RAYNES PARK VALE  (2) 3   READING TOWN  (1) 2

With an address like Prince George and Grand Drive you’d think Raynes Park Vale’s ground would be one of the more salubrious venues in the Combined Counties League and you’d be right.  Built to the same specifications as Kazakstans Olympic Stadium, it seemed quite appropriate that most of the players, staff and spectators resembled a likeness to Borat and his countrymen.

Hoping to stretch their unbeaten run to two matches, Manager Lee Dobinson plumped for a  4-4-2 formation versus a Reading side a couple of places above them in the League.

It only took a minute for Town to create the first chance of the game as a loose ball by Greg Levene was pounced upon by the Reading winger, who outpaced most of the Vale defence and delivered a pinpoint cross to Towns number 10.  His accurate shot was goal-bound, but goalkeeper Ed Cornwell stretched his lanky frame down quickly and superbly palmed the ball past the left hand post for a corner. Luckily nothing came about from the corner, but Town went close again a minute later when Readings 11 shot just past the right hand post. Vale were just not getting the ball up front and were made to pay for their apathetic start when the opposition took the lead when an unchallenged header from a well taken corner found its way into the Vale net.

Instead of letting their heads drop, RPV equalized a couple of minutes later when James Kay excellent pass found a flying Tom Barge on the right wing.  His inch perfect low cross into the penalty box was met clinically by centre forward Marco Torino.

Buoyed by being on level terms, the next significant Vale attack saw a combination of Mark Townsend, Anthony Vine and a flying high boot from the Reading Centre Half win RPV a penalty. I think it took Anthony a couple of minutes to try and find his head again, but once he was ok, top scorer Torino sent the keeper the wrong way with a perfect spot kick into the bottom left hand corner.

Back up the other end, a Town free kick into the Vale penalty area was missed by 7’ 12” Ed and the loose ball was headed back into the six yard box by a Reading player.  Luckily Danny Stevens reacted quickest, cleared the danger and spared the goalkeepers blushes.  Raynes Park were then forced into a substitution when Vine, still feeling the effects of his penalty win, was replaced by right winger Marc Skinner. 

Towns Number 9 managed a shot on target, easily saved by Ed and Readings 11 decided that Senior Ball Boy Paul Armour needed some exercise by shooting over the bar and out of the ground.  Towns 5 tried to make amends for his penalty faux pas by attempting a header on goal from another corner, but his effort passed the post by a couple of yards.

So, after a slow start Vale were now going into the half time break with a 2-1 lead. 

There was a totally different start to the second half as substitute Marc Skinner skipped past a dithering Town defence, but his shot cleared the bar. Vale were not to be denied though as in the 48^th minute a strong Marco Torino run down the right hand side saw him feed Skins even wider. Roasting his opposing full back, he cut towards the bye line and sent in a low cross towards Greg Levene about 8 yards out and with a fluke/accident/magnificent piece of skill he struck the ball into the Town net with a back flick.  Three-One and frustrations got to Towns number 5 as he joined a previously booked Vale’s Barge in the referee’s notebook.Town pressed forward and caused more panic in the Vale defence as they hit the bar from another corner, but they weren’t to be denied and they reduced the arrears to 2-3 when the rebound was smashed home by the afore mentioned centre half.

Reading were now going for an equalizer, but their left back panicked in a promising position and luckily air shot and a Town free kick passed Ed’s left hand post.

72 minutes and Vale countered as Levene threaded a ball to Torino and although the keeper fumbled the first shot his second save saw the ball fly past his post.  Vale and Town brought on a substitute each and Marco was booked for an innocuous challenge.

Danny Stevens cleared another Town cross and Lee Cox made his first contribution to the game by being booked as well.  With five minutes to go, a great spot by the linesman and the hordes of Vale supporters, saw the Reading keeper handle the ball out of the area attempting a boot out.  Coxy blasted a great free kick, but the Town keeper redeemed himself with a fantastic save to tip the ball over the bar for a corner.  Nothing came about, but two minutes later a Town defender came to the rescue of his keeper as pressure from Darren Dobinson saw him play in Marco, but he failed to get to get his hatrick. 

Reading made a last desperate attempt to get an equalizer, but a couple of clearances from Mark Townsend ensured the points went to Merton’s finest team.

Raynes Park Vale         Vs        Merstham

Grand Drive 11 April 2007

Team:- Cornwell, Williams, Dobinson, Stevens, Townsend, Vine, Barge, Kay, Torino, Skinner, Knowleden,     Subs:- Turner, (Skinner)  Cox, (Williams)

Officials:- Shuan Scott, Les Johnstone, Roy Pigden

We were pleased to welcome our visitors for the return fixture only a few days after Merstham triumphed 2 – 1 at Moatside.

Both squads showed 3 changes in personnel from the first encounter, with Vale looking to reverse the result and Merstham chasing the 3 points to keep them in touch with Chipstead and Wembley in pursuit of their championship ambitions.

The early exchanges were in Vale’s favour with Merstham’s reply,a free kick which came to naught.

Vale continued to press and Gary’s cross only just evaded Marco’s lunge only for Vale’s dominance to be shattered when a shot cum cross was turned in at the far post by the unmarked Kevin Locke. (15 mins)

It was an entertaining affair with both sides moving the ball around well on the excellent surface although some of the mainly Merstham supporters remained less than impressed possibly because Merstham were not having it all their own way.        

Vale maintained a degree of control with Antony just too high with a cross, Kay’s long pass only barely evaded Skins when well placed, a long range shot from Marco was easily saved, followed by a cross frm Antony just behind the attackers.

Merstham replied with a long throw into the box which was skied over from close range much to the relief of the Vale faithful.

Vale finished the half with a fine cross to the unmarked Antony who headed over with the final action Marco firing across the face of the goal.

Vale felt hard done to to be facing a 1 – 0 deficit at the break

H.T. 0 – 1.

Merstham drew first blood in the second half when Dan Stevens firstly blocked then cleared off the line which set Skins free but he dragged his shot across and wide.

Merstham had another header over the bar.

Skins was replaced by Nathan Turner after 70 mins. Vale broke again but Gary’s cross was blocked.

In response Merstham increased their lead with two pieces of outrageous luck when firstly an attempted cross was shanked to the only Merstham player in the box who shinned his shot through s a defenders legs and the ball bobbled home past an unsighted Ed.

A fine run by Marco finished by a cross met by Antony but wide of the target.

Merstham substitute shot well over with ten minutes to go and the game as flat as a pancake Cox was introduced for Williams exchanging a long throw for long passing ability.

Surprisingly it was not a free kick which brought Vale back into the game but a long throw won in the air by Turner and finished by Marco’s header 1 – 2 after 87 minutes.

Vale tried everything to get back on terms, a long free kick from Cox was headed tamely into the keepers arms. A long range shot from Tom Barge was well over with a similar result when Turner made a super break and squared to Gary who blazed over.

The final action and chance came when Marco’s knock down was launched into the French School by Danno in a typical defenders fashion.

Vale failed to get anything out of the game but not for the want of trying with MOM Marco leading the way, covering every blade of grass and maintaining his rich goalscoring form.

Godalming Town  Res              Vs        Raynes Park Vale Res

Wednesday 10 April 2007

Vale Line Up:-  Eldergill, Fernandez, Forsyth, Sparkes, Ennis, Gajree, Harkness,  Botchey, Heuston, Hasa, Agyeman,  Subs:-  Green, Power, Trefry, An,

Officials:- B Funnel, T Beard, D Osborne

Only a few changes a couple on the bench when players were late arriving including Trefry who couldn’t read the tom toms, perhaps he should have requested smoke signals to get him to the ground !!

We welcomed back Ajay from first team duty and Lawrence Ennis from a sabbatical from now until the end of the season.

It seemed the game had only just started when Martin Forsyth went down in obvious pain when gesturing for assistance the minute it happened, his knee cap popping out then popping back in.

He was carried into the dug out where he spent the rest of the game being molly coddled by the attractive physio feeding him chocolate bars and strong sweet tea, surprised she wasn’t peeling grapes for him.

We immediately replaced him with Trefry who was keeping an eagle eye on the wounded soldier and his attendant nurse Florence Nightingale.

The game itself was played on a very bobbly surface with neither side coping with the conditions particularly well although Ennis showed what we had been missing by sweeping up everything they threw at us.

In attack every time the opportunity arose Aaron flew past their defence although the final ball was not always of the best.

Hasa and Heuston combined quite well considering they have only played together for 30 minutes or so.

Marcos was struggling to impose himself in the centre midfield as the ball consistently bounced higher than he could jump and he could not get close enough to  control it on the full and he eventually requested  to be withdrawn with Power coming n in his place.

Gajree had been winning headers in midfield until he suddenly sprung forward to collect a beautifully weighted through ball to guide it past the oncoming keeper.

An replaced Botchey with Hasa playing a more withdrawn role.

Godalming with nothing to lose maintained a spell of pressure on Vale who defended well. Chris made one magnificent save to his top left hand corner to keep us in the game. Vale caught them on the counter with Heuston, Agyeman and An a going close on breakaways with a little more steadyness with only the keeper to beat should have made more of the chances presented.

