Premier Division
Earls Colne 0 Brightlingsea Regent 2
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Earls Colne v Brightlingsea Regent
It was a Lack Lustre Performance but Brightlingsea remain on Track for Title.
Brightlingsea’s title aspirations were enhanced with a 2 – 0 victory at the Recreation ground this afternoon against the title chasing visitors. The home side under “care taker” manager Robin Bragg made the “Regents” fight for the points and the two first half goals sealed the win. However that interval lead was largely due to good goal keeping by custodian Daniel Beeson as Earls Colne belied their lowly position with a spirited performance.
In ideal conditions the visitors leading scorer Terry Rymer had two early chances when firstly he cut in from the right and drove across the goal and then took advantage of a through ball from Darryl Wallis but this time fired wide of the far post. At the other end a cross from the right by Ash Drew was well cut out with a full length dive from Daniel Beeson palming the ball away. Then the visitors Paul Kelly took a good position on the left and released a fine ball into the box but Dean Sillett fired wide.
The home side won a free kick that was played to the feet of Josh Preston who turned well and drilled a decent left foot effort that saw Daniel Beeson again at full length diving to his left to save. As the early moments ebbed and flowed Ritchie Meadows crossed from the wide right finding Kelly who had time but rather tamely shot straight at keeper Rob Pudney. Referee Mr Steve Tovey had a word with young Preston for two reckless tackles. The official then showed a yellow card to Ash Drew for a poor challenge on Ritchie Meadows. The home side were forced to make a change in the 17th minute when Rob Mitchell replaced the injured James Keeble.
Brightlingsea opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Paul Kelley from the left flank crossed into the box and reserve keeper Rob Pudney had the misfortune to fumble the ball whereupon the alert RITCHIE MEADOWS seized upon the opportunity to prod home from 6 yards – his 19th goal of the season. They nearly added another shortly afterwards when Paul Kelly again crossed in to the box and Ritchie Meadows stole a march on defenders but struck the ball narrowly wide.
The home side almost drew level when Jake Holman misplaced a square ball and the lively Josh Preston fastened on to it took advantage and sent a fierce low drive goal bound but Daniel Beeson made a decent save to his left. Will White for the home side received the referee’s displeasure when he was booked for a challenge on the visitors skipper Warren Joseph. In the 33rd minute the referee showed red cards to two substitutes. There was an exchange of words from the respective dug outs that amounted to foul language and Mr Tovey deemed it appropriate the dispatch red cards to two substitutes one from each side.
The home side showing anything other than relegation material continued to show character and Will White picking out Mark Horris with a cross from the right produced a first time shot but Daniel Beeson made a point blank save. The visitors responded when Terry Rymer in the box played in Dean Sillett whose resulting effort was well saved by Rob Pudney at the expense of a corner.
In the 45th minute the visitors extended their lead when a long clearance from Daniel Beeson found PAUL KELLY who took control and fired from the edge of the box beating the keeper to his left to give Brightlingsea a slightly flattering two goal margin.
Half Time: Earls Colne 0 – 2 Brightlingsea Regent
The visitors had a good chance to move further ahead when Terry Rymer’s free kick found the unmarked Jake Holman but from a good position lofted the ball over. Josh Preston attempted a speculative shot from 28 yards but Daniel Beeson comfortably held under the bar. A decent chance was created when Ash Drew ran clear on the left cutting in but good positing saw Daniel Beeson make a make a fine block to keep his goal intact. Jake Holman then made a timely tackle to deny a promising opportunity for the home side.
Terry Rymer received a yellow card for a tackle and then same player provided an excellent diagonal ball to Dean Sillett who cut in and sent a decent shot on target but took a deflection for a corner. From the ensuing kick played beyond the far post Dean Sillett’s header was blocked and then he drove against a defender and rebounded to safety. Jake Gould then made a penetrating run down the left and released Terry Rymer who drove into the side netting
The home side continued to fight and pressed the visitors who were clearly below their best. However, this was largely due to a rather lack lustre performance against a side who fought with great determination despite missing seven first team players.
