Southern Amateur League vs Amateur Football Combination 2004

THE STEVE LANGLEY MEMORIAL TROPHY

SOUTHERN AMATEUR LEAGUE  4  AMATEUR FOOTBALL COMBINATION  2

played at Potters Bar Town FC  on Wednesday 17th November 2004

"HUGHES BRACE SECURES WIN FOR SAL " (report courtesy of Del Saunders)

Over 200 spectators witnessed a thrilling encounter between these two fine sides. With several AFA rep players on view it was always going to be a tight game. The SAL forced two very early corners and nearly went in front within 5 minutes. A lovely through ball from James Roberts found Anthony Mann whose turn and first time shot only found the side netting. The hosts were rocked however after 8 minutes. A free kick was given away on the edge of the box and with the defence organising themselves, Jack Costello took advantage with a quick free kick into the top corner to give the AFC the lead.

The SAL immediately responded and Mann and then Neil Hughes went close, both shooting just wide of the mark. Oz Okkaya and Hughes, with very quick feet, caused some anxious moments in the AFC backline. Okkaya almost equalised from 20 yards with a fine shot, which keeper James Holdsworth did well to tip over the bar. From the corner a melee ensued and the ball was kicked off the line. With most of the possession, an equaliser had to come from the SAL. On the 20 minute mark, Hughes on the right hand side, cut inside to score a solo effort just inside the near post. Hughes for the SAL and his counterpart Colin Hawkins were both causing defensive problems at both ends.Just after the half hour mark Mann went close again, the first following a great cross from Tom Tagg and almost immediately a reverse pass from Hughes gave him another half chance but both efforts were just off target. On 37 minutes the SAL were nearly punished again when another free kick was awarded, taken quickly  again by Costello to Lee Reynolds but his effort was just wide of the left hand post. Five minutes later Hawkins broke clear but was brought down 25 yards out. Free kick specialist Costello again took the kick and keeper Dan Ashley did well to tip it over, seeing the ball late. From the resulting corner the defence were at sixes and sevens and Ben Fox had an easy opportunity to stab the ball home from close range to give the visitors a 2-1 lead. Within 30 seconds it was 2-2. From the kick off Hughes made space to drill home the equaliser. First half goals were not finished for in added time Mann at last got his deserved goal tapping home a rebound after a fine save from Holdsworth.

It perhaps was expecting too much for the excitement to continue in the second half although the wind seemed to increase which made it difficult for both sides. Adrian Headley was thwarted at the last minute, following an early run, with the keeper coming off his line at speed, diving at his feet. The SAL continued to dominate possession and Mann headed over following another corner. After 56 minutes Neil Hurst hit the woodwork, having rounded the keeper, but finding the angle too acute.

The AFC then had a prolonged spell, holding the ball well. Reynolds on the left was causing some consternation, twisting and turning at every opportunity. After 65 minutes Costello broke from just inside the SAL half but a final shot whistled over the bar. 10 minutes later, John Sullivan substitiue keeper for the SAL did well to save another Costello free kick from 25 yards, pushing the ball out for a corner. Well into the last 10 minutes, Sullivan did well to hold a curler from Reynolds and shortly after the AFC nearly found their way through following another free kick. However, officially after 89 minutes, although there was a few minuted added on, the spectators witnessed probably the best goal of the game. The SAL attacked on the left and a cross field ball found Steve Forwell in space who cracked an unstoppable shot into the top corner from 20 yards.

Referee Duncan Elder finally blew for time with the SAL winners by 4 goals to 2.

After the game, John Miller, Chairman of the SAL, thanked everyone for an enjoable game on a very good pitch. On behalf of the FA he presented Chris Langford of Winchmore Hill one of this years FA Workforce Volunteer Awards. He then introduced several members of the Langley family and Wendy Langley then presented the Trophy to the winning skipper Mark Grove. Jim Buttress, Chairman of the AFC, duly responded and quite out of character admitted that the best side had won on the day. The AFC Manager Stewart Minors then thanked their sponsors for the game "Scholars of Aylesbury" and presented The Man of the Match award to Neil Hughes. Lee Reynolds was then presented with the AFC player of the match award. Finally AFC Representative ties were given to Lenny Wapshott, Ben Fox and Jack Costello.

Officials:- Referee: Duncan Elder. Assistant Referees: Peter Dace and Ian Andrews.

TEAMS: SOUTHERN AMATEUR LEAGUE: Dan Ashley (Norsemen), James Roberts (South Bank Cuaco), Adrian Headley (Crouch End Vampires), Ben Willis (Winchmore Hill), Mark Grove (Nottsborough), Oz Akkaya (Old Wilsonians), Neil Hurst (Winchmore Hill), Tom Tagg (South Bank Cuaco), Anthony Mann (Old Owens), Neil Hughes (Broomfield), Ben Penfold (Winchmore Hill), Shaun Read (Alexandra Park), John Sullivan and Steve Forwell (Old Owens).

AMATEUR FOOTBALL COMBINATION: James Holdsworth (Old Hamptonians), Nick Haley (Latymer Old Boys), Marco Tolani (Albanian), Brian Hanley, Lenny Wapshott and Jack Costello (Old Meadonians), Lee Reynolds (Parkfield), Ben Fox and Colin Hawkins (Old Meadonians), Wil Andrews (Old Isleworthians), Chris Glynn (Albanian). Steve Bowring, Rupert Cope and Henry Turner (Old Meadonians), Stewart Minors (Old Danes) and John O'Brien (Old Ignatians).

.