Starting Line up: Clough, Dart, Bone, Westall, Pleass, Livings, Griffin, K Willmoth, A Hendren, Mathews, Joyce. Subs: P Davis, Connor's, M Hendren, Temple & Langfrey.
Title Clash Peters Out After Feisty Start
With two players sent off after five minutes this North Berks League Division One title clash between Lambourn Sports and Saxton Rovers was in danger of resembling a wrestling match than a football match.
The scene was set for a perfect game of football between two of the best sides in the League with the pitch in excellent condition, although the one o’clock kick off meant that the match was played in extremely hot conditions. And it seemed as if the heat had got to the players from the off. Almost from the first move of the match two opposing players faced up to each other and the referee decided a good talking to was a better option than showing cards so early in the match. However, the lesson wasn’t learned and following a Lambourn free kick into the box, Ben Matthews and Tom Aldworth were more intent on wrestling each other to the ground than trying to get to the ball. The referee had no option but to send them both off.
Following another booking for a reckless tackle on 10 minutes temperatures seemed to die down and both teams began to focus on their football, although it was more like ‘sky’ ball as both sides, Lambourn in particular, seemed intent on punting the ball upfield in the forlorn hope of the forwards latching onto something, as opposed to building up from the back. This was the main tactic throughout the match despite the best chances and the goals coming from when both sides decided to play football.
Saxton created the first meaningful attack on 11 minutes, but excellent work by Kyle Clough in the Lambourn goal pushed Danny Parry wide when clean through and his eventual cross was fired wide by Garry Hartley. Lambourn then had a five minute spell in the middle of the half that ended up with them taking the lead. On 20 minutes John Dart delivered a searching deep cross that just eluded the outstretched Alex Hendren. Soon after Hendren had another opportunity when Dave Livings’ shot was deflected into his path, but he fired across the face of goal and wide of the mark. A minute later, though, Hendren collected the ball deep on the left hand side of the pitch. He cut inside and slipped the ball into the box where Kirk Willmoth ran in front of the defence to flick the ball past the keeper.
Both sides reverted to the long ball after the goal and at best created half chances or weak efforts that were easily gathered by their respective keepers. However, Lambourn came close to extending their lead in the last minute as Andy Westall looped a header goalwards only to see Darren Spayes touch it over for a corner. The game went into stoppage time allowed for dealing with the brawls in the first five minutes and Saxton made the most of the opportunity to equalise with the last kick of the half. Dane Pask chased a ball deep into the left hand corner and passed it back to Ben Sutton who crossed it first time to Kyle Aldworth on the edge of the box. Aldworth cut back inside and at the second attempt fired the ball low and hard into the bottom right hand corner of the net.
With both sides a man down and with no escape from the blazing sun it was no surprise that the second half failed to come to life as both sets of players slowed the pace down. Neither side created much in the way of opportunities in the whole half until the final seconds of injury time when both could theoretically have nicked it. Saxton’s Frank Haines battled for the ball down the right wing and cut inside firing a low angled shot that Clough could only parry right into the path of Danny Parry, but the Saxton striker failed to maintain any composure and blasted the ball wildly wide of goal. Moments later Willmoth delivered a deep cross for Lambourn to the far post where Westall climbed superbly to head the ball back across the face of goal to Paul Davis who volleyed from 15 yards just over the bar.
The game ended soon after with the points shared, a point Saxton will be happier about than Lambourn as it keeps the race for the title alive.
Monday 25 April 2011
Sunday 17 April 2011
Lambourn 2 - 1 Didcot
Starting Line Up: Clough, Dart, K Willmoth, Bone, Pleass, Livings, C Willmoth, Griffin, Hendren, Jones & Matthews. Subs Joyce, Langfrey Temple & Mcnally.
With Injuries to club captain Adrian Mooney ( Foot ) & midfield general Chris Prior (shin gash) that looks to have ruled the pair out for the season the management team have managed to secure the services of Newbury Town duo Callum Willmoth & Darren Jones for the remainder of the season.
Didcot arrived at Bockhampton Road with there eyes on the title after they lost out to Chalfont wasps in the Berks and Bucks Int cup final & suffered a shock defeat in the North Berks Cup semi final to Div 4 leaders Berinsfield. It now seems Lambourn could leave them without a trophy in a season that had seen them chasing a quadruple only 3 weeks ago.
