Musings Sat 12 December 2015

Included in the 3rd Round draw of the Football Association Challenge Vase, we, as a League, were represented by five member clubs which included an all CCFL tie involving Colliers Wood United who, last season, had the distinction of being our last remaining survivor before bowing out after extra time to UHLSPORT Hellenic League, Premier Division, side Ascot United which, at worst, assured further progress would be secured by at least one of our member clubs. As things turned out though, it would be fair to say that we did extremely well this season with Hartley Wintney taking the spoils over at the Wibbandune Sports Ground home of Colliers Wood - more detail of that tie later on. Firstly though, huge congratulations are offered to Knaphill and Sutton Common Rovers who faced difficult away ties against Canterbury City from the Southern Counties East League and high flying Macron Southern Combination League, Premier Division, at Eastbourne Town.

Camberley Town, who were also involved at this third round stage, battled hard to end hosts Ascot United's hopes and aspirations for this season again, deserve huge credit in coming away from the tie knowing their name will feature in the 4th Round draw which should be made around lunchtime on Monday, 14th December, having given themselves a second chance to progress having secured a 0-0 draw on the day.

So, over to Colliers Wood United we pop for news of how our all CCFL tie panned out. Early goals from Ross Cook and Sam Argent (2), in addition to 'Wood' hitting the woodwork three times, gave the impression that entertainment value was very high which, in so many ways, you would expect from these two sides. Pity really, they were paired together as it would have been great to see both further progress. For all their efforts that passed them by, all goal wise Colliers Wood were able to register was a 90th minute Jay Burke goal where, as for Hartley Wintney, three were enough to see them through to Round Four.

Eastbourne Town (Southern Combination FL) provided the setting for Sutton Common Rovers to secure their progress having had to come from two goals down. It was thanks to Francois Gabidon who, goal wise, netted the three to see them through.

Knaphill came through a tough encounter in their away game with Canterbury City (Southern Counties East FL) by a good 3-1 scoreline thanks to Jack Mazone who put them a goal to the good moments before the interval. On 58 minutes, Dave Pilcher made it 1-1 to make a good contest of the game. Thankfully though, a couple of Danny Taylor goals saw the 'Knappers' over the line 3-1 though.

On the League front, Ashford Town came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over at Guildford City in extreme circumstances including losing a player in the warm up in addition to missing a penalty. Adam Noiti gave the hosts a 54th minute lead which 'City' held right up until the very latter stages. Mark Bitmead bagged a brace in addition to a Bailey Mummery effort to secure the points.

Epsom & Ewell, thanks to a converted 9th minute free kick from Matt Ferdinando, took the points in their away match with Badshot Lea.

Both AFC Hayes and Chertsey Town recorded impressive 4-1 home victories in their games against Chessington & Hook United and Farnham Town respectively while, over at Raynes Park Vale, they and Spelthorne Sports played out a 1-1 draw.

Due to a power cut in that part of Woking, the game at Westfield, against Redhill, was called off along with the Cove versus Hanworth Villa contest which also was unable to be played due to present difficulties encountered by Cove.

Two Surrey County Premier Cup games saw Sheerwater come through on penalties against NUFC Oilers (Southern Amateur FL) while, for Staines Lammas, a shock 0-5 home defeat was inflicted upon the by Old Wilsonians (Southern Amateur FL).

Just five Division One games played Saturday of which our top three clubs all registered wins. Table toppers C.B. Hounslow United left it very late in their home encounter against Dorking to secure a 3-2 win and second placed Worcester Park, having taken a 50th minute lead thanks to Tom Cheeseman in their home encounter, looked to have surrendered this slim advantage three minutes from time as Mo Diakite pulled visitors Cobham level. However, ever reliable onion bulger Gary Knowelden put 'Park' 2-1 up three minutes later which was how the contest ended up. Mick Campbell and an own goal eased visitors Bedfont & Feltham to a 2-0 victory over at bottom club South Park Reserves. Last season’s Division One champions Farleigh Rovers slipped to League defeat number twelve of fifteen following a 6-2 home drubbing being inflicted by Ash United. Banstead Athletic and new boys Abbey Wanderers shared a six goal thrilling encounter over at Merland Rise but the proposed Epsom Athletic versus Frimley Green game due to be played at Chalky Lane fell victim to a waterlogged pitch.