MATCH REPORTS
Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 11:06AM 
Saturday Intermediate Cup Quarter-finals
SATURDAY 18 FEBRUARY
FC Bournemouth 0 Colden Common 7
Mitchell Parker 10.
David Philpott 13,41,62.
Liam McGee 17,77.
Callum McGee 60.
Ian Steele reports from Victoria Park
WITH the managers unavoidably detained on a scouting trip to Scotland, Common legend Barry Cox stepped up to the plate for the third attempt to play this Hampshire Intermediate Cup tie.
Cox guided this Colden Common side to an emphatic victory with a display that blossomed through the game, facing a side that is challenging for Bournemouth League honours plus has taken some impressive scalps in their Hampshire Intermediate Cup run to date. The game was played at Bournemouth Poppies Victoria Park home after two previous attempts at Main Road had fallen foul of the freezing weather.
Again the weather had a major say this afternoon as a gale blew down the ground from goal-to-goal so keeper Richard Le Brocq advised skip Dave Egerton to kick with the wind at our backs for the first half, and what an inspired decision it was. Common pressed from the outset but some wayward passing eased the pressure on the hosts. However, after ten minutes another Common surge forward saw Dave Philpott break down the right flank and he fired the ball toward Alex Mackie in the FC Bournemouth goal. The keeper appeared to have it covered but Mitch PARKER stole in to divert the ball into the net.
With the wind seemingly getting stronger FC had it all to do as another Common attack on 13 miniutes brought reward. Egerton was the architect as he surged forward down the left flank, played the ball across the edge of the box where John Cole fed PHILPOTT who slotted home.
Home foray's forward for Bournemouth were dealt with well by Ben Clarke, Karl Salmon, Dan Hansford and Pete Winkle, the latter in an unaccustomed right back role, leaving custodian Le Brocq with little to do. Back to the other end and PHILPOTT increased Common's advantage to three with a clinical finish.
Cole was the single most influential player throughout this game as his work-rate, distribution and choices were making Common click with some aplomb. Callum Magee was proving a thorn in the home side’s side as he produced one of his most complete displays for the Common Cause.
As half time approached Dan Hansford intercepted an FC Bournemouth raid and quickly moved the ball 'over the top' to an onrushing Liam MAGEE who finished with aplomb to ensure the visitors had a 4-0 half-time lead. Manager Cox warned against complacency during the half-time break as the wind was proving a major factor.
The second half began as expected with the home side enjoying greater possession but proving unable to break a resolute defence which, if caught out, would see a Philpott, a Cole or an Egerton striving back to cover any danger. Now playing some tremendous football Common extended their lead through PHILPOTT who completed his hat-trick.with a convincing finish, 5-0 and more to come.
Pete Winkle's surges down the right flank were causing problems but, at the other end, Brocqy had to be alert and he was. Another lightning Common raid Salmon, Parker,Callum Magee ended with Egerton having a shot at goal nudged over the line by Callum MAGEE. Credit to FC Bournemouth as they kept seeking at least one goal which, at the final, whistle had failed to materialise, and they had to endure another 'goal against'. A Common raid down the left flank saw Winkle feed Callum Magee and his low cross was converted, first time, by Liam MAGEE.
SATURDAY 7TH JANUARY
Hants Intermediate Cup - ROUND 4 - Infinity 2 v 3 Colden Common
INFINITY PUT TO THE SWORD!
Richard Le Brocq in Common's goal saving an 85th-minute penalty against Infinity on Saturday to ensure
the score stayed at 3-2 to Common
MATCH REPORT
~ Hampshire Intermediate Cup Fourth Round
Infinity 2, Colden Common 3
When you go to watch The Commoners these days you need to be conscious that the supporters ‘ageing process’ will be greatly increased as – win, lose or draw – our heroes will almost always have approached snatching defeat from the jaws of victory before clinging on to the edge of the precipice! But in the process of pulling ourselves back up, one hand loses grip. Ultimately it is only the fingernails that contrive to earn a result. The emotions run amok and the grey appears in clumps… and that’s after just one game!!!