Someone suggested the official was a Simpson, meaning Homer presumably as we hardly had a decision all night when the only card was brandished for kicking the ball away when he could easily have looked away and checked if more than two were standing in the dugout or other heinous crimes which were the only ones penalized.

The MOM was undoubtedly Lawrence Ennis who barely put a foot wrong all night.

Raynes Park Vale         Vs        Colliers Wood United

Grand Drive 09 April 2007

Team:- Cornwell, Reid, Dobinson, Stevens, Townsend, Vine, Barge, Kay, Torino, Turner, Levene        Subs:- Cox, Gajree, Williams, (Dobinson) Vaughan, (Reid), Skinner (Turner)

Officials:-          Gavin Collins, Sylwia Czarnecka, Richard Harris

We were pleased to welcome our local visitors for the Derby match which is always fiercely contested.

Vale inevitably had changes, one of which was to see Dobinson return on the left with Ashley reverting to his more natural right back position.

The initial decision was offside against Turner when the ball arrived , hopefully not a sign of things to come.

Kay only just returning to the side demonstrated rustiness when his first two intended shots were both horrendously wide.

The first CWU attack on 10 minutes almost cost a goal when Cornwell fumbled directly to an attackers feet who somehow construed to fire wide from point blank range unmarked at the far post.

The next attack almost cost another goal when Ed called but was beaten to the ball at the near post by an onrushing player who headed wide.

Having started comfortably Darren regrettably had to leave the field with a facial injury after an elbow to be replaced by Williams after 33 minutes.

Vale managed to get back into the game when first Ashley’s cross across the face of the goal was missed by 4 Vale players followed by an almost identical situation this time from Turners cross.

Neither side seemed to notice that both sets of forwards were considerably quicker than either defensive units and failed to get balls over the top although both defences were better in the air with Townsend in particular dominant for Vale.

Nothing constructive from the Vale to utilize the pace of Marco, Gregg, Tom, Antony and Nathan.

Defensively we continued to look nervous with another call of away and another header past the post followed by 2 weak shots easily collected by Ed.

Territorial and possession advantage all with CWU with yet another header wide again thank goodness before a totally unexpected, unfortunate and involuntary slice into his own goal by Jon Dale left Vale with an undeserved half time lead.

Second half opened with another CWU attempt wide with Vale still looking at sixes and sevens with the need for someone to put their foot on the ball, settle and play football.

A win and cross from Kay was well collected by their keeper before Skinner replaced Turner after 57 minutes.

Yet another breakaway left a forward clear but surprisingly fired wide.

Antony Vine was showing his appetite for the fight and won a free kick on the edge of the box which eventually led to a Kay shot going wide, surely not!

A needless free kick conceded on halfway but poor delivery easily dealt with .

Ashley hurt in a collision, probably dislocating his shoulder to be replaced by David Vaughan who has been playing well at the back and slotted in without disturbing the formation which is important when under pressure as Vale were.

Scrappy period of play ensued with neither side dominating.

A series of long throws helped switch the pressure by advancing down the touchline from one end to the other with the final one into the box flicked on by Dan Stevens which was deflected onto and over the bar from close range with nothing from the resultant corner.

Vale continued to give the ball away and can consider themselves lucky that CWU had left their shooting boots at home after yet another effort went wide.

In a fully contested game Barge was unfortunate to be booked when pulling out of a full blown collision only to unintentionally trip the player in full flight who tumbled quite spectacularly.

CWU and Vale players left the pitch wondering how this game had ended in a 1 – 0 scoreline but that’s how it happens sometime.

MOM No one deserved that accolade in a mediocre performance all round.

Tonbridge Angels Res V Raynes Park Vale Res

Saturday 7 April 2007

Vale Line Up:- Eldergill, Fernandez, Forsyth, Sparkes, Harkness, Nelson, Power, Trefry, Heuston, An, Agyeman,  Subs:- Hasa, Brenen (Snr).

Only the nine changes due to first team call up, injury and players returning from injury.

Vale struggled to field a side for their longest away trip with problems of availability and holidays so it was a welcome back to Chris in (rush) goal venturing to tackle on the half way line shame he failed to make contact and the Tonbridge Angel was wide with his speculative lob!!

The conditions were more suitable to cricket and Vale played at quite a high passing tempo against a side who use the long ball consistently which thankfully never troubled the Vale defence who coped successfully with any route one attempts.

The half concluded to a scoreless finish with neither side really troubling the respective keepers.

Aaron Agyeman had terrorized their defence in the first half and they removed the full back at half time.

Chad was showing neat skills and hold up play supported by the ever enthusiastic Paul An up front.

Aaron Nelson never really got into the game after a heavy first half tackle left him limping with Enver Hasa replacing him after Lawrence Power put us ahead with superb control and finish from Chad’s astute pass.

Hasa had only been on the pitch for seconds when he was put clear only for his touch to desert him and allow the defender to retrieve the situation.

The very next attack left him in an even better position only for him to hit the inside of the post and Paul An from 2 yards hit the outside of the same post with the rebound being cleared.

Paul An was suffering with cramp and with hindsight should have been replaced by fresh if old legs and a wise defensive head as we lost shape and fatigue began to show with their lively substitutes giving our tiring players  a torrid time as we lost concentration.

The last quarter plus 10 minutes added time saw Vale under the cosh with defenders suddenly missing headers they had gobbled up all afternoon. Chris made at least four last ditch saves with hands and feet but must have been as disappointed as the rest of the team to concede two late goals which was never deserved after running themselves into the ground when even the opposition agreed we deserved a point.

It was therefore typical of the day that Paul An confirmed it was just cramp which he blamed on playing for his Korean side this morning and yes he has several players of his standard available to play if needed, the coaches’ already thinning hair was further depleted on this news!!

We didn’t remind Tonbridge of their previous fit of pique when losing to the Vale at home when they left without a word, leaving their sandwiches untouched something for which the Vale cannot be accused as we cleared the food and were the last to leave the bar showing the correct attitude in defeat even if we didn’t deserve or like it.

MOM 11 closely matched candidates but by a whisker Chad Heuston for a tireless all round display.

Raynes Park Vale v Wembley

Team:-   Cornwell, Vaughan, Reid, Stevens, Cox, Williams, Vine, Barge, Torino, Gajree, Knowleden             

Subs:- Harkness, Townsend (Reid) Heuston (Vaughan) Trefry (Gajree)

The only change was Antony Vine ‘s return replacing Gregg Levene who had been carrying an injury.

The formation also changed with Marco playing up front on his own. It was suggested that this may bolster the midfield and defence with a goalkeeper and nine assorted players in front what we got was a disjointed performance with everyone uncomfortable with either their position or the formation.

Statistics were probably more interesting than the match.

The pitch looked a picture when we entertained one of the leading teams in the league who were surprisingly exactly as the squad which was sent well in advance which suggests they were a settled side.

Vale succumbed to the first attack, 9 finishing emphatically after 5 mins.

Vale’s reply was to exert some pressure when three long throws in a row created problems for Wembley but their goal remained intact including one cleared off the line.

Second attack, second goal knocked home by the unmarked 7 which begs the question where were our 9 protecting the goalkeeper after half an hour.

Two further long throws continue to trouble their defence with a scrambled clearance maintaining a clean sheet.

Third attack, yes you’ve guessed right when the 9 converted his second opportunity when netting unmarked at the far post which begs the question where were our 9 protecting the goalkeeper after a further 8 minutes.

3 – 0 down at half time with a 100% conversion rate suggests the second half may be no better.

The apparent half time talk involved immediate changes with both full backs being replaced by a defender, Townsend and an attacker in Chad Heuston.

Vale looked in better shape and perhaps improved luck when the opening move of the half saw the Wembley finish well wide of the target, calamity only 80% conversion rate!!

Now here’s a surprise, another shot, another …. (fill in the missing word) which boosts the conversion rate back up to 84% on 55 minutes.

Vale were at least now showing some attacking ambitions and the best move of the game saw Chad finish clinically after 56 minutes.

Another long throw was headed clear only as far as Knowleden who volleyed only just wide.

Vale were unlucky when they failed to force home a corner after three blocks on the line before it was scrambled for another which was cleared this time.

A quick free kick was on target from Vine and another weakly taken free kick by Gary still had their keeper in difficulties before he finally collected.

Vale continued to press and were awarded a penalty for holding after the ref had warned their player but a well struck effort by Marco was splendidly saved by the keeper low down only to be matched by  a flying dive into the top corner from another terrific shot by Marco.

Their stats changed yet again when a further three shots all failed to score to give a lousy 44.4% conversion rate.

Men of the Match were the “3”rd team who managed a game without a single booking with sensible decisions from all three who contributed to a decent game of football.

MOM for Vale was Marco for his endeavour who never shirked his responsibilities even though he missed the penalty.

Lesson learned. Don’t experiment against a top side as we looked as good as them when we reverted to type.

