March 8, 2010 HELLENIC LEAGUE CLUB NEWS  Official Web Sites: www.hellenicleague.co.uk & www.football.mitoo.co.uk
Oxford City Nomads 3 Pegasus Juniors 0 FTL Futbol Hellenic Football League Premier Division - Saturday 6th March, 2010 Match Report Chris Wells Pegasus Juniors travelled to Court Place Farm Stadium, Marsh Lane, Oxford, and the home of Zamaretto League side Oxford City, where they played Nomads in the FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division. The visitors produced their best team performance since the enforced mid winter break but a combination of wayward finishing, good goal-keeping and the frame of the goal allowed the home side to gain a victory and a score line that did not reflect the true state of the game. The home side were the first to create a goal scoring opportunity when a shot from Ian Roper was saved by Stuart Turpin. In the ninth minute Jamie Cuss skipped around a defender but shot into the side netting when a pass to the unmarked Cory Hyde might well have been more beneficial. The pace of Matt Blenford caused the visitors some consternation but his efforts only resulted in three corners kicks. The Redmen were forced at times to quite to defend in depth, but, they were always a threat on the counter attack with Ben Price a constant hazard. In the twenty third minute, the visitors forced corner kick situation when Chris Mortlock crossed the ball from the left, a defender blocked the shot from Hyde. The same player took the corner kick, a well timed run and leap by Ben Price headed the ball goal bound but, full back Lewis Colwell managed to hook the ball out from under the crossbar. In the thirty sixth minute Nomads took the lead following a controversial penalty decision. Daniel Jones swung the ball in from a corner kick; the referee adjudged Turpin pushed an attacker as he caught the ball. Jones took the kick from the twelve yards spot, Turpin almost made amends when he got his left hand to the ball but could not keep it from the net.
After the break, the “Peggy Boys” took the game to the opposition and the home keeper Milan Barisic was forced to make a flying save to deny Mortlock. Hyde beat the offside trap to receive a pass from Richard Harrison, but he shot wide of the goal. Ben Price prepared to shoot when inside the penalty area but was dispossessed by a good tackle from a defender. Anthony Robbins in his first game after suspension was a constant thorn in the side of Nomads with his tenacity in midfield and clever distribution of the ball. A cleared Price cross fell to Robbins, who was unfortunate when his shot skimmed off the top of the crossbar. Mortlock collected a long pass from Cuss and forced his way to the goal line but, no one was able to make contact with his cross. In the thirteenth minute of the half the home side took play into the Pegasus penalty area for the first time in the second period when a shot from Blenford beat Turpin but the ball rebounded to a defender off the goal post. On the hour mark, a counter attack by the home side saw a long pass reach Jemaine Ferreira, who under pressure was able to slide a pass to substitute Jamie Brooks, who beat the defence to the ball and stroke it past Turpin. Undeterred Pegasus continued to take the game to the opposition with Cuss surging forward he went close to scoring with a shot from a weak clearance that flashed past a post. Mortlock was unlucky with a fine shot on the run that dipped late and crashed against the crossbar. A series of corners caused difficulties for the home team who now looked vulnerable. Barisic made a great leap to punch clear from one, whilst a defender scrambled another into touch; and the ball emerged from a goalmouth melee somehow trickled the wrong side of the upright. In stoppage time Mortlock beat Barisic but his shot was inches past the goal. From the goal kick the visitors gained possession in the centre circle and Brooks netted a third for Nomads off far post. The score line flattered the home side consisting of mainly of City academy players, but, they held on and gained revenge for a defeat at Old School Lane earlier in the season.
Referee Mr. B. Boyle
THE ROVERING REPORTER REPORTS ON Shortwood United 4 Hook Norton 1 After two defeats in a row, Shortwood desperately needed to get their title challenge back on track with a win over basement side Hook Norton. All looked well at the start when in the first minute the Wood had a shot cleared off the line. After eight minutes Hooky’s Jason Smith found himself in clear space in front of the Wood’s goal and a speculative shot shot from well outside the box greatly surprised everyone and crept in by the far post. The Wood continued to press forward forcing Hooky to defend in numbers and it took until the 20th minute for the equaliser when a series of quick, short passes through the massed Hooky defence found James Baldwin clear to slot the ball home from 10 yards. Despite constant pressure, Shortwood failed to score again in the first half. However, eight minutes into the second period pressure told when a Mike Green free kick found Alton Axton at the far post to head home for the Wood’s second. Halfway through the half it was Axton’s turn to provide the cross for Ross Casey on the far post who again headed in to make it three. It took until the 82nd minute for Hooky to force their first corner but with a minute or so from time the Wood added a fourth when Matt Bennett crossed for Matt Green to again head the ball home. In the end Hooky’s defence did well to limit the home side to just four goals.
