Match Report

The bright and sunny afternoon at Chinbrook Meadows had helped in producing a reasonable playing surface, drying out the remains of last week''s downpours.

The group of fourteen players arrived, buoyant after our last success, made their way to the pitch, some of whom were still chuckling after listening into the Latter Day Saints pre-match team talk, which was based around how they were to approach the remaining games of the season without their ineligible star player `Osama Bin Laden''.

The game began at a languid pace, possibley a hangover from last week''s inactivity due to the weather, the tempo eventually increased by our opponents who began to test our defence. The territorial advantage gained by Latter Day Saints had led to gaps appearing behind their back line which were beginning to be exploited by Joe Oatley and Laurence Smith, who both created chances that should have been converted.

At the other end of the park our opponents'' lively frontline were continually frustrated by the brave defending of our rearguard and backtracking midfield, bolstered by the return of George Hillman to the Farnborough ranks. The game became tighter and needed the inspiration of an individual to break the stalemate. Cue Bobby Moulson who finished a fine run by side-stepping the goalkeeper and rolling the ball into an empty net. The sides turned round at half time with Farnborough holding a one goal advantage.

The second half was a much harder affair and credit must go to our hosts who continually tried to take the game to us. An equalising goal eventually arrived, but before Latter Day Saints could build on their momentum, Harry Bidewell broke through and lifted the ball over the oncoming keeper to put our noses back in front. Latter Day Saints again responded positively and another equaliser arrived.

But again, our hosts were ignoring the defensive side of their game, George Hillman repeated Bobby Moulson''s earlier waltz past the goalkeeper but this time leaving himself with an impossible angle to finish from. The chance was not our last however, as Joe Oatley outpaced the last line of defence and finished superbly from a tight angle to give Farnborough their winning margin.

The fresh legs of Lee Sheppard, Paul Edwards and Tom Hughes helped to dampen any further replies from our hosts. The remainder of the game was played out with steely determination from our players led by the example set by our combative captain Gary Harrigan.

A fine win that leaves us looking upwards in the League standings.