Mens 1st XI Match Report
Potters Bar Men’s 1st XI v East London 1st XI
12 November 2011 | by Ray Li
Hopeful to return to winning ways, Potters Bar 1st XI travelled to this London fixture with arguably their strongest team this season. Absences from regulars Ben Graham and Johnny Weller, presented Rory Brett with the Centre Defensive responsibilities and young Haileybury student Ben Balmforth between the sticks. The return of Raymond Li from his holiday and Andy Stokes’ arrival at half time due to a cancelled game provided an extra dimension to the side.
Bar began with confident passing, utilising the entire width of an unusually claustrophobic pitch. The home side took an early lead against the run of play, when their skilful winger broke through two defensive tackles and finished with a placed shot into the right side netting. This was followed by a momentary lapse of concentration that earned one of the Londoners an instant Yellow as he stopped the ball above shoulder height.
Undeterred by this early goal, Bar sought for an equaliser and were rewarded quickly when Jon Cuff broke down the right wing to feed Miles Tomkins, who found the net with a simple tap in. This was shortly followed by another almost identical move from the right, to which the umpire deemed the opposition defender to have stopped the ball illegally and presented Bar with a penalty flick. Vice-Captain Ed Whybrow stepped up and with a slight misfire but, by a stroke of luck, managed to place the ball into the right of the goal, putting Bar 2-1 up and hungry for more goals.
The trusty formation that was tried and tested over previous seasons was well suiting to the creative and free flowing play from the midfield. Chris Chittleborough, who has been in fine form over the last few games, reaped the benefits of additional space, wandering up the pitch and scoring for the third consecutive game in a row.
Bar dispelled a barrage of attacks after play resumed. But an acrobatic save from Ben Balmforth and several defensive tackles from Ed Graves and Captain Ed Newbery were not enough to prevent the Londoners from reviving the score line to 3-2 with a basic tap in.
The response from Bar was encouraging, constantly pressing the wings of the Londoners, Owen Hughes relished in infiltrating the opposition 25 from the right supported by Tony Sayers on the left and it was only a matter of time until the pressure paid off. This materialised in the form of Andy Stokes converting with only his 2nd involvement of the game. A powerful ball played into the opposition D from Ed Whybrow was helped along the way with another slap of the ball from Andy Stokes ensured Bar was in a strong position on the stroke of halftime.
The team talk was positive and concentrated on focussing on the basics, yet maintaining the attacking threat. Bar was conscious that their 2nd half performances this season were weaker and at times negative as they looked to build on their lead.
Starting where they left off, Bar pushed hard and Ed Whybrow converted a short corner with a pin point drag flick to the right in the goal. This ignited whatever fight back was left in the Londoners from the restart and a clever duo effort was enough to catch Bar unawares to set the scoreline to 5-3.
The remaining quarter of the match was exhilarating, the Londoners chasing to force a comeback and Bar looking to put the match to bed. There were several opportunities from each team but during the end to end action, Rob Donoghue was momentarily injured during a brave tackle. This provided some vital thinking time for Bar to reassess their tactics.
However this moment of calm amidst the madness did not last long, Andy Stokes was given a Yellow card for several rash tackles. Fortunately a Londoner was also given a straight Yellow which tamed the match pace slightly as each team fought to maintain possession with 10 men a piece.
The match was ultimately finalised from a fantastic Mark Turpin run, who uncharacteristically showed patience, resisting numerous crunching tackles from the halfway line to the opposition D, unselfishly slipping the ball leftward to the path of Miles Tomkins who slotted another easy conversion to wrap up an enthralling victory for the Bar.
It was the post match antics that were the most enjoyable for both teams.
At post match teas, a very unnecessary Boat Race after the ritual fines session ensured that Bar left the day with 2 victories as Rory Brett, Chris Chittleborough and Ed Whybrow drank like fishes to maintain the fine form... (even though the opposition had admitted to never having been on tour – error.) All the Bar players felt that the Londoners team showed great sportsmanship on and off the pitch.
Also I had been advised that a specific comment from a spectator (who will not be named) was very complimentary of Mark Turpin. (Those involved know what was said)
Final Score: Potters Bar 6 - 3 East London
Goal Scorers: E. Whybrow (2), Miles Tomkins (2), Chris Chittleborough and Andy Stokes
Team: Ben Balmforth, Ed Newbery, Rob Donoghue, Owen Hughes, Ed Graves, Rory Brett, Tony Sayers, Raymond Li, Ed Whybrow, Chris Chittleborough, Jon Cuff, Andy Stokes, Miles Tomkins, Mark Turpleton.
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