Brightlingsea created a good chance when Liam Morley produced a fine run releasing substitute Luke Hughes who squared to Terry Rymer but his half chance was wayward. At the other end the promising Josh Preston tested Daniel Beeson from the edge of the box and Will White attempted a difficult chance straight at the keeper.
The closing stages saw the visitors playing well within themselves and in little danger of losing there advantage. There second half stranglehold on proceedings was kept in check by the excellence of skipper Warren Joseph who demonstrated fine positional defensive play and leadership qualities as Brightlingsea strengthened there resolve on a title success. However they were perhaps a little fortunate when a decent penalty appeal was rejected – a tight decision and the debate whether inside or out side the box. Mr Tovey deemed it outside and few could argue – he gave an honest decision. From my position I felt that Earls Colne were a little unlucky but understood the referee giving a free kick – it was a split second call.
Full Time: Earls Colne 0 – 2 Brightlingsea Regent.
Earls Colne;
Rob Pudney; Aidon Theedom, Josh Sherif, Curtis O’Brien, Paul Davies; James Keeble, Mark Horris, Ash Drew, Steve Hill; Will White, Josh Preston.
Substitutes: James Goodwin, Rob Mitchell, Brett Mansfield
Brightlingsea Regent:
Daniel Beeson; Ryan Salter, Jake Gould, Darryl Wallis, Jake Holman; Warren Joseph, Ritchie Meadows, Liam Morley, Paul Kelly; Terry Rymer, Dean Sillett.
Substitutes: Luke Hughes, Sam Holman, Mathew Hill, Mark Gridley
Referee: Mr Steve Tovey (Colchester)
Man of the Match: WARREN JOSEPH – A masterful performance at the heart of the Brightligsea defence particularly in the second half showing fine positional awareness and reading of the game.
Entertainment Value: * * *
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Pre Match Thoughts:
I was looking forward to my first trip of the season to watch Earls Colne. So it was off to Tesco with a spring in my steps where Easter Eggs were a major attraction for the bargain hunters. Not for me though preferring the red stuff – good for the heart - and the soul. Chicken was high on my shopping list taking the view that this was the best option for a healthy diet so my Sunday Roast is discarded at least for this weekend. I also purchased some lens cleaner for my various spectacles to I can ensure that everybody I need to see is clearly in my vision. The benefit of my dark prescription glasses is that people cannot see whom I am looking at and also shows reflections of those behind me.
This I felt was an important match for both sides who have not met yet this season. Earls Colne are languishing in the penultimate position in the Premier after a poor sequence of results and mutually parted company with player manager Mark Wiskin in the hope of salvaging there season. It had been a tough assignment for Mark who is a very good coach but perhaps this skill does not always extend in to the management role at least on this occasion.
In contrast having witnessed Brightlingsea Regent’s only defeat a few weeks ago at Gas Recreation – James Webster’s/Mark Gridley’s side have recovered well with a succession of victories to place them in pole position to take the title for the first time in their history. After the disappointment of losing their place in the league Cup Final this Wednesday and seeing their reserves lose the Reserve Cup Final last Thursday I am sure all connected with the Club are hoping their first piece of silverware for 40 odd years is pending.
Clearly the form side, it is difficult to envisage anything other than an away win with the dual threat of leading scorers Terry Rymer (36) and James Meadows (18) terrorising defences and ably supported by Luke Hughes (13) and Phil Kelly (12). Indeed the statistics suggest that this is perhaps the best squad in the League but confirmation of whether that is a fair assessment will unfold at the end of the season.