At Taunton’s College we started well against Hampshire League (2004) opponents INFINITY – a well-organised, talented side that disposed of both Paulsgrove and QK Southampton en-route to this fixture – and following a couple of half-chances DAVE PHILPOTT converted following good work from Skipper Egerton and Callum Magee.
Further chances came our way – Liam Magee, Dave and Harry Davies – but we were unable to convert.
After the first fifteen minutes our hosts settled and, playing good football, started to threaten but Sammo, Brocqy, Clarkie and Gary Gotts (or Gottsy… but it just doesn’t sound right) dealt capably to protect Brocqy in the Common goal.
However, some twenty-five minutes in and the hosts won a (questionable?) free-kick 30-yards out. Wall built, goalkeeper in place and… wallop… 1-1!!
A super strike worthy of a goal at any level.
After early dominance Common now had their backs to the wall through a combination of good attacking from the home side and nervous energy (‘energy’ used loosely?!?!?!) by the visitors. Still Common’s backline were resilient and as the midfield – the outstanding John Cole, Edgers, Harry Davies and Callum – took control again, the away side took the advantage when (after being denied a certain pen) Liam Magee was brought down on 33 minutes and DAVE PHILPOTT converted the spot kick with some aplomb and no little power – to make an even more convincing end to his barren spell. 1-2.
Infinity dispirited, Common confident and it brought further reward when an excellent back-to-front move – Atterbury, Salmon, Egerton, Callum, Cole, ended with KARL SALMON netting with a delicate chip over the keeper – 1-3.
Half Time
After the break some early home pressure evaporated and Common were in control. Philpott, L.Magee, even Clarkie and John Cole – a brilliant move which ended with Harry sending over the perfect cross for Coley to run on to and head…. Wide.. all had chances to end the contest but we like to make it exciting?!?!?!
Seventy minutes in and another desperate Infinity raid almost paid dividends as the ball was worked down their right and fed into the middle where Brocqy made a brilliant save. Not long after Brocqy was called upon again and, again, he made the crucial save but the ball fell to an onrushing forward who prodded home on 75 minutes. 2-2
Although the nervy visitors were now ‘under the cosh’ not much penetrated the back four but when it did Mr. Richard Le Brocq (46 years of age and, apparently, a member of the ‘I have played for 1st Team, Reserves, Vets, Reserves, 1st Team brigade’) coped admirably.
A ‘dubious’ penalty call when the onrushing forward placed his leg in old man Brocqys hand was waved away by the ref but an innocuous challenge by Common’s youngest – Clarkie – did draw a spot kick… 85 minutes and, obviously, the game was about to enter extra-time.. Meanwhile Gary Gots was being treated for a cut and Scott Challis entered the field of play
Infinity’s skipper James Fry took the kick and he placed it low to Brocqy’s left……………………….. Brocqy fell (sorry) dived and HELD the ball; a penalty miss by the hosts, a HUGE boost to Common.
Thrust and counter (attack) thrust followed but no further scoring was registered so Common took the plaudits to survive a third trip away from home in four ties and progress to the last eight.
Mention must be made of Infinity who were outstanding opponents and a credit to their league. CCFC wish them well.
Drinks at the local pub followed BUT we were not advised that the College would ‘put the shutters up’ immediately after the game and several of our stars were ‘locked in’.
Still determined efforts – and many, many ansaphone messages – were made and left before Zoe – an inspired choice by skip Edgers - came to our rescue by insisting all the teachers, heads of year, assistants and the principal came down to wave us off…. After opening the gates first, of course.
Well done guys.
MONDAY JANUARY 2 - 2012 - HAPPY NEW YEAR?
COMMON HIT FOR SIX – BEFORE THE BREAK!
