13 January 2007

Reserve Division One

Frenford 2 Epping Reserves 2

Prior to the game a point would have been a pleasing  take from this fixture but as the game unfolded the Epping side left Redbridge despondent and disappointed at giving a two goal lead away in a last eight minutes of madness.  The wind had dried the pitch out and the surface was in first class condition and from the start Epping played the one touch football that they are becoming renowned for. Pete Beaumont was once again showing up well and in the centre of midfield captain Sam Shepherd was leading by example. The game was mainly in the home sides half and it seemed only a matter of time before the visitors scored and after 20 minutes they did.

From a Beaumont cross Mavin rose like a salmon and crashed a header against the bar but then the visitors struck. A long Nick Dainton pass was brilliantly controlled with his instep by Beaumont and he cracked a great left foot strike from 15 yards beyond the keeper. Immediately after the goal Mavin forced the keeper into a great save. Despite the work rate of James Kelly upfront Epping were unable to increase their lead before the end of the half as they appeared to sit on their laurels and allow Frenford back into the game.

Epping regained their composure in the second half and began to play the football again and they sliced through the home sides defence. Midway through the half Andy Mavin increased the Epping lead with a spectacular drive from just inside the area. Epping stayed in control of the game until, with eight minutes left an Epping attack broke down, the ball broke and the defence was outnumbered. Following a great save by Kev Christou the ball broke to a home forward who lobbed the ball back into the net. With only three minutes remaining the Epping defenders failed to clear the ball and gave an unexpected opportunity fell to the home side who took full advantage. The setback did not deter Epping with seconds remaining Russ Webster went on a fantastic run from right back and with tiring legs, having gone past half the Frenford side, he prodded at the ball and it went agonisingly over.

In all a match the lads from Epping should be proud of. They will learn from the last eight minutes when an eagerness to attack rather than do the right thing cost them: but in saying that it the match again showed that whoever the opposition, an ability to pass, work and run competes with anybody. Special praise should go to James Kelly who was outstanding with his energy and desire and his unselfish running upfront gave the side the breathers they needed. Also to  Sam Shepherd, who the previous week had let himself and the club down by disappearing from the touchline when a sub for the first team, led the side magnificently at the same time producing an excellent display, at the back Tom Scriven was as consistent as ever and Ollie Seymour started to return to the form we know he is capable of.

Team: Kev Christou, Nick Dainton, Ollie Seymour, Tom Scriven, Andy Grey, Sam Shepherd, Andy Mavin, Tony Whiteway, James Kelly, Russ Geraghty, Peter Beaumont

Subs: Chris Bailey, Chris Benn, Russ Webster.

Scorers: Andy Mavin, Pete Beaumont.