MATCH REPORT   07

19th October 2002

1st Team       Knebworth    2  -  3    John Warner   Line up  -  S Bayford, D Clarke, L Murton, G Murton, J Pearson, S Ferro, B Walpole, J Pearson                  Darren Beech, A Devine, Dan Beech        Subs    -    P Annis,  M Blanch  M.O.M. - 1st Billy Luscombe 2nd Lee Murton 3rd  Sav Ferro Goal Scorers -   Rob May, Darren Beech, Billy Luscombe (pen) Matt was away for the day so Darren Rowley took over the manager's role. The team faced top of the table Knebworth and needed to play at the top of their game. The team got stuck in hard at the very start and it seemed a few old scores were being settled from the 2001 cup final when these two teams met. The half time score reflected who was winning this battle with the team 3-0 up at half time care of a fine goal from Rob May playing his first game for the team. Billy slotted a fine penalty home nearly taking the keeper's hands away and Darren Beech fired a peach home from 20 yards out. After the break Knebworth come out strong and after a dubious offside that was ignored by our linesman scored a fine goal and followed it up later with another. But the team managed to hang on for a fantastic victory over an unbeaten side in the league so far. Rumour has it that Matt's job might be on the line after today's victory :):) Reserve Team       John Warner Res.    8  -  0    Mangrove Res.   Line up  -  A Gray, M Gaskin, J Norris, R Djemal, A Smith, D Coomes, J Cappa', N Sharpless, A Djemal                  I Fordham, M Deville,        Subs   -    J Clarke M.O.M. - 1st Andy Djemal 2nd Ian Fordham 3rd  Mark Deville Goal Scorers  -   Andy Djemal 4, Mark Deville 2, Dave Coomes, Ian Fordham The team had a decent side out but still had 5 starters out due to various reasons. They faced a Mangrove Res. side short of a few players as well in a must win game for both sides. The team started well with Mark and Andy up front running rings around the opposing defence. The goals soon came with Coomes and Cappa running the lines well. Gaskin went on a run down the left and put a perfect ball into the box which Coomes' connected perfectly with to start the scoring. Andy scored a cracker 2 minutes later and then Fordy scored a peach from 25 yards out drilling home into the top left corner. A big scrap in the box on 25 minutes saw Mark Deville put the club 4-0 up. This was followed soon after with Andy getting his second after a fine inch perfect cross from Cappa, and he completed his hatrick on 46 minutes after a great assist from Mark to slot home from just 3 yards. After the break the team made the most of their 6 goal lead and started passing the ball around really well. It took only 15 minutes to put away number 8, Mark putting in a fine run from the halfway line to beat his player and fire home from the edge of the area. Andy got his fourth 16 minutes from time to complete a fine victory. Even though the opposition weren't up to much, the team showed their best form in the first half, probably the best 45 minutes of football for some time, but it shows they are getting back into their old ways again, at last. 'A' Team       Elizabeth Allen Res.    11  -  2    John Warner 'A'  Line up  -  M Southall, G Moss, T Coull, G McClair, S McClair, M Donnelly, S Benbow, S Radia                  A Collins, J Chapman        Subs   -    M.O.M. - 1st Martin Southall 2nd Sean McClair 3rd Simon Benbow Goal Scorers  -   Alex Collins, Sunil Radia With players still missing due to various reasons, the team were left with only 8 players for the game. A couple of phone calls gave the team two players who thought they couldn't make it but at the last minute changed their plans and turned up. The team tried to make up for the shortage of a player by passing the ball and making them do the running, it worked well for a while, but unfortunately the extra player they had started to make a difference and the team were 5-0 down at half time. A constructive team talk seemed to work with the team starting the second half well. But two fluky goals, one from a corner and the other with the ball running wide and hitting a mole hill and diverting into the goal gave them the impetus to push up more. Moving a couple of players around after the break seemed to confuse them. An inch perfect ball by Simon right to the feet of the ever-running Alex, who took it in his stride and calmly slotted the ball into the net for the team's first goal. This gave the team the boost it needed. The team sensed that they were tiring even more than us and continued to push forward even though the team had one player less. Another couple of break-away goals by EAOB Res moved them up into double figures but the team kept on going right to the end and another through ball this time by Mossy to a speedy Sunil, who outpaced the tiring back line, he raced into the area and sent the keeper the wrong way for the team's second goal. There was still time for the team to have another couple of chances but to no avail before the Ref blew the final whistle. With Martin performing heroics in goal for us, Sean McClair commanding the back line again, Simon playing a dual role of midfield in the first half and moving back to centre-half in the second, Alex, Sunil and Mike always available for the pass, and Troy and Mossy keeping their wingers as quiet as they could this was a good all round performance reflected in the Man of the Match awards. Another game where the opponents and the ref were impressed by the team's style of play and commitment throughout the game, this certainly gives the team encouragement that it will soon be able to hold its own against teams who have more experience.

