Division One (East)
Chalfont Wasps 0 Holyport FC 1
Saturday, 21 August 2004
Holyport's quest to avenge the tag of being last season's whipping boys started well on Saturday when Adam Brinsden's header gave them all three points at Bowstridge Lane in their GLS Hellenic League Div One East opener.
The game was a hard fought affair, played in a good spirit, a credit to both sides and notable for its lack of bad language which is being heavily clamped down on by the league this season.
Port were first out of the blocks on four minutes when a long ball from man of the match, Guy Rapley found the ever willing David Butler who put in a teasing cross that was met with a solid Alan Hasler header that looped over the bar. At the other end Wasps Fitzroy Williams was first to react to a goalmouth scramble but John Harding was quick off his line to save a hurried shot. With nine minutes gone a Rapley free kick found Chris Bagshaw in space but sadly his finish had the hallmark of a central defender. Port continued to supply the pressure with Brinsden hitting the post after good work by Rob Bowden and Matt Downey, the Stingers responded on 13 minutes when Captain Jason Weston rifled a 25 yard shot just over Harding's bar. Holyport continued to create chances throughout the half with Butler firing just wide on 16 minutes followed by Wasps keeper Hill saving a Matt Downey header on 27 minutes the same two also went close on 43 and 45 minutes. Wasp's efforts to break down the port defence were met with a solid resistance from the away side's big men Masters, Bagshaw and Hyde.
Half time: 0-0
Port must have wondered if it was going to be their day when 4 minutess into the second half they were awarded a free kick just inside the Chalfont half, the confident Rapley took two paces back and curled a shot on the wind which crashed against the apex of the bar and post to safety. Chalfont's fortunes were short lived though and 5 minutes later Brinsden opened his account for the season finishing off a well worked move after good play from Digby, Hasler and of course Rapley. The goal stung the Wasps into action with a long first time effort taking a nasty bounce causing Harding to fumble but Masters was quick to save his team mates blushes. On 72 minutes Wasps had the ball in the Port net, however the assistant's flag was up and after a heart stopping 45 seconds the referee disallowed the goal for offside. The last 30 minutes continued to produce entertaining end to end football, more pressure from Wasps and counter attacks from the electric fast 'Port' wide men, but no goals.
A Holyport side that finished last season without a win in their last eight games could have been forgiven if they had finished nervously but that was not to be the case as they got the season underway in fine style.
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