Combined Counties League – Reserve Division – Saturday 13th October 2012
Warlingham Reserves 4 Knaphill Reserves 2

It was a beautiful autumn day but we had suffered a lot of rain over the previous few days and the pitch was wet with water lying at the far end. We had managed to remove this in the morning and the pitch was in good condition and just right for an excellent game of football. Unfortunately Simon and Chris our Reserve team management duo had suffered drop out’s as late as 1pm leaving them with just 11 players against a strong Knaphill who had already come to Verdayne and won in the cup earlier in the season. Those players, who dropped out, without a good excuse in my opinion, let themselves, their team mates and the club down with their no show.

To make matters worse Knaphill were held up on the M25 and did not arrive until half an hour after the scheduled KO time. Anyway we eventually got going and were straight into a closely fought game which was also played in a great spirit with the referee never needing to resort to his pocket to keep things under control.

Within 3 minutes of the start Burke was right through but just pushed his shot wide when he perhaps should have scored. Curtis then delivered a pin point cross and again Burke arrived but the keeper saved his header.

Knaphill then got themselves going and had a spell of pressure without breaching a back four where Ashman and debutant Davey were building a useful partnership. Behind them young keeper Reeves was also in good form and made a good save following a defensive mix up in which Tomlinson came off the worse for wear.

Burke was still harassing the Knaphill defence and he made the break through on 20 minutes racing through to slot home and put Wars 1-0 up. 5 minutes later and he was at it again but this time he hit the post and Stripp who had galloped forward from full back only to put the ball over from a yard out when he really did look easier to score. He was left with his head in his hands.

It was now an end to end game and Knaphill shot wide just minutes afterwards. But Curtis for Wars was a continual threat down the flank and he burst through after 32 minutes only to shoot wide. Then Knaphill got right back in it as Ashman fended away a shot with his arms and the referee inevitably pointed to the spot. Reeves came close but Knaphill were back on terms at 1-1. They now came on strong with half time beckoning. Reeves made a good save but the rebound should have been converted and then they hit the post.

Half time 1-1 and all to play for.

Coveley had been excellent at left back and he would prove to have an influential part to play in the 2nd half. As early as 49 minutes he was making progress on the left and kept going before blasting in across the keeper to put Wars 2-1 up. 51 minutes and he was at it again. This time crossing for Howard to score from close range. Wars 3-1 up.

Reeves was still a busy man and saved with his head from a near point blank shot as Knaphill strived to get back in it. Jack Fortune making the upgrade from the “A” team was proving his worth at this level and his chip hit the bar as Wars fought to stem the Knaphill tide.

Reeves has proved to be a real find and an excellent young keeper but even he couldn’t keep out the curling free kick that made it 3-2 on 83 minutes.

Relief finally arrived and the nerves were removed when Fortune got his debut goal heading in at the near post in the last minute to make it a final score of 4-2 Wars.

Team: Reeves, Stripp, Davey, Ashman, Coveley, Coates, Tomlinson, Curtis, Howard, Fortune, Burke. No subs.

MOM: Lots of candidates. Reeves was excellent in goal. Ashman seems to have transitioned well to centre back and got better as the game went on. Davey and Fortune both excelled on their debuts. Curtis was always dangerous down the right and Burke scored and created many other chances. But in front of them all Coveley had a great game. His crossing from the left was pin point and caused numerous problems for Knaphill. He scored the 2nd goal and set up the third and had a major influence in seeing Wars through to a well earned win.

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