Premier Division

West Bergholt  5    White Notley  0

Saturday, 18 September 2010

West Bergholts vs White Notley

Impressive “Bergholt” Hit Five and Move Onwards and Upwards.

The home side could easily have been three up inside the first five minutes but some poor finishing saw the visitors survive. Firstly Jake Bethel supplied a fine low ball to the near post but Peter Johnston fired narrowly wide. Moments later Christophe Edin played in Rob Fidler but from a good position missed the chance and then Johnston went through on goal but missed his kick inside the box.

The home side dominated the opening session and Ryan Carvey released Fidler down the left but his cross was scrambled away and then Liam Springett sent a deep free kick into the box but keeper Iain Paxton commanding his area comfortably held the high delivery.

The home side were impressive in the opening spell whilst White Notley were restricted to two attacks of any significance. A glorious five man move was thwarted by Richard Barnes who made a vital interception and Johnston from close in saw his attempt blocked by Paxton.

Carvey excelled in midfield winning three successive tackles and a Springett free kick was cleared by Scott Miller and the ensuing corner was punched away by Paxton. The momentum was maintained when Edin cut in down the right setting up Fidler but he drove over.

There was certain inevitability about the home side going in front and this came in the 20^th minute. Ryan Carvey set up CHRISTOPHE EDIN who again in a wide position cut in and drove a powerful left shot beyond the reach of the keeper inside the far post. Bethel then struck a great shot from 22 yards that flew narrowly over as the home side played with expansive football and with plenty of confidence.

The visitors were having a decent share of the play but unable to provide a cutting edge although Rafal Bogonos had a half chance that was cleared for a corner. West Bergholt produced another piece of play systematic to their pass and movement style involving Edin and Johnston that culminated with Springett shooting wide from a tight angle. Then there was a well worked move that stemmed from Marcus Warren and a subsequent square ball again found Springett who sent a fierce shot from 25 yards wide.

The visitors Peter Bart did well to release Barnes whose terrific left foot shot was blocked by Gareth Gibson and then the same player was booked for a late tackle on Bogonos by referee Mr Oakes and the following free kick was well struck by Barnes that went round the wall but fractionally wide.

On the stroke of half time the home side made their superiority tell when Rob Fidler’s corner was met by Gary McIlwaine beyond the far post and his header across goal picked out GARETH GIBSON who headed home. 

Half-time:   West Bergholt   2 - 0   White Notley

White Notley made a positive restart and the ball was played through to Richard Barnes who moving into the area drove across keeper Glen Morrison but the big man made a fine save diving low to his left at the expense of a corner. At the other end it was the turn of Iain Paxton who distinguished himself making a superb save to deny Jake Bethel who had produced a piece of play that deserved some reward.

The home side nearly went further ahead when a cross from the left found Christophe Edin who headed across goal to the far post but Ryan Carvey’s close range attempt struck the woodwork. There then followed an excellent pass from Carvey in the middle of the park into the path of the elusive Edin whose powered cross found Johnston but his volley was splendidly saved by Paxton.

However on the hour West Bergholt went three up when Rob Fiddler produced a stunning pass into space that found the hard working PETER JOHNSON who with precision calmly stroked the ball past the keeper.

The home side continued their dominance in front of a good sized crowd at The Lorkin Daniel Field against a side that had won three of their four previous league games.  

White Notley tried in vain to pull a goal back but found the central defensive partnership of skipper Anthony White and Gareth Gibson too strong.  A fierce shot from Bethel was blocked and then created a great chance when substitute Josh Dalziel progressed down the right and crossed whereupon Daniel Corr partially cleared and the ball ran loose to Fidler who blasted over.

In the 83^rd minute JAKE BETHEL picked his spot from 22 yards to rifle home a low shot that gave the keeper no chance to make it 4 – 0 and in the final minute JOSH DALZIEL volleyed home from 2 yards following a cross that the visitors failed to clear.

A good performance from the home side that maintains their 100% start to the season and now moves them into 5^th position in the table.

Full Time:   West Bergholt    5 - 0   White Notley

West Bergholt:

Glen Morrison; Liam Springett, Marcus Warren, Gareth Gibson, Anthony White; Ryan Carvey, Christophe Edin, Gary McIlwaine, Jake Bethel; Peter Johnston, Rob Fidler. 

Substitutes: Josh Dalziel, Carl Marangou, Jamie Thomson.