MATCH REPORT   06

12th October 2002

1st Team       John Warner    2  -  2    Bengeo Trinity   Line up  -  I O'Shea, D Clarke, D Winger, G Murton, J Pearson, S Rudolph, B Walpole, L Murton                  Dan Beech, A Devine, S Chapman        Subs    -    S Ferro,  Dar. Beech,  M.O.M. - 1st Gary Murton 2nd Danny Winger 3rd  Lee Murton Goal Scorers -   Adrian Devine, Gary Murton With the club as a whole Matt had a few out. Word has it that Gary Thomas, Gary Ellis and Max Blanch have moved on to a higher standard of football, so Matt has a bit of work to do to get this team into order. Also missing for the match were Billy Luscombe & Sam Bayford. So to the game, with all our players missing the game was fairly even for the first 20 minutes but Adrian took his only chance well securing a one nil lead which the team couldn't hang on to until the break. After the break the game was still very even but after a mix up at the back Bengeo went 2-1 up. It took a fine effort from Gary M to even the score 10 minutes from time. As with the club as a whole Matt is struggling to get some consistancy but is working hard to resolve the problem. Reserve Team       Kings Sports    3  -  2    John Warner Res.   Line up  -  S Letts, D Stoller, J Norris, R Djemal, A Smith, D Coomes, S Francis, M Gaskin, J Clarke                  I Fordham, M Deville,        Subs   -    M.O.M. - 1st Steve Francis 2nd Rob Djemal 3rd  Matt Gaskin Goal Scorers  -   Dave Coomes, Mark Deville The team still can't get a full squad out, this week being one of the worst so far. The league title is not out of their grasp yet, but a few more and this could be a dead season in those stakes. Ben, Neil, Alex, Andy & Cappa all out and all starters. The team travelled to WGC with a bare 11 and that included asst. manager Jon Norris making his first start!! The game was always fairly well balanced but the opposition took the lead after a very badly defended cross and all misjudged the cross, all but their rushing forward. The team battled back well going up a fairly heavy slope and this paid off with a very good individual goal from Mark Deville who looks like he may be finding his fitness and form fairly soon. Just before half time one of their players went down after a crunching mid air challenge and was out cold for a good 30 seconds. After some frantic 1st aid an ambulance was called and the game was restarted after 30 minutes ( the guy has made a full recovery ). Twenty minutes into the second half a cross was unfortunatley fumbled by Letts' and one of their players was bang on to knock it home. They scored a third 15 minutes later but the team still battled and after many close calls Coomes' latched onto a ball just inside the area and saw it take a deflection into the bottom right corner. That was it for goals. The team were five players short, three players picked up injuries during the game which made them less effective, Axeman being out now for about 4 weeks and no subs. This team know that if we fix that problem they can still have a good year. 'A' Team       John Warner 'A'    0  -  17    Inter Res.  Line up  -  M Southall, G Downes, G Moss, S Thomas, S McClair, M Donnelly, R Ackerman, S Benbow                  S Radia, A Collins, G Downes        Subs   -    M.O.M. - 1st Simon Benbow 2nd Sean McClair 3rd Gary Moss Goal Scorers  -   Without 6 players for various reasons and no Reserves to call upon meant the team were going to be under the cosh for most of the game against Inter Reserves. But the players that did turn up put on a fantastic display against a rampaging Inter team that has changed over the last couple of weeks. The team started well and matched Inter in passing and tackling with Sean McClair steadying the back line and Simon Benbow working well in the midfield. Alex Collins worked well up front on his own with the midfield pushing up at every opportunity to support him but the team just couldn't find a way through a tough Inter defence. The back line deflated Inter's early rampages with the offside trap working well but after about the 12th or 13th attempt it misfired and Martin Southall was helpless with Inter rushing through and scoring. At that point the team lost its shape and Inter rattled in another 4 goals fairly quickly, during this time there were some fairly physical challenges coming in and Downzy, Alex, Simon and Spencer all collecting knocks, with Downzy getting the worst injury and having to come off after 30 minutes reducing the team to 9 players until half time. At half-time Downzy donned the goalie jersey with Martin coming out on field. Inter sensed our mounting injury problems and started with a frenzy of goals. After about 15 minutes of the second half the team had Downzy in goal who couldn't run, walk, jump or kick the ball out. Alex hobling up front and Spencer limping which only spurred on Inter who kept on rattling in the goals until the final whistle blew.

