon. Early exchanges and decisions gave the visitors early advantage which they were not able to maximize in terms of scoring efforts which Camberley Town weathered quite well under testing circumstances; some of which surprised me that passed the officials by especially as they themselves found and, in fact, took receipt of the first yellow card (harshly) during the early stages. Confidence and self belief grew throughout the half though and eventually, on 41 minutes, having been slightly on the back foot thanks to Perry Coles, got their just rewards with a lovely goal being chipped over the visiting keeper delightfully and then for Matt Bunyan to be on hand to ensure the ball crossed the line. Some good work from Keith Emmerson and Perry Coles doubled the home sides scoring advantage allowing Rob Lazarcuk the delight of making it 2-0. Having had his initial shot parried, Coles, on 57 minutes, made it 3-0 which all but assured progression into the Quarter-Final. Ash Coffey then made the task a bit easier for Camberley following a spat with Marcus Cousins, one of the home substitutes, which resulted in him receiving a red card. Well in the driving seat by now, Jay Hubbard, with his first touch of the ball, powerfully headed home goal four and still there was time for one more goal which again came from Rob Lazarczuk just a couple minutes later. 5-0 final score for Dan Turkington and his wonderful team who eagerly await news from the Quarter-Final draw which should be some time around mid-morning on Monday, 1st February. They, in the end, were more than worthy winners which we hugely congratulate them upon securing which is great tribute for the continual brilliant effort Dan and his wonderful teams, on and off the pitch, has so far this season produced and it will be interesting to see whom they are paired with in the next round - whoever it may be, we wish them well naturally.

In the Quarter-Final draw, the name of Hartley Wintney will also feature as they missed out on play due to a waterlogged pitch but will try again on Saturday, 6th February, over at their headquarters against a good Hereford (Midland Alliance FL) side. Remember though, this game is ALL TICKET and hopes of gaining admission on the day with a valid ticket, at best, are zero. Again, we wish the 'Row' every success in the tie - weather, it’s up to you!!!!.

Our severely restricted league programme, starting firstly with the Premier Division, saw title chasing Ashford Town drop two points in their home encounter against Colliers Wood United. Dan Harding put 'Wood' 1-0 up after 14 minutes following a converted penalty. Thankfully, though, for them, Perry Luckins was on hand five minutes into second half play to bring the sides back on level terms which was how the contest ended up.

Sutton Common Rovers and visitors Bedfont Sports played out a five goal entertaining encounter over at Gander Green Lane with hosts SCR coming out on top 3-2 thanks to goals from Harry Smart, Andy White and Richie Smith. Jamie Read bagged both Bedfont Sports goals of which one came via the penalty spot.

Hosts Chertsey Town, thanks to a couple of goals from Joel Thompson in addition to other goals from Marcus Mealing, Joe Jones and Andy Crossley, ran out comfortable 5-1 winners against struggling Redhill whose goal came via Flachea McArdle.

Finally Premier Division wise, a 51st minute Cyril Okanando goal was enough for visitors Raynes Park Vale to secure maximum points from the visit to Cove.

Division One saw Frimley Green run out 4-0 home winners against Dorking Wanderers Reserves thanks to goals from Mike Bello (3) and Joe Stochetti whilst, over at Sheerwater, it was a victory for visitors Cobham by the odd goal in five thanks to goals from Tevan Webster (3). On target for the 'Sheers' were Shane Rideout and Scott O'Conner. Finally, over at Banstead Athletic, points were shared in a 1-1 draw against Sandhurst Town. Both goals came in the opening 30 minutes with the visitors taking a 20th minute lead only to be pegged back ten minutes later.