With those thoughts firmly formulated in my head, my brother arrived at 1.15pm and it was time to depart. My choice of music for the trip included –
ThePurple People Eater – Sheb Wooley; Rave On – Buddy Holly; I’m sorry I made you Cry – Connie Francis; Sugar Moon – Pat Boone; Terero Cha Cha Cha – Renato Carosone & His Sextet; Sick & Tired – Fats Domino; Chanson A’Amour – Art & Dotty Todd; The Only Man on the Island – Tommy Steele; Splash Splash – Bobby Darin; and Hello My Darlings – Charlie Drake.
It was now 2.00pm and we drove into the car park where the Notice Board on the pavement at the entrance point to the car park informed prospective spectators that Earls Colne was at home to Brightlingsea Regent @ 3.00pm. It was a nice afternoon but despite the warmth I was resplendent wearing my shirt, league tie and sponsored Kent Blaxill Coat – at least that was what my brother Phil said. I explained how important it was to represent the league suitably attired on all official engagements where the league is concerned.
My first task was to visit the gents to have a pee and once relieved met up with Robin Bragg. We shook hands (I had washed mine) He said he was surprised that I had not called him in advance of my visit but I explained that whilst historically I used to call him in advance I had not realised that he was back at the helm. He explained the position and that the Club needed to make a change given their current plight. He told me that they were advertising for a new manager and he would carry on during the interim until a new appointment next season. It’s always good to see Robin who is part of folk law in these parts of Essex. I was also delighted to meet up again with “Bubs” another stalwart of the Club and Robin’s right hand man. Back inside Robin kindly made coffees for both Phil and I.
I then met up with Chairman Mark Ambrose a keen photographer who displays action match photos on the Clubs web site and often selects the man of the match. Mark is a sporty individual with a natty pair of shorts and is hoping that the club will retain their senior status but I suspect is philosophical enough to accept whatever happens will happen and as Robin remarked they have been in the First Division before. He confirmed that the club have advertised and are hoping for a new man that will be able to influence the influx of some new players to give them a better base from wherever they start next season.
I was then joined by the arrival of my good mate Neil Bishop who had come over to watch the first half but intended to stay only to half time and then catch most of the second half of West Bergholt v Dedham Old Boys clash – (more about Neil later).
I had a nice chat with the likeable referee Steve Tovey who prepared well before the game – good personality. I greeted the Brightlingsea management team of James and Mark and wished them well as I did Robin.
Kick off time was approaching and I made the walk to the Press box within the covered standing area and the rest is consigned to the history books.
Post Match Thoughts
This was what I would term a “professional performance” by Brightlingsea Regent – doing enough to win the game and sustain their challenge for the title. However, that said Daniel Beeson had an influence on the result in the first half and assisted with a long clearance for the second goal. In the second half, for the first time from my position in the undercover standing area, I had a better appreciation of the part played by Captain Warren Joseph. My man of the match selection was going to be Daniel but I had to change my thoughts as I followed Warren’s every second half move when in action.
I would class him as a “sweeper” in “old” football parlance. His reading of the game was impressive and I suspect that whilst the Brightlingsea Regent defence has been the “bed rock” of their success the influence of Warren is enormous without being overly obvious. I think it needs a keen eye to recognise his value – that’s my opinion – but what do I know. Well played young man.
Brightlingsea Regent has been superbly marshalled by their management team of James Webster and Mark Gridley who I have watched closely over the season. There is a harmonious approach and bearing in mind that most of their players have grown up and played their football together is there any wonder that success beckons.
As for Earls Colne it was an encouraging performance back under the caretaker role of experienced former manager Robin Bragg. The side started the season under player manager Mark Wiskin who I have had a good deal of respect for having been associated with him at Long Melford quiet a number of years ago. It was with regret that Mark has found the season tough and in my discussion with Earls Colne Chairman the affable Mr Mark Ambrose a change of emphasis was needed if the Club are to have any chance of beating the drop.
