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Saturday 24th April 2004
Ryman League Division One South
HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH (0) 1 (Allen)
WORTHING
(0) 2 (Francis, Holmes)
Attendance – 350ish but the added bonus of a Beaver!
Now, it has been brought to my attention that the players read these reports and actually take note of the marks awarded by someone who has never played football at a decent level and only ever watches half a game (the attacking half). However, despite the “4” awarded to Chris Dicker on Tuesday there was no need to punish him in the way you did. No one deserves to sit next to Don Read all the way from Brighton to Hampton – it just isn’t on. Not one bit. I assume the first one to get a “3” will be made to sit in between Freeman and DC all the way from Woodside Road to Kings Lynn next season and back again? Because it could happen. And it could happen because THE MIGHTY REBELS HAVE BEEN PROMOTED (well sort-of anyway). Pook’s plan has paid off, we’re in the new Ryman Premier for next season so WELL DONE TO EACH AND EVERY PLAYER THAT HAS WORN THE SHIRT WITH SUCH PRIDE THIS SEASON. So from Beech to Virgo and all those in the middle – nice one.
A truly surreal day for me began with a conversation with six Morris men (in full regalia including bells on shoes) at Ford station, a Steve Irwin-a-like in the bar before the game, a picture session with “Betty the Beaver” and according to the WFCSAFC youngsters “the best totty count of the season” around the ground. Talisman Ted was also back but like his dad earlier in the season, was harshly banished from the dugout midway through the second half.
We started the game light in numbers. Out through injury were Glen Davies, Ross Johnson, Clay Lamont and Nko Ekoku although Clay and Nko should be OK for the Senior Cup final on Bank Holiday Monday if not the final two league games against Slough and Ashford. Mark Pulling and Chris Dicker were not 100% so were rested as Sean Edwards (who was looking rather Paul Weller-esque) and Ben Carrington (who was looking rather erm. Ben Carrington-esque in the way that only he can) came into the starting XI. Andy Lutwyche slotted in at the back in place of the immense Clay Lamont.
On a difficult dry and bumpy pitch, Hampton enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges while not creating any chances of note. We struggled to get going as the tough, uncompromising style of Hampton (who were packed with six footers throughout) disrupted the rhythm of our play. However, although they were undoubtedly physically stronger than us, we were mentally tougher and as soon as Hampton captain Jamie Jarvis stopped concentrating on doing his job ad started doing his best to answer back the Worthing fans behind the goal, the tide began to turn. Half time came with the score 0-0 and the two nervous sides retreated under the magnificent continental-style extendable tunnel for a well-earned break.
No doubt feeling the edge of Alan Devonshire’s “football academy blessed” tongue, Hampton came out livelier and took the lead when Adrian Allen turned his marker and volleyed an unstoppable shot past Will to give Hampton the lead. The Rebels regrouped and Ben Carrington was sent clear but his shot was well saved by Adrian Blake. Jarvis left a foot in, injuring Ben in the process and as he snuck away, continued to abuse fans behind the away goal. This was his last useful contribution of the game as more unforced errors began to creep in. Sam was put clear soon after and from the tightest of angles, poked the ball past the static Blake and into the corner of the net.
Ten minutes later, Jarvis sliced the ball out for an unnecessary corner taken by Ben. As the ball was cleared, Jarvis didn’t push up and an onside Stewart Holmes struck a sweet shot past Blake to turn the game on its head. Will made a couple of smart saves as time ran down and we were treated to some very entertaining keep-ball from Paul Rogers and Mark Pulling by the corner flag until the final whistle went. We were up.
The players were given a rousing reception as they warmed down and Ben came over and thanked all of us individually for our support – a touching gesture from a class act on and off the pitch. Gricey’s huge contribution this season was noted with a chorus of “Shauny Grice Grice Grice” as he left the pitch, his season now over due to suspension.
The pressure now off, we look forward to our Cup Final with renewed optimism. All the top sides won (except Dulwich who drew) so it’s off to Slough (well, sort of) we go on Tuesday with a win meaning that Steve King couldn’t play in Lewes’ final game as promised. And wouldn’t that be a shame!
PS ATTENTION PLAYERS! – And as
we know you read the reports, why not post something on the message board.
Go on; make some sad people very happy!
TEAM – Will Packham 7, Sean Edwards 8, Owen Hill
7, Des Guile 8, Andy Lutwyche 7, Stewart Holmes 9, Shaun Grice 7, Paul
Rogers 7, Sam Francis 8, Mark Knee 7, Ben Carrington 7 (sub Mark Pulling
7) SUBS NOT USED Roy Pook, Chris Dicker and TED WAS BACK!
MY MAN OF THE MATCH – Stewart Holmes, outstanding contribution up and down the pitch with a winner that was excellence in its execution. His best game in a WFC shirt so far.
7th Feb 2004