BTeamMRs0708

REIGATE PRIORY FC 'B' TEAM - MATCH REPORTS SEASON 2007/08

League Table League Cup Results/Fixtures Summary Match Reports 06/07

Player Statistics R&D Results/Fixtures R&D Division Four Results

Saturday 26th January 2008 - Redhill & District League - Division 4

Comben1,Donald1

The Bees handed this one over on a plate with a first half performance that left them a mountain to climb. With the division as tight as it has been for years and some very strong teams involved, this result really would have hurt the Bees who, before today’s game, could have climbed up to fourth place instead now could be sitting in the bottom three once the games played are all level.

The Bees were showing signs of having only played one game in the last 6 weeks with some sloppy play and mistakes that were to prove costly. It all started from a set piece when park lane easily out muscled the Bees defence to score from a corner. Then came the first of two error’s at the back from the usually reliable centre back Holloway. Park Lane played a hopeful ball up front which Holloway seemed to have covered, but as he went to clear the ball it slipped under his foot and into the path of a Park Lane forward who dispatched the ball past the keeper. The third goal was a carbon copy of the first with the Bees again not defending well from a corner. At three nil the heads really were down and it was hard to see a way back, but after a change of formation the Bees did start to play some football and looked like scoring on a couple of occasions with Richard Stephen playing well in his first game since September and young Tim Donald getting in behind their fullbacks several times. Unfortunately a mix up between Holloway and keeper Brend towards the end of the first half gifted Park Lane their fourth goal and made a comeback very unlikely.

The second half was a totally different affair with the addition of Sean Doyle on the left and Paul Hodges switched to right midfield role the Bees really had a go at clawing their way back into the game. They did give themselves hope with a goal from Chris Comben when he was again in the right place at the right time to slot home his ninth league goal of the season. Then there was real optimism when young Tim Donald scored a lovely goal to round of a brilliant performance from him. With half hour still to go the Bees pilled on the pressure and had chance after chance to score. Then with about ten minutes to go Doyle broke free and looked set to lob the keeper who came out of his box and handled the ball. It looked a certain red card but the ref failed to even issue a yellow! From the resulting free kick Besley came close to scoring only for a defender to get just a touch and it went behind for the first of about seven or eight corners which the Bees just could not convert into goals and arguably may well have done had their keeper been rightly sent off. If only the Bees could start the game the same way they normally end it they would be sitting comfortably in the top half of the table.

Team; Brend, Austin, Hollowy, Norris, Edge-Partington, Donald, Richards, Besley, Hodges, Porte, Comben Subs; Doyle, Sayers, Giles.

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Saturday 5th January 2008 - Redhill & District League - Division 4

Woolston1,Besley1.

The Bees started the New Year with a good away win against a strong Brockham side, who must be wandering how they are bottom of the table.

Brockham undoubtedly started the game the stronger of the two sides and it pretty much stayed that way for the whole of the first half. But despite being under a lot of pressure the Bees kept Brockham at bay with some dogged defending, marshalled by Giles, and did manage to create some good chances, notably from young wide attacker Rob Sayers, whose pace and determination got him through on goal on two occasions with both efforts working the keeper. On the other side of the pitch full debutant Sean Doyle had a good game making some intelligent runs and creating chances. It was in the middle of the park that Brockham were causing problems with seemingly an extra man every time they attacked.

Having held out till half time, the Bees made a few changes. Changing to a flat back four and adding a player to the centre of midfield. Tim Austin came on at right back and player manager Porte moved in to midfield to allow Besley and Hodges a little more freedom.The impact was instant, with the Bees creating two chances within the first couple of minutes of the restart. Brockham didn’t have an answer to the changes, and Bees dominance was rewarded after a foul on Hodges allowed Besley to prove once again why he is the dead ball specialist, with a beautiful free kick from about 25 yards out which the keeper stood no chance of saving. The defence of Austin, Norris, Woolston and man of the match Edge-Partington dealt extremely well with everything Brockham threw at them and with Porte holding in the midfield and revelling in the space afforded to him, the Bees could have scored two or three more before the second goal that sealed victory. With a pre planed set piece from a corner, Besley played in an in swinging corner which was met perfectly at the far post by the head of full back Woolston and almost ripped through the net as it flew past the man on the post. The Bees were understandably under a bit of pressure for the rest of the half but, with keeper Marc Connolly in fine form at the moment and the introduction of another young player Tim Donald, whose ball control and pace was a good outlet, they held on for much deserved victory and after dropping 6 points already against the three teams at the bottom of the table it was a must win game.

