Match Report

In glorious sunshine Farnborough took the field for the first of two difficult battles of the season against the Met. Police with: Gary Rosslee in goal; Patrice Mongelard, Matt Wright, Chris Webb and Steve Blanchard in defence; Paul Tanton, Paul Storkey, Simon Harvey, Colin Ebdon in midfield; George Kleanthous and Paul Smith up front. Behind the front line were Trevor Stewart, Chris Ponulak, Chris Bourlet and Toby Harlow.

The game itself was not an elegant affair. The Met play a direct and muscular brand of football. At times we matched them but we aspired to more than this. The Met went two up (two goals from set-pieces) before Chis Webb rose powerfully at the far post to head in a cross, swung in from a free kick on the right, by Patrice Mongelard. The first half ended with Farnborough greatly puzzled as to why we had not scored more – from free play we had fashioned three gilt-edged chances – two one-to-ones for Smithy and George and a free header for Smithy with the keeper stranded.

The second half was probably uglier than the first. Another set-piece goal for the Met. Two more glorious and inexplicable misses for Farnborough – a shot from Chris Bourlet, with the keeper stranded again, that went inches wide – and a ball that brushed Trevor’s forehead in the 6-yard box after he had glided into the box stealthily as he now does upon coming off the bench. Surely he’ll get one before long. A highlight of the half was sadly an act of great frustration inflicted on George. To our surprise the referee did not reach for his notebook (and no there is no truth in the rumour that it was the out-of-date tax disc on his car that stayed his hand!).

It was left to Smithy to close the game with a touch of class – a 37.5 metre lob from the right wing which left their keeper clutching at thin air as it nestled inside the post. Our pride, and faith in our type of football, was restored.

Man of the match – and I am guessing here as I did not see the tally of votes – would have been either Gary for a couple of saves that defied gravity and his body mass index, or George for heart and endeavour. My vote goes to George as he had more bruises.

Next week – a more civilised affair and more cultured football beckons against Welsh Tavern at their charming ground at Horton Kirby.