FTL FUTBOL PREMIER DIVISION NEWS Five wins on the bounce became six when Binfield gave Kidlington a real mauling, scoring six times through Tim Walsh, Callum Whitty with a pair and Ian Davies with a hat-trick. Jordan Parker managed a consolation effort for the visitors. Lowly Carterton were beaten by two second half goals from Witney United’s Anaclet Odhiambo and Dean Smith, after Kevin Lewis had given them a half time lead. Malmesbury Vics conceded twice in the first half through Sean McKeon and Tom Austin for the in-form WantageTown. Mike Scarff’s second half reply was not enough to alter the outcome. Marlow United were rolled over by the improving Ascot United thanks to an own goal and a Rob Saunders strike. Old Woodstock Town mugged struggling Fairford Town with two late goals from John da Silva and Nick Thorne. This was after Rhys Denton’s first half effort was cancelled out by Neil Hodgkins’ reply for the visitors. Oxford City Nomads were comfortable winners over Pegasus Juniors thanks to goals from Dan Jones and Jamie Brooks with a brace. Table toppers Reading Town hammered Shrivenham, scoring five times without reply. On target for the Town were Dean Thomas and James Clark with a pair each and Scott Rees. Shortwood United’s fading championship challenge was given a boost with a good win over Hook Norton. Despite missing numerous chances, James Baldwin, Alton Axton, Matt Green and Ross Casey were able to find the back of the net. This was after Jason Smith had given the visitors an early if unexpected lead. FTL FUTBOL DIVISION ONE WEST NEWS With only one point separating the top four, new leaders Cheltenham Saracens consolidated their position with an entertaining 4-3 win over Trowbridge Town. On target for the Saras were Ryan Oldham, Seb Tovey, Carl Griffiths and Jamie Hammond and for the visitors, Mark Hunt grabbed a brace with Steve Hulbert completing the scoreline. Second from bottom Cirencester United were easily beaten by Tytherington Rocks thanks to Dave Legg and a James Hicks hat-trick. Easington Sports lost to Cricklade Town conceding twice without reply. Basement club Launton Sports’ woes continued after losing to Lydney Town. Mark Lee and Mike Robbins had given the visitors a two goal cushion within five minutes of the start of the game and despite Matt Green’s first half reply, the Sports were unable to get anything form the match. Letcombe held championship challengers Slimbridge to a creditable goalless draw. Winterbourne United succumbed to a first half effort from Liam Morbey for visitors, Headington Amateurs. Wootton Bassett Town’s challenge for the title was dented somewhat after a 1-1 draw with Clanfield. Andy Philpott gave Bassett a first half lead but Craig Mays’ second half reply was enough to earn the visitors a point. FTL FUTBOL DIVISION ONE EAST NEWS Chalfont Wasps were quickly down by two goals from Jamie Piercey and Tommy Boylan for visitors, Henley Town but strikes from Kieran Webb, Dan Moakes, Tom Seddon and Fred Trip ensured maximum points for the home team. Farnborough Reserves scraped past bottom club Penn & Tylers Green by 2-1. Louis Wilson and Josh Daniels netted for the home side before Andy Savage managed to pull one back for the visitors. Finchampstead were surprisingly beaten by strugglers, Newbury. Kalief Madden and Luke Ramos had given the visitors an early lead before Gary Sargeant’s penalty just before the break reduced the deficit and despite much second half pressure, the Berkshire outfit came away with three valuable points. Third placed Milton United’s title challenge was somewhat dented after a 1-1 draw with Chinnor. Antony Alleyne had given the home side the lead early in the second half but an own goal ensured that the points were shared. Rayners Lane were turned over by strugglers Kintbury Rangers thanks to strikes from Paul Thomas, Curtis Angell and Gavin Mackie. South Kilburn lost out to Woodley Town after conceding goals from Dave Thomas and Jim Nightingale with a pair. League leaders Thame United managed a slender victory over Holyport after Stuart Braun had given them the lead in the 7th minute. Second placed Wokingham & Emmbrook kept up the pressure for the title with a 5-0 thumping of Didcot Town Reserves. On target for the Satsumas were Shane Cooper-Clark with two, Nick Bateman also with two and Rich Bland.
COLIN CALLS TIME ON REFEREEING An E-mail was received in the League Office recently from ‘Veteran Flag Waver’ Colin Gould Reading - It is with deep regret that I have to let you know that I have finally decided to hang up my boots and whistle. I shall miss running the line for a while until I get used to the idea. I must say that I had a damn good spell at it, and managed to keep going for a lot longer than I ever thought I would when I started. I would like to thank you for originally adding me to The Hellenic list, and for continuing to send me appointments over the last twenty seasons or so. I thoroughly enjoyed every single one even when it was cold and wet. I do hope that I did never let you down, although, through a lack of good communication, I did miss a couple of appointments. Also, I remember being appointed to a representative game and I was taken ill when travelling to it. Luckily, by that time, the mobile phone had been invented, and I could let somebody know. What a boon eh...when we could keep continually in touch. Additionally, over the last few years, the ‘Sat Nav’ came into being, and I could find any football ground in the country! I remember fondly the times in the past when ‘me and the missus’ had to pack a picnic midweek and set forth to find the Saturday football ground. We had some great days out around Hereford, Ross and Cinderford. My missus used to enjoy going into the Forest of Dean to show me the way around because she lived at Coleford in the past! I do hope you find enough new referees to cover for the likes of me retiring from the scene. It was a treat to have known and met you, and to have represented the FA and Hellenic League on the field. Again many thanks. All the best for the future, Colin L Gould
It was a pleasure to know Colin, he is one of the game’s characters. We wish him, on behalf of the Hellenic family a long and happy retirement from officiating.
Clubs and individuals are invited to submit news items of interest for possible inclusion in Boot Room Chatter. Please send your items to Brian King, General Manager, 7 Stoneleigh Drive, Carterton, Oxon, OX18 1EE. Please send contributions by E-mail to: office@hellenicleague.co.uk Data Kindly supplied for Glenn Lawrence Media by Chris Wells.
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