QK SOUTHAMPTON 6
COLDEN COMMON 2
Report by Gary Day at Five Acres
QK boss Pat McManus shuffled his pack following two recent defeats and it was a move that paid dividends on a Lordshill surface where the going could be described as ‘soft’ following heavy rain on the previous day.
QK took three minutes to go ahead when Ryky POMERY, making his first full appearance, chased a through ball and fired home firm and low.
The lead was increased with 18 minutes played when a corner from Andrew Wood on the right, hung in the air and Ben Penfold nodded across to Mike NAILOR to stab home from eight yards.
A ‘tricky’ run by QK full-back David Slack, shaking off tackle after tackle, saw him in sight of his first senior goal, but he unselfishly played the ball across to a team mate and the chance went begging.
However, on to the 24th minute, an excellent move brought QK’s third goal when some great play by Pomery on the right resulted in a fine cross to Penfold who nodded it back across the keeper to Dan SMITH (below) who was left an easy header into the open net.
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Pomery almost added a fourth but Common keeper Richard Le Brocq saved well. The visitors got a goal back through John COLE, a good effort from the right and into the far corner to make the score 3-1 in the 27th minute.
However, a mere 30 seconds later came another, this time for QK by PENFOLD from 15 yards .
The goals continued as PENFOLD was fouled in the area and he stepped up to send the Common keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot and make it 5-1 with 35 minutes played.
Common were unlucky when both Magee’s were involved – Liam forcing a good save from QK keeper Kevin O’Rourke and as the ball ran loose Callum’s shot rebounded from the post (38 minutes).
NAILOR (right) added QK’s sixth goal with two minutes of a scintillating first half remaining, taking a one-two from Penfold, he ran on and although Le Brocq got a touch to his shot the ball crept over the line. There was still time for Common’s Dave Egerton to hit a blistering 25 yard drive that thumped off the goal frame. By this point we needed the half-time whistle to catch our proverbial breaths!!
Half-time: QK 6 Colden Common 1.
Well … it does tend to happen … the second half fuse didn’t quite light as stunningly as the first 45 minutes; although both sides continued to put up a determined effort as the energy sapping surface was clearly taking its toll.
It was a half that resulted in limitation from further damage for Common and job done for QK. There was one more goal however, right at the end when a free-kick was played into the box and Liam MAGEE’s effort deflected off a home defender and looped beyond the keeper and into the goal. There was just sufficient time for the restart.
TUESDAY 27 DECEMBER
Division 1
COMMON’S CHRISTMAS CHEER
COLDEN COMMON 3
OTTERBOURNE 1
Ian Steele reporting from Main Road
On a particularly mild but grey December day two local rivals came together in Part One of a Battle of the Bragging Rights.... who would end 2011 at the foot of the table.
Part Two will be played out later in the season when, hopefully, both sides have moved away from the wrong end of the table.
In front of a decent sized crowd - around 70, split 50-50 in favour of each club - The Otters opened at a fast pace and worked like terriers to close the home side down.
The pressure every Commoner was under as soon as he received the ball almost certainly ensured that the ensuing pass would go astray and gift possession to the visiting side. Several decent forward moves were initiated by both sides but, habitually, the move broke down on the edge of either 18-yard box thus giving both keepers very little of danger to deal with. Common's midfield - Dave Egerton, John Cole, Callum Magee and Gary Gotts had precious little time to create as The Otters harried, while up front the tireless running of Dave Philpott seemed to end up down blind alleys and Liam Magee was too often overlooked as Common sought to build some momentum... the pressure of the game was beginning to show. At the back Common were strong, built around the central partnership of Ben Clarke and the ever-improving Zak Pickett, while either side Harry Davies and veteran campaigner Karl Salmon were covering any danger to Richard Le Brocq's goal.