This and White Notley’s surprise result places them in a precarious position and Robin will need to conjure up some magic to steer the side to safety. What could not be denied was there was spirit in abundance. Frankly they did not look to be a struggling side and the name of Josh Preston may be one for the note book. It looks a tall order for Robin – there remain tough assignments ahead through to the end of the season. Anyway good luck mate.
Steve Tovey showed fine control throughout the match. The yellow cards shown appeared to be appropriate and it was a matter of opinion with regard to the late penalty appeal – he did not have the benefit of a camera and nor did anyone else including me. I spoke to Steve after the game about the red cards administered to the substitutes and he explained that foul language in the technical area was not accepted hence the action he took. That was clearly Steve’s prerogative and it gratifying that he was prepared to share his views with me.
It may be argued that this was banter between those involved in the technical areas but Steve had concerns that matters could have escalated and for that reason he took the stance of showing red cards. The issue here is that another referee may have issued a caution and left it that but again referees are required to make decisions on the spot and in fairness to Steve he considered the position and acted accordingly.
Miscellaneous:
The FA National League System Cup –
For the benefit of readers who have an interest in the competition the results of the preliminary round games played thus far are as follows –
Dorset Premier 2 - 2 Hampshire Premier
Dorset Premier League won on penalties
Birmingham & District AFA 0 - 2 West Riding County
Worthing & District 3 - 4 Somerset County
Peterborough & District 1 - 2 Lincolnshire
Suffolk& Ipswich 4 - 0 Bedfordshire County
Anglian Combination w/o Nottinghamshire Senior
Northampton Combination 1 - 2 Cambridgeshire County
Lancashire Amateur 1 - 3 Isle of Man
Reading 1 - 1 Kent County
Reading won on penalties
Middlesex County 3 - 3 Hertfordshire Senior County
Hertfordshire won on penalties
Northern Football Alliance 2 - 2 Lancashire & Cheshire Amateur
Northern Football Alliance won on penalties
Amateur Football Combination 1 - 2 Surrey Elite Intermediate
Manchester League 2 - 1 Wearside League
Sussex County 5 - 0 Brighton & Hove & District
First Round Draw – (to be played in October).
Manchester League v Cheshire League
Cumberland County League v Liverpool County FA or Teeside
Northern Football Alliance v Yorkshire Amateur League
West Cheshire League v Isle of Man League
Northampton Town League v Cambridge County League
Lincolnshire League v Anglian Combination
West Yorkshire League v Humber Premier League
West Riding County Amateur v Midland Football Combination
Jersey Football Combination v Gloucester County or Mid Sussex
Somerset County League v Dorset Premier League
Devon & Exeter League v Guernsey Senior County League
Sussex County v Wiltshire League
Spartan Midlands League v Southern Amateur League
Surrey Elite Intermediate League v Essex & Suffolk Border League
Ipswich & Suffolk League v Reading League
Essex Olympian League v Hertfordshire Senior County Lge
Inter League System Cup – Preliminary Round
On Wednesday evening Neil Bishop and I made the trip to South London for a scouting mission to assess the winners of Amateur Football Combination versus the Surrey Elite Intermediate League preliminary match played at Dulwich Hamlet FC Ground. The Surrey League side ran out winners by two goals to one having trailed by an early goal. It was an excellent night where we gauged the strength of the comparative Leagues against that of the Border League.
We both concluded that whilst it was a good competitive match played in excellent spirit between two well matched sides we ought to have a decent chance of progressing to the second round providing the squad selected is representative of the strength of the Border League. The standard of football probably was equivalent to the standard of the top sides of the Premier Division. It was also noticeable that the players from both sides showed considerable respect throughout and the referee and his two assistants all from Kent were very good indeed.
Both Neil and I were well received by both sets of management and officials from both Leagues. There was surprise expressed that we had taken the opportunity to travel down but they felt it was a professional manoeuvre. Whilst undoubtedly there will be changes made in October when we meet the Surrey Elite Intermediate League the important factor was to assess the strength which could also be gauged by the league table positions of the teams/players who were in action on Wednesday night. We were delighted to meet Gordon Worsfold, the Secretary/Treasurer of the Surrey Elite Intermediate League together with other officials.