White Notley:

Iain Paxton; Daniel Corr, Stuart Gardiner, Peter Bart, Scott Miller; Jon Read, Stuart Jeggo, Richard Barnes, Luke Anderson; Rafal Bogonos, James Clayden.

Substitutes: Jack McIntyre, Steven Daniels

Referee:   Mr Richard Oakes (Colchester)

Man of the Match:  JAKE BETHEL – Played with a great deal of freedom and showed his growing maturity with fine display.

Entertainment Value:   * * * *

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Pre Match Thoughts:

It was a great start to the day – my daily three mile ride on my exercise bike followed by the three S’s – no problem there - and two large bowls of puff wheat plus a mug of tea. I was raring to go. I set out for my usual Saturday trip to Tesco with my long list at the ready for the weekly shopping but this routine was not the usual smooth operation. During walking up and down the aisles there was a fire alarm and the premises vacated. Once cleared for re entry the phone rang – registrations secretary – Mick Willmore – trouble I thought. He had just taken a call from Gosfield’s Tony Harrington a member of the League Management Committee. This could take sometime I thought and so it was – three calls whilst doing my shopping. Result I forgot the bloody milk and bought the wrong chocolate for ‘er indoors.

I drove down the A12 to the music of the 60s with a particularly high volume rendition of “It’s Now or Never” by the King – Elvis. My day was picking up again.

The journey from Ipswich was 27 minutes and as I drove into the Club Car Park West Bergholt’s warm-up routine was in full swing under the control of Assistant Manager Jimmy McIntyre whilst keeper Glen Morrison was being given an intense warm-up by goal keeping coach - the renowned Steve Bond. I could not immediately see Manager Gary Wood so assumed he was having a pre match Pukka Pie. 

As the White Notley players began to assemble on the pitch for their program I met up with my good mate Terry Farrow who always has a pleasant smile accentuated by his white teeth – (assume they’re his own!)- against his dark tan following his summer break in Cyprus. I was then given a tour of the new premises by President Tony “dapper” Longhurst. Tony kindly showed me around the new enlarged dressing rooms, toilets and ablutions and referees room. I have to say that the new facilities are great and were particularly admired last week by visiting Earls Colne. I am particularly pleased for manager Gary Wood with the increased dressing room space – he can now deliver his team talks ‘inside’!

The work had been largely carried out by a local contractor whilst all the plastering was produced by Jimmy McIntyre – clearly he was sober at the time because he made a terrific job with its smooth texture. Incredibly the Club funded the entire works given the FA resources have dried up - bit like the FA some might say. The total cost was £27,000 and there are plans for further development within the Club House when finances permit. Meanwhile well done to the Club – it’s a high specification project.

I was pleased to meet up with Chairman Mick Bell and “Pud” (barman and just about everything else where others fear to dirty their hands). These two gentlemen are amongst the numerous people who actively support the Club.

It’s always nice to meet up with “Bergholt’s in house reporter Rob – otherwise known as “The Writer”. I like to read his match reports on their website and realise how feeble are my poor efforts in comparison. Like me I thought he lived in Ipswich after some recent sightings but after all these years of regularly meeting up with him discovered that he lives around the corner from the West Bergholt ground.

It was then my privilege to meet up with long time supporter 81 year old Peter Osborn who I have previously seen at the ground over the years but not to speak to. Now he is what I term as a real fan. In fact Peter first watched his Club play in 1964 and attends both first team and reserve matches. He reeled off the names of some “Bergholt” stalwarts of the past – I thought what a bloody good memory – what are you on Sir because whatever it is I need some of it.

I then moved to the tea hut and was most grateful to receive a cup of tea from the President at no charge – good heavens I thought - well I am a ‘Pensioner’ - thank you. At this point we were joined by one of the three White Notley supporters. It was Jerry Corr father of right back Daniel. Like me he’d smelled the tea pot and we shared a cuppa whilst the other two supporters were on a lead – his dogs you understand. There ensued a delightful conversation about the “old style” glass sugar bowl that Arthur Negus would have been proud to ‘evaluate’. This went on for a good ten minutes by which time I thought I might have another cuppa but I did not want to press Tony given his match day Presidential duties.

It was ‘good afternoon’ to referee Richard Oakes for the third successive week. It was not designed this way, although he is a nice gentleman, I am no stalker. However, if the Essex County FA need any information on Richard I now have the complete dossier – for a ‘fee’.