Team ; Connolly, Woolston, Giles, Norris, Edge-partington, Porte, Sayers, Doyle, Besley, Hodges, Comben. SUBS; Austin, Donald.

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Saturday 15th December 2007 - Redhill & District League - Division 4

Comben1,Besley1.

The Bees will not be too happy with this result, having been in front for most of the game only to throw away all three points with a needless penalty in the dying minutes of the game. Frenches’ striker looked to be through on goal when young Dan Peters, playing as sweeper today, looked to have seen off the danger with a well timed intervention, only to then have a moment of madness when he inexplicably tugged at the strikers shirt in the penalty area, leaving the ref no choice but to point to the spot. Their striker converted with ease sending keeper Brend the wrong way. It was just one moment of rashness in what was otherwise a superb performance from Peters, who was inconsolable at the end but should be proud of his overall performance.

Starting their last game of the year on a high, having only lost once in their last six league matches, the Bees got at Frenches really well early on, with wing backs Porte and Woolston getting forward well and doubling up with wide attackers Hodges and Austin. They should have been two or three goals up inside the first fifteen minutes with chances falling to striker Comben and also for Woolston after some really good wing play from Hodges and Porte. The whole team started well and took a deserved lead midway through the first half. With a clearance from the back falling to Combens feet, he burst into Frenches box and slotted the ball home for his ninth league goal of the season. It seems there is no stopping Comben this year with almost a goal a game ratio. Not bad for someone who has played in goal or at centre back for the past five or six seasons!

Predictably the game opened up after the goal and it was Frenches who were taking advantage of this. They could have levelled before the break but for some good goalkeeping from Brend and hard work from the defence, especially Will Blake. He has been on the fringe of the team most of the season, but his commitment to the team and club has paid dividends and he has proved himself to be an essential member of the Bees squad.

With the second half underway it was still Frenches who were asking most of the questions but the Bees dug deep and the midfield pairing of Telford and Besley worked tirelessly, with Besley getting his reward midway through the second half. The Bees had a throw in on the left wing and after some good passing the ball came to Besley about 25 yards out, he took one touch to settle and then struck a superb shot that was in the goal the minute it left his boot. It looked like the points were in the bag but, not for the first time this year, the Bees pressed the self destruct button. Having done all the hard work it was down to two rash decisions that cost the Bees dear. Although Frenches probably feel they deserved a draw, with some good play from their central midfielder, who was easily the best player on the park, and some quick wide players who were a constant threat, it was still down to two mistakes that earned them the draw. The penalty and, before that, a free kick just outside the box that keeper Brend palmed onto the cross bar and Frenches slotted in the rebound unmarked.

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The Bees must remain positive in the fact that they have lost only once in their last seven league games now but they have got to start winning more if they are to stay out the bottom half of the table.

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Saturday 24th November 2007 - Redhill & District League - Division 4

Comben2,Martin1

With the first team not having a fixture and the reserves and “A” teams playing away this week it was a good opportunity for the Bees to express themselves on the main pitch, and they didn’t disappoint either, with the performance of the season so far. Having been beaten by Albury in the cup recently the Bees really had a point to prove, and being on the main pitch in front of the chairman and senior club officials was an added incentive to perform well.

