Old Whitgiftian AFC 6-1 Old Tenisonians
(Saturday, 13 October 2007)
MATCH REPORT
by Kenneth Cobbett
Saturday saw an almost full strength Old Whitgiftian 1st XI welcome Old Tenisonians to Croham Manor for the first round of the London Old Boys Cup. With Whits sitting a league below Tenisonians, the match would be a great opportunity for the home side to pit themselves against strong opposition as well as being a good test of their resolve and character. Manager Kieron Fisher opted to start with a 4 - 4 - 2 formation, with Mike Tarlton making his first start of the season at centre back and Dan Hawkins returning from injury to line up at right back. Oli Ward was pushed into central midfield with John Higgins starting unexpectedly, at right midfield.
| TEAM LINE-UP |
|---|
| QUARTEY HAWKINS - McDERMOTT - TARLTON - PATRICK HIGGINS - WARD - McNAMARA - DOLAN COBBETT (Capt)- LAKHANI |
From the first whistle Whits started at an electric pace, continually harrying and pressuring Tenisonians. This, combined with the small pitch, gave the visiting side very little time on the ball and forced them into making errors. Indeed it was Whits who looked the more dominant of the two sides in the opening exchanges. Higgins, operating out of position on the right, was fitting into his new role with consummate ease and it was from here where the first goal came. A ball over the top looked to be going out, until Higgins stole in behind the full back to fire in a low cross that was expertly met by Lakhani, who fired his first time shot into the roof of the net.
It was a perfect start for Whits, however Tenisonians upped their game in response and showed some good touches and passages of possession as they tried to get back on level terms. Nevertheless the back 4 held firm, with Quartey making some good saves and McDermott and Tarlton doing a fine job against the opposition strikers. The equaliser however eventually came after some sustained pressure led to a shot from one of the visitors which cannoned back off the post, for the first time in the game Whits had switched off and were beaten to the second ball, the Tenisonians striker clinical in putting the rebound beyond Quartey's reach.
With both sides happy to attack in search of the crucial second goal, the game became more stretched. From the flanks Dolan and Higgins continued to look dangerous, ably supported by Patrick and Hawkins, whilst Ward and McNamara pulled the strings in midfield. At the other end a collision between Quartey and the visiting striker ended the keepers game as he limped off with a recurrence of an ongoing knee problem. With no reserve keeper on the bench Oli Ward took the No.1 jersey with Higgins moving to central midfield and Dave Aitken coming on at right midfield. The breakthrough came soon after, with a defensive header from a left sided cross falling on the right side of the 18-yard box to Cobbett, the diminutive striker volleying over the keeper but under the bar to restore Whits' slender lead.
The home side were galvanised and continued to challenge and win almost every 50:50 ball. Such commitment did not go without its casualties as a 3-way collision between Hawkins, Cobbett and a visiting midfielder saw Hawkins forced off with an ankle injury to be replaced by Chris Clarke.
Whit's saw out the rest of the first period to go into the interval 2-1 up, knowing full well the game was there for the taking but that a drop in concentration and intensity would give Tenisonians a way back into the match.
The home side started the second half in much the same way they had finished the first, the tempo remained high and the desire remained strong. The visitors had also rallied at half time and began the second half with a point to prove; some good passing moves saw them foray into Whits' box on a number of occasions, however they failed to make their pressure count and it was the home side who extended their lead further. A low corner taken by Aitken was met by McNamara who had timed his run to perfection before rifling his shot past the helpless keeper. With a 2-goal deficit to contend with, Tenisonians pushed further forward and almost got back into the game, a fine point blank save from Ward maintaining Whits' advantage. Minutes later the visitors hit the bar, this time the ball fell into space as the relieved defence managed to clear their lines.
With the game far from over the home side pushed on, looking to put the match beyond the oppositions reach. Cobbett almost made it four, latching onto a clever Lakhani flick only to see his header tipped round the post by the Tenisonians keeper at full stretch. The much needed goal did eventually come with the striker getting onto the end of a McNamara flick before seeing his shot parried by the keeper into the path of Dolan who fired home.
Tenisonians threw caution to the wind as they tried to salvage something from the game and perhaps force extra time. Whits however were exuding confidence, exemplified by Lakhani's trickery and a fantastic saving tackle from Chris Clarke. As the visitors pressed for some goals they became over exposed at the back and it was a McNamara through ball that sent Cobbett free, the striker stroking the ball calmly under the keeper for his second of the afternoon. 5-1 up and no way back for Tenisonians. There was still more to come with Cobbett this time turning provider as he released Lakhani who made no mistake in sealing Whits' 6-1 victory and safe passage through to the next round.
| Like what you see here? Want to play? Want to become a member? | Email us |
|---|
<< Back to Old Whitgiftian AFC page