Border League Knock Out Cup
Round 2

Barnston AFC  0    University of Essex  6

Saturday, 02 October 2010

Barnston AFC vs University of Essex

“University” Cruise through to Quarter Final with Powerful Display.

The home side started well and a six man move culminated with Gareth Heard testing keeper Sam Mansfield with a low rasping drive from 22 yards. In the fifth minute the visitors responded when Tom Green played a superb diagonal ball to the feet of Kenny Barber who drilled in a powerful shot but keeper Jon Eastaugh made a fine save at the expense of a corner.

From the ensuing kick the home defence failed to clear and the loose ball was played to the wide right and the subsequent cross was firmly headed home by KENNY BARBER.

The home side had a chance when Luke Nash dispatched a free kick from the right into the box and Mansfield only partially cleared and the ball fell to Campbell Wilson who from a good position sent his half volley over. This was followed by James Cordery sending a speculative shot on target but Mansfield gathered under the woodwork.

Barnston had another good chance when a free kick from Nash was met by Mark Pledger but his firmly struck header went just over. The game was ebbing and flowing and apart from the early goal there was little between the two sides after 20 minutes.

Both sides were playing expansive football and Dan Aggio was particularly impressive in the visitors mid field whilst skipper Mark Maher was excelling at the back for the University side especially dominant in the air and setting up play from the back.

The visitors began to get on top and went further ahead in the 29^th minute when Barber was brought down inside the box and referee Mr Andrew French awarded a penalty and LUKE WAUGH netted from the spot.

Moments later Aggio split the home defence picking out Pat Gainsford and he struck a fierce volley from inside the box but Eastaugh made a great save. Another fine move saw Waugh release George Maher on the right but his dangerous cross was well cut out by Dan Debley with a timely interception. G Mather then produced a piece of individualism before dispatching a fine shot that went just wide.

Then home side were still very much in this cup tie and produced an excellent move when James Laird released Cordery down the left and his low cross into the box found the oncoming Pledger but Mansfield made a vital block forcing a second corner. At the other end Barber played an extravagant diagonal ball to George Maher whose cross was well intercepted by the diving Eastaugh.

Just before the break the visitors added a third when Josh Hyde floated a fine ball beyond the last defender and PAT GAINSFORD took control and moving goal wards rifled a low shot past the keeper the give the visitors a slightly flattering interval lead.     

Half Time :    Barnston AFC   0 v 3   University of Essex

The University side made it 4–0 within a minute of the restart through fine build up play that ultimately saw Waugh release George Maher who crossed to Barber who in turn played a square ball into the path of the oncoming TOM GREEN who from the edge of the box struck a powerful left foot low shot to the left of Eastaugh giving him no chance.  

Moments later the visitors struck the post following a corner but the home side battled on. Indeed Liam Crane sent a deep free kick creating a good chance for Cordery but he was unable to capitalise on the opportunity.

However, the visitors were proving too strong for the league’s newcomers playing with confidence and panache that was tending to overwhelm the Barnston side despite their gritty determination.

“University” gained another half chance when home defender Dan Debley fouled Aggio just outside the box but Barber’s resultant free kick was defended by the defensive wall.

Barnston introduced there substitutes and the introduction of Tim Shaw signed from Bishop Stortford Swifts certainly livened up proceedings for the home side. There was more belief and following a free kick from substitute Adam Emery a great chance fell to Haberland but the opportunity was missed and a minute later Pledger headed just over. Moments later Shaw produced a fine overhead scissor kick that sent Emery through on goal but Mansfield was alert to clear the danger.

In spite of their efforts the home side fell further behind in the 73rd minute when another typical build up culminated in Gainsford playing the ball into the right channel enabling TOM GREEN to fasten on to it sending a rasping shot passed the keeper.

The scoring was completed in the 82^nd minute when Green sent a corner to the near post enabling PAT GAINSFORD to tap the ball home.

Green who had a fine game cut in from the right and drilled a shot on target but the keeper made a fine save at his near post. At the other end excellent play by Shaw saw him use his speed down the left and cross finding Haberland who sent a fierce strike inches wide.

Just before the final whistle Barnston’s Emery was shown a red card by the referee for striking an opponent that was totally out of character with the match in general.

This was a fine win for the Premier Division side against their First Division opponents and will now have a mouth watering home tie in the next round versus Brightlingsea Regent due to be played on Saturday 13^th November.   

Full Time:     Barnston AFC   0 v 6   University of Essex

Barnston AFC:

Jon Eastaugh; Liam Crane, Kevin Spencer, James Laird, Dan Debley; Luke Nash, Gareth Heard, James Cordery, Jay Haberland; Campbell Wilson, Mark Pledger.

Substitutes: Elliott Ellwood, Adam Emery, Leighton Williams, Tim Shaw.