The game started with a few nervous moments as both sides knew the importance of victory but it was the home side that started to play the football and soon settled into there passing game. Matthew's & Jones showing some good hold up and play and great strength against a aggressive Didcot back line. It seemed only a matter of time before they opened the scoring. A through ball from Jones released powerful winger Living's his first time strike from a tight angle was cleared off the line as Didcot were struggling to stay with Lambourn's one touch passing. With Bone superbly marshalling a back four that never looked troubled despite having to endure some rough house tactics from a power house Didcot number 10 that on anther day could of seem him receive 2 red cards for his use of the elbow on Pleass in the opening 20 minutes.
With the half hour approaching Lambourn really started to turn up the pressure, Griffin snapping into tackles giving C Willmoth the time and space to pick his passes. The two were both involved in the opening goal as some fine one touch slick passing unlocked the Didcot back line, As C Willmoth burst through a clumsy last ditch tackle from behind sent the energetic midfielder crashing to the turf in the box a certain penalty. The ref took a few seconds to decide but in the end made the correct call and pointed to the spot. Up stepped penalty king Griffin with 5 out of 6 pens already converted this season he looked confident even with the massive pressure. A well struck penalty sending the keeper the wrong way gave Lambourn the lead they craved & that there play had deserved. Lambourn continued to control the football keeping possession for long spells and frustrating a normally dominant Didcot side. Didcot did create one chance before the break but Clough shut the angle to the on rushing striker and smothered the ball at his feet before he had the chance to get a strike away.
Some harsh words were heard coming from the Didcot management at half time but Lambourn could be happy with there work so far & the management would of been looking for more of the same. They did make a change at half time as they withdrew M Hendren not one of his better performances and replaced him with speedy winger Langfrey.
Didcot came out for the second half even more aggressive than in the first but with a much more direct approach. They were now hitting long balls and trying to release the pace they had up front but with Lambourn back four in fine form this tactic didn't seem to overly trouble them either. With Lambourn needing to move the ball qucker as Didcot worked hard to press them in possession. Griffin, livings, Langfrey and C Willmoth all very sharp on the ball to resist the pressure being put on them. Lambourn looked like they would extend there lead, Matthew's going close with a half volley & K Willmoth striking just wide. On the hour mark a moment arrived that was good enough to win any game. Striker Jones picked up the ball some 35 yards from goal he ghosted past two tackles before striking the ball from 25 yards straight into the top right hand corner. The keeper didn't have the chance to move before the ball had hit the net. Wild celebrations followed as the striker found himself buried underneath a pile of Lambourn bodies.Lambourn were now flying forward and after a foul on Jones C Willmoth delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post Livings arrived and seemed certain to score only to miss a header from only a yard out. Matthew's was replaced by Joyce & the centre forward was given a chance with almost his first touch, Livings going past the full back and driving the ball across the six yard box, Joyce seemed certain to score but mistimed his strike and produce an air strike. A chance that came to soon after coming off the bench the only reason to explain the miss.
This was the wake up call Didcot needed and they turned the game on it's head for the last 15 minutes. The direct approach now seeming to push Lambourn back. Didcot kept loading balls into the box and after a clearing header went for a corner Didcot grabbed a lifeline. A short corner was then delivered to the back post and vollyed powerfully home from 8 yards. For the closing 10 minutes Didcot piled on the pressure crosses were coming from all angles and Clough and the back four had to stand firm winning header after header. Some fantastic defending that shows that not only can they play the free flowing football they can handle the ugly side of the game when required against a powerful side that have claimed the scalps of several higher league sides in the Berks & Bucks this season.
A real test of the sides character that they managed to come through proving they have the mental toughness to maitain the title push a secure promotion to the Hellenic league.
MOM Griffin.
With Injuries to club captain Adrian Mooney ( Foot ) & midfield general Chris Prior (shin gash) that looks to have ruled the pair out for the season the management team have managed to secure the services of Newbury Town duo Callum Willmoth & Darren Jones for the remainder of the season.
Didcot arrived at Bockhampton Road with there eyes on the title after they lost out to Chalfont wasps in the Berks and Bucks Int cup final & suffered a shock defeat in the North Berks Cup semi final to Div 4 leaders Berinsfield. It now seems Lambourn could leave them without a trophy in a season that had seen them chasing a quadruple only 3 weeks ago.