Raynes Park Vale        Vs        Bedfont

Grand Drive 31 March 2007

Team:- Cornwell, Vaughan, Reid, Stevens, Cox, Williams, Levene, Barge, Torino, Gajree, Knowleden        Subs:- Harkness (Barge) Townsend (Stevens) Turner (Levene)

Officials:-        Ben Wright, James Cushen, Rod Van Niekerk.

There were 3 enforced changes from the previous squad, who performed so creditably against Chipstead defeating them 3 – 2, this time against a team at the opposite end of the table.

The changes were regrettably all in midfield including the MOM from the previous fixture.

As your intrepid reporter missed the first half the description of the initial phases are all heresay or should that be heresy.

We apparently opened the scoring on 15 minutes Thomas Barge on debut returned a rebound from the crossbar into the net after good work by Gregg Levene who swivelled and volleyed onto the bar for Thomas to complete the good work.

Bedfont replied with a justified penalty with Vale thinking they had retaken the lead when Dan Stevens headed home but the goal was disallowed for a collision with the goalkeeper after he netted.

Their keeper was shown a yellow for raising his hands and at least the ref was consistent when giving another yellow card for another assault by the keeper making a red and an early bath.

1 – 1 at half time with little to comment on other than the gale force wind presenting an even worse spectacle for the spectators than usual.

Vale went 2 – 1 down at the start of the half when a half hearted cross was not attacked by the several defenders in attendance and was touched home for his first goal for the club much to the delight of his father if no one else.

As there was little to report of interest I allow myself the opportunity to criticize the application of the playing advantage rule.

It invariably happens that both teams seek to impose themselves in midfield which means the commit initial fouls in midfield without censure and generally the advantage does not accrue but breaks down in the second phase so no real advantage has occurred.

The referee then doesn’t know who committed the foul so the culprit gets away scot free. Give me a free kick in the centre circle any time issue a yellow card and then be consistent and continue to clamp down on tackles rather than failure to retreat 2 metres from the ball at a throw in.

Two further incidents annoyed me, once when a player was barely a yard into our half but flagged offside but the ball ran through to the goalkeeper with a play on signal, how can that be to our advantage when we have a dead ball specialist who can deliver the ball from the halfway line into their box whereas the keeper can only launch it with the result a lottery.

In the final moments Vale were on the attack at the edge of their box when the play was stopped for an injury in the box which was attended to. The referee then gives them the ball to return to the Vale which they do by booting the ball the length of the pitch not back to the position when the play was stopped.

I am sure that commonsense should prevail otherwise you can see why teams will cease to put the ball out of play when they realize they will not be the beneficiaries of the stoppage.

After the Lord Mayors show against Chips this was indeed poor fare to serve to the hardy souls who watched this return to Vale’s Jekyll & Hyde performances.

Raynes Park Vale 3-2 Chipstead

Grand Drive 28 March 2007

Team:- Cornwell, Vaughan, Reid, Stevens, Cox, Vine, Levene, Kay, Torino, Dobinson, Knowleden  Subs:- Williams (Vaughan) Townsend (Cox) Turner (Levene)

Officials:- Vince Penfold, Mike Stevens, Rod Van Niekerk.

There were 5 changes from the previous squad, how many were enforced and how many were selections remains with the management.

From the sidelines it certainly appeared some square pegs were sitting uncomfortably in round holes.

We were entertaining our local rivals from Chipstead who are runaway leaders in the division at a time when recent results suggest a minor wobble in their performances.

Vale opened brightly without troubling the Chips keeper and surrendered the opening goal on 25 minutes when Oakins somehow unmarked in a penalty area full of Vale defenders fired home a cross from the right.

Chipstead retained supremacy when a needless free kick conceded on their left was met with an unchallenged header six yards out but contrived to miss the goal.

Vale got back into the game when Dave Vaughan from right back found himself wide on the left, fed a lovely pass inside where the defender tripped Gary for a penalty.

Although the referee made sure there was no encroachment he ignored the defender who committed the offence to adjust both socks, retie both boots without comment before Marco smashed the penalty home just inside the post into the side netting, suitable result after the delaying tactics.

Vale then committed the cardinal sin of losing concentration from the kick off, having regained possession returned the initiative with a poor pass back for Ed to be beaten from the bye-line although to his defence those in the near vicinity did say it was a superb finish instead of the gaffe it appeared to be from the other half, didn’t realize she was there!!

Vale continued to fight for the equalizer in the last five minutes in the half and it was pleasing to see Coxy has not lost his range of passing and the defence in general defended tenaciously against some lively forwards.

In midfield Darren and Gary combined well on the flank with Kay returning to some form which has been missing recently. Antony as usual carried the Duracell batteries and was lively all over the pitch.

The front two of Marco and young Gregg Levene challenged for everything with Marco doing well in the air and Gregg feeding off him.

2 – 1 at H.T. was probably a fair reflection of the first half.

Vale were busy in the second half and looking the more likely to score particularly with the introduction of fresh legs of the three substitutes.

Marco fired wide when clean through on 70 minutes and it looked like the opportunity to get something from the game had gone.

Chips had their only opportunity to put the game beyond reach when a free kick over the wall was only just wide, but was ordered to be retaken for encroachment. This time a missile was heading for the top corner until Ed intervened with a double fisted block to safety.

The game continue at pace right until the death when a cross from our right was met with a crashing volley by Gary Knowleden giving the keeper no chance, a timely equalizer on 90 minutes.

Vale continue to press and with the benches and spectators calling for time Nathan Turner scored a spectacular winner with an overhead volley a fitting end to a pulsating game with Vale happy with the finish although Chips probably deserved a point.

MOM Antony Vine for his infectious enthusiasm to compete and challenge all over the park.

Raynes Park Vale Reserves Vs Molesey Res

Saturday 24 March 2007

Vale Line Up:- Skinner, Toulson, Stones, Townsend, Sparkes, Barge, Williams, Gajree, Forsyth, Fernandez, Power, Subs:- Trefry, Turner, Torino.

The reserves showed 5 changes from the selection on Thursday with a further 5 after the first team game was postponed last night, a factor which had regrettably not been notified to the Soccer Supremo, Kit man and general dogsbody who was sorting the kit early doors before being suitably advised by Mr Till the kit was not required with several blasphemous comments from Smithy demanding the immediate re-instatement of Paul Armour as the Secretary.

Vale were seeking to overturn an early season reverse at Molesey and felt we had a strong chance with the squad on show.

We welcomed back young Adam Skinner in goal with a stronger back line in front of him which would hopefully give him greater cover than his 7 goal debut concession!

It was with some initial concern that we watched the keeper play rush goalie fortunately  without conceding and he did command his area well making a couple of excellent saves in both halves particularly in the second period when foiling a forward clean through on goal when blocking with his legs.

The twin pronged attack who are both normally midfielders found it difficult to stay onside although they were probably unfortunate to be on the wrong side of offside calls on several occasions.

Neither side looked particularly dangerous in front of goal and the 0 – 0 result set us up for a woeful England display and similar result.

The substitution of the front two by Marco and Nathan allowed us to push up on the attack although the offside count continued to soar even though they were both strikers.

The final throw of the dice saw Trefry replace Martin with almost immediate results when he was left unmarked at the far post a yard from goal before he completely mis-kicked and the ball was scrambled clear.

He was so annoyed at the chance going begging he could have kicked himself but he would have probably missed!!!!

MOM Stoner, although he could also have been a goal scoring hero had he not headed wide.

Epsom Ewell Reserves  Vs  Raynes Park Vale Reserves                                           

Monday 19 March 2007

Team:- Eldergill, Sparkes, Toulson, Townsend, Harkness, Trefry, Fernandez, Forsyth, Gajree, An, Hasa, Subs:- Green, Turner, Barge,

Only five changes, almost a settled side considering we are picking from a squad of approximately 70 although many have fallen by the wayside since the sunny start to the season.

We always anticipate a cold and windy reception to Merland Rise and we were not to be disappointed when we arrived to blizzard conditions which soon obliterated the markings delaying the KO by 15 minutes whilst some hardy souls brushed the lines clear, not sure whether to thank them or curse them as we walked out to play.

The temperature at KO had obviously risen as the snow rapidly became slush making feet cold and wet!

We really needed a good game to keep us concentrating on this fixture instead of wishing we were warm inside watching Chelsea or Man U.

The players competed well all over the pitch although the standard of football was probably inferior to either FA Cup replay. We continued to watch and freeze until the deadlock was broken when Epsom broke clear after a poor Vale free kick presented them with possession which was quickly dispatched into the net giving Chris no chance.

Vale replied with a better free kick which was guided home by Dan Green at the front post.

It looked like a draw until Epsom broke away again and clinically finished with Chris a mere bystander. Epsom having a couple more breaks without a finish, with the Vale not learning from conceding two goals in similar fashion whilst our more controlled passing tended to lead into dead ends.

Paul An has shaken hands with more people than the American President which somebody may explain to him as he like many others sure as hell don’t understand me!!!

The third team were better than the two teams which helped the teams play. We were disappointed to lose to a side well below us in the table but we performed considerably below our best.