Actual chances for either side were few and far between.... Half Time 0-0
During the break Common re-organised bringing Peter Winkle and Paul Rood into the midfield and releasing skipper Dave Egerton into a more forward role and almost immediately it brought reward.
On the 57-minute mark Egerton broke down the right and played an excellent low ball into the box where a spell of deflections saw the ball fall to Gary GOTTS who netted his second in as many games - 1-0 for the Commoners.
However, despite another couple of good chances for the hosts, it was the visitors who found the net next to level the scores once again.
A corner-kick was dealt with indecisively and the ball fell into a melee of players on the six yard box before rolling out to the right and Paul CLARKE fired home. Although Otterbourne upped the ante once again the sure-touch and outstanding distribution of Gary Gotts, the chat of Brocqy in the Common goal and the strength of our defensive unit saw little reach Richard Le Brocq. Indeed it was from a hasty Otterbourne clearance that Common stormed ahead once again. Jamie Flood's (Otter keeper) enormous clearance was met squarely by Commoner Clarke and he headed the ball wide to Egerton who in turn hooked the ball across the face of the 18-yard box and Liam MAGEE, on 75-minutes, struck a sweet strike back over the Otterbourne custodian. No sooner had we recovered from that the ball was again being moved at a fast pace toward the visiting goal, this time down the left. Peter Winkle chased-down a Otterbourne clearance and worked the ball across the goal to find MAGEE again who beat the goalkeeper to his left, 79-minutes 3-1.
Still there was time for Brocqy to pull off a magnificent diving save to his left while Gary Gotts remained a picture of composure.
SAT 10/12/2011 - Hampshire Intermediate Cup - ROUND 3
COLDEN COMMON 3
FLEETLANDS 2 (AET)
By Ian Steele reporting from Main Road
Much the same as the league meeting two weeks previously, Common and Fleetlands served up a palatable encounter with each tasting a Hampshire Intermediate Cup fourth round tie before the hosts finally booked their place in the last 16.
Much the same as the league meeting two weeks previously, Common and Fleetlands served up a palatable encounter with each tasting a Hampshire Intermediate Cup fourth round tie before the hosts finally booked their place in the last 16.
Between two well-matched sides this tie was always going to be a tough clash but Common stole the advantage after some fifteen minutes when Joe Hodge (pictured) set up Gary GOTTS who netted his first goal for the club.
Fleetlands appeared disorientated and disorganised as the hosts looked to increase their advantage but despite chances for Dave Philpott, Liam Magee, Joe Hodge and John Cole the score remained the same. Do not think that it was all one way traffic, far from it, as the Gosport-based side consistently provided a threat on the break in particular through the tremendous abilities of Mark Peach.
As the half drew to a close Fleetlands reaped the benefit of some poor Common choices; as the hosts tried to play the ball upfield it was intercepted by Jake EDWARDS and he surged forward before placing the ball beyond Richard Le Brocq in the Common goal.
After the break it was a case of 'role reversal' as the visitors dominated proceedings for long periods with Common going through their 'headless chicken' phase. The hosts were grateful for the presence of Ben Clarke - enjoying an outstanding game - and Zak Pickett who just gets better and better. Time without number they were the defensive rock against which Fleetlands faltered and, with a strong, fair, aware referee (Peter Buckeridge) some exaggerated claims for fouls, free-kicks, etc were waved away.
Richard Le Brocq - our regular Veteran's side custodian - was in dominant mood as he organised and demanded of his Common defence as they sought to protect the home goal. Chances for Chris Lunningham, Ben Hardie, Mark Peach and Jake Edwards all fell by the wayside and the game moved, inexorably, into extra time.
Harry Davies and Karl Salmon were being kept busy by wide raids from Fleetlands but they dealt with most comfortable and those that passed them by were kept out by Brocq and the central pairing of Clarke and Pickett.
With just two minutes remaining before the break in exra time Fleetlands surged ahead. An excellent move from defence - played at a vibrant pace - saw Fleetlands construct an excellent goal that was finished with aplomb by Darren WILLIAMSON.