The game got under way and within minutes it looked as though Albury were going to take the lead, when there attacker got in behind the defence and fired in a low drive. Keeper Marc Connolly was helpless to do anything about it and was thankful to see it go the wrong side of the post. Albury’s attack got in behind the defence several times in the first 10 minutes, but with some last ditch defending, and at last, a little bit of luck, the Bees managed to keep them out and went on to score two goals in quick succession from back in form striker Chris Comben. The first goal was after some excellent link up play between Comben and winger Paul Hamilton, who was outstanding throughout the whole game. He picked up the ball from the halfway line, ran at Albury with blistering pace and control, got into the box and played a one two with Comben, who returned it again and took up a good position to receive it back and slot the ball home. The second goal was virtually the same and the Bees really were buzzing now, two goals up and really dominating play with some lovely football. The midfield were again in control with Besley pulling the strings and the tireless Paul Hodges making some excellent runs and linking up well with young winger Rob Sayers, who could have had a goal himself but for some great goalkeeping by the Albury stopper. Another of the youth players who has established himself well in the centre of midfield is Daniel Telford. He is very strong and comfortable on the ball and is playing beyond his years at the moment with the composure of a seasoned player. With the Bees in control for most of the first half, Albury made things a little nervier when they pulled a goal back from a corner. Up came their towering centre half who rose head and shoulders above anyone else to head the ball home.

Into the second half, and as can be expected, the Bees were a little more cautious as Albury looked to get the equaliser. Under a lot more pressure the back four of Porte, Edge-Partington, Peters and Skipper Holloway coped well and were encouraged by the performance of Keeper Marc Connolly, who once again turned in a display of the highest quality, making three or four outstanding saves, most notably flying to his right to stop what looked a certain goal in the top corner. It was time for some fresh legs, on came defender Woolston for Edge-Partington and Martin for Sayers and the impact was instant! Woolston coming in at centre back made a crucial tackle on Alburys striker as he was about to shoot, the ball fell to a Bees player who passed it out of defence to Comben on the half way line, he jinked and turned and used his strength to hold of the defender, ran in to the box and just as you thought he was going to try for his hatrick he showed tremendous awareness by squaring the ball to sub Martin, who had taken up a good position and after settling himself finished superbly into the corner of the net. The Bees could breathe easy now and looked relaxed in the final few minutes of the match. It was no more than they deserved and although results have not shown this the Bees recent performances have been getting better and the team is getting more settled and players are gelling well. The future looks positive.

Squad; Connolly, Porte, Edge-Partington, Holloway, Peters, Hamilton, Telford, Besley, Hodges, Sayers, Comben. Subs; Woolston, Martin, Austin, Blake.

Saturday 17th November 2007 - Redhill & District League - Division 4

Peters1

This was another case of the Bees not taking their chances in a game which they should have won. Having been one nil up until the eighty ninth minute, they paid the price for not killing the game off, as the opposition scored a late leveller. Walton Heath attacked down the right wing, swung in what looked like a hopeful ball towards goal, which seemed to be sailing wide but somehow curved back in and hit the post, fell to a Heath attacker who tapped home for a cruel equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game. To make matters worse, the Bees had a glorious chance to put the game beyond Walton Heath only minutes earlier. The ball was played forward to Hamilton, who was playing very well and was a constant threat with the ball at his feet, he managed to stay on side and got in behind their defence, with only the keeper to beat he was unfortunate to see his shot go the wrong side of the post.

The Bees were playing some excellent football in the first half and deserved to go in at half time leading, but for all their dominance just could not find the back of the net. Playing a new look midfield trio of Besley, Hodges and Telford the Bees really took the game to Walton Heath and should have scored early on as centre forward Chris Comben had a one on one with the keeper, who came out well and smothered the ball. The defence, marshalled as usual by Captain Stephen Holloway, was looking very strong with full backs Peters and Porte supporting the midfield well. Young centre back Fred Edge-Partington had an excellent game and was easily a contender for man of the match, along with Keeper Marc Connolly.

Into the second half and it was the same story, that was until the Bees scored a scorcher of a goal through full back Dan Peters. With a free kick on the edge of the centre circle and the wind behind him Peters fired in a ferocious shot which hit the underside of the crossbar and cannoned in off the keeper. One nil, and instead of pushing for the second goal the Bees looked nervous and sat back holding on to the slender lead. In all fairness it looked as though they were going to get the three points until Walton Heath spoiled the party in the last minute of the game.

