MATCH REPORT
2 September 2006
Essex Olympian Football League
Senior Division One
White Notley 1 Epping 1
Epping endured a frustrating start to their league campaign away to old rivals White Notley. Despite the pitch being in exemplary condition, the prevailing strong wind was always going to be a key factor in the match. Epping took a little while to get into their rhythm as they started the match somewhat nervously but as the first half wore on they began to dominate their opposition.
However, chance after chance went begging with Ash Conlan, John Tama and Dave Annobil all missing chances. It would not have been flattering for the visitors to go in at half time several goals to the good, with keeper Jonathan Thomas hardly being called into action.
The second half continued in much the same vein as forwards Conlan and Tama tested the resolve of the Notley back line. On 60 minutes some neat inter-play between Conlan and Tama saw the latter get into the penalty area where he was duly tripped. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Conlan only to see his shot saved by Notley keeper Laidlaw.
However, the same player made amends 10 minutes later when a right wing cross from Jim Ellice caused chaos in the Notley penalty area and Conlan was able to finish to put the visitors 1 - 0 up. Epping were then fully expected to go on and win the game comfortably but it was not to be as 10 minutes before time an innocuous left wing cross eluded both the Epping defence and keeper Thomas to drift into the net.
The visitors tried to snatch a winner, with substitute Danny Sabaroche being put through but was unable to get his shot off. So Epping had to be content with a point when they probably deserved more.
Team: Thomas, Bulled, Saunders, Hopkins, Taaffe, Gaskell, Connolly, Annobil, Tama, Ellice, Conlan A.
Subs: Sabaroche, Osborne, Costello.
EPPING FOOTBALL CLUB, STONARDS HILL, TIDYS LANE, EPPING