It is always pleasant to meet up with Helen Hever who holds high office within the Essex County FA. She was looking well tanned having enjoyed a family holiday in Portugal. Husband and referee Paul was officiating in the FA Vase at Sawbridgeworth. At half time I was delighted to purchase two teas one for Helen and one for me. This time Terry Farrow was on duty and I paid the £0.80p and told him he could keep the change. 

It was then Hello Dolly. Yes it’s always a pleasure to meet up with Fixture Secretary Terry Smith – printer by trade – who I fear is a little more portly - the summer has been kind to him.  He had just arrived before the kick off as he had been tending his vegetable patch in preparation for his Sunday roast. As mentioned he is known as “Dolly” by his best mates. There are a number of reasons for this including his love of cross dressing I believe that implies dressing in women’s clothes. I am also told that this also originates from being born with very curly hair – something in the past I would suggest. Lovely man with a great sense of humour – (I hope) – He’s bigger than me! He also responds to the nick name “Teaze”.

Post Match Thoughts:

Frankly based upon results I thought that this might be a tough game for West Bergholt given White Notley’s three league wins from four outings and that one being a defeat by Gas Recreation who also beat them in the League Cup.

I have previously seen “Bergholt” this season in the The A V Lee Service Memorial Trophy versus “Gas” and felt that with new faces in their squad they will need time to settle.

Well I am now even more convinced that the two top Border league sides will exclusively contest during the months ahead and Terry Farrow suggested that if all goes to form they could well meet prematurely in the Essex Premier Cup of which West Bergholt are of course the proud holders. For this afternoon’s game missing from the line up were Jimmy Chatters (who’s wife went into labour – good luck Jimmy) and Simon Ashurst who was away.

White Notley have lost key players in the close season with the management team of Jack and Steve Daniels – not related - There is obviously a major building program on-going. In addition two key players have since moved to Witham Town and Braintree.  Scott Lodge has just defected down the A12 and it will be interesting if he can make an impact at Witham. They rely on stalwart Scott Miller at the heart of their defence but in contrast have teenagers in the squad typically 16 year old James Clayden making his 5^th outing in senior football. White Notley will be ok and I wish both Jack and Steve good luck

In contrast I have to suggest that this “Bergholt” look stronger than last season with depth that will be an important factor. I have become accustomed to the central pairing of Anthony White and Jamie Thomson but the signing of Gareth Gibson adds competition and that of course is healthy. I very much like the look of the other newcomers Marcus Warren and Ryan Carvey and Liam Springett which gives them different dimensions and I am sure that Carl Marangou will be a useful squad player.

As for referee Richard Oakes a very good game always out of the limelight and officiated without fuss. I am sure he would have secured high marks for his afternoon’s performance from both sides. Might not see you next week mate!

As I left it was goodbye to one and all including my mate Jeremy Farthing – Assistant referee who arrived on his bike and officiated in his usual manner – with great aplomb! However, as I was about to board my car a voice shouting from the Club House said ‘Have you heard the Millwall score?’ I looked up and there was Jeremy. He clearly knew that I had not, and yelled ‘You won’t want to know’ but he could not resist blurting out ‘6 - 1!’ upon which I ‘politely’ raised two fingers erroneously thinking this was a wind up. In the car I turned on the radio just as Five Live was announcing Watford’s sixth scorer. I thought enough is enough and switched to my music, Louis Armstrong’s – “Hello Dolly” or in this case “Goodbye Dolly” soothing my sadness.

Millwalls result apart, it was a most enjoyable afternoon.  

And Finally:

Tuesday sees the Representative Side away to the Suffolk & Ipswich League side at Framlingham Town - FC Kick Off 7.45pm.

To all readers of this Report and my ‘THOUGHTS’!….  At the risk of seeming pedantic, I reiterate that all opinions, comments & views expressed – (past, present and indeed in the future) - are PERSONAL to the author (I think we still have freedom of personal thought in this country).  They are NOT those of the League.

These Reports and Jottings are in no way connected to my ‘position’ within the league. Whilst my ‘thoughts’ in particular are frequently intended to be taken ‘tongue-in-cheek’, I am always interested to generate discussion and receive comments on my views.  My email address (as always) appears at the end of my ‘Report’.

Millwall - You may well all gloat but every dog has its day and Watford had six in 90 minutes! The lions will roar back

Next Week’s Match Report – Newbury Forest v Lawford Lads.

John Campany

^{email:  ja.campany@gmail.com}