The game started with a few nervous moments as both sides knew the importance of victory but it was the home side that started to play the football and soon settled into there passing game. Matthew's & Jones showing some good hold up and play and great strength against a aggressive Didcot back line. It seemed only a matter of time before they opened the scoring. A through ball from Jones released powerful winger Living's his first time strike from a tight angle was cleared off the line as Didcot were struggling to stay with Lambourn's one touch passing. With Bone superbly marshalling a back four that never looked troubled despite having to endure some rough house tactics from a power house Didcot number 10 that on anther day could of seem him receive 2 red cards for his use of the elbow on Pleass in the opening 20 minutes.
With the half hour approaching Lambourn really started to turn up the pressure, Griffin snapping into tackles giving C Willmoth the time and space to pick his passes. The two were both involved in the opening goal as some fine one touch slick passing unlocked the Didcot back line, As C Willmoth burst through a clumsy last ditch tackle from behind sent the energetic midfielder crashing to the turf in the box a certain penalty. The ref took a few seconds to decide but in the end made the correct call and pointed to the spot. Up stepped penalty king Griffin with 5 out of 6 pens already converted this season he looked confident even with the massive pressure. A well struck penalty sending the keeper the wrong way gave Lambourn the lead they craved & that there play had deserved. Lambourn continued to control the football keeping possession for long spells and frustrating a normally dominant Didcot side. Didcot did create one chance before the break but Clough shut the angle to the on rushing striker and smothered the ball at his feet before he had the chance to get a strike away.
Some harsh words were heard coming from the Didcot management at half time but Lambourn could be happy with there work so far & the management would of been looking for more of the same. They did make a change at half time as they withdrew M Hendren not one of his better performances and replaced him with speedy winger Langfrey.
Didcot came out for the second half even more aggressive than in the first but with a much more direct approach. They were now hitting long balls and trying to release the pace they had up front but with Lambourn back four in fine form this tactic didn't seem to overly trouble them either. With Lambourn needing to move the ball qucker as Didcot worked hard to press them in possession. Griffin, livings, Langfrey and C Willmoth all very sharp on the ball to resist the pressure being put on them. Lambourn looked like they would extend there lead, Matthew's going close with a half volley & K Willmoth striking just wide. On the hour mark a moment arrived that was good enough to win any game. Striker Jones picked up the ball some 35 yards from goal he ghosted past two tackles before striking the ball from 25 yards straight into the top right hand corner. The keeper didn't have the chance to move before the ball had hit the net. Wild celebrations followed as the striker found himself buried underneath a pile of Lambourn bodies.Lambourn were now flying forward and after a foul on Jones C Willmoth delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post Livings arrived and seemed certain to score only to miss a header from only a yard out. Matthew's was replaced by Joyce & the centre forward was given a chance with almost his first touch, Livings going past the full back and driving the ball across the six yard box, Joyce seemed certain to score but mistimed his strike and produce an air strike. A chance that came to soon after coming off the bench the only reason to explain the miss.
This was the wake up call Didcot needed and they turned the game on it's head for the last 15 minutes. The direct approach now seeming to push Lambourn back. Didcot kept loading balls into the box and after a clearing header went for a corner Didcot grabbed a lifeline. A short corner was then delivered to the back post and vollyed powerfully home from 8 yards. For the closing 10 minutes Didcot piled on the pressure crosses were coming from all angles and Clough and the back four had to stand firm winning header after header. Some fantastic defending that shows that not only can they play the free flowing football they can handle the ugly side of the game when required against a powerful side that have claimed the scalps of several higher league sides in the Berks & Bucks this season.
A real test of the sides character that they managed to come through proving they have the mental toughness to maitain the title push a secure promotion to the Hellenic league.
MOM Griffin.
Tuesday 5 April 2011
Kinbury 0 - 3 Lambourn
Starting Line up: Clough, Griffn, A Hendren, R Rowbottom, Pleass, Goodey, M Hendren, Prior, Livings, Joyce & Matthews. Subs: Dart, Connors, Mooney.
Lambourn arrived at Kintbury top of the league and with two victories already this season they were full of confidence. The pitch at first glance looked a nice surface however on closer inspection it appears still to be a very bobbly surface that is in urgent need of attention.
The game started with Kintbury looking to play very direct as they did in the last game. With Club Vice Captain Bone missing from the back four Lambourn were not as commanding as in recent weeks & this turned the game into a battle in the early stages. Lambourn looking the more likely of the two sides to open the scoring but were struggling to play there football in the final 3rd.