This is proving to be a tough season, with the division at its strongest for a long time, it is going to be hard for the Bees to mount any sort of challenge at the top of the table and will take this season to settle the young players, who have come through from the youth teams, and gain them some valuable experience for next season.

Team; Connolly, Porte, Edge-Partington, Holloway, Peters, Martin, Hodges, Besley, Telford, Hamilton, Comben. Subs; Austin, Sayers.

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Saturday 3rd November 2007 - Redhill & District Junior Cup Round 2

Donald1

The Bees went out of the cup without much of a fight this week, despite coming in to the game on the back of a four match unbeaten run and having a strong squad of players available. Confidence was high as was the expectation, but the Bees just made too many individual errors and did not play well enough as a team.

The first goal came after only ten minutes with a free header at the far post from Alburys striker, who was a thorn in the side for the Bees the whole game. The towering centre forward also scored Alburys third goal with another good header, this time from a corner after muscling his way through the defence. There was a goal each between that though with Albury going two up, after good work again from their wide men and a little helping hand from midfielder Porte. Having got in behind the fall back Alburys winger put in a dangerous cross between the keeper and the back tracking Porte, who found himself facing his own goal from 3 yards out, with no choice but to make a challenge, he was unfortunate to see the ball end up in the back of his own goal.

Having gone two nil down it looked as though the Bees were really going to cave in and were constantly under pressure, particularly out wide, with Alburys full backs pushing on well and the Bees wingers failing to track back sufficiently when the team lost possession. There was a glimmer of hope though after Tim Donald scored a very good goal from the edge of the box. After some good interplay between the forward players, Donald got control of the ball and hit a half volley into the bottom corner of the goal. At 2-1 the Bees really needed to take the game to them and had they scored the next goal things could have been different, but they just didn’t create enough chances, and when they did, the finishing touch wasn’t there and Albury made it 3-1.

Second half, and the Bees did play some good football, but never really looked like scoring the goal they needed to get back in the game. Rob Sayers, Will Blake and Dan Telford all did well when they came on and must be pleased with their efforts. With about ten minutes left Albury wrapped it up with a penalty after Porte brought down their striker inside the box. Mat Toms- in goal after coming back from injury-almost got a hand to it but the ball slid underneath him and put the game beyond reach for the Bees.

I think it has to be said that Albury were a good attacking side, but the Bees will not be happy with the way they defended and squandered possession too many times.

Team; Toms, Noggs, Holloway, Connolly, Woolston, Donald, Porte, Besley, Hamilton, Flint, Comben. Subs; Blake, Sayers, Telford.

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Saturday 27th October 2007 - Redhill & District Division 4

Comben1

The Bees played out their second one all draw in consecutive weeks, although this was very much one point earned as opposed to two dropped last week. With three Players dropping out of the team at the last minute managers Porte and Comben had their work cut out to re arrange things and it was not ideal match day preparation.

With several forced changes the game got under way and straight from the kick off the Bees were under constant pressure, however, they kept themselves in the game with some good defending and a man of the match performance by Keeper Marc Connolly. Playing in goal for the first time in a couple of seasons, Connolly looked very comfortable and his shot stopping was superb. With the back four of Martin, Norris, Captain Steve Holloway and Stuart Jones in at left back, all confident with the way their keeper was playing, limited Cheam’s chances, with most of them coming from set pieces and long distance.

Playing up front for the first time in three games, Chris Comben again proved his worth as a goal scorer. With a throw in in line with the edge of Cheam’s 18 yard box Hodges picked out the run of Porte who flicked the ball on for Besley, his shot fell at the feet of Comben, who was in the right place at the right time, and slotted the ball home calmly. That’s 8 goals for Comben now in ten games, three of which he has been in goal! One nil up against the run of play and it looked like the Bees were going to do a smash and grab, that was until Porte gave away a penalty in the 75th minute. Having tracked back from midfield Porte’s first challenge was a good one, winning the ball cleanly inside the box, but finding himself on the floor, tried to win the ball again only to catch the Cheam forward instead. Keeper Connolly dived to his left and almost got a hand to the ball but it was too well struck and Cheam levelled the score. They almost went on to win the game as well with a ferocious strike from one their players about 30 yards out which thundered against the bar and out for a goal kick.