MATCH REPORT   05

5th October 2002

1st Team       Cottered   1  -  1   John Warner  ( Jubilee Cup )  Lost on penalties 6-5   Line up  -  S Bayford, D Clarke, G Ellis, G Thomas, J Pearson, B Luscombe, B Walpole, S Ferro                  Dan Beech, C Casali, S Chapman        Subs    -    S Rudolph,  A Devine,  L Murton M.O.M.  -  1st  Billy Luscombe  2nd  Barry Walpole  3rd  Gary Ellis Goal Scorers  -   Danny Beech The team travelled to First Division Cottered for this first round of the Jubille Cup, the Macs equavalent to the FA Cup. The team started slowly and were not even up and running when Cottered struck early on with just 5 minutes gone. But 20 minutes later with everyone finally gettting into the game Danny Beech struck yet again in the 20th minute. Their keeper definately earned man of the match awards all round. He was inspirational in goal, yes he had some luck but he deserved it. Posts and bars were hit a few times but still no goal. The game drifted into extra time and then onto penalties. Both teams tucked away their first four goals, then both missed their final penalty kicks. In sudden death the team missed their first penalty meaning Cottered only had to convert their next for the win which they unfortunately did. Reserve Team       Elizabeth Allen Res.    1  -  2    John Warner Res.    ( Res. Cup )   Line up  -  S Letts, D Stoller, A Gray, R Djemal, A Smith, D Coomes J Cappalonga, N Sharpless                   I Fordham, M Deville, J Clarke        Subs   -    S Francis, M Gaskin M.O.M.  -  1st  Ian Fordham  2nd  Mark Deville  3rd  Dave Coomes Goal Scorers  -   Joe Cappalonga, James Clarke The team travelled to third Division Elizabeth Allen Res. for a must win 1st round Reserve cup tie. A few absentees at last minute but still a strong side was fielded, perhaps for the first time this season though the team knew it would take a few weeks for everyone to gel. Going down the slope in the first half the team were well on top with Letts' in goal not having much to do. Some good moves were put together and everyone could see some signs of last season's form coming through. After just 12 minutes Deville went on a fine run through the middle taking on three to four struggling players. He did just enough to reach the bye line and direct a fine ball across the box and to the feet of Cappa who cooly slotted home from just 3 yards out. Ten minutes from the break our defence managed to clear to midfield and Fordy, now finding his form again, chipped over the defence for Clarkey to latch on neatly, run into the box and finish well past a floundering keeper. After the break the team were still on top but fitness reared its ugly head again and after some sloppy defensive work the opposition pulled a goal back with perhaps their first pillage into our penalty area. The team struggled a touch in the last 20 minutes but could have gone another goal ahead with the Axe hitting the post. But at the final whistle the win was well deserved and this team can look forward to their next few games with much optimism. Plus the team have the added boost of a few more new quality signings. 'A' Team       John Warner 'A'    2  -  3    Mangrove 'A'  Line up  -  G Downes, G Moss, S Thomas, G McClair, S McClair, R Rooke, R Ackerman, S Benbow                  S Radia, A Collins, A Payne        Subs   -    M Donnelly, S Cairns, M Southall, K Benbow M.O.M.  -  1st  Gary Moss  2nd  Ryan Ackerman  3rd  Sunil Radia Goal Scorers  -   Sunil Radia, Richard Rooke The team started the game with 14 players (12 of them youth players, Martin and Andy being the only ones over 17!!). From the kick-off the team matched Mangrove all the way but the swirling wind suited them better with the ball over the top catching the defence out a few times, until on one occasion a pinball situation occurred and the team found themselves 1-0 down. But the team stuck to their passing football and just before half-time they got back on even terms with a good build up from the back and a through ball for Sunil Radia to wrong foot their keeper to go in at half time 1-1. Constant pressure in the second half meant that the opposition were pegged back for the first 20 minutes then another long ball caught out the back line and they went 2-1 up. Again the team pegged them back but just could not put the ball in the back of their net with the post, legs, heads and backs keeping the ball out of their net on numerous occasions!!! Then another long ball out of defence was pounced on by their lone forward who held the ball up for support which arrived quickly and the team found themselves 3-1 down! But give the team their due, the boys kept their heads up and plugged away with Mangrove now visibly tiring and utilised it well for Richard Rooke to pull the score back to 2-3. For the last ten minutes the team changed to 3-4-3 in an attempt to equalise but Mangrove did just enough to hold out. They were very gracious victors and even came over at the end and congratulated our players for their effort and skill in a very sporting game. This team are certainly impressing opponents with effort and skill and the encouraging remarks from them make this team even more determined.