MOM Chris Eldergill for a faultless performance at both sweeper and keeper particularly under the conditions

     Raynes Park Vale Reserves  Vs  AFC Wimbledon Reserves               

Saturday 17 March 2007

Team:- McCoure, Sparkes, Toulson, Townsend, Cox, Barge, Power, Fernandez, Gajree, An, Hasa, Subs:- Green, Trefry, Dyer, Achene

After completing the double over local rivals Tooting it was unfortunate that we had to make a total of eight enforced changes to the team which lined up against league leaders Wimbledon seeking to reverse our early season defeat.

On a day perfect for football it was good to see Vale shade the early exchanges considering the multitude of changes and lack of match practice for several players returning from long term injuries.

Neither side created clear cut opportunities although our young keeper did foil a one on one attempt when out swiftly to block with his legs after spreading himself bravely at the forwards feet.

Probably the best chance of the game fell to Marcos Fernandez after good work by Paul An left him free 6 yards from goal but he was thwarted when Paul Smith brilliantly forced the ball wide for a corner, a save Smithy senior would have been proud of!!

On the balance of play and the work of the two keepers Vale probably deserved to nick it. Regrettably this was not to be when after two appeals for hand ball by AFC players the 9 was left free to slot home when it was fortunate he was still on the pitch after elbowing Townsend in the face right in front of the referee’s nose, (as well as Towners broken nose!!) who after a “War and Peace” lecture proceeded to bottle it when producing a yellow card.

Considering the makeshift nature of the team Vale produced a decent performance to make AFC look anything like the runaway leaders they are.

Several injuries occurred and it will be interesting to see who is fit for yet another local derby at Epsom & Ewell on Monday.

MOM Sparksie wearing the captains armband with distinction.

Tooting & Mitcham Res Vs RPVFC Res

Wed 14 March 2007

Team:- Best, Sparkes, Toulson, Stones, Forsyth, Scott-Lee, Williams, Fernandez, Green, Turner, Heuston Subs:- Jackson, Barge, Cox, Gajree.

After a fine win on Saturday at Horley changes were only necessary due to availability, Chris was replaced in goal by a debutant, Paul Best, Toulson swapped the first team bench with Ashley Reid, Nathan was reinstated after a mix up on meet times replacing the unfortunate Jackson with Fernandez in for the unavailable Trefry.

The Vale were seeking a double over their local rivals having won the early fixture 2 – 1 with a brace from Anthony Ashman.

Early exchanges were fairly even before Vale broke the deadlock with a goal from a corner which eventually crossed the line from Chad Heuston’s deflection.

Vale were under pressure but refused to wilt even though Mitcham held territorial and possession advantage.

The lack of games for the Vale began to show with tired legs and cramp showing up in the first half!!

Rob Toulson was replaced at half time after a fine display, even receiving the accolade of “great ball Rob” from the manager, something never previously heard!!

Vale remained under the cosh but continued to defend well particularly the debutant in goal who was exceptional shot stopping but also collecting the ball cleanly in the air with significant punched clearances when necessary.

Vale increased the lead when SSL laid a beautiful ball through to Turner whose finish was exemplary across the keeper into the far corner.

Tooting continued to dominate the play but tended to lose their way by either admonishing the officials or arguing with each other whereas RPVFC were all fighting for the cause.

Cox continued to deliver long free kicks when frustrating Tooting by playing into the corners.

Tooting pulled one back with about 10 minutes to go when a speculative cross from the left floated just under the bar into the far corner with everyone totally beaten.

Dan Green was replaced by Dan Jackson who looked lively but the 433 formation proposed with Chad in the hole behind the front two obviously needs some attention on the training ground before it becomes effective!!!!

Vale held out for the 10 minutes of added time to record the same result as earlier in the season.

This result with a win double with the first team 3 – 2 at home to Camberley provided a fine night for the Vale.

 RPVFC     Vs     Godalming Town

Suburban South

Saturday 17 February 2007

Team:- McCoure, Fernandez, MacFarlane, Brown, Sparkes, Botchey, Wood, Trefry, Wellman-Formont, Jackson, Forsyth, Subs:- Ashman, Turner, Couch, Barge.

Officials :- Barry Lynch, Paul Montague, Colin Greenway.

Once again Vale had several changes from last week which showed in the early stages where a lack of cohesion saw Vale trail by two goals after 15 minutes.

Our biggest problem was locating a goalkeeper and we were fortunate to secure the services of a youth team player from Tooting & Mitcham.

Vale gradually got back into the game when reducing the arrears through Martin Forsyth dispossessing the full back and progressing along the bye-line only to see his shot ricochet off the post to Reece Wellman-Formont to net his first for the club.

Regrettably Vale went further behind when Marcos Fernandez slipped when defending a cross from the right allowing the winger to score with ease with a second opportunity available from a hand ball had significant advantage not accrued.

Vale were obviously disappointed with the first half display and made two changes at the break, debutants Barge and Couch replacing Botchey and Macfarlane

Vale immediately looked threatening with players supporting each other with Toby Couch impressing with his positional play and defensive qualities.

Young Reece brought Vale back into the game when out-muscling a far larger defender to set up his strike partner Dan Jackson for a tap in. Martin Forsyth brought us level and we had several opportunities to make the game safe but tended to over elaborate in the final third but we accept the point hoping the lessons learned may improve our league position over the rest of the season.

The three debutants, Warren in goal, Toby marshalling the defence and Tom bringing support to the midfield all performed well which augurs well for the future,

There were several contenders for MOM but the skipper, Rob Sparkes who unselfishly plays where asked had yet another outstanding performance not only to win this award but make himself front runner for the player of the season.

An early Luc Kenny strike and second half goals from Jon Hill and Gary Senior, secured a comfortable home win for North Greenford at Berkeley Fields on Saturday. Keeping a clean sheet was particularly pleasing, the first since United’s 1-0 win against Cobham at the beginning of December, some eleven matches ago. Unlike in recent performances, it wasn’t until the second period that the United team really began to assert itself and dominate proceedings. Overall, the first half was a rather scrappy and bitty affair. On too many occasions, players failed to retain possession and promising moves broke down more often than not. However, although Raynes Park at times looked the livelier and more dangerous of the two teams, the visitors never seriously troubled United’s keeper, Josh Lennie. Indeed, it was North Greenford who scored the only goal of the half, going in at the interval with an important cushion. The goal came early, following some excellent work from United’s talented sixteen-year-old, Ross Ahir, a player gaining in confidence with every game. From Ahir’s pass, striker Liam Chambers played a first-time ball through to Luc Kenny, and Kenny, keeping his composure, neatly chipped the ball over the advancing Vale keeper, Ed Cornwall, to maintain his recent scoring run.

The second half saw a much better overall performance from North Greenford. Striker Gary Senior, making a welcome return to the first team after being out through injury for over four months, came off the substitute’s bench, and it didn’t take him long to add to his early season nine goal tally. On sixty minutes fellow striker Jon Hill was played down the line and Senior, getting in front of the Vale defence in typical fashion, met Hill’s lovely low cross to stab the ball with the outside of his boot past the bewildered Cornwall into the opposite corner of the Raynes Park net. Two minutes later Senior returned the compliment for his strike partner, slipping the ball through to Hill for Hill to hit a tremendous shot into the top left hand corner. North Greenford continued to control play for the remainder of the game, playing composed and, at times, fast-flowing and attractive football, but despite efforts from Lee Gritt and Richard Gell amongst others, the team was unable to add to its account. In the end it didn’t matter. The club would be more than happy if the team can consistently produce solid performances like this in their remaining seventeen games.

          Camberley Town Vs RPVFC

Suburban South

Saturday 10 February 2007

Team:- Eldergill, Ennis, Macfarlane, Harkness, Brown, Sparkes, Forsyth, Trefry, Ashman, Turner, Scott-Lee,   Subs:-            Jackson, Botchey, Wood.

Officials:- Ian Hart, C Barnett, A Tracz.

The game against Camberley made a welcome return to action for the reserves, with the pitch in surprisingly good condition especially after the rain we have had.

The Vale side showed 9 changes from the early season clash at the Vale which the Vale won fairly easily. Camberley themselves had 8 changes though mainly on the bench.

Richard did remind the squad before KO that they were playing for their places with Gajree, Green, Heuston, Power, Reid, Toulson, Townsend and Vaughan to come back into contention along with current members of the first team squad seeking games to improve match fitness after suspension and injury as well as the new signings two of which made debuts from the bench today.

Vale soon demonstrated they were up for it when Ashman broke down the left and fired a fierce cross into the box which caught Forsyth in the chest before he could adjust to the pace and the ball went harmlessly behind.

The team seemed to settle quicker than recently with everyone doing their jobs with the minimum of fuss each phase protecting the other with Chris virtually untroubled throughout other than calling and collecting crosses with ease. Damian and Harky provided an athletic and stable central pairing each looking competent in defence with the odd sortie forward.

Ashman and Turner were proving a handful before Turner had to be replaced after a hamstring pull with Jackson replacing him up top. Jackson looked positive from his introduction obviously keen to demonstrate how unlucky he was to be dropped to the bench. He was unfortunate to see the keeper block his shot when through one on one.

