Blueharts 3rd XI v Potters Bar 1st XI
Saturday 31st October 2009

Blueharts III 0 Potters Bar 3 (HT: 0-2)

Team: E Newbery (Capt), A Linney (GK), V Patel, O Hughes, R Donoghue, R Hughes, F Waite, J Yates, M Turpin, M Tomkins, M Edson, M Levy

Scorers: M Tomkins (10 mins), M Turpin (30 mins, 62 mins)

Umpire: C Edwards

Without the spine of the team (missing Messrs. Graham Whybrow & Chittleborough) the skipper was thankful to have top scorer Mark Turpin back from injury. Nevertheless Ed spent all week debating on the formation, and was still discussing 3 variations at the club house prior to the match. In end he went for an alleged 4 1 4 1 formation with Mark Turpin and Owen Hughes playing in the centre of the midfield but with Ed playing in front of the back 4 therefore allowing the midfield the opportunity to support Miles Tomkins up front.

Having commented a few weeks ago about the amount of sand at the John Henry Newman pitch, I can confirm that their pitch comes in a poor second when it comes to the level of sand contained on this pitch at Hitchin Boys School – I believe that there was an Astroturf pitch somewhere below the heavy layer of sand! Also, putting dugouts seemingly within inches of the far touchline is probably not ideal.

As it was, we all had to wait some time to start this planned 4-30 push back due to late starts of previous games, as well as a worrying injury to one of the ladies in the preceding game. In the end the game started as quickly as possible at 4-50 with the knowledge that there would need to be a quick turnaround at half time as the lights would automatically go out at around 6pm! Ed ensured an off pitch pre game warm up with a run around the school – no wonder everyone was so tired by the end of the match!

The opening few minutes were mainly played in the Bar half as the side failed to put many passes together, whilst reasonably comfortably keeping Blueharts at bay. After 10 minutes some good work by Mark Turpin secured a short corner, which Miles Tompkins drilled home low past the keeper’s despairing dive. This goal gave the side more confidence and gradually more control was brought about in the midfield with play no longer confined to the Bar half.

All of the defence was looking solid - Vishal Patel particularly comfortable at right back, Richard Hughes giving a good account of himself making his debut at left back, and Rob Donoghue and Jon Yates keeping things quiet in the middle, snuffing out the danger when it arose, such that despite giving Blueharts quite a lot of possession, Andy Linney was having little to do in goal.

Another short corner after 20 minutes found the net but Miles Edson’s effort was ruled out as being too high. Blueharts were not to survive the next effort 10 minutes later however as Mark Turpin’s flick found the top left hand corner of the net to secure a 2-0 half time lead.

The half time team talk took place on the run – Ed keen for the side to maintain the effort of the first half and continue to snuff out any Blueharts attacks. (Lucky there were no oranges this week as there would not have been time to eat them!)

There was an early blow at the start of the half when Mark Turpin was struck just above the ankle by the ball and had to hobble off. During those minutes off Bar were certainly struggling to retain control, although there was plenty of effort with Michael Levy once again filling in well down the flanks.

Mark’s return seemed to give the side a boost and eventually the crucial 3 goal cushion. One run from Mark, when he picked up the ball in his own half, nearly brought about a fantastic solo goal as he seemed to elude one defender after another, only for a stray boot to finish the move with Miles Tomkins looking likely to score from the rebound. Soon afterwards from a free hit, Freddie Waite made a splendid run down the right and his excellent run and cross were ended by Mark Turpin firing home to make it 3-0 with 8 minutes remaining.

Blueharts kept pushing for a goal but were time and time again denied by last ditch defending as well as a good stop by Andy Linney. Finally with just a couple of minutes left on the clock another move reached the edge of the D and just before the shot came in the lights went out to finish the match!

The skipper was delighted with the performance – a win and a clean sheet despite a weakened team and at a venue that has seen plenty of disappointments in the past. As if to share his joy a fireworks display started nearby in celebration!

by Anthony Levy