MATCH REPORT
18 November 2006
Anagram Records Trophy
Round Two
Epping 1 v 0 Bedfont Sports
Epping faced an unknown quantity in their opponents from the Middlesex County League on Saturday. However, a tough game was expected, bearing in mind Bedfont currently sit top of their respective league. However, this soon proved not to be the case as the game progressed, with Epping clearly showing their superiority in the first half, despite missing centre-backs Kelvin Taaffe and Dave Costello. The home side carved out chance after chance, with Adam Connolly, Ashley Conlan and Leon Rolle spurning several opportunities during the first half. Epping really should have been out of sight by half-time but the Bedfont goal led a charmed life.
Epping continued the 2nd half in much the same fashion, with further chances being wasted. Connolly was in sparkling form down the left hand side and was a constant danger, creating several chances for both himself and other players, none of which were taken. The visitors rarely threatened but when they did, the Epping defence of Nick Godwin, Tom Scriven, Phil Bulled and captain Billy Saunders, showed tremendous commitment in ensuring the home side kept their opponents at bay. The deadlock was finally broken when Olly King crossed from the right for Ashley Conlan to head home. Conlan then had further chances, including two one on ones with the visiting keeper but failed to add to his tally before the final whistle went.
Epping now face Spartan South Midlands side Stony Stratford Town in the next round. The Gaffer said "I can honestly say that I have not seen a more one-sided game at Epping in recent years. We really should have been looking at double figures. Whilst winning is a good habit I would like to see us put sides away with more conviction when we have the opportunity to do so. We are long overdue to give someone a real hiding and I thought the way the boys played Saturday was going to be that day. We were starting to get a little anxious towards the end, the longer the game went on without us scoring. I have to say that our defence were excellent, particularly Phil Bulled and Tom Scriven who were both outstanding."
Team: Thomas, Bulled, Godwin, Connolly, Scriven, Saunders(C), King, Godden, Hopkins, Rolle, Conlan.
Subs: Ingall-Clark, Doig, Geraghty.
Scorer: Conlan.
Man of the match: Phil Bulled.
EPPING FOOTBALL CLUB, STONARDS HILL, TIDYS LANE, EPPING