Match Report

Having not kicked a ball for 6 weeks today’s away game against Wellcome Vets was seen as a blessing in disguise and one that we “would feel the benefit after” especially as some of us seemed to resemble the turkeys we had stuffed back on Christmas Day (well all except Pete Harvey!).

Today we were missing the likes of Danny Saines, Daragh Nott & Rob Lipscomb and obviously Aaron Carpenter but we showed that we have good strength in numbers and therefore we may not need to dip our toe into the January transfer window!

We lined up has follows

Gary Rosslee – GK
Matt Wright – LB
Paul Brett – CB
Tony Simpson – CB
Chris Greenhough – RB
Jason Miller – LM
Neil Connelly – CM
Grant Gable – CM
Richard Davies – LM
George Kleanthous – CF
Peter Harvey – CF

Subs
Paul Tanton
Mark Friend

The game was being played on a very narrow pitch and as you could expect started at a mediocre pace and although Wellcome saw more of the ball in the first 15 minutes they lacked the final pass or they would choose the wrong pass when it counted. Wellome carved out maybe two chances that were quite nondescript and never troubled the OBG defence who looked formidable today, especially Tony Simpson and Paul Brett in the centre.

Farnborough looked dangerous at times courtesy of some excellent dead balls delivered in from Jason Miller (both free kicks and throw-ins alike). Jason also saw an effort come off of the bar with a cross cum shot. Farnborough began to find some rhythm with some excellent passing play that Wellcome just could not live with and alot of the play involved Chris Greenhough and Richard Davies linking well down the right flank ALA David Beckham & Gary Neville-esque and Matt Wright and Jason Miller on the left which reminded me of Assou-Ekotto and Gareth Bale but minus the ears!!

Pete Harvey felt he should have then opened the scoring for Farnborough but saw his first time effort sail over the bar but I guess having 6 weeks off I suppose he could be forgiven??

Half time rung out and we all got our breath back and Rosslee shared his half time sweets with the squad and they looked like they had come straight out of a Christmas stocking. With their new found energy courtesy of the e-numbers in the fruit pastilles Farnborough started the brighter and it didn’t take too long for George Kleanthous to open the scoring for the OBG’s and also to net his first of the season. Pete Harvey released George with a quick throw-in that caught Wellcome unaware and they failed to clear a loose ball in the box and George was on hand to drill the ball home. 0-1 OBG’s.

Welllcome pressed forward trying to find an equaliser but continued to find the Farnborough defence in great form, which now included Mark Friend in the heart of the defence who had replaced Paul Brett due what looked like a first half back injury. Wellcome’s only threats came courtesy of three direct free kicks that all sailed over the bar much to the relief of Rosslee in the OBG goal.

Then from a debated corner to which a Wellcome player finely admitted to touching last Farnborough grabbed a second goal courtesy of Matt Wright. The goal was something straight off of the training ground. Pete Harvey drilling a corner off of the laces and Matt Wright timed his run and caught the ball sweetly with a left foot volley that hooked the ball into the goal leaving the Wellcome Keeper no chance. 0-2 OBG’s.

Farnborough managed to preserve their two goal lead thanks to a fine save from Rosslee who rushed out of his goal to deny the Wellcome centre forward who was through one on one with Rosslee taking the ball flush in the face for his troubles. The second incident which preserved Farnborough’s two goal lead was more luck than judgement as a Wellcome throw-in to the box ricocheted off of Tony Simpson’s standing leg and cannoned off of the post and rolled out for a corner.

Farnborough eventually held on for the win to come out two goals to the good but today was more about getting rid of that excess Christmas pudding and blowing away the cobwebs to hopefully kick start their season again.

MOM was Tony Simpson but a special mention must go to the likes of Chris Greenhough & Grant Gable.

Next week we are at home against ‘Old Tamponians’ so lets just hope the snow stays away and we are in for some sunny periods ;)