Old Whitgiftian AFC

The match kicked off in decent playing conditions, with the Reigatians' pitches coping well with the recent rain. Having lost the toss, Whits were made to shoot uphill in the first half and started about the task of gaining an early lead and shutting out the home side. Early exchanges were quite even, however it was Whits who always appeared to have the cutting edge. Hawkins and Blades were providing good outlets on the wings, and were making full use of a wide pitch. With McNamara dominating the midfield and the tireless Fucilla breaking up any attack, chances came Whits way. Indeed it was the visitors who should have taken the lead, with Cobbett having a one-on-one with the keeper well saved and, after being played through after a deft Lakhani flick, seeing his shot on goal tipped round the post. The breakthrough did eventually come, from a free kick won by Fucilla on the edge of the box. Up stepped Lakhani who's sweetly struck set piece bent over the wall and into the far top corner of the net, leaving the home keeper with no chance. Reigatians responded well and had chances to pull the scores level, nevertheless the defence held firm and it was Whits who had the best opportunity to extend their lead. Lakhani again setting up Cobbett whose left footed shot flew over the bar. Whits went in at half time a goal to the good, hoping that their missed chances would not come back to haunt them.

The second period saw Whits continue to dominate the game. Tarlton and Higgins looked organised in central defence and were ably backed up by Clarke and Jewell. Any Reigatian attack was easily dealt with as Whits looked to put the game beyond the home side, Lakhani firing over after a fine solo run and McNamara heading past the far post. It was however Reigatians that equalised against the run of play, a corner being met at the near post after some slack marking, the ball looping over Quartey and into the back of the net. Whits didn't panic, and it wasn't long before they found the elusive second goal, Fucilla feeding Blades on the right hand side of the box, the midfielder clinically finishing into the far corner. The third goal followed soon after Blades this time involved in the build up as he fed Cobbett down the right of midfield, the strikers' first time ball to the far post finding Lakhani whose good finish saw him notch his second goal of the day. 3-1 up and Whits were comfortable, however there was still time for controversy as the visiting teams poor discipline again reared its ugly head, goalkeeper Quartey being sent off for foul and abusive language after an insignificant altercation with the Reigatians striker. Blades took the gloves for the last 10 minutes, any hope the home side had however of getting back into the game was extinguished by Cobbett as he latched onto a loose ball, outpaced the last line of defence and finished in the far corner. The goal sealed Whits' victory and another highly important 3 points.