The midfield who had been solid if unspectacular was rearranged at half time when Ennis withdrew and Botchey made his debut with Sparkes switching to full back to allow  Botchey to play wide right. We unfortunately didn’t see him at his best as he tweaked a hamstring after a long lay off in his first effort to impress.

Trefry who was unfortunate to be booked although predicted made way for Wood to make his mark in midfield.

Every player played his part well with a MOM performance from SSL obviously inspired by his sister looking like he was skating on ice as he passed his fullback at will particularly when setting up the goal after a fine move down the left saw him cut in along the byeline to dump his opponent on his backside with a drop of the shoulder get in a neat cross to the near post where the ever alert Jackson turned it home.

The ball was returned to the middle for KO with the fullback still trying to untangle his legs to get back to his feet!!

All those who have not had a mention Ennis, Macfalane and particularly Forsyth all played their part in an all round team performance.

Raynes Park Vale  v  North Greenford United

Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Premier Division

Saturday 18^th November 2006

Played at Grand Drive

Vale Team – Cornwell, Gibson, Dobinson, Stevens, Townsend, Williams, Skinner, Kay, Torino, Mosley, Knowelden, Subs – Vine, Frimpong, Stones.

Officials- Mark Williams, Terry Pickering, Steve Read

We were pleased to welcome our visitors NGU who are particular friends of the Vale.

We are unsure of the condition of the team because in preparation for the X Factor some of the players held an impromptu “Mastermind “ competition where surprisingly Ed “Boffin” Cornwell was the star of the show on his specialist subject of doughnuts. Without missing a mouthful he nominated the following, “honkin” crunchy cream doughy’s, NBA “dunkin” donuts “haemeroid” ring doughnuts and finally “lucky bugger” jammy doughnuts.

Before KO Ed was seen to lay a minefield of boffs to protect his area in anticipation of war games to come to frighten away his equally “Sychophant” (“sicko”phant, a pachyderm engaged in heinous antisocial, immoral or illegal behaviour.) defender who added to the defences with his own involuntary contribution to the mess. (by the way a pachyderm is any of various non ruminant hoofed mammals having very thick skin, elephants, rhinoceros, or hippopotamus). Darren did not enter Mastermind as in the rules he was not allowed any passes.

The game opened to the cry of “Towners” who only managed a flick on to one of their forwards who unmarked crossed to the far post where a call of cut it back was heeded and the resultant pass was stroked past Ed from the edge of the area.

Vale were then lively for a spell and Gary Knowleden stepped past several defenders before converting with a smart finish

NGU regained the lead when a nothing ball over the top was chased down on our left, with Ed initially making ground to cover before spotting the mines and retreating to his shelter only for the grenade to be hurled into the middle where the 10 headed from point blank range but Ed beat it out for the 10 to return it to the net.

NGU went further ahead within 3 minutes when another ball over the top landed in an undefended Vale half with Ed having an air shot leaving the 10 the simplest of tasks to double his total.

Vale pulled a goal back with the best move of the game when a sweeping diagonal pass from Kay to Gibson was controlled and despatched on the opposite diagonal to Knowleden who controlled and fired home quite beautifully.

Whilst not wishing to single out anyone in the defence it is apparent that when the central defenders call their ball almost without exception the rest of the defence anticipate them winning the ball they all the take offensive positions without thinking they may occasionally lose it leaving Ed exposed because we are gunning forward in kamikaze fashion and are unable to turn and recover. Is it not possible that our defenders think first about defending then about attacking.

Once we regain the ball we have midfielders and forwards who can hurt the opposition but even they make mistakes in front of goal which are soon forgotten whereas a goalkeeping error is long remembered.

Gary Knowleden was in line for the MOM but I didn’t notice him leave the field after scoring presumably in a direct attempt at jug avoidance and therefore instead made Steve Gibson MOM being the only defender to be absolved from the defensive confusion.         

Chipstead Reserves 2-0 Raynes Park Vale Reserves

The Vale have played some of their best football in league cup competition over recent years but this disappointing defeat sent them crashing out of cup at only the second round.

They visited Chipstead seeking revenge after losing 2-1 at home to them earlier in the season, but received a sucker blow inside the first minute.

Straight from kick-off, Chipstead moved the ball down the right and with Vale playing a high line, a through-ball found their winger in what surely was an offside position. However, the flag stayed down and with the defence motionless, the winger had time to pick his spot from an acute angle.

Shell-shocked, Vale needed to respond quickly but a combination of slack officiating and kamikaze defending nearly resulted in a second for the home side. With the flag again staying down with Chipstead’s striker appearing an offside position, the defence recovered well only to give the ball the away unnecessarily. It left a gaping goal for Chipstead’s onrushing midfielder 12 yards out but a mixture of Ashley Reid’s good block, and a sprawling Chris Eldergill alleviated the danger.

It was a messy but entertaining encounter on a pitch holding up extremely well considering the amount of rain over the past couple of days. For all the defensive frailties, Vale were creating chances of their own. Chad Heuston, playing against his old club, twice got the better of his marker but couldn’t make the keeper work as hard as he would have liked. Top scorer Anthony Ashman also had an opportunity to equalise when he headed just wide from a Steve Scott-Lee centre.

If Vale were playing the better football, Chipstead were playing to their strengths even better and they continued to stretch the Vale defence. The high line wasn’t working and if the final ball had been better, Chipstead would’ve extended their lead.

Midway through the first half and Vale had the right to once again feel aggrieved. A cross from the Vale right caused danger in the Chipstead penalty box and a defender appeared to handle in the melee. With the linesman vigorously waving his flag for the infringement, the referee waved play on much to the disgust of the Vale players. Having gone behind to a controversial opener, it would appear the Gods weren’t shining on the men in blue and red.

Indeed, it got worse for Vale on 23 minutes. A corner from the right was only half-cleared and allowed time and space to shoot, the Chipstead player smashed in his shot which Eldergill got a hand to but could only deflect it into the top corner of the net.

Right on half-time, Chipstead nearly made it 3-0 when their midfielder made a great break through the middle but with only the keeper to beat, he struck the legs of Eldergill, who stood up well.

HALF-TIME 2-0

There were some heated exchanges in the dressing room at the break and an overwhelming sense that Vale’s discipline had let them down along with the officials. Despite some encouraging link-up play and good chances, Vale were failing with the basics, and, as a team, not just in defence, were defending badly.

A resurgent Vale side appeared at the start of the second half but Chipstead probably went up a gear as well. In contrast to the first half, chances were few and far between and Vale lacked cutting edge in the final third.

When the likes of Scott-Lee and Nathanial Achene did penetrate the Chipstead defence, their keeper was on hand to mop things up in confident manner.

Nathan Turner and Lawrence Power replaced Achene and Ashman midway through the second half in a bid to inject new life into Vale but Chipstead’s defence was holding firm. Meanwhile, the home side was exposing an increasingly stretched Vale backline and had chances of their own to make the game safe.

With around 10 minutes of the game remaining, Vale came the closest they had come to scoring, and it was courtesy of centre-half Lee Harkness. His free-kick from the right hand edge was delightfully floated over the wall but their keeper made an excellent save.

The final few minutes saw Vale run out of ideas and Chipstead could have easily put the nail in the coffin with two of three clear cut opportunities.

FINAL SCORE 2-0

Chipstead held on for a relatively comfortable victory in the end, helped by some dubious decisions, and on their second-half display, will be a hard team to breakdown. As for the Vale, the much maligned cliché ‘a game of two halves’ is once again most apt. Time and time again this season the final 45 minutes are in stark contrast to the opening 45 minutes, and there are various views as to why this is happening. In my view, it starts from when the players turn up and in the hour build-up to kick-off. Everyone needs to make sure they’re ready to perform as soon as that whistle goes, and it was again evident in this game that that didn’t happen. It is also about adapting to certain situations quicker. The Chipstead pitch was narrower and slightly smaller than usual, therefore Vale’s high-line resulted in bunched up play and areas which the home side could exploit. In the second-half this was corrected and that threat was nulled. All in all, not a terrible performance by any stretch of the imagination but a disappointing exit from the cup on a day that lady luck stayed at home.

Raynes Park Vale Reserves 3-0 East Grinstead Town Reserves

The Reserves returned to winning ways at Grand Drive as they swept aside the leagues bottom club.

Having lost four in a row, it was imperative that Vale started brightly and a goal after just 3 minutes set them on their way.

Chad Heuston was the provider as he swept in an excellent cross that eluded Grinstead’s centre-half and Anthony Ashman was there to put away his 11th goal of the season with a low diving header.

Despite the early goal, it was Grinstead who were playing the better football and they had the ball in the net three times within the first 30 minutes! Thankfully a combination of offsides and a foul throw ensured Vale remained in front.

The playing surface was tricky through the middle so it was imperative to get the ball into wide areas but all too often panic would set in and the players would resort to long balls over the top.

Midway through the first half Vale almost doubled the lead against the run of play. From a set-piece, Steve Scott-Lee’s header was flicked on by Ashman just a couple of yards from the goal but it hit the crossbar and bounced down on the goal-line, much to the relief of their goalkeeper.

