BOURNEMOUTH PREMIER DIVISION
SATURDAY 17TH JANUARY 2009
OLD OAKMEDIANS 2 VERWOOD TOWN 1

Team

1. Colin Randall
2. John Homer
3. Conor Moore
4. Will Cobley
5. Gary Martin
6. Martin Newbury
7. Shaun Morrison
8. Ben Britnall
9. Graham Cole
10. Carl Smalley
11. Karl Foster
12. Andy Munson (for Colin Randall 45 mins)
13. Josh Goncalves (for Ben Britnall 75 mins)

Report

It is distressing even 20 hours after the match when producing this report that I am still livid. The Reserves have fought hard over the time I have Managed the side to reach the highest level within the Bournemouth leagues and yet we do not get a referee, resulting in the match being in the hands of someone from the home team. Whereas I personally am more than happy to confront a "bringing the game into disrepute" charge, I have decided not to express my opinions here as I do not want them interpreted as being views of the Club and in turn Verwood Town FC facing disciplinary action. Perhaps I should contact Sir Alex and ask him how I can make comments without being fined?

I appreciate there is a shortage of Referees available and I understand why being a qualified Ref myself, and perhaps the 1st team should be grateful that they have 3 each match!

Anyway, despite the odds we put up a gallant performance only to be robbed. The first half was bereft of many chances for each team, however following a subtle little through ball by Martin Newberry in a crowded area the ball was controlled by Graham Cole and he used all of his experience to calmly slot the ball past their keeper. 1~0 up after 25 minutes we held out until half time. Unfortunately after only 20 minutes Colin Randall was caught in the rib cage whilst punching clear a corner. Was the player going for the ball? The Ref and I agreed to differ however Colin battled on but had to come off at half time with breathing difficulties. Gary Martin stepped in between the sticks and Andy Munson slotted in at centre half.

For the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half we were comfortable, with Will Cobley playing brilliantly, however it appeared the rules of the game had been changed and they were given a number of free kicks around our area. When our players were fouled it appeared that we played on with the advantage however on one such occasion where we should have been given a free kick as the ball ran to one of their players, hence no advantage to us, the receiving player was fouled and a free kick given to them! Granted it was an excellent delivery into the box which we appeared to have dealt with well but from an acute angle their centre forwards shot took a deflection and beat rookie goalie Gary at the nearpost. With just 10 minutes to go they got the winner. In between times Gary made a couple of outstanding saves, Ben Britnall was clean through but their keeper saved and although we were under pressure and conceding most of the possession, I thought we would hang on against the 12 men.

I find it difficult to come to terms as to why I should put in the effort I do during the week and the players to try their hardest on a Saturday afternoon to come up against a situation like yesterday. It isn't a fair competition so why should we bother?


Report submitted by Neville Munson