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West Bergholt vs Arlesford Colne Rangers Ashhurst's Winner is Priceless for the League Leaders! West Bergholt's unbeaten record remained intact following the visit of Alresford Colne Rangers at the Lorkin Daniel Field. The 2 - 1 score line eventually earned the leaders three hard earned points but the visitors put in a tremendous performance particularly in the first half when they looked capable of causing an upset. The match started in explosive style with two superb goals in the opening ten minutes that set the tempo for a fine competitive match worthy of the Premier Division and of level 7 football generally. Alresford got off to a confident start and a Daniel Price free kick found Jamie Shore unmarked in the box but his header was well wide. At the other end Andy Millar's throw into the penalty area was partially cleared but only as far as Richard Llewellyn who dispatched a dipping half volley just over from 18 yards. Both Daniel Price and Wayne Woods tested the home defence with balls played into the target area but the home defence stood firm. West Bergholt went in front in the 8th minute with a sublime effort. Jamie Thomson sent a 30 yard ball down the left and the evergreen Simon Ashurst was in pursuit and took control of the ball near the corner flag. Meanwhile visiting keeper Ben Mitchell made the decision to contest the ball. However ASHURST rounded the keeper and from an acute angle crossed the ball from 20 yards into the empty net and nestled inside the far post - a terrific effort. Two minutes later Alresford were back on level pegging with another finely executed goal. With "Bergholt" on the offensive the ball was cleared from a deep position that caught out the home defence and as the ball gathered pace it was clearly going to be a one on one down the left flank with Wayne Woods and "Bergholt" keeper Martin Colclough but with great aplomb WOODS having made up ground superbly lofted the ball past the oncoming keeper and the ball was placed high into the roof of the net - a quality effort by any standards. Immediately the home side almost regained the lead when Millar floated a free kick on to the head of Gary McIlwaine who found Ashurst darting in and whose subsequent header was scrambled off the line and cleared. The game was being played with great pace and determination with both sides intent on playing good football and both defences were being stretched as both teams used the width to good advantage. McIlwaine produced a stunning 40 yard diagonal ball from the left that opened up the visiting defence and Jake Bethell who cutting in from the right drove but Mitchell made a fine block. As the game ebbed and flowed the visitors almost got in front when after Chris Price had had a shot blocked and then a terrific free kick beat Colclough but struck the foot of his post. With 25 minutes now gone it was apparent that West Bergholt's present stranglehold at the head of the Premier table was under some threat as Alresford who themselves have made a very decent start to the campaign closed down space and tactically looked confident as both sides competed. Llewellyn received a caution from referee Mr Simon Youngs for a poor challenge and from the ensuing free kick Shore sent the ball to the far post and picked out big Joe Murphy but his header went wide. At the other end Robert Fidler sent a cross with pace from the right into the box and as McIlwaine went to make contact Mitchell was quick to react and punched clear whilst under pressure. A superb diagonal ball from John Peat found Chris Price who worked himself into a good position advancing into the area and unleashed a shot but Anthony White made a fine block and Price then set himself again but sent his shot straight at Colclough. The home side won a corner and Millar's effort was half cleared finding Anthony White who volleyed inches over. The half concluded with Bethell crossing from the left but Millar headed wide. It had been a tremendous first half that warmed the hearts of the decent sized crowd on a chilling afternoon. Half Time: West Bergholt 1 - Alresford Colne Rangers 1 The second period was always going to be hard to follow given the preceding 45 minutes. The home side made the early running but against the run of play Joe Murphy had a great chance to move into the unoccupied space before him but elected to shoot from distance in preference to taking closer order. " Bergholt" were increasingly putting there opponents under pressure but were finding it difficult to find the telling pass. However they did produce a good move when White released Fidler down the left whose subsequent cross beyond the far post picked out Bethell who returned the ball across the face of the goal and Edin made ground but his shot was fired well over from a good position. The visitors created danger when Joe Murphy played in Chris Price down the right and his fine cross was met by Jamie Thomson who headed clear. Bethel and Ashurst combined well before Ashurst sent a fierce drive just wide of the near post Controversy struck Alresford in the 76th minute. A promising move for the visitors down the right was a judged to be offside that brought cries of disbelief from the visitors. There was an assumption that the player who fastened on to the ball had come from an onside position whilst another player not interfering with play being in an offside position. It proved a crucial decision because the free kick that ensued taken by substitute Damian Saiz was struck from the best part of 50 yards and SIMON ASHURST ghosting in headed but Mitchell partially saved pushing the ball in the air but ASHURST'S determination saw him seize on the loose ball and tap home from 4 yards. In the closing minutes West Bergholt took control and could have increased their lead. Bethel ran from the half way line at some pace and having arrived at the edge of the penalty area fired but Mitchell reduced the angle and made a superb block. Moments later it was Ashurst moving speedily forward but again Mitchell positioned himself well and made a great block. In the final minute Alresford created a great chance but a dangerous cross was well headed clear by Man of the Match Gary McIlwaine. It proved to be hard earned points for the leaders whilst the visitors may well claim they were unfortunate in the events leading up to the winning goal. However what could not be denied was that given there second half performance West Bergholt deserved there 11th successive league win of the season. West Bergholt 