CAPITAL FEEDER COUNTIES

ANAGRAM RECORD TROPHY

SEMI FINAL

SATURDAY 28^TH MARCH

WINSLOW UTD 0 TAKELEY 1

TAKELEY FC REACH FINAL OF PRESTIGIOUS TROPHY

It was no fluke that Takeley beat Spartan South Midlands League team, Winslow United at Elmfields Gate, near Aylesbury.  A sharp icy wind was joined by a horrendous hail storm late in the match did not prevent the visitors from providing adequate defence and threatening breaks by mid fielders and forwards. If Takeley can win the trophy they will be the first Essex Senior League players to achieve the honour.

The high scoring Winslow Centre Forward Chris Hill, received a Yellow Card from Referee Mr Chidley, of Flitwick on 13 minutes after a clash with Takeley goalkeeper Andros Demosthenous, in which the keeper received scrapes on his thigh from the forward’s studs. Demosthenous received a Yellow Card, too when he understandably reacted to the action.

Chris Hill was soon in action again after Andros Demosthenous made a poor clearance and the ball fell into the path of the Winslow Centre Forward, but Hill’s response was unbelievably wild as his shot was extremely wide of the mark. The blustery wind swerved the ball away from Demosthenous following upon a 20 yard drive by Phil Martin, but the alert keeper dived to his left and pushed the ball out for a corner. On 25 minutes James AMOTT converted with a superb header from an accurate centre by Louis Bristow.

25 mins…WINSLOW UTD FC 0, TAKELEY FC 1. (Amott)

Takeley had already shown some impressive moves that were unfinished by some good defending and offside positioning, but Jimbo’s goal was enough to pour confidence into Takeley endeavours. One particular spectacular move of close passing and forward movement started from inside the Takeley half, with a throw in, just past half an hour of play, as James Amott, Chris Grove and Alex Martin set up a speedy inroad finishing with Alex Martin scraping paint off the outside of the far post, the ball pulled away by a wind flurry. It was neat and precise movement. Chris Grove was close in with a chance a few minutes later, but was floored by Chris Proctor, for which the home side centre back received a Yellow Card. Not everything was in favour of Takeley moving forward, for a dangerous Winsford move into the close proximity of the Takeley penalty area was broken up by Charlie Pollard, with a splendid brave tackle. Forever attempting to outrun Winsford defenders Joe Galsworthy fired in a great shot that proved Gary Wiltshire’s goalkeeping alertness.

Wisely at the start of the second half Charlie Pollard remained off the field as his recurring ankle injury plagued him and forced Don Watters to substitute with Jack Parker. On 50 minutes Alex Martin cracked a Free kick that caused the Winslow keeper to fumble and James Amott’s reaction shot was just outside the upright. For a rough tackle Chris Grove gained a Yellow Card on 55 minutes. A scramble in the Takeley goalmouth was fearsome for the defenders, but Paul Talbot fired high over the bar, from close range on 62 minutes.

Substitutions for both sides on 65 and 70 minutes respectively, with an injury to Winslow’s captain Steve Garbutt, replaced by Duncan O’Connor and Joe Galsworthy after a first rate game, had to leave the field with his recurring leg injury problem, replaced by Josh Colson.

A perfectly placed centre from James Amott brought a well anticipated save by Gary Wiltshire, with Chris Grove in intimidating pursuit. James Amott was shortly limping off with his recurring groin injury, replaced by Joe Lustig. A throw in for Takeley favoured Chris Grove and he rifled in an attempt, which the keeper could only knock out, into the path of Josh Colson. Colson fired in the rebound, which Wiltshire smothered. So close again in Takeley’s favour. Andy Goates left the play to be replaced in the Winslow front line by Matt Wycherley.

Ten minutes of normal play left and Michael Glidden performed a great tackle to stop Phil Martin who was in a perfect finishing position. Under severe pressure from a double act defensive move Alex Martin still enabled a scoop of the ball over the advancing goalkeeper, but too high to fall into the Winslow net. Martin had deserved a goal for his persistence throughout, down the left wing as did Louis Bristow on the right flank. With a blast of hail from a blackening sky, Takeley kept up their hard work and with two minutes of normal time Alex Martin came inch close again with a low shot that scraped the outside of the far post. An additional six minutes onto Normal time gave up no change to the half time score, although chances for both sides might have brought a different score.

Takeley were by far the better organised side and gave some first rate football exhibitions, but Winslow wasted a number of opportunities. It was difficult to isolate any single individual for Man of the Match recognition as each Takeley player gave creditable performances. Chris Dorrian was master at the back supported by his goal keeper, matching full back Michael Glidden and centre backs Pollard and Watters. Joe Galsworthy and Chris Grove although not adding goals, will inevitably be listed in the scorers list shortly. JAMES AMOTT was so valuable in all facets of positioning, as poacher feeder and defender. Not Gregg Williams’ best in the second period but still valuable with his thunderous kicking and the substitutes provided great skill and entertainment when they took their place. The wingers were particularly inspiring. Full marks must go to the substitutes for retaining the same enthusiasm and expertise.

For Winslow, Phil Martin was a threat along with Andy Wright. The promised attributes of Chris Hill did not materialise, but this can be reckoned by Takeley’s firmness at the back.

Pity about the inclement weather, it was a fixture well worth a good attendance. Takeley supporters turned out in force muffled up in Winter garb to glorify in this very good match.

Now, Takeley have to take on Park Street Village, near St Albans as opposition for the Final of the competition. Let us hope that the Hertfordshire Senior County League club can be overcome to present Takeley with the honour and priviledge as the first Essex Senior League club to win the Anagram Records Trophy.

Teams: WINSLOW UNITED FC: Gary WILTSHIRE; Daniel YORK, Ashley SMITH; Steve GARBUTT (Captain), Chris PROCTOR, Andy GOATES; Adam BALHE, Phil MARTIN, Chris HILL, Paul TALBOT, Andy WRIGHT. Substitutes: Duncan O’CONNOR, Matt WYCHERLEY, not played:Alex WOODFINE, Simon SHORT.

.TAKELEY FC: Andros DEMOSTHENOUS;Michael GLIDDEN, Chris DORRIAN (Captain),; Charlie POLLARD, Mark WATTERS, James AMOTT; Louis BRISTOW, Gregg WILLIAMS, Chris GROVE, Joe GALSWORTHY, Alex MARTIN.  Substitutes: Joe LUSTIG, Josh COLSON, Jack PARKER. not played: Scott SMITH.

Amott heading goal, with Chris Grove in close proximity.

Free kick by Gregg Williams at Winslow.

Chris Grove, Takeley leading scorer in action at Winslow.

David Edwards

On behalf of Chairman, administrators, players supporters of Takeley