MATCH REPORT   04

28th September 2002

1st Team       Little Munden    2  -  0    John Warner   Line up  -  S Bayford, D Clarke, G Ellis, G Murton, J Pearson, B Luscombe, B Walpole, S Ferro                  Dan Beech, C Casali, M Blanch        Subs    -    S Chapman,  A Devine,  L Murton M.O.M.  -  1st  Sam Bayford  2nd  Billy Luscombe  3rd  Gary Ellis Goal Scorers  -   Another tough fixture for the team against last years Premier runners up on goal difference and Junior Cup winners. The team had plenty of chances and put some good moves together but went down to a first half goal from Little Munden. After the break more chances were created but to no avail and Little Munden went out eventual winners scoring a second goal late in the second half. The team once again showed great promise but their is still that little gap between them competing this season for honours and being in absolute contention. Reserve Team       John Warner Res.    3  -  1    Holdbrook Res.   Line up  -  S Letts, B Williams, A Gray, R Djemal, A Smith, D Coomes J Cappalonga, N Sharpless                   I Fordham, A Djemal, J Clarke        Subs   -    J Norris, M Gaskin M.O.M.  -  1st  Andy Djemal  2nd  Alex Gray  3rd  Rob Djemal Goal Scorers  -   Andy Djemal 2, James Clarke A good result for the team and their first win, nice to get points on the board though it was a very messy game and the opposition lost the plot a bit after going 2-0 down. They had two player. James Clarke got the scoring off nicely on 36 minutes. After a nice through ball from Fordy to Cappa who saw and found Clarkey open in the box, James slotted cooly home into the bottom left hand corner. A few close calls after that could have seen the team at least three up at the break, Baldy Coomes going the closest. The Turk got his first goal of the season soon into the second half. A great ball through from Sharpo saw Cappa streaking down the left to put a nice ball in for The Turk to slot home from 4 yards. The Turk got his second soon after and what a beauty it was. Setting the ball up with a free kick from 23 yards out he picked his spot well and launched the ball into the top right corner, that goal will be hard to beat for talent this season. The team didn't play well but did enough to win, they will have to perform ten fold next week against a very good Elizabeth Allen Res. side. 'A' Team       Buntingford Res.    13  -  4    John Warner 'A'  Line up  -  G Downes, G McClair, T Coull, S Cairns, G Moss, R Rooke, S Thomas, S Benbow                  S Chapman, R Ackerman, A Payne,        Subs   -    S McClair, M Southall, S Radia M.O.M.  -  1st  Spencer Thomas  2nd  Troy Coull  3rd  Simon Benbow Goal Scorers  -   Andy Payne, R Ackerman, Sunil Radia, Gary McClair A few new players were brought into the squad to give them a bit of encouragement for this game. The team started well and had most of the possession in the first half, this pressure paid off on 27 minutes after a great solo effort from James Clarke. He took the ball from the half way line, took on two defenders and slotted the ball wide of a stranded Cottered keeper. The Turk had a chance to put the team 2-0 up from the penalty spot late in the first half but hit the crossbar. Coming out of the break 1-0 up the team suffered with two goals in 10 minutes but fought well in the later stages of the game and could have had another penalty after Ian Fordham was brought down in the box. After the trials of last week the team fared much better with a few more experienced players in the side. Let's hope they get this help all through the season.