One-nil is the way it stayed up until half-time and quite frankly, Vale were lucky to go into the break leading. Too slow to the second balls, too many touches on many occasions and a tendency to go long too often were Vale’s major failings.

However, the home side did improve on these frailties at the start of the second half and the only criticism was the quality of the finishing. Martin Forsyth, twice worked himself into good positions but on both occasions missed the target.

Dave Vaughn was suffering from a foot injury and was replaced by Marcus Fernandez around the hour mark. The tenacious midfielder immediately got involved with some hard hitting tackles and also linked up well with Ajay Gajree  who switched the play effectively.

Vale went 2-0 up on 65 minutes and Lee Cox was the orchestrater. Cox showed his composure on the ball with a confident run and pass to Heuston. The impressive striker managed to get his shot off and despite an excellent save, Ashman once again showed his predatory instincts by poking the loose ball home.

A two-goal cushion against the leagues bottom club at home should have brought about more goals and an air of confidence but Vale showed their shortcomings in killing games off. The referee also showed some of his shortcomings when he gave the visitors a glimmer of hope by awarding them a dubious penalty. The excellent Scott-Lee was adjudged to have impeded Grinstead’s winger on the edge of the area. However, perhaps justice was done as the penalty kick was well saved by Chris Eldergill low to his left.

Vale nearly made the game safe and Cox nearly had a goal-of-the-season contender to cheer about, Fernandez playing a corner to the edge of the box and Cox’s first time blockbuster superbly tipped over by the keeper.

The game was put to bed, however, when five minutes from time, substitute Nathan Turner finished off an excellent move, heading home from a Scott-Lee cross.

The full time whistle marked a long overdue clean sheet, the first in 12 games, and a performance that was patchy in places but ultimately good enough.

Carshalton Athletic Reserves 2-0 Raynes Park Vale Reserves

Surrey Premier Cup Round 2

Raynes Park Vale reserves were knocked out of the second round of the Surrey Premier Cup and condemned to a fourth straight defeat, but the performance was anything but disappointing.

The Vale were looking to improve on Saturday’s disappointing defeat at Burgess Hill but were up against a side a division above them.

Vale started the game in a much improved fashion, albeit on a pitch that allowed for free flowing football. Nathan Perrott and Martin Forsyth were seeing a lot of the ball on the wings whilst Dave Vaughan and Lee Harkness were marshalling the defence in a confident manner.

There’s no question Carshalton showed glimpses of why they play at a higher level, particularly when it came to getting the ball wide and switching play, and they had the better of the opening exchanges.

Chances were few and far between early on but Carshalton’s left-footed centre forward was clearly a danger. He took on the job of holding play up well and wasn’t afraid to take players on, but to their credit, the Vale defence stuck to their task admirably.

The first real opening came midway through the first half. Carshalton’s winger escaped the attentions of Andy MacFarlane but made placing the ball too obvious and Chris Eldergill was able to palm the ball away from danger.

At the other end, Perrott linked up well with Ashley Reid before a cross-cum shot had Carshalton’s goalkeeper scrambling it away for a corner.

Carshalton continued to dictate large parts of the play without creating clear cut opportunities and that was largely down to two figures – Ajay Gajree , who was typically dogged and determined in the challenge, and the Franco Baresi swagger of Vaughan who’s reading of the game was excellent.

Half-time 0-0

A fair scoreline at the break and to the credit of the Vale players, they weren’t content with their performance. Sloppy in possession and occasionally suspect holding a high line, Vale knew improvement was necessary, whilst introducing Anthony Ashman and Nathanhal Achene into the game more was critical.

No changes were made at the break and Carshalton made a better start to the second half but any pressure that was mounted came courtesy of the long ball. Vale withstood some tense moments with Ashley Reid continuing to show what an important asset he is to the team.

Nathanhal Achene was replaced five minutes into the second half and that allowed John Osunkoya a chance to impress in only his second game for the club.

As play continued to bounce back and forth in the midfield, Vale grew in confidence and Carshalton’s composure was tested. Perrott continued to be Vale’s most dangerous attacking player, frequently willing to take on their right back, but a final ball never materialised, much to the credit of Carshalton’s backline.

The first goal to this match was always going to be crucial and it was made all the more cruel by the fact that it came against the run of play. Vale’s high line had tempted Carshalton’s forward line all game and after a slip-up by MacFarlane, their midfielder was in and finished neatly, placing the ball low to the left of Eldergill.

One-nil down and clearly despondent, the next five minutes showed Vale’s frailty and it almost led to Carshalton doubling their lead. After some good defensive work by Reid, Eldergill picked up what the referee interpreted as a back-pass just 12 yards from goal. From the resulting free kick, Harkness took one hell of a blow to the anus before a Carshalton player laced one into the far corner of the net. If Eldergill had been slightly unfortunate to be penalised then Vale’s luck was evened out when the linesman spotted an offside infringement, which could have only been for a player infringing the shot.

To Vale’s credit, they battled back and they did have a couple of chances to equalise. Perrott continued to shoot on site and Gajree probably should have done better, placing a shot straight at the keeper 18 yards out.

Steve Scott-Lee and Lawrence Power came on to freshen things up for the final third of the game and they both made positive contributions.

However, it was Carshalton, who perhaps showed exactly why they are a league over Vale, who got the second goal of the game. With the Vale defence stretched, Carshalton worked the ball from the left to the right quickly and despite a good block from Reid, their midfielder hit the top corner from just inside the area – a toe poke the away fans would call luck and the home fans would say clinical.

2-0 down with five minutes or so to go and the game was  as good as over. Carshalton had a couple of opportunities to extend their lead but Eldergill was able to turn them round the post. At the other end, a Vale corner nearly went directly in, but the referee adjudged there had been a foul on the goalkeeper.

Fulltime 2-0

Perhaps a little cruel on Vale although Carshalton were probably the slightly better team over 90 minutes, if only for fitness levels. It was a much improved performance on, admittedly a much better surface than Saturday, and above all, a performance that 14 players worked their socks off for. Aside from fitness, the one attribute this team needs to develop quickly is a belief amongst themselves. Too many times in recent weeks reputation has preceded performance and games like this should illustrate Vale can compete with the best.

Burgess Hill Town 2-0 Raynes Park Vale Reserves

Coming off the back of two defeats, Raynes Park knew this would be a tough fixture if they were to reverse this trend, with Burgess Hill sitting second in the table.

Having played away fixtures at Lewes, AFC Wimbledon and Haywards Heath among others, the team could be forgiven for expecting a slick playing surface against such an outfit, but were instead greeted with a boggy marsh.

It was perhaps not surprising then, that the first half didn’t offer much in the way of football. Both teams started with a lack of ideas through the middle of the park with the ball over the top the preferred method of attack.

The first chance came the way of Burgess Hill when a snapshot from the edge of the area was turned round the post from Eldergill, when the ball was perhaps going wide anyway. From the resulting corner, Perrott had to be alert to head the ball over on the post from an excellent Burgess Hill header.

The reversal of full backs –  MacFarlane to right-back and Reid to left-back seemed to working well with both players looking accustomed to their new positions. Alongside  Harkness and Vaughan, the back four were successfully holding a high line but it was Town who had the first clear cut opportunity. An attack down the right saw a floated ball to the far posted where an unmarked forward had time to bring the ball under control and pick his spot. However, his spot was too close to Eldergill who was able to turn it round the post.

At the other end, Town’s goalkeeper was doing his part to keep the Vale forwards interested. Aside from his rather shaky kicking, he inexplicably picked up a backpass that Vale rather wasted just inside the penalty box.

Power and top scorer  Ashman also had pot shots from outside the box but it was particularly frustrating that we failed to truly test this rather nervous goalkeeper.

Town took the lead after 41 mins and from a defensive point of view, they don’t come much worse than this. A simple ball over the top caused confusion at the back and Town’s forward was onto it sharply. Despite strangled appeals for offside, the striker pocked the ball past the onrushing Eldergill and put the home team in front.

The goal failed to spark either side into life and the rest of the first half was rather forgettable.

1-0

The second half saw Burgess Hill replace goalkeepers with an outfield player replacing the injured keeper. Despite Vale emphasising the need to get the ball down and play at half-time, the words weren’t put into action, and it was Town who were causing more of the problems.

Vale’s high line was beginning to faulter and after an initial mistake from Vaughan, he made an excellent last ditch tackle to deny the striker.

At the other end, Achene and Ashman were unable to create any clear opportunities although a mistake by Hill’s centre half did present Ashman with a snapshot opportunity which he put just wide.

After 52 mins, Vale received what would prove the knockout blow. As Town broke down the right, a ball got cut inside and the striker let fly from just inside the penalty area. It clearly hit Harkness’s hand but it was certainly unintentional. However, the referee took the point of view that the ball was heading goalwards bound and awarded a penalty kick. For the second week running, the opposition gave Eldergill no chance in the Vale goal.

Last year’s star striker, Nathan Turner, who has been laid low with injury this season, replaced Achene soon after, and he soon showed his quality. Receiving the ball on the left, a quick gink one way and a first-time shot saw the ball smash the crossball with the goalkeeper a mere spectator.