The final fifteen minutes looked as though it was consigned to the 'going through the paces' category until Williamson was sent off (abuse of the referee) and Common switched to three up front. Now Fleetlands slowed the pace and sought to 'use time' at every opportunity but Joe HODGE would have none of it as, after 115 minutes, he collected the ball, after it had pinged around the visiting penalty area for some time, beat his defender, beat another and then rifled a shot beyond Tom Price in the Fleetlands goal. With time running out the hosts were in the ascendancy and Common substitutes, Callum Magee and Dan Harris, were causing all sorts of problems to fuel the home sides’ belief.
Another surge forward, another Common attack ended with another strike on goal deflected for a corner. That corner was followed by another and Dave Egerton arrowed his cross across the face of the goal and John COLE (a scorer in every previous winning cup match) rose majestically to head the ball perfectly beyond the visiting custodian.
SATURDAY 26.11. Division 1
Colden Common 1 [Simon Walters 18] v Fleetlands 1
~ So close, yet so far. Common players expect to be celebrating a goal but defending Fleetlands clear their lines.
Saturday November 5th; Hampshire Intermediate Cup, Round Two
HARRINGTON UNITED 0, COLDEN COMMON 3
Colden Common travelled to Ferndown having been drawn away at Harrington United in the second round of the Hampshire Intermediate Cup.
The hosts were perceived as difficult opponents as they came into the game undefeated in all competitions and sitting top of the Haywards Bournemouth League, Division 1.
Common passed their way from back to front from the outset while Harrington sought to benefit from their big, tall strikers and small, short winger by playing diagonal balls
Any early uncertainty from the PEHPFL side was dispelled when they took the lead on five minutes. A combination of Karl Salmon and Josh Carey ended a home attack and the ball was played to John Cole midway in Common’s half. He looked up and released an onrushing PETER WINKLE who beat the offside trap, advanced a further 30 yards and then coolly slotted home to the home goalkeepers right – his first goal for the club since April 28th, 2010.
Immediately following the goal – when scoring sides are at their most vulnerable – Common were at their most vulnerable as the hosts sought to recover the arrears. However, with Ben Clarke and Karl Salmon dominant that period was negotiated safely thanks also due to the considerable influence of our talented Scotsman, Ed Carlin, whose contribution was completely indecipherable!! Ben Goble was tested from long range on a couple of occasions, but never troubled.
On the left flank Harry Davies was a constant thorn in the home side with his lightening charges down the flank while Liam Magee was having a tough battle with Harrington’s no. 6. That ‘duel’ was to rage all afternoon with ‘honours even’ at the final whistle.
Edgers started to impose himself more and more and he was pivotal in several penetrating moves with his rapier-like distribution. Indeed he was involved in the build up to Common’s second goal (22 minutes). The ball eventually broke from Cole to Winkle and back to JOHN COLE and he surged forward to defeat the offside shouts and decisively beat the hosts custodian to his left.
Another Common thrust saw Edgers feed Dave Philpott who beat his man and arrowed his shot past the goalkeeper but, unfortunately, also past the far post.
Common were now in something of a ‘comfort zone’ and the last ten minutes of the half belonged to Harrington although any direct threat was snubbed out on the 18-yard line.
Half-time 0-2
At the break Philpott was replaced by Joe Hodge (considerable thanks to Dave who had to be in Kent that evening) and it was the Great South Run competitor (beat his target time by some seven minutes) who added Common’s third Hodge challenged for a high ball which, as it fell between three players (two from the hosts), he managed to bring away toward the home goal. The goalkeeper rushed out but as the ball bounced Joe had the presence of mind to lob him and it was 0-3. Unfortunately the keeper unintentionally caught Hodge on the knee with his studs and, some ten minutes later, the Hodge Cameo was over as Callum Magee replaced him.
