MATCH REPORT
21 October 2006
Essex Olympian League
Senior Division One
Harold Wood Athletic 0 v Epping 3
This was always anticipated as a difficult fixture because of the opposition’s pedigree and their fair but tough tackling style of play. Epping approached the game with a system which clearly showed a good balance, as we looked the better side during the early encounter. The pitch has a slight slop and Epping were playing downhill in the first half. Chances were limited with Ashley Conlan’s shot against the crossbar being the nearest goal scoring opportunity. Epping’s first goal came shortly before half time when Jim Ellice struck a low shot from more than 30 yards out. The opposing keeper shouted at his centre back to leave the ball and he duly obliged. The keeper went to pick the ball up but it went straight through his legs into the net. Although there was a touch of luck to the goal, it was nothing less that Epping deserved. Half time saw a 1 – 0 lead with a Harold Wood team causing us few problems. Epping were winning the majority of possession through hard work and they were in fact the more tough tackling side. The half – time team talk mainly focused upon dealing with any long ball approach by the opposition as a result of the slop in their favour. This never happened and Epping continued to look an organised defensive unit with Dave Costello and JT’s return bolstering the side.
Epping continued to play free flowing football with Daryl Godden having a great game in central midfield which allowed those around him to express themselves going forward with Leon continuing to cause problems up front. This contributed to the second goal, which came on the hour mark when Jim Ellice struck a curling right foot shot from the edge of the penalty area, which beat the keeper to his right hand side. The commitment continued and the finest goal of the game came around the 70th minute mark when Epping worked the ball to the right hand side and Ollie King made a precision looping pass between the Harold Wood centre backs which saw Danny Hopkins make ground before slotting home under the approaching keeper.
Epping’s dogged but skilful display had earned them the right to be in such a commanding position and I was in the somewhat envious position of overhearing the usual partisan Harold Wood supporters bemoan the display of their own side whilst commenting on what a good footballing side Epping were. Even though the management know this, displays like this convince us that this side can progress to be a major force within the Olympian League, which reflects our current position of 2nd in the top flight.
Special praise goes to Nick Godwin who is a bit of a stalwart at the club and passionate about the game. He slotted into the left back position from the reserves and provided a good solid performance. I would also like to show my appreciation to Adam Connolly and Dave Annobil who were on the bench and came on during the later stages of the game. They showed a desire to play that impressed me and are an important part of the squad who will undoubtedly return to the fold in the forthcoming weeks.
I wonder how many sides will go to Harold Wood this season and leave with a 3 – 0 win! Not many I suggest.
Team: Thomas, Bulled, Godwin, Hopkins, Costello, Taaffe, Godden, Conlan, King, Ellice, Rolle. Subs: Annobil, Connolly, Saunders(nu).
EPPING FOOTBALL CLUB, STONARDS HILL, TIDYS LANE, EPPING