Vale did continue to mount the pressure with Perrott always willing to dictate the play but it was Town who continued to have the better opportunities. Twice in the space of five minutes saw Town in on goal and twice they were foiled by Eldergill.

Any sign of a comeback was halted in a moment of madness. Power had taken a blow to the face and after verbally abusing the ref over the incident, he went off for treatment. The torrent of abuse continued from the sidelines and the referee brandished the red card.

John Osunkoya replaced Forsyth on the right side of midfield for his debut and he saw plenty of the ball as Vale tried to work the flanks. And on 86 mins, Vale had their first shot on target as Perrott had a shot on the turn from a tight angle that the keeper tipped over.

But that was as close as Vale came to grabbing a goal and two-nil was the way it ended.

Frustrations all-round for a Vale side that slipped to a third straight defeat against a rather disappointing Town outfit. Once again penalty decisions didn’t go in our favour – a dubious one was awarded for Town, whilst a similar handball at the other end was waved away. But, it would be rather short-sighted if luck was purely to blame and the fact was that we had one shot on target against an opposition with a goalkeeping crisis, tells its own story.

The match against Carshalton reserves in just 48 hours time will be a stiffer challenge for the team but will represent an opportunity, and a playing surface that will be conducive to a higher standard of football. (CHRIS ELDERGILL).

Guildford City Vs Raynes Park Vale

Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League

Saturday 28th October 2006

Played at Spectrum Arena

Vale Team:- Cornwell, Gibson, Frimpong, Stevens, Williams, Agyeman, Vine, Kay, Torino, Dobinson, Knowelden. Subs - Mosley, Skinner, Fernandez

The Spectrum Arena is aptly named as the surroundings are gladiatorial with one side being terraced where the spectacle of warring giants drawing blood for the baying hordes could be pictured, but not today as Vale sought revenge for a recent 2 – 0 Vase humiliation.

An early arrival allowed for a pitch inspection which showed a very uneven surface with bobbles aplenty to come.

Guildford had obviously heeded the CCL and FA dictat on the proximity of alcohol to the pitch as they had managed to secrete it in the Spectrum Centre a mere half tank of petrol away.

Suffice to say the spectators were few in numbers as the pitch is open with a running track separating them from the pitch which if viewed from the terracing made the players look like Subbuteo figures or perhaps this was due to the small stature of the Vale team.

The game itself was a poor advert for the CCL with Vale dominating without exerting any pressure on the City goal and little in return from Guildford.

The game meandered along to about the 20 minute mark when a rare City attack resulted in a cross from the right being turned past his own keeper by Gibson via the crossbar, knee, post, shin etc etc.

The half time whistle brought welcome relief and the opportunity to take on a “Bovril” as is only right to enjoy at a proper football match.

The half time conversation revolved around potential changes for Vale with the objective of increasing the tempo and converting any chances we were likely to create.

As it was all three substitutes made it from the bench, newcomer Dave Mosley making his entrance after 70 minutes replacing Joe Frimpong in a bold move to strengthen the attack with immediate dividends as Dave made his mark as a tenacious fast moving forward with an eye for goal.

Skinner came on for Agyeman who was injured on 79 minutes in a like for like move.

Marco who tried all afternoon had more success with Mosley in combination to net after 85 minutes which we were pleased to see go in but the Vale were not finished yet with a winning goal from the debutant in an impressive performance which deserved the “thumbs up” from Emperor Lee to his new Spartacus.

To complete the day Marcos got on late for Vine who had as usual run himself into the ground.

MOM David Mosley

Chipstead Vs RPVFC

CCL League Cup

Tuesday 12 September 2006

Team: Cornwell, Vine, Towse, Stevens, Stones, Williams, Agyeman, Kay, Torino, Dobinson, Knowleden,  :- Subs Earp, Townsend, Brenen A.

The line up as above showed personnel and positional changes from the side which lost to Chips 3 – 0 on Bank Holiday Monday.

Agyeman returned from injury to replace the injured Cox, no surprise there then, Skinners ban saw Vine move to full back with Stevens coming into the back four. Knowelden and Earp swapping a starting position for one on the bench.

Chips made even more changes introducing 5 new faces and dropping 2 to the bench. which may have been due to held over suspensions from last season a la Skins.

The early exchanges were so shambolic defensively for the Vale I actually thought I was back at St James’s Park watching Newcastle gift two goals to Fulham by failing to mark from set pieces, when lo and behold we conceded a goal from a corner, though I was unable to pick out the “Whitish Bramble” as there was nobody marking anyone, one down in 3 minutes does not bode well for the rest of the game bearing in mind the respective starts to the season.

Vale eventually got into the game with Marco as prominent as an oasis in the desert when surrounded by half the Chips team brought a ball down with his chest and volleyed onto the crossbar with no contact on the rebound.

Danny Stevens had an unchallenged header from a corner but straight at the keeper.

Chips attack brought a full length save from Ed with the resultant corner being somewhat better defended.

Vale were having success down the left with both Knowleden and Dobinson in sparkling form which they turned into goals firstly when Knowleden cut back a cross into Dobo’s path whose take and finish was superb followed by Gary’s cross to the far post with a headed finish by Marco, Vale ahead 2 – 1 and deservedly so.

Chips stung into action with a well worked attack brilliantly thwarted by a fingertip save by Ed.

Dobinson on fire against his old club nonchalantly chipped the keeper to further extend the lead, shame he hadn’t as many old clubs as Tiger Woods!!!

The whole team were doing their jobs well from back to front with Ed in inspired form and Marco giving their defence plenty to think about on the deck and in the air. The one anxious moment for Vale occurred just before half time when Agyeman went down under a heavy challenge but fortunately was able to continue after treatment.

3 – 1 at H.T.

We naturally anticipated that Chips would come out firing on all cylinders after the break and it was fascinating to count down the minutes currently with 30 minutes gone and no real alarms and we continue to give as good as we get.

Darren continues to work hard with no tricks just clever touches which make him a highly influential player and infinitely more effective for the team.

Chips nick one back with ten to go 3 – 2

Aaron shows a fantastic turn of pace to bring the ball out of defence but is stopped in full flight by a foul which sees him replaced by Earp who obviously had no time to make an impact as the substitution took place on 90 minutes until a helpful ref gave him another 10 minutes to perform!

All the players can deservedly say they played well and if they reduce the mistakes and maintain the quality then a better season beckons

M.O.M. All twelve but recipient on behalf of the team Darren Dobinson.

Off home now after maintaining our proud tradition of being last in the bar to see who we’ve got in the next round.

Reserves v Camberley Town

Suburban League South Division

Wednesday 6 September 2006 at Grand Drive

Team: Pay, Reid, Perrott, Townsend, Harkness, Sparkes, Fernandez, Knight, Ashman, Peters, Dyer, Subs:- Trefry, Turner, Power, Ennis

Officials:- Steve Tyler, Steve Simpson, Ian Stemp

The game against Camberley eventually was arranged after a couple of blanks when either there were no officials or Camberley had a first team fixture at home.

Initial indications were RPVFC were considerably quicker in the forwards than Camberley were in defence.

Vale opened the scoring from a free kick from the left of the penalty box taken by Fernandez to the far post where Ashman planted an unchallenged header into the net.

Vale added to their score when the Camberley keeper in an attempt to clear had an air shot under pressure from Sparkes who calmly stroked the free ball into the net.

The referee was controlling the game like an under 10’s game by a schoolteacher with little regard to the flow of the game but full of demonstrative signals and comments.

Just before half time Camberley reduced the arrears when Perrott at the edge of the box lost the ball after an awkward bounce and the forward lobbed Dale to concede his first goal.

Vale continue to command and added two more one from Fernandez from a cross he demanded to the far post sweeping home and then substitute Turner running on the diagonal to the left of the box cleverly toe poked a right foot shot into the opposite far corner.

The Lawrence twosome were introduced, Ennis for fitness and Power for match play and each performed well with Power in particular being very unfortunate when hitting a volley which the keeper saved superbly.

Everyone contributed to an all round performance but the M.O.M. was Townsend for a sterling job in defence calling and winning headers at will and even making the odd sortie up-field when he could have had a brace.

RPVFC Vs Dorking

CCL Premier Division

Saturday 2 September 2006

Team: Cornwell, Skinner, Towse, Cox, Stones, Williams, Vine, Kay, Torino, Earp, Knowleden,:- Subs Dobinson Stevens, Grout, Pay, Knight.

Several key personnel were unavailable today, not players but the “Heartbeat” of the club with Vice Chairman Nigel “ Greengrass” Thorn on a have it away day in the Yorkshire Dales although he felt unable to “Settle” wondering how life would go on without him.

The game was fairly even with the blustery wind making it difficult for all the players.

The difference in taking free kicks was clearly demonstrated when Cox delivered a precision ball over the top to Knowleden whose excellent cut back was planted high and wide by Earp. Towse then totally overhit one out of play followed by another one into the wall, Pink Floyd greatest “hits” now available on CD on the DT label.