With Pete Winkle showing a huge appetite as he worked his socks from front to back, Common continued to press but they became sloppy and from a Common perspective they thought they had done enough... and it showed.
Give Harrington credit, however, as they continued to seek some form of consolation and their hopes were raised when Ben Clarke, Common saw red after two Yellow card offences in the space of eight minutes.
However, Common remained firm (sometimes I wonder how???) and, aside from a shot that hit the top of Common’s crossbar, there wasn’t much to sing about for the hosts .
Paul Rood came on for John Cole but the game petered out into a damp squibb despite strong Harrington pressure which, again, rarely threatened beyond the edge of the penalty box.
FINAL SCORE 0-3
Saturday October 29th, 2011 PEHPFL - Senior Division
WINCHESTER CASTLE 4
COLDEN COMMON 1
By Mike Crowfoot at Chilcomb
Castle completed the double over Common but the score line does tell the
story of this match.
Castle had the first chance after just three minutes as Common keeper
Ben Goble had to head clear from outside his area, the ball fell to Ross
Brimfield who lobbed the ball back but the wind took it just over the bar.
Common started to pass the ball better than Castle and to make the most of this
as they continually opened up the Castle defence. First Dave Philpott played
Paul Rood in down the side of the Castle defence and his powerful shot from a narrow angle was turned for a corner by Castle keeper Chris Brown.
Just a minute later Brown was in action again to save Dave Egerton's free kick from 22 yards. Castle immediately nearly took the lead as Goble again had to come out of his area to clear and this time the ball fell to Darryl Phillips but under pressure from 35 yards his shot was narrowly wide. At the other end Common continued troubling the Castle defence with every attack and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 18th minute as Warren Kitley was slow to clear and was then beaten by Philpott who got to the goal line before hitting a low cross to the unmarked Liam MAGEE who side footed in from eight yards.
Common continued to look the more likely to score and Brown saved from Philpott before the game changed in the space of two minutes. First Common should have increased their lead in the 38th minute as Liam Magee got in behind the Castle defence and hit a low cross to an unmarked Philpott who somehow managed to turn it over the bar from just eight yards out.
Castle went straight to the other end and equalised with an outstanding shot. Liam Nancholas took Matt Storey's quick throw in and laid it off to Ross BRIMFIELD who took one touch and hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner from 30 yards.
Hard on Common, but worse followed two minutes later as Goble under pressure from Brimfield hit a poor clearance to Rob KITLEY 40 yards out and he hit it straight back over Goble's head and into the net to give Castle a fortuitous lead.
Common’s poor luck, or finishing, continued until half time as first on 43 minutes Philpott passed to Magee who hit a low cross which Brown came out to gather but under pressure from Philpott he fumbled the ball leaving the Common striker with an open goal but he somehow managed to shot inches wide into the side netting from 10 yards.
In the 45th minute Common nearly equalised again as Pete Winkle got his head to a cross before Brown, but Brown managed to block his header with an outstretched arm.
The second half was just a minute old when Common must have finally realised it was not their day. First Goble was forced to save Brimfield’s shot after just 30 seconds when a flowing move opened up the Common defence and when Castle quickly won the ball back another flowing move put Brimfield in behind the defence and his powerful low cross was turned into his own net by a defender, although Phillips was waiting to tap in if needed.
Commons heads dropped, The Castle defence was now looking secure and on 64 minutes they nearly increased their lead as Tom King fed Phillips who quickly put Kitley in behind the defence but Gobel was off his line quickly to block Kitley's shot.
But the game changed again on 70 minutes as eight minutes after coming on Castle substitute Tom King was shown a red card for a two footed tackle on Common keeper Goble, even though contact was not made.
Common quickly increased the pressure on the Castle defence and from a Dave Egerton corner Brown made a good save from Ben Clarke's header. However, Castle quickly re-organised and snuffed out the Common threat and with breakaways looked more likely to increase their lead which they did in the 82nd minute when a Matt Boast corner was headed in by Sam STRANGE.