The Bees held on for the point and now extend their unbeaten run to four games and hope to make it five next week with a 2nd round cup game vs. new side Albury Manor.

Team; Connolly, Martin, Holloway, Norris, Jones, Austin, Porte, Telford, Hodges, Besley, Comben. Subs; Blake, Ainsworth.

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Saturday 20th October 2007 - Redhill & District Division 4

Hamilton1

The Bees maintained their unbeaten run with a draw against fellow strugglers Brockham at the weekend, although in truth it was two points dropped. It was a game that the Bees really should have won and they will be feeling bemused as to how they did not score more than one goal.

They started poorly again, going a goal down quite early on, having struggled to get to grips with Brockhams attacking formation. But after a while the back four of Martin , Connolly , Woolston and Norris did well to keep out what was essentially a front four. Having kept it to just one goal after half an hour, the Bees managed to equalize after some determined work from full back Harry Martin. Having given the ball away he showed great strength to win the ball back out wide and passed it to Flint who drilled in a good low cross for Hamilton to tap in for his first goal of the season. From that moment on the Bees played some excellent pass and move football with Telford , Porte, Austin and Hamilton all involved in some good moves as well as the front two of Flint and Besley. Despite creating plenty of chances the Bees just couldn’t get that winning goal, with the best chance falling to Vezza. With only minutes to go he could have grabbed the headlines, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.

The Bees can feel hard done by this week but if you don’t take your chances you’re not going to win games.

Team; Comben, Martin, Connolly, Norris, Woolston, Austin, Porte, Telford, Hamilton, Besley, Flint. Subs; Vezza.

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Saturday 13th October 2007 - Redhill & District Division 4

Flint3

The Bees got there first league win of the season in a closely fought encounter that could have swung either way before the introduction of Bees hatrick hero, striker Daniel Flint. With player manager Stuart Porte sidelined through illness and three other players not available, it was a much changed side from that of last weeks marathon battle.

The first half was a good advert for grass roots football, with both sides creating good chances, and defending well at the same time. The Bees midfield battled well, particularly Dan Telford, who was filling in for Porte, and looked very comfortable on the ball as well as getting a foot in when needed. And the wide men of Paul Hamilton and Rob Sayers ran at the full backs with great purpose. The front two of Blake and Vezza ran there socks off and gave the Court Lodge back four plenty to think about. The only down side to the first half was an early injury to centre back Andrew (noggs) Norris who had to come off after 20 mins with a tight calf. On came young Tim Austin and with a bit of a re-shuffle the back four of Peters, Woolston, Austin and Captain Stephen Holloway were immense. Despite creating good chances it seemed as though it was not going to be the Bees’ day, until the introduction of Flint at half time that is.

As soon as the whistle went for the second half, the Bees were straight in behind the Lodge back four and it wasn’t long before Flint got his first. But before that, the Bees lost another player to injury with Sayers going off after putting in a really solid display. On came Fred Edge-Partington. Having won the ball at the back, it was played up to Besley, who slipped a lovely through ball behind there left back and Flint ran on to it, drove into the box and slotted home neatly. 1-nil up and it was all still on a knife edge, with Court Lodge hitting the woodwork and going close a couple of times but Keeper Chris Comben helped keep the Bees’ lead. Flints second was a close range effort at the far post with Besley again the provider. Ten minutes to go and 2-nil up the Bees were looking as if they were going to get their first clean sheet of the season, but they just switched off a bit and allowed Court Lodge a glimmer of hope with a goal that stand in keeper Chris Comben almost saved, but he was unfortunate to see his parry hit the inside of the post and in. It was a long last few minutes before they made the game safe, with the final whistle imminent, Flint got his third with a far post volley after good work from Ben Vezza on the right.

