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Amateur Football Combination vs Cambridge University 2003 Amateur Football Combination 3 Cambridge University 2 - 10th December 2003 at Old Meadonians. Match Report (courtesy of Stewart Minors) It was a cold misty day at Chiswick Community School, the game being hosted by Old Meadonians and sponsored by I.M.S. with their managing director Mr Tom Wilson in attendance. The kickoff was brought forward to 1.45pm to ensure light would not be a problem. The AFC had a good side out but had lost two strikers due to injury, so planned on a 4-5-1 formation with Mathew Jeilay of Hamptonians as the lead man. Young Rupert Cope made his full debut after coming on as a sub against the SAL in front of his school mates - who brought an added ingredient of an enthusiastic crowd. Cambridge started the game brighter and passed the ball around well, although not really penetrating the AFC's well protected defence. The AFC were playing on the break and defending deep - with two good chances, one for Rupert to volley and a decent headed chance for Jeilay. Both were missed and Cambridge replied with a couple of efforts caused by AFC mistakes. The AFC gradually got their game together and James Concannon began to have some joy down the right flank, providing an excellent chance for Jock Costello, who failed to capitalise. Cambridge then had three corners in quick succession, with the final one, featuring a well rehearsed move, resulting in a well taken headed goal. The AFC responded well and within five minutes drew level with a fine individual goal from Concannon, taking advantage of space created by Jeilay's unselfish work. Within ninety seconds the AFC took the lead following another break, Cancannon and Jeilay combining and providing a cross which Rupert Cope converted at the far post - becoming the youngest player to score for the AFC. Cambridge were a little demoralised and the AFC were calmly in control for the last few minutes of the half. The schoolboy crowd were starting to respond really well - singing some songs and cheering on their local hero, also taking to Dan Salanson who revelled in their appreciation (even signing autographs after the game!). The second half had a dramatic start with Costello scoring after two minutes, a superb 25 yard free kick into the top left hand corner, putting the AFC in a dominant position. The AFC moved the ball around well and Jeilay was running and chasing for every ball, encouraging the whole team. Dwayne Rhone came on after 60 minutes and Concannon and the game continued with both sides playing well and trying to create openings. Cambridge kept working and were rewarded with a well finished breakaway goal after 76 minutes. In response, the cool head of John O'Brien, making his 96th appearance in Representative football, was brought on to steady the ship. An excellent break provided the AFC with an opportunity to make the game safe, but Jeilay couldn't convert. Cambridge kept pressing and had a couple of near misses, but the AFC held out well and got a deserved win. Hospitality was provided by Meadonians at their Riverside club across the road and it was very well presented. Mr Howard Minors spoke on behalf of the AFC, and awarded the Man of the Match award to Mathew Jeilay for his excellent performance. The referee spoke of his pleasure in being involved in such a good game played in the right spirit and all looked forward to future fixtures. Amateur Football Combination:- Steve Donnelly (Old Wilsonians), Colin Jones (Albanian), Lew Delaney (Old Danes), John Russell-Smith (Glyn Old Boys), Dan Salanson (Old Meadonians), Jack Costello (Old Meadonians), Rupert Cope (Old Meadonians), Ben Fox (Old Meadonians), Mathew Jeilay (Old Hamptonians), James Concannon (Albanian), Len West (Old Meadonians). Substitutes: Dwayne Rhone (Old Meadonians), John O'Brien (Old Ignatian). Officials:- Pat Morrissey (referee), John Anderson and Dave Cunningham (assistants). |