Common came close to reducing the arrears on a couple of occasions as John Cole headed Philpott’s cross over the bar and Tom Strange made a last ditch tackle to turn away Egerton's shot after he had worked himself a shooting opportunity.
15/10/2011 - Southampton Senior Cup
COMMON 3, AFC TOTTON RES 4
Roger Allen reports from Main Road
ULTIMATELY Common paid the penalty for poor defending in the opening half with an odd goal defeat in seven. However they made the best possible start from a Dave Egerton corner in the third minute. Ben CLARKE met the kick at the far post with a downward header which bounced up into the net.
Just after Harry Davies drove the ball over for Common but weak defending around the quarter hour meant they conceded two goals in as many minutes. The first was a solo effort by Luke ROBERTS as he waltzed through a defence of statues. Then two minutes later it was ROBERTS again as Clarke failed to cut out a through ball.
Totton were playing good football on an excellent surface but just before half time Common went close as Dave Philpott headed just over and a Davies cross fizzed across goal without anybody getting a touch.
Both teams struggled to make clear chances early in the second period but just after the hour Common were back in the game.
An Egerton free kick should have been dealt with by Totton keeper Matt Fredricks but he dropped the ball for John COLE to bundle home.
Totton now applied the pressure and Paul Rood was required to head off the line from a corner. The breakthrough for the visitors was not long in coming. On 70 minutes Sam House headed a free kick and Ben Goble in the home goal could only deflect the ball onto the bar. HOUSE was on hand to head in the rebound.
On 84 minutes, for the first time in the game, a two goal lead was established. With his first meaningful contribution, substitute Kane Crisp cut back a cross from the left that was laid into the path of Luke SHERGOLD to score with a crisp finish.
It looked all over but still Common plugged away and their persistence was rewarded when Liam MAGEE finished well with a cross shot. Their final effort just fell short and it is the Stags that progress into the next round.
12/10/2011- PEHPFL, Senior Division
AFC Aldermaston 1, COMMON 5
A superb hat-trick from Common's leading scorer DAVE PHILPOTT and a brace by LIAM MAGEE proved to be the icing on the cake in this thoroughly deserved PEHPFL victory, Common's first of the campaign.
1/10/2011 - Hampshire Intermediate Cup
Bournemouth Manor 0, Colden Common 3
CUp football is, apparently, the form of the game which Colden Common has, so far, taken a liking to this season – two games, two win’s, no goals conceded – a far cry from league form which has, to date, failed to provide a victory after eight attempts!!!
All-in-all Common enjoyed their trip to Kinson Manor where an excellent host provided stiff opposition and sausages and chips after the game!
Pre-match however, there may have been a few nervous moments as a squad of 14 was just 12 a half-hour before the kick off but Harry Davies – a Saturday morning worker – negotiated the ‘heatwave traffic’ and arrived with just 10 minutes to go!!!
What happened to Ben remains (at the time of writing) a mystery…
Although Common started slowly on a recreation ground pitch that was, probably, reminiscent of Green Park, they were in control of an uncomfortable opening which still provided sightings for both Liam Magee and leading scorer Dave Philpott. The game was 18-minutes old when, after some fine play between Dave Egerton (enjoying his second 90-minutes after a four week lay off), Liam, Callum Magee and Joe Hodge ended with the ball being laid back to JOHN COLE who, on the edge of the 18-yard box arrowed a fierce shot home; 0-1.
As soon as Common took the lead however, they shot themselves in the foot by conceding a penalty. Indecision on the edge of the box led to the ball breaking forward only for a rather hesitant James Atterbury tackle to be deemed (correctly) a foul… penalty! The presence of Ben was influential in forcing the hosts skipper to fire wide and a collective ‘phewwwwwww’ was heard from the Common side of the ground!!