University of Essex:

Sam Mansfield; Jack Wade, Josh Hyde, Mark Maher, Gareth Leggett; Dan Aggio, George Maher, Luke Waugh, Tom Green; Pat Gainsford, Kenny Barber.

Substitutes: Sam Rodwell, Leron Norbert – John, Mark Mulley.

Referee:   Mr Andrew French (Halstead)

Man of the Match:  Dan Aggio – Orchestrated the visitors mid field with a range of passing that ensured continuity of play throughout for the University side.                   

Entertainment Value:   * * * *

                                    …………………………………………………….

Pre Match Thoughts:

I had received good reports on one of the league’s latest additions Barnston AFC and have been keen to pay a visit. They joined the league from the Essex Olympian league during the summer and from what I have gathered seem to have a professional set up. So after the usual Tesco run I pointed my car in the direction of Stanstead Airport accompanied by my usual array of classic music of the 50s and 60s.

I received an email from their manager Leighton Williams on Monday following my announcement last week that his Side v University of Essex - League cup tie - would be the featured match for this afternoon. I was particularly interested to note Leighton’s comment suggesting that “perhaps I was sniffing the opportunity of a cup upset”.

Leighton continued “we will be delighted to welcome you to the ground and I hope you enjoy our hospitality. He continued “our ground opens at 12.30pm on Saturday and I shall be there from around 1.00pm. After the match we put on hot food in the club house for both teams and you will be more than welcome to join us for this”.

Now Leighton seems a really nice sort as he also advised ground directions that concluded …. “after about a third of a mile our ground will appear behind a hedge on your left”. He continued “there is plenty of car parking space available and I will ask our Chairman John Farrow to put a copy of the match day program behind the bar for you”. Finally Leighton commented that “I hope we can put on a show for you”.

My thoughts upon the game was that it would indeed be a major upset should the newcomers put out one of the Premier’s strong outfits but football invariably throws up goliath type performances and I had noted that they had reached the second round with a 2–1 away win against Coggeshall Town.

Well after a trip taking a little over an hour I arrived at the well appointed ground noticing that there was an iron barrier around the pitch that included advertising hoardings, all very professional. I then met up with Leighton. He explained that Chairman John Farrow was away and Secretary Bob Tyler was celebrating his wedding anniversary with a trip to Portman Road. Leighton introduced me to Club / Bar Steward Bill Fenny whilst the manager attended to his pre match preparation.

Now Bill was an equally charming gentleman who could not do enough for me. The promised program was presented to me from behind the bar and he made me a cup of tea and bacon rolls – all of which were very tasty. I offered to pay the going rate but Bill was insistent that this was free. He gave me some information about the Club from its early beginning to the present time and showed me the many photos depicting the Club’s history on the wall of the Club house. For those interested I advise you to visit the Club’s web site – it is well presented and very interesting.

Bill continued to tell me that they are pleased that they moved from the Olympian League to the Border League in the summer. Visits to London were not entirely satisfactory for a number of reasons and he cited there longest trip in the Border League would be Clacton. Bill further advised that they have a 5 year sponsorship deal with a local business man that ensures that they do not have to worry about kit and footballs.

I then met up with Assistant Manager Dave Murnane who advised that Leighton had taken over from Chairman John Farrow during the summer and one of his first jobs was to appoint Dave. He continued to tell me that last season’s squad of players have largely departed and the new squad comprises of players from Braintree and the Bishop Stortford areas. Dave seems to be the perfect foil for Leighton a bit older and with plenty of experience.     

The scheduled kick off time was originally 2.30pm but was re arranged to 3.00pm to allow match referee Andrew French a little extra time as he was officiating at the Colchester Youths versus Southend this morning. Anyway I then greeted Andrew who I think like me was very impressed with the ground and the facilities. He had been out on the pitch and considered it to be an excellent playing surface.

I recalled that Bill told me that the pitch was being used for the first time this season – they have another ground across the road that they have used for there home games thus far. In terms of the ground and second pitch a good deal was struck up with the local farmer some years ago and it seems they are assured of these excellent facilities in the long term that all services their Youth sides.

I noted the team selection for both sides and had brief chat with University of Essex manager David Williams a man who I have much respect. He manages to produce excellent sides every season with his students.

Well kick off was drawing close and the first decision which side of the pitch shall I stand? That sorted Andrew blew his whistle and the game was in progress.   

Post Match Thoughts:

Well the six goal victory margin for the Premier side reflected the superiority of the visitors. However, I felt that the three goal interval lead was a little flattering. Barnston frankly looked a useful side and during the first 20 minutes gave as good as they got. Nevertheless as the game progressed the University side showed their class with some excellent football throughout and there were several fine individual performances.