MATCH REPORT   03

21st September 2002

1st Team       Westmill    3  -  2    John Warner   Line up  -  S Bayford, D Clarke, G Ellis, G Murton, P Alfieri, B Luscombe, B Walpole, S Ferro                  Dan Beech, C Casali, S Chapman        Subs    -    J Pearson,  S Rudolph,  L Murton M.O.M.  -  1st  Gary Ellis  2nd  Billy Luscombe  3rd  Gary Murton Goal Scorers  -  Spencer Chapman, Barry Walpole The team travelled to the dodgy old Westmill pitch for what would be a tough old fixture. Matt had a few players away so had to change the team around a touch. Westmill took the lead early on but the team soon equalized after a nice corner in from Billy was met by Spencer for an easy tap in. The team fought well but always seemed to be playing catch up, didn't help their linesman being nice and creative all through the match either. A good free kick from Billy on 75 minutes was headed on by Murton to leave Bazza an easy tap in and make the score 3-2 to Westmill which is how it stayed to the end. This team just need to up the pace half a gear and they will compete very well for a top three place this season. Reserve Team       John Warner Res.    1  -  3    Westmill Res.   Line up  -  M Southall, B Williams, A Gray, R Djemal, D Coomes J Cappalonga, M Gaskin, N Sharpless                   I Fordham, S Benbow, S Francis        Subs   -    A Djemal, G McClair, S McClair M.O.M.  -  1st  Alex Gray  2nd  Simon Benbow  3rd  Dave Coomes Goal Scorers  -   Dave Coomes Another nightmare for Gerry Brislin. Three players blew out within twenty four hours of the game, this meant he was left with a bare eleven taking three subs from the 'A' team. All was well for sixty minutes, the team were on top and should really have been three up at the break instead of just the odd goal. Dave Coomes playing in his first full game for the team picked up a cross from Cappa and slotted home on 35 minutes. With 25 minutes left in the game the same old story reared it's ugly head again. This team is just not fit enough and to let three easy goals in during the last twenty minutes is the difference between this team being at the standard it was last season and what it is now. 'A' Team       Braughing    1  -  0    John Warner 'A'    WALKOVER   Ken Benbow had to cancel his game due to a shortage of players. With both the 1st and Reserve teams struggling with players the promised players from these two teams meant he didn't have enough to even start the game. The club are working on this problem big time and hopefully it will be resolved by next weekend.

MATCH REPORT   02

14th September 2002

1st Team       John Warner    2  -  0    Sawbridgeworth   Line up  -  I O'Shea, D Clarke, G Ellis, G Murton, J Pearson, B Luscombe, B Walpole                  C Casali, Dan Beech, Darren Beech, S Chapman        Subs    -    S Ferro,  P Alfieri M.O.M.  -  1st  Billy Luscombe  2nd  Danny Beech  3rd  Darren Beech Goal Scorers  -  Danny Beech, Sav Ferro Matt O'Dea was away for this fixture so Fergkamp took over and had a full squad bar Adrian Devine. A close first half for both teams with not much impact made on either goal and the first forty five minutes ended goal less. In the second half the team came out the stronger but still could not find a way through, so close that Spenny Chapman hit the woodwork. But on eighty minutes Sav Ferro who had just come on for Darren Beech put the team one up after the oppositions goalkeeper had parried from a shot off Spenny. Sav turned quickly to his left and fired in low. Danny made sure of the win two minutes from time after a quick dash down the right side, he attempted the cross and all the goalkeeper saw was the ball flying over his head and into the back of his net. A good win for the team and their first points in the Premier league. Reserve Team       Much Hadham Res.    0  -  1    John Warner Res.   A massive relief this week for Gerry Brislin as Much Hadham called off the game and also pulled their team out of the league. There were still a few players away and a few injured so this was a godsend. Next week everyone bar two will be available. 'A' Team       John Warner 'A'    1  -  2    Cottered Res.  Line up  -  G Downes, R Djemal, T Coull, S Cairns, S Thomas, S Benbow, M Gaskin                  A Djemal, A Payne, J Clarke, I Fordham        Subs   -    G Moss, M Southall, A Gray M.O.M.  -  1st  Spencer Thomas  2nd  Troy Coull  3rd  Simon Benbow Goal Scorers  -   James Clarke A few new players were brought into the squad to give them a bit of encouragement for this game. The team started well and had most of the possession in the first half, this pressure paid off on 27 minutes after a great solo effort from James Clarke. He took the ball from the half way line, took on two defenders and slotted the ball wide of a stranded Cottered keeper. The Turk had a chance to put the team 2-0 up from the penalty spot late in the first half but hit the crossbar. Coming out of the break 1-0 up the team suffered with two goals in 10 minutes but fought well in the later stages of the game and could have had another penalty after Ian Fordham was brought down in the box. After the trials of last week the team fared much better with a few more experienced players in the side. Let's hope they get this help all through the season.