Some quality passing particularly by Cox from the back and Kay and Williams in midfield gave opportunities to the front two of Earp and Torino but neither was unable to convert until Marco flighted a cross into the top corner, of course he meant it!!

Regrettably Dorking were level within minutes when poor defending left their winger with some work to do but he curled a shot into the far corner with Ed well beaten.

Cox was injured when an opponent accidently stepped on his Achilles, if he didn’t have bad luck he would have no luck at all, replaced by Stevens though not like for like.

We continued to have the better of the play with both Knowleden and Vine catching the eye, Gary with a beautiful take down and shot which was deflected over and Antony latching onto a through ball from Williams only to be denied twice in succession by the keeper.

The half time comments involved serious discussion regarding Steve the “Supremo” Smith who was away with “Las Playas” in Tenerife leaving us with his RPVFC ballboys “headed” by Jamie and Monty who finished the half one ball ahead, so we were able to inform SS we were 1 – 0 up (balls that is) at half time but the score was 1 – 1.

Vine opened the second half by almost replicating Marcos goal only to be outdone when a cross from the right held up in the wind and drifted into the top corner to put us one down on 65 minutes.

The hirsute “Leprechaun” has still to return from the Emerald Isle which means we should be fully staffed for next weeks game at home to Cobham. It was then learned that Emil Harkness, no relation to “Pikey” had failed to produce his QPR season ticket in order to gain half price admission to the ground, who says the Vets don’t contribute to the club!!

Changes saw Dobbo on for Skins and Knight on for Williams. We managed a late equalizer when Stones thumped an unstoppable header into the net from a Kay corner almost repeating the feat a couple of minutes later.

The England game passed without incident although Grouty was apparently on the wrong end of a spread bet on the result.

More disappointing was the split factions in the two bars watching, “How do you solve a problem like Maria” with the others next door viewing “The X Factor” what a set of sad bastards.

M.O.M. Kay for a decent performance which would be enhanced when Agyeman regains his fitness as we miss his pace and goals.

Chipstead Vs RPVFC

CCL Premier Division

Monday 28 August 2006

Team: Cornwell, Skinner, Towse, Cox, Stones, Williams, Vine, Kay, Torino, Earp, Dobinson :- Subs Knowleden, Ives, Fernandez.

Bank Holiday fixture which was not as well attended as anticipated considering the perfect excuse to give the shopping a swerve.

Chipstead have had a considerably better start than the Vale although this was not apparent in the early exchanges.

A ball from Cox over the top released Vine but his far post cross to Marco was intercepted by the keeper. A chip by Earp was narrowly over and a Cox free kick skidded just wide.

We then conceded a penalty which was easily converted after 15 minutes. This was a bitter blow to Vale as we were marginally on top at his stage.

Ed saved at full length, a Kay shot from distance went wide and an Earp cross was too close with Marco threatening.

Vale were failing to attack the ball outside the box but fortunately the Chips shooting was poor. Ives replaced the injured Cox who had been playing well after 40 minutes.

Darren apparently disorientated gave the ball away needlessly and although the Chipstead break was tracked with Ed forcing the forward wide he was still able to cross from the byeline with no one picking up the oncoming forward who scored even though we were 3 against 1…

Another Earp chip over saw him caught late, a lecture but no card.

Another Vale free kick was taken by Dave “Pink Floyd” Towse who hit another “brick in the wall”

H.T. 2 – 0 probably a harsh reflection of the first half play.

The second half opened with an early chance for Marco after good build up play. Knowelden replaced Kay but failed to make an impact. Towse was then unfairly booked when conceding a penalty which should have been the other way for simulation but Ed saved the resultant spot kick with his feet.

The injustice of it all became apparent when moments later the same player went down theatrically only to be waved away by the ref with the forward complaining that was even worse than the first one which it was but no card shown.

Dobbo was replaced by Marcos after 80 minutes which left him little time to impress.

A break by Chips was only tracked by Phil Ives but he was unable to block the cut back and an easy sidefoot finished the scoring 3 – 0

Too many players fail to take responsibilities and we will not get anywhere going through the motions at 75% of our maximum.

M.O.M. Antony Vine for unselfish running, wish it could be for superb performance, high quality goals etc.

Raynes Park Vale  v  Banstead Athletic

Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Premier Division

Saturday 26^th August 2006

Played at Grand Drive

Vale Team –Pay, Skinner,Towse, Stones, Stevens, Williams, Agyeman, Vine, Rogers, Kay, Dobinson, Subs –Torino, Cox, Cornwell, Fernandez

Officials- Andrew Roberts, Irwin Chin, Richard Hailstone

It was a pleasant if windy day at the Vale with the pitch looking impressive in stripy green thanks to Tony Hurrell and his assistant Mike who must have dreamt of moving it to Colliers Wood for them to play on!

I was interested to see the first team debut of the new keeper whose first reserve team game must have been a low key affair as one of his friends asked what impressed him most about the Vale said Graham Till’s rolls, loads of filling and an absolute must have at only £1. We obviously need to increase prices to improve our cash flow which should be helped by “Pay” the new keeper who was competent in all departments, taking crosses and making the odd save look easy.

Having watched the opening 15 minutes without even a word entering the match report the first noteworthy event was when “Syd the Gate” announced that a Chelsea season ticket holder had utilised the same to get half price entry as advertised on the website! It would be fine if a few more would do the same.

The changes at the heart of the team stabilised the defence and the lively work by Ageyman and Vine in midfield complimented the passing of Kay and Williams.

Joel was replaced by Marco just before half time and again his pace troubled the Banstead defence.

Cox replaced Skinner after 70 minutes and determined to impress showed a fine range of passing with both

feet and was also sound defensively with some strong headers clearing the danger.

Midway through the second half Ageyman was hacked down by a high late tackle from behind to suffer the same fate as his assailant after a little skirmish both receiving the yellow card when it should have been a yellow for “handbags” and at least a yellow for the tackle which would have added up to a red for the Banstead player.

There were a few attacking movements fairly evenly split before the moment of the game saw a pass down the left to Dobinson who took it in his stride and hit a first time whipped, curling cross to the far post giving Marco the opportunity to finish with a well struck sidefoot into the empty net timed at 90 minutes.

Marcos Fernandez made his debut and must have been nonplussed how he got almost 10 minutes when coming on in the 90^th minute suffice to say he integrated neatly into midfield.

I suppose it was worth waiting for our first win but why the referee then played a further 9 and a half minutes for 6 substitutions (3 mins) 3 bookings (1.5 mins) and several minor injuries 5 minutes, he may have felt the need to give value for money but the souls on the terraces would sooner have partaken of a glass or two!

M.O.M.          Antony Vine for ceaseless chasing and harrying followed closely by Aaron who may have pipped him had it not been for the injury suffered in that tackle which slowed him down to a blur

Raynes Park Vale  v  Chertsey Town

Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Premier Division

Wednesday 16 August 2006

Played at Grand Drive

Vale Team – Cornwell, Skinner, Dobinson, Ennis, Stevens, Kay, Agyeman, Vine, Rogers, Loyza,Knowelden, Subs – Grout, Earp,Torino, Towse, Knight,

Officials- Simeon Potter, Dave Sheldrake, Keith Slaughter.

Minor adjustments to the squad saw Grout and Earp drop to the bench to be replaced by S(k)inner and Loyza.

The opening period was very tentative before Vale illuminated the proceedings with a well worked goal on 12 minutes. A neat header on halfway by Joel to Loyza whose control and through ball to Gary was converted with aplomb.

Dobbo then had to be aware to foil a decent chance with a well timed last ditch challenge.

Another bout of impressive passing eventually released Dobbo and Loyza who beat the keeper but it still required a brave header from Aaron to complete the move.

He was then booked for a rash challenge near the corner flag, fortunately the free kick was wasted.

A brilliant move initiated by Skins to Aaron who worked the move across field to Gary and Dobbo whose superb cross on the run deceived the keeper at the near post for Joel to tap home the simplest of chances.

3 – 0 at half time looked an excellent situation though to be fair to Chertsey other than the goals Vale were hardly in it and with better finishing Chertsey would still be in the game.

The second half was a similar affair to the first with flashes of brilliance mixed with large portions of dross.

Chertsey did have some reward when a breakaway resulted in the ball being forced home after 65 minutes.

Marco replaced Loyza after 68 minutes. Chertsey further reduced the arrears when a smart back heel lay off and a superb finish brought the deficit to one with 17 minutes still to be played.

A terrific dribble by Aaron was spoiled when with players waiting he took the wrong option to find Marco in the 6 yard box only to be flagged for offside.

Aaron was again involved when a Knowleden cross was met with a diving header but just wide.

Ed continued in the same vein of form from Saturday tipping a close range effort over the bar.

A right wing cross and side foot finish saw Chertsey draw level in the 85 minute leaving only sufficient time for Aaron to trip a player, concede a penalty, Ed to save and Skinner to be sent off for a comment to the referee. Ed Knight replaced Joel for the last couple of minutes with both sides having opportunities to score the winner.

Never has the comment “A game of two halves” been more appropriate

MOM Lawrence Ennis for a sound all round performance.   (att 91)