2 - Alresford Colne Rangers 1 West Bergholt: Martin Colclough, Christopher Edin, Richard Llewellyn, Jamie Thomson, Anthony White; Jason Sones, Andy Millar, Simon Ashurst, Gary McIlwaine; Robert Fiddler, Jake Bethell. Substitutes: Darren Revie, Damien Saiz, Gary Wood. Alresford Colne Rangers: Ben Mitchell; Sam Dryesdale, Ben Murphy, Joe Murphy, Gary Wright; Jamie Shore, Daniel Price, John Peat, Chris Price; Lee Purchase, Wayne Woods. Substitutes: Wes Sargent, Paul Weston, Andrew Gibbons, Daniel Allston, Malcolm Price. Referee: Mr Simon Youngs (Haverhill) Man of the Match: Gary McIlwaine Entertainment Value: * * * * * Pre Match Thoughts:- As I made the trip to West Bergholt I had musical accompaniment of Katherine Jenkins and her CD "Living A Dream". I thought it appropriate music on two counts - could "Bergholt" think of another 20 consecutive wins to add to their opening unblemished 10 straight league wins or on the other hand could Alresford be the first side to lower their colours. Having seen Alresford on the opening day of the season I have noted their subsequent progress under the guidance of their new management team of Malcolm Price and Nic Allston. I felt that they would give the leaders a good game and so it proved. Both sides had been scheduled to meet last week at Ford Lane in the League Cup but the tie was lost to the weather and will now be played the Saturday before Christmas. As I drove into the car park I saw a familiar figure but could not place the name - a not unusual occurrence I suffer at West Bergholt! The voice said 'hello John' but I was still struggling and then realised it was "Bergholt" President Tony Longhurst. He was wearing a woolly head piece that had thrown me and Terry told me that he had his head shaved for a very good cause. He stressed how cold he was finding his lack of hair and hoped it would grow reasonably quickly. Well done mate on raising £500. I walked to the Club House and met old friends Trevor Hunt - Alresford Colne Rangers Secretary who has a wicked sense of humour and Committee man Brian Martin - who also is a respected member of the league Management Committee - two great stalwarts of there Club together with West Bergholt Secretary Terry Farrow who always looks after my welfare and produced a nice cup of tea. Trevor mentioned the shortcomings of a certain league referee who recently officiated at his Club's Reserve fixture but discretion being the better part of valour and unsure if my personal opinions could be monitored by Big Brother I choose to make no comment!! I met the two management teams of Kevin Ketley and Gary Wood and the visitors Malcolm Price and the rather portly Nic Allston (no offence meant Nic). The referee Mr Simon Youngs was next on the scene wearing track suit and there were hand shakes all round. Everything was set on a pleasant afternoon as the crowd took there positions for what was anticipated as being a potentially good game. Post Match thoughts:- Well sure enough it proved to be an excellent game and one that in my opinion warranted 5 stars. There were some particularly fine individual performances. For the visitors the Price brothers did there father Malcolm proud and I was impressed with Wayne Woods not only for his goal but his all round whole hearted display especially in the first half. Jamie Shore was possibly there best player until he was substituted whilst Ben Mitchell - seemingly long time custodian in the Alresford goal- made some vital saves particularly late on in the game. As for West Bergholt I always enthuse about their central defensive partnership of Anthony White and Jamie Thomson who I maintain are the best pairing in the league. However my "Man of the Match" was undoubtedly Gary McIlwaine a manager's dream player. Operating out of mid field he was involved in both penalty areas when supporting offensive play or when defending for his side - a very impressive display. Referee Mr Simon Youngs gave a good performance. He played the advantage when appropriate and brought play back if there was on advantage to be gained. I am sure that he would have taken some pleasure in his afternoon's work. During the game two legends of the game appeared. Firstly 64 year old Terry Price the Colchester United and Leyton Orient player - not that he needs any introduction from me. He was supporting his son - the Alresford Manager and of course watching his two Grandsons. He told me that he felt that this was a good game with both sides having good players. I certainly could not argue against those sentiments. The other local celebrity was Cornard United Manager Chris Symes. With no game he was scouting and again he thought it was a good game with some good individual performances albeit he was only present for the second half having earlier watched the first half of Gas Recreation on top beating Mersea Island at Bromley Road. Chris was quiet forthright about his views of Terry Price. He stated that he was the best ever player from the area for a 20 year period - praise indeed for Terry. However Chris was on a mission asking about certain players and mentioning players who he has managed previously. He eventually studied my team sheets but Chris is aware that players these days like to play with their mates but importantly wish to play competitive football that in my opinion is what Border League football is about and increasingly have in abundance. Whilst some Ridgeons League Clubs continue to play in football beyond their capabilities and perhaps financial resources the Border League has become very competitive with good sides and there is great evidence that there is a far more professional approach both on and off the field than in previous years. Indeed, in my opinion the Premier Division will hold its own against Ridgeons Division One sides and will also give a good account of the lesser teams toward the bottom of the Ridgeons Premier Division - sadly local sides who perhaps should be considering their options. However back to the main theme - who will be the first to take the scalp of West Bergholt. Well its Earls Cone next week where Robin Bragg is perhaps realising a dream. Currently one place behind Messrs Ketley and Wood in the table this could define both Clubs aspirations in the months ahead. It was farewell to one and all and as I drove home I was contemplating where I might be reporting next week! A clue - I will not be at Earls Colne but where will I be - nobody will guess this one! Finally unlucky Millwall! John Campany email: ja.campany@googlemail.com 21st November 2009. |