The first real chance fell to the home side some quick passing & good movement caught the back floor sleeping, The Kintbury striker flicked the ball over the on rushing Clough it seemed goal bound until it hit a bobble and bounced wide. This was the kick start Lambourn needed and for the finally 15 minutes of the half they took control. A silky run from Prior took him past 3 players and left him one on one with the Kintbury keeper the run was spoiled by a weak finish from the midfielder. Lambourn kept going at Kintbury and not long before half time they broke the dead lock. A nice passing move and a delightful final ball from Matthew's released the League's top goal scorer Livings he showed good strength to hold off the defender before flicking the ball over Kintbury's cumbersome keeper.
Half time arrived and some harsh words from the management raised Lambourn for the battle in the second half . They came out looking a more determined side without the ball and much more composed when in possession. Lambourn were still struggling to find that final ball so the management looked to the bench to change things replacing M Hendren with Dart. Dart going in at right back pushing Griffin back to his favoured centre midfield role. The little pitbull like midfilder soon started flying into tackles and pushed Kintbury onto the back foot. The second goal arrived soon after the change Lambourn movin the ball around well before freeing Prior on the right, A pinpoint cross was headed home from 8 yards by energetic striker Joyce.
The management decided more changes were needed and welcomed back club captain Mooney after 8 weeks out injured, He replaced Matthews and Connors replaced Goodey.
Mooney Looked like he had never been away showing some good touches and great vision & it was the skipper who set up the final goal. A pinpoint cross field pass dropped to Pleass who squared the ball for the on rushing Prior to finish from close range.
Connors was showing some great touches and just as he is now pushing for a starting place the young forward starts a 3 game ban.
Lambourn now in total control moving the ball and keeping it for long periods as they played down the clock. Kintbury looked a beaten side & Lambourn enjoyed keeing the ball to see out a 3rd win over there local rivals.
With Saxton dropping points at Harwell the top spot they crave edges closer.
MOM. TBC
Training 6.30 Wednesday at the club.
Lambourn arrived at Kintbury top of the league and with two victories already this season they were full of confidence. The pitch at first glance looked a nice surface however on closer inspection it appears still to be a very bobbly surface that is in urgent need of attention.
The game started with Kintbury looking to play very direct as they did in the last game. With Club Vice Captain Bone missing from the back four Lambourn were not as commanding as in recent weeks & this turned the game into a battle in the early stages. Lambourn looking the more likely of the two sides to open the scoring but were struggling to play there football in the final 3rd.
The first real chance fell to the home side some quick passing & good movement caught the back floor sleeping, The Kintbury striker flicked the ball over the on rushing Clough it seemed goal bound until it hit a bobble and bounced wide. This was the kick start Lambourn needed and for the finally 15 minutes of the half they took control. A silky run from Prior took him past 3 players and left him one on one with the Kintbury keeper the run was spoiled by a weak finish from the midfielder. Lambourn kept going at Kintbury and not long before half time they broke the dead lock. A nice passing move and a delightful final ball from Matthew's released the League's top goal scorer Livings he showed good strength to hold off the defender before flicking the ball over Kintbury's cumbersome keeper.
Half time arrived and some harsh words from the management raised Lambourn for the battle in the second half . They came out looking a more determined side without the ball and much more composed when in possession. Lambourn were still struggling to find that final ball so the management looked to the bench to change things replacing M Hendren with Dart. Dart going in at right back pushing Griffin back to his favoured centre midfield role. The little pitbull like midfilder soon started flying into tackles and pushed Kintbury onto the back foot. The second goal arrived soon after the change Lambourn movin the ball around well before freeing Prior on the right, A pinpoint cross was headed home from 8 yards by energetic striker Joyce.
The management decided more changes were needed and welcomed back club captain Mooney after 8 weeks out injured, He replaced Matthews and Connors replaced Goodey.
Mooney Looked like he had never been away showing some good touches and great vision & it was the skipper who set up the final goal. A pinpoint cross field pass dropped to Pleass who squared the ball for the on rushing Prior to finish from close range.
Connors was showing some great touches and just as he is now pushing for a starting place the young forward starts a 3 game ban.
Lambourn now in total control moving the ball and keeping it for long periods as they played down the clock. Kintbury looked a beaten side & Lambourn enjoyed keeing the ball to see out a 3rd win over there local rivals.
With Saxton dropping points at Harwell the top spot they crave edges closer.
MOM. TBC
Training 6.30 Wednesday at the club.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)