Match Report

I''m writing this report on behalf of our usual reporter Sam, who is probably to busy looking through his Ainsley Harriott cook book, trying to decide what after match meal to make for himself next week.

Team
Mark Edwards (GK)
Rich Tapsfield (RB)
Rich Davies (CB)
Paul Parsons (CB)
Terry Connor (LB)
Pete Morton (RM)
Sam Evans (CM)
Adam Benningfield (CM)
Ant Dine (LM)
Paul Tanton (CF) Captain
Dan Head (CF)

Substitutes
Jay Blay (sub Pete Morton 60 mins)
Jamie Williams (sub Adam Benningfield 60 mins)
Mark Doyle (sub Ant Dine 75 mins)

A decent team performance on the whole, in a game that we dominated in patches and we were unlucky not to run Sevenoaks closer than we did. Had we nicked a victory out of the game it would perhaps have been a little undeserved, however 4-2 definitely (yes I can spell it now Danny) flattered a rather arrogant Sevenoaks side.

We started off a little shaky and had problems getting to grips with their quick and tricky forwards. Sevenoaks missed a good early chance when their number 10 hit the outside of the post from a tight angle, although I should imagine Mark had it covered anyway. After that we grew in belief and began to take the game to them, a good near post corner from Tant (possibly a miss kick) found Pete Morton who''s shot was blocked and scrambled clear by an edgy Sevenoaks defence. Moments later an identical corner again from Tant found Ant Dine who met the ball superbly on the half volley and found the top corner of the net, 1-0.

Now that''s when we suddenly stopped playing and the next 25 minutes were pretty awful and resulted in Sevenoaks scoring three unanswered goals before half time. For their first we were caught out on the break, their right winger was played in and finished well. For their second we simply just failed to clear the ball properly and when the ball was played to the back post their centre midfielder tapped in from close range. Their third goal came from the penalty spot just before half time after Paul Parsons scythed down their big centre forward. A stonewall penalty to be fair, although I''m sure I remember a couple of our lot trying to dispute it with the ref !!

Half time came with us trailing 3-1. After a good team talk we came out for the second half fired up, only to lose another goal on the break within the first 10 minutes, that was similar to their first. At 4-1 it would have been easy for our heads to go down and to just give up, however we did quite the opposite. The introduction of Jamie up front seemed to give us a new lease of life and we started to take the game to Sevenoaks again. After a good move down our left from Sam and Dan, Jamie broke into the box and was pulled down for a penalty. Rich Davies stepped up to convert putting the ball in exactly the same place as every other penalty he takes, straight down the middle. The keeper dived early and out of the way of the ball (apparently Rich gave him the eyes) 4-2.

We dominated the rest of the game and really had Sevenoaks worried as they were beginning to time waste, foul and continually ask the ref how long was left. A couple of half chances fell to Jamie and Tant who were unlucky and after a lot of ''huffing and puffing'' the game finished 4-2.

Sevenoaks were a good side, who to be fair had three excellent players who I should imagine have played at a higher standard than the Sevenoaks league. Both strikers were quick and good on the ball and their centre midfielder was probably the only person I have seen win more than one header against Benni in a game. I would be surprised if they don''t win the final, although personally I hope they get stuffed ...
A couple of other points to mention. Terry Connor was unfortunately sandwiched in the second half between one of their players and Tant when going up for a header, this left him with both lips cut and blood everywhere, although it didn''t stop him from finishing the game. Oh and Sam Evans bought a tupper ware box with some dodgy pasta that he had made himself, apparently he has to eat after football and obviously can''t afford to buy one of Shirley''s rolls. Putting himself before the club, not a good attitude. Perhaps this could be taken up in one of those managers meetings, as surely only food brought from the club should be consumed on the premises.

Finally many thanks to all of the 1st & 3rd team members and everyone else who came along to support us. Next week we have a bit of a grudge match at home to Wickham Wanderers, a game I know a certain Mr Knott is looking forward to so lets make sure we win it!
Man of the Match: Joint between Sam Evans & Terry Connor