Cold comfort as Wars fail to get back to winning ways

Combined Counties League – Division One Saturday 29th January 2011
Warlingham F.C. 0 CB Hounslow F.C. 0

Wars have stumbled recently with 2 draws and 2 defeats from our last 4 which included the loss to our nearest rivals, Farleigh Rovers. Always a sensitive one for those of us who have played and managed at both clubs.

Today we were keen to get back to winning ways against CB Hounslow who themselves have had a mixed season. The pitch was in good condition although a little bumpy and Tucker had made a couple of changes brining in Chivers and Elsom to freshen things up. Nick Greenhouse continues to be an injured absentee.

The game started in usual fashion with both sides committed to a fast and furious pace but this resulted in a very scrappy exchange which was to continue for much of the game.

After 12 mins the first action of any note saw a CBH forward race into the penalty area hotly pursued by Captain Vidal who timed a perfect tackle to clear his lines. Despite calls for a penalty it never was and the referee waived play on. Shortly afterwards Greenhouse (T) won a free kick inside the CBH half and Vidal launched his effort just past the far post.

CBH came straight back and a good run and cross down the right brought a save from Coote from what was a weak header from the edge of the 6 yard box. On 27 mins Vidal slotted the ball through to Miles whose run ended in his shot being blocked and a follow up shot from Elsom was saved.

Miles was again in the action as he met a corner from Neaves and headed over. Just a minute later on 38 mins Jansen laid the ball back to Chivers who appeared to be impeded as he attempted to shot from close to the penalty spot. The usual shouts went up and Vidal got himself booked for his protest – clearly hadn’t read my programme notes!!

Half time arrived at 0-0 with lots of energy expended but very few clear cut chances and the bitter cold beginning to bite the hardy few who had turned up to support.

The 2nd half started with Wars in the early offensive with a Chivers header from a corner and an Elsom shot. It started to look like we might get some more goal mouth action – we didn’t!

Tucker changed things after 64 mins with Baker replacing Neaves and then 2 miniatures later Gledhill replaced Chivers. Good to see George back after a long break concentrating on his studies.

70 mins and the ball arrived with Jansen on the edge of the CBH box. He managed to juggle it round and over his shoulder and hit a volley goal bound but it flew wide. We were now approaching the end of the game and the stalemate continued with very few clear cut chances created by either side.

Brunt replaced Greenhouse (T) and just afterwards on 78 mins CBH had their best chance to win it as they raced through on goal only to shoot wide. They should have scored.

The competitive nature of the encounter meant there was much time to play at the end and Coote made a good save after Wars gave the ball away cheaply in midfield. Wars went straight up the other end and from the resulting corner Cecil headed wide and that was it.

Team: Coote, Williams, Vidal, Miles, Cecil (J), Neaves, Higgins, Greenhouse, Chivers, Elsom, Jansen Subs: Used Baker, Gledhill, Brunt Not used Cecil (D)

MOM: Lots of hard work and endeavour which was to be admired on a cold and difficult day. Few performers stood