This should be a great confidence boost to the team and with a trip to bottom of the league Brockham next week three points are essential.

Team; Comben, Woolston, Holloway, Norris, Peters, Hamilton, Besley, Telford, Sayers, Blake, Vezza. Subs; Austin, Flint, Edge-Partington.

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Saturday 6th October 2007 - Redhill & District Junior Cup

Sayers1, Besley1, Woolston1, OG

Porte 2

The Bees finally got their first win of the season proper against a very physical and highly motivated Timebridge. In a game packed full of incident and excitement - 10 goals, a penalty, the Bees eventually ran out deserved winners.

With all four Priory teams at stretching point due to player unavailability the Bees had to start this game with in form striker Chris Comben in goal and only one sub.

The game started badly for the Priory, going a goal down inside the first 5 minutes with a good run and well placed finish by a bridge forward, but the Bees did not show any signs of dropping their heads and quickly equalised with a snapshot from the corner of the 18 yard box by Rob Sayers. That was quickly added to, with a well struck penalty from playmaker Rob Besley, after a bridge defender deliberately hand balled just inside the area. The player was sent off, and, the game was bubbling over from that moment onwards. 2-1 up at half time and with both teams showing a lot of passion, the game could still swing either way, and it did. Timebridge levelled with a cool lob from their wide attacker and then went 3-2 up with an excellent free kick just outside the area. Meanwhile there were 2 more bookings and the referee had his work cut out keeping the game under control. Priory levelled again with a far post shot from John Woolston after Besley had crossed from a corner, but yet again. the 10 men of Timebridge showed a good fighting spirit, and went ahead with a tap in after a long high ball into the box wasn’t dealt with. With only 10 minutes remaining, the Bees took the game into extra time. When another excellent corner from Besley was swung into the area, a Timebridge player bundled the ball into his own net.

Timebridge looked to have pressed the self destruct button, and with tempers flaring up, there was a scuffle in the Priory area, and the outcome was a sending off for Priory defender Andrew Norris, who has never even been booked in 15 years of playing.

Ten men each, and, before the extra time was allowed to commence, the referee gave both teams a very stern talking to and threatened to abandon the game if things didn’t calm down. Both teams duly noted this and extra time was played in a more civilised manor. Unfortunately this didn’t stop the games third sending off. Timebridge were now down to 9 men after one of their players went in two footed. It was an uphill task for Timebridge now and the Bees took full advantage scoring a goal in each half of extra time from player manager Stuart Porte. The first being slightly fortuitous but the second was a well executed bicycle kick in the 6 yard box. Both from corners from that man Besley again. Four assists from corners and a goal from the penalty spot, Rob Besley is proving himself to be the Bees dead ball specialist.

It was a truly entertaining game with some great work by Will Blake and new comer Tim Donald up front, who ran his socks off for 120 minutes. Also centre backs Stephen Holloway and Andrew Norris were in fine form on there return to action. All in all it was a good game to win, and if the Bees can build on the spirit they showed today will start to win games in the league.

Team; Comben,Martin,Holloway,Norris,Woolston,Sayers,Porte,Besley,Hodges,Blake,Donald,Doyle.

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Saturday 29th September 2007 - Redhill & District Division 4

Besley 1 Comben 2

This is one the Bees will definitely want to forget. After losing their first two games of the season, they were hoping to get off the mark against a side that were promoted from the bottom division last year. Unfortunately, Heath old boys proved to be too strong for the Bees.

Having achieved a good start, Rob Besley scoring a great curling shot down to the keeper’s right from about 20 yards out. The Bees also created a couple more chances, which, had they been converted, may have changed the coarse of the game. After that, Priory fell apart in a frantic 20 minute spell of the first half and could not keep the ball to stem the tide. Old boys tore them apart with good pace and movement and the Bees just could not track back or get a challenge in. 5-1 down at half time, it looked all over, and it was hard to raise the teams spirits but priory dug deep and played much better in the second half.

