16th April 2009

BURNHAM BURN ‘EM IN THE RELENTLESS RAIN - TAKELEY FC 1, BURNHAM RANMBLERS 2.

It was back to the flooded pitch times again at Takeley, this evening. The Station Road hosts began this important match with hope and determination. Keith Wilson (BR) hit a high free kick into the goalmouth to test James May on ten minutes, but the Takeley Number One took the ball cleanly and set Lewis Baker away down the left flank, he pierced a jab through to Joe Galsworthy and his advance was met by Burnham Goalkeeper Rob Small with a great tackle. Joe Galsworthy hit a screamer from a right flank position on 23 minutes that crashed against the bottom of the upright. Joe Bajowa (BR) was in a chase, tackled by Takeley centre back Mark Watters, on the edge of the penalty box, which forced the shot inches wide. At the other end Watters was again in a melee to head over a Michael Kennedy corner on the half hour. Lewis Baker running upfield slipped the ball onto Alex Martin centred and was well engineered into the net by Josh COLSON.                         35 mins…TAKELEY 1, BURNHAM RAMBLERS 0. (Colson)

As the first half moved to a close little effect was introduced by Takeley. Only Joe Galsworthy was running to make any further inroads. Burnham were feeding through the odd opportunity that was well blocked at the back, until Joe BAJOWA whipped the ball into the net after Watters was slow to react to his move and the equaliser struck low against the inside of the post and into the net.

                                            45 mins…TAKELEY 1, BURNHAM RAMBLERS 1. (Bajowa)

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The light rain became a downpour as the players lined up for the second period. The red shirts of ‘The Ramblers’ outshone the blue of Takeley, who looked cold and dejected. It was no surprise when Scott PETHERS picked up a loose ball and from close in made no mistake.                                51 mins…TAKELEY 1, BURNHAM RAMBLERS 2. (Pethers)

An attempt by Joe Galsworthy tickled the bar after a well designed lob, but Burnham kept up relentless pressure, giving little room for the home side to make headway. Even after the long trek from Burnham, Takeley were the tired and depressed opposition with little comfort from some good goalkeeping by James May again. He was busy tipping away a great chance for Scott Pethers, on 74 minutes. A great block after an attempt by James Clarke, which was intercepted by Charlie Pollard to lower the impact of Pethers’ shot. With the Burnham players crowded into the penalty box Paul Carr crossed with an inswinging corner kick, which the goalkeeper dived and prevented any presumed move to score.

Two dozen officials joined the supporters on an evening saturated by rain and rare football opportunities, due to the slippery surface and the forming puddles. The referee, Mr Reilly (Braintree) had a splendid game and dutifully raised only two yellow cards Ross Adams (BR) for impeding the goalkeeper on 67 minutes and at 70 minutes, against Alex Martin (TFC) for a silly tackle, near the side line barrier. Backed by two well soaked assistants Mr Stuart Brown (Harlow) and Mr Laurie Mallyon (Bishop’s Stortford) the game was allowed to flow…This week’s pun for such a rain drenched evening!

Man of the Match… For Takeley Charlie Pollard, with James May and Lewis Baker continually breaking down the visitors’ attempts to ply shots. The work of James Amott was valuable in mid field and Joe Galsworthy looked dangerous, but with little support when required.

Burnham Man of the Match was noticeable for some excellent team management and feeds through by Captain Keith Wilson, Joe Bajowa up front always had to be carefully handled as he broke through so often. Stuart Fergus and John Bradley had useful interventions.

Takeley will be away at London APSA on Saturday (18^th April) and with only Barking to play at home next Tuesday, before the Anagram Records Trophy Final on Sunday 10^th May ay Hertfordshire County Ground, Letchworth, 3pm

Teams: TAKELEY: James MAY; Charlie POLLARD, Lewis BAKER; Michael GLIDDEN, Mark WATTERS (Captain), James AMOTT; Josh COLSON, Micky KENNEDY,  Joe GALSWORTHY, Joe LUSTIG, Alex MARTIN. Substitutes: Scott SMITH,  Jack PARKER.

BURNHAM RAMBLERS: Rob SMALL; Adam DALE, Keith WILSON (Captain); Lee CORNHILL, Bradley WOODARDS, Marc GORBALL; Scott PETHERS, John BRADLEY, Stuart FERGUS, Joe BAJOWA, Paul CARR, Substitutes: Chalie GRAY, James CLARKE, Ross ADAMS, Lewis WILKINS, Che WHITE.

NEWS from the Dugout

David  ‘Scoop’ Edwards Press Liaison            

On behalf of Chairman Pat Curran, Officials, Players and Supporters at Takeley Football Club.