I have to say that I have always been impressed with Mark Maher who normally plays in mid field and skippered the league side last month. But today he was at the centre of the defence deputising for the unavailable Will Peck also a member of the representative squad and looked equally at home in the comparatively withdrawn position. I was also impressed with Luke Waugh but in truth David Williams has a multi talented side. However it was the diminutive Dan Aggio who caught my attention with an excellent mid field performance.

For the home side Dan Debley battled well in defence but needed more defensive support. They were unable to sustain the good start that they made, but as a neutral I feel that they will do well in the First Division. They will be pleased that they will not meet the likes of the University boys every week. However the one player to particularly catch the eye was substitute Tim Shaw – I believe the new signing will start next week – a player to watch!

After the game I spoke with both Leighton Williams and Dave Murnane. The general consensus was that their side was well beaten. Leighton’s aspirations are to aspire to the standards set by “University” in the future whilst Dave felt Barnston played second fiddle in all departments. Nevertheless one feels that more will be heard of Barnston AFC within the next couple of seasons and certainly their facilities deserve Premier football.

The Club program is excellent and the venue is well worth a trip for my “ground hopper” mates – a warm welcome and hot food – an experience to be enjoyed.

A word about referee Andrew French - another excellent display clearly reaping top marks from both sides and nice comments from the local supporters. He was however feeling a bit knackered during the final 15 minutes following his exploits at Colchester earlier – well done mate – it was good to see you again.

Final good byes to one and all including Bill Fenny whose hospitality I very much appreciated. Thanks Bill and see you again.

Miscellaneous

The post has been busy during the past few days and it was good to here from Lawford Lads Chairman Andy Rudd.

He conceded that in their match away to Newbury Forest last Saturday he felt that his side were “probably fortunate to get a draw in the end”. He also remarked that having lead 3–0 during the second half Newbury Forest “lacked a killer instinct” but conceded that they certainly had Lawford “on the rack”. He went on to say “that being a relatively young side they lacked the experience to finish the job and this let us in the back door to grab a point”. He further commented “they are a nice team to watch and they passed and move very well”.

On less positive note Andy remarked that within a five minute period of time chatting together I called him Andy, Adam and Alan – par for the course!

………………..

What a gate at Harwich & Parkeston last Saturday!! The local derby versus near neighbours Little Oakley attracted a crowd of 281 paying customers at the turnstile that was great news for the treasurer and not to mention Barbara Harvey who spent the half time interval counting the £1 coins. Harwich’s return to the Essex & Suffolk Border League brought about an initial mixed reception within the league but the “Shrimpers” have now settled well this season and with crowds like Saturdays have no regrets.

Indeed it’s interesting to note that this attendance far outweighed attendances in both the Ryman League and the Eastern Counties League quiet apart from other Clubs up and down the country playing at the higher level. Match referee Andrew French advised me “despite what you hear the Border league cannot be that bad when 281 people happily hand over their money to watch a great local derby end 0–0. 

………………….

Various messages of good wishes have been received for League Chairman Brian Tatum following his unfortunate road accident. Amongst those I received was a note from Neil Huntingdon, Chairman of White Notley and referee Andrew French and everybody from the Halstead and Colchester Referees Society and doubtless similar wishes have been passed on to League secretary Richard Degville. Everybody connected with the league wish Brian a full and speedy recovery.    

………………….

I have noted that Richard Cox has been awarded the coveted job of officiating in the middle for December’s Representative games against The Suffolk & Ipswich League at The Royal Oak. Interesting to note that this column is read in high places!!

………………..

Millwall – It is sometimes difficult to play against 10 men and the Lions proved that to be the case – but oh those missed chances!

And Finally:

Good luck to the Border League sides next Saturday competing in the First Round of the Essex Premier Cup Round 1 and to Sudbury Athletic away to Cranes Sports in the Suffolk Senior Cup.

There some interesting ties to be played including the featured game below – two renowned cup fighters meeting at Bromley Road.. “Gas” is unbeaten this season whilst the Olympian League side Frenford Senior have won every game thus far. I hope the Essex County FA have appointed one of their best officials!

The other eye catching ties include –

Newbury Forest v Kelvedon Hatch.

Clacton United v Maldon St. Mary

Holland v Rowhedge

Tiptree Jobserve v Herongate Athletic

West Essex v Hatfield Peverel

Great Bentley v Westhamians

Old Chelmfordians v Little Oakley

St Osyth v Manor Way

Buckhurst Hill v Alrseford Colne Rangers

Upminster v West Clacton

Stanstead Rovers v Boxted Lodgers

Gosfield United v Burnham Ramblers

Harwich & Parkeston v Runwell Hospital

The remainder of Border League sides drew byes to Round 2.

Next Week’s Match Report:  Gas Recreation v Frenford Senior – Essex Premier Cup – Round 1.

John Campany

^{email:  ja.campany@gmail.com}