All in all an excellent evening in convivial surroundings at the well appointed Dulwich Hamlet FC Ground where we received fine hospitality despite merely observing the game. Neil was relieved when we returned to the car park as his Land Rover was unscathed and intact with four wheels such is the reputation of these parts on the Peckham/Dulwich border.
The Essex Ladies Cup Final
There was some envy cast – friendly I hasten to add – when our league referee Paul Hever received the appointment to officiate this prestigious County Cup Final played at Hornchurch FC on Wednesday evening. The final was between West Ham Ladies and Hutton Ladies with the former side winning 2-1. The full respect program was observed.
Well done Paul.
Reserve Cup Final
On Thursday Stanway Rovers FC hosted the Reserves big night and provided a fine match that was ultimately won by Rowhedge Reserves who defeated Brightlingsea Regent 4-1. There were rapturous scenes at the final whistle as the winners celebrated in some style. It was certainly a competitive match the best Reserve final for some years and Scot Page was the star performer. Both sides will now meet again on Tuesday evening in the Tommy Thompson Semi Final.
Congratulations to the officials – referee Andrew French, Michael Tant – the dashing Mr Anthony Phillips and fourth official Mr Adrian Copsey. As would be expected a very good team performance by all concerned – well done gentlemen.
When the teams were lead out I was surprised to see Anthony present. When I arrived with the match balls I offered my good wishes to the officials but at that point no Anthony who I assumed was running late. When I returned to the official’s room after the game Andrew explained that he had been taken short and unbeknown to me was in trap one. I believe that was due to pre match nerves.
During the game a lady said hello. I recognised the face and realised that I had seen her three seasons ago. Sure enough we both agreed that it was at Tiptree Jobserve (formerly Tiptree Heath). I also seem to recall a certain Steve Bond in goal for Tiptree who were hosting Team Bury. Anyway Anthony was refereeing.
I got talking to Helen, that is the lady’s name, and although I had already worked out that she was Anthony Phillips partner she confirmed this to me. Now a few seasons back I recall reporting at Hatfield Peverel, where I commented to Anthony after the game that a smile on his face would enhance his personality whilst in the middle (a bit cheeky you might think – yes you are right). Having thus engaged in conversation with Helen - it is clear that Anthony must have a permanent smile on his face off the field! The dashing Anthony is a lucky man – at least according to Helen! She was privileged to see him from a different perspective. Normally she sees Anthony in the middle but on this occasion she had a side view of him as he galloped up and down the line from her sideways viewpoint. Anyway Helen, it was nice to see you again.
To conclude this story, as I was about to depart Anthony asked what music I would play on the drive back to Ipswich. Well the music selected included –
Walking Tall – Frankie Vaughan, A Little Too Much – Rickie Nelson, Dynamite – Cliff Richard & the Shadows, Poison Ivy – The Coasters, Bad Boy – Marty Wilde, Rawhide – Frankie Laine, In The Mood – Ernie Fields Orchestra, Personality – Anthony Newley. At a mere 50 something Anthony, I doubt whether you will recall many of these (before your time) but I found them very soothing for my 25 minute trip back to base.
Best wishes to you both and nice to see you - keep smiling mate!!
Centenary Football Match Arrangements
Up dated information next week on developments.
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Thank You
A significant number of people were quite perceptive having read last week’s notes and I was moved by the supporting correspondence. I would very much like to provide some of the quotes but in the circumstances that would be inappropriate.
The League’s web site will solely carry the weekly match report, whilst Mitoo will continue to provide the more extensive notes and personal musings albeit “toned down” in an effort to avoid unwanted controversy.
Millwall – No roars this week.
Next Week’s Match Report – Hatfield Peverel v Sudbury Athletic
John Campany
email: ja.campany@gmail.com