Heath old boys were a very physical team and there were a few battle wounded players by the end of the game , notably, a head wound to player manager Stuart Porte, which forced him off midway through the second half, and a nasty stud trail down the back of defender John Woolston, who put in another fantastic battling display. Dispite being kicked left right and centre the Bees managed to pull two goals back through striker Chris Comben who cant stop scoring at the minute with 4 goals in 3 games. 5-3 down and pushing for another they were left exposed at the back and Old Boys scored two more with only minutes to go.

The Bees need to work on defending set pieces and must learn to communicate a lot better if there season is to improve!

Team; Brend, Woolston, Connolly, Edge-Partington, Peters, Donald, Porte, Besley, Spencer, Flint, Comben. Subs; Hamilton, Austin, Telford.

Saturday 22nd September 2007 - Redhill & District Division 4

Comben1

‘The Bees ‘will feel a bit aggrieved with the score line this week which does not reflect the game at all. Having got off to a good 5 or 10 minute spell of possession in midfield, The Bees struggled to get in behind the Churches defence and Comben was left isolated up front with little support. As the game progressed Sutton Churches pressed and used the width of the pitch well with Priory’s right hand side, especially, left exposed on several occasions. Half way through the first half Churches took the lead from a corner with The Bees caught napping. The same happened again a few minutes later with Priory’s defence guilty of ball watching. It could have been more in truth but for some excellent defending, particularly from Priory new boy John Woolston, who had a great game at left back and made some superb covering tackles.

Half time, and player manager Stuart Porte, along with his assistant Chris Comben inspired their team to a 2nd half performance that was truly sensational. Along with the introduction of Flint and another Bees new boy Paul Hamilton Priory absolutely dominated the second half and Churches did not know what had hit them.

Porte, Beesley, and Telford ran the midfield while Flint and Hamilton scared the life out of their defence out wide. Despite their domination The Bees only managed to pull one goal back through Comben, who should really have been celebrating a hat trick, but, unfortunately it wasn’t to be. Priory just weren’t getting the rub of the green and on another day would probably have scored 4 of 5 with all three points in the bag! As it was Churches broke from the relentless pressure and put the game beyond doubt with a third goal with only minutes to go.

There were certainly a lot of positives to come from this game and if the Bees can keep a consistent team, will almost certainly start to win games.

Team; Brend, Martin, Edge-Partington, Connolly, Woolston, Sayers, Blake, Besley, Porte, Austin, Comben, Hamilton, Telford, Flint.

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Saturday 15th September 2007 - Redhill & District Division 4

Comben1

Priory “B” team had an extremely difficult opening game in a season that holds much promise. With the influx of good quality players and the emergence of some very promising youngsters from the youth teams, it was hoped priory would get off to a good start. Unfortunately, with several of these players missing and the unfortunate timing of this meeting, it wasn’t to be. It was also a harsh lesson for the young Priory keeper. It was his first senior game for the club and his lack of experience was cruelly exposed. Racing Epsom, who are one of the favourites for the title this year, were just too hot to handle. There passing and movement was sensational and they could not be matched for fitness, although, to be fair, had Priory had their regular attacking players available, they may well have caused a few problems of their own and would not have been chasing the game so much.

Priory did have a couple of good spells in both halves, and scored an excellent consolation goal through Chris Comben. The ball was played out of defence up to Will Blake on the half way line. He received the ball and held off a challenge from an Epsom midfielder with great strength, he then turned and played a perfect diagonal pass for Comben who latched onto it and ran to the edge of the box and unleashed a right footed shot into the opposite top corner of the goal.

Priory need to forget this one now and regroup for there next league encounter which is another tough game against Sutton Churches next week.

Team: W.Ainsworth, Woolston, Holloway, Peters, Connolly, Martin, Besley, Porte, Telford, Coomben, Stephen, Blake, Giles.

Saturday 1st September 2007 - Friendly

Saturday 25th August 2007 - Friendly

Saturday 18th August 2007 - Friendly

Saturday 11th August 2007 - Friendly