MATCH REPORT   01

7th September 2002

1st Team       John Warner    1  -  2    Hertford Heath   Line up  -  I O'Shea, D Clarke, G Ellis, G Thomas, S Parrott, J Pearson, M Blanch, B Luscombe                  B Walpole, P Annis, S Chapman        Subs   -    Carlos Casali,  Adrian Devine M.O.M.  -  1st  Max Blanch  2nd  Gary Thomas  3rd  Paul Annis Goal Scorers  -  Billy Luscombe The 1st team were back in the Premier for the first time in 5 years and it felt good. A tough first fixture though coming up against last years league winners but Matt had near enough managed to get a full squad ready, only Rudy, Dan Beech and Deville were missing.The team got a fantastic start going 1-0 up after only 7 minutes to a Billy Luscombe goal from just two yards out after Paul Annis had missed his attempt.The opposition equalised before the break and this game was going to be decided on either a mistake or a bit of magic from one player from either side.The opposition got that lucky break two minutes from time in a scene reminiscent from the 1966 final, the ball hitting the crossbar and just bouncing over the line with the referee well placed to give his decision.Matt O'Dea was happy after the game though a little dissapointed to not get anything, but if this is the best in the Premier then this side can do well this season. Reserve Team       Hertford Heath Res.    6  -   1    John Warner Res.   Line up  -  S letts, A Gray, R Djemal, A Smith, B Williams, L Murton, I Fordham, N Sharpless                  Darren Beech, J Clarke, S Francis        Subs   -    none M.O.M.  -  1st  Alex Gray  2nd  Rob Djemal  3rd  James Clarke Goal Scorers  -  James Clarke A massive headache for Gerry Brislin with loads of starters away on holiday, one suspended and one injured. Those away in the sun included Andy Djemal, Dave Coomes, Tyson Hillier and Lee Rowley, suspended Jay Bowman and an injured Cappa. Still it was down to the team picked to try and pick something up from the game.A good start with Solskaer making a start up front and grabbing a good goal after just 5 minutes. The team looked awake and up for it which was a good sign with all the struggles going on around them. That changed 15 minutes later after the opposition picked up two quick goals with some sloppy defending. They grabbed a third 2 minutes from the break and now the team looked really tired.There were some highs and some lows in the second half but all in all this team lacked fitness and depth against a former Division One side from last season. At least they get a few back next week and know just how hard they have to work this season. 'A' Team       Lea Valley    8  -  0    John Warner 'A'   Line up  -  G Downes, R Ackerman, G McClair, J Chapman, S Cairns, S Thomas, S Benbow, M Gaskin                  D Coomes, R Rooke, D Stoller        Subs   -    Troy Coull M.O.M.  -  1st  Gary Downes  2nd  Ryan Ackerman  3rd  Gary McClair Goal Scorers  -   none This was always going to be a tough game for the team. I think everyone has to remember this season that 8 of these players are 16 years old and it is their first year of adult football. It will be a massive learning curve for them but the good news is they will only get better. Also the loss of players to the Reserves meant they couldn't have everyone that Gerry Brislin wanted to give them, that will change though.The score doesn't give the impression that any positives came from the game, that is not true. The team realise now just have tough they have to become, how they need to continually work together as a team and by Christmas they will be competing on a more even front.The club as a whole will give every support to Ken and his boys as they all realise how hard his job is going to be. At the end of this game they received a round of applause from the opposition as they realised just how young this side is, how often do you get that in football !