29^th April 2009

ESSEX OLYMPIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE SENIOR DIVISION TWO

TAKELEY FC 0, RUNWELL HOSPITAL 0

A mild evening and a mild game of football as Takeley Reserves finished their league commitments in the Essex Olympian League. With games in hand Broomfield, Runwell Hospital, Sungate and Maldon St Mary’s will all be fighting to take over the second spot, behind Southminster St Leonards as all look certain to end higher than Takeley Reserves in Reserve Division Two.

A very committed Runwell defence stretched the home side attack and blocked every attempt to sustain damage. Takeley defenders had little work to do, although James May, John Watters and Charlie Pollard contained any dangerous attack by the visitors. The first half had little of note to report other than a great centre by Josh Colson onto Joe Galsworthy was hit high over the crossbar after 20 minutes play. Neither side made a break through before half time.

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Josh Colson had a crack at goal on 70 minutes, but his drive was straight at the goal keeper Chris Stokes, instead of a lob over him. Joe Galsworthy nipped through a neat pass to Chris Grove but the ball was lifted high over the bar. A free header to Mark Watters from close in, from a Gregg Williams hook into the goalmouth was hit high, too. Chris Grove crossed over the defenders, which Josh Colson headed an inch wide. All of these near misses occurred within 10 minutes.

On 81 minutes Colin Nudding whipped in a free kick for the visitors, which curled away wide. Dave Woods went close with a lob that bounced on top of the Takeley bar. With only five minutes of time to go Joe Galsworthy put in a centre that curled in as a shot that required Chris Stokes to dive low across the goal and push out the ball, this taken up by Chris Grove that forced Stokes to make another great save. The best creative football move on 88 minutes began with Josh Colson on the right wing, he pushed the ball into the path of Gary Johnson passed on to Joe Galsworthy and Scott Smith hit a belter that forced Chris Stokes to pull off another first class save.

Referee, Mr Steve Gleeson kept up well with play and had cause to raise a Yellow Card only once against unassuming Stuart Nock (TFC) for a mistimed tackle.

Man of the Match CHRIS STOKES, Runwell Hospital goalkeeper played well throughout. Although Josh Colson had a good game on the right for Takeley, SCOTT SMITH was declared Man of the Match for Takeley.  

RESULT: TAKELEY FC 0, RUNWELL HOSPITAL 0.

Teams:

Takeley FC: James MAY; Jack PARKER, John WATTERS; Charlie POLLARD, Mark WATTERS, Mark AKEN; Josh COLSON, Gregg WILLIAMS (Captain), Chris GROVE, Joe GALSWORTHY, Scott SMITH. Substitutes: Stuart NOCK, Gary JOHNSON, Adam MILES.

Runwell Hospital FC: Chris STOKES; John HEMMINGS, Steve MULLINS; Brad DAVEY, Andy GRACE, Adam GREEN; Colin NUDDING, Dave WOODS, Greig HANDLEUR, John SMETHWICK, Geoff HARRISON. Substitutes: Luke SMITH, Wayne SOWBERRY.

David Edwards

Press Liaison,

Takeley FC.

On behalf of the Chairman, Manager Tony Crook and Lee Borham, officials, players and supporters.