Good went from better twenty-minutes later when Liam took Dave Philpott’s pass in his stride and waltzed around a defender, then goalkeeper before, from a massively acute angle, (See picture) netting Common’s second.
There could have been more as the confidence visibly grew but, similarly the hosts could well have benefitted from some breaks forward but for the fine form of Ben Goble and his defence in which Karl Salmon was, at last, being defensive!!!
After the break Common continued to press but there were several ‘moments’ when Bournemouth Manor could have breached the Colden defences but Goble, Dan Hansford, Atters, Salmon and Hodgy stood firm.
The heat was now influencing the game and players were struggling to maintain the pace so substitutes were important and one of those was Scott Challis who not only made his 1st Team debut but also made a positive impression for the Commoners.
As Common continued to press so chances came and went but on 82 minutes the ball was again played into the hosts 18-yard box by Edgers and first Liam, then Wink’s and Liam again each had efforts before the ball fell to Callum who calmly slotted home.
Harry Davies was introduced to the fray and he provided a couple of exquisite angled crossfield balls before the referee called time on the proceedings.
Final score 0-3… and now to the sausage and chips!!!
Hampshire Premier League
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24th, 2011: BOURNEMOUTH SPORTS 4, COMMON 3
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24th, 2011: COMMON RES 3, LISS ATHLETIC RES 2:
Common Reserves - boosted by the return from injury of skipper Dave Egerton, goalscorer Simon Waters and custodian Dave Nicol - secured an evenly contested 3-2 victory over visiting Liss Athletic Reserves. Goals from Simon Waters (2) and Steve Ott, who opened the game's account on five minutes, secured an excellent win against opponents who would not 'lie down'.
Once again Scott Challis was excellent in midfield while Gbolohan Laoshe (aka 'B') grew visibly during the clash and worked his socks off when the visitors looked to take control.
Eric Laversuch was outstanding retrieving the balls from wayward shots and, while he did that, most of the goals were scored... well done Eric!!!
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17th, 2011: A break from League action proved to be the perfect tonic for The Commoners as they commenced the SOuthampton Senior Cup campaign with a 3-0 victory at Lyndhurst.
Goals from LIAM MAGEE, JOHN COLE and DAVE PHILPOTT (pen) secured safe passage to a home clash with AFC Totton Reserves on Saturday October 15th - 2:30pm.
Common enjoyed an excellent start and, following Liam's 9th-minute opener, he could have grabbed a further three in the ensuing 15 minutes. However, it was not to be and, despite some excellent football through Danny Barker, John Cole, Harry Davies, Joe Hodge and Karl Salmon Common could not add to their lead until after the break. On 52 minutes leading scorer Dave Philott converted a pen and that was followed, ten minutes later, by an excellent John Cole volleyed finish to seal a fine display.
It was disappointing that some of the hosts challenges were of the x-rated variety but credit our lads with exceptional control and dogged determination to get the job done.
A CURIOUS START The Commoners have endured a difficult start to season 2011-12 which, after seven starts, has yet to see us register a victory. Defeats against Locks Heath, Hamble Club and Winchester Castle were 'complimented' by draws with Hedge End, Overton United and Clanfield although I felt each of those should have provided three points. Injuries and absenteeism have been predominant for managers Ged Magee and Mick Pratt thus making it difficult to field the strongest side. However, Saturday's (Sept 3rd) loss at Sporting (now there's an anachronism) Bishops Waltham was almost entirely self-inflicted. 2-0 down in the first ten minutes and 3-0 down by the break was due to inept defending (and not neccessarily by defenders and goalkeeper) and a generous spirit. That we ended the game 3-2 down says a lot for our second half spirit - and the abilities of Paul Danowski in goal - but why wasn't it there from the first whistle? DEAN HIGGINS (free kick) and DAVE PHILPOTT (from the spot) reduced the arrears in the final ten minutes but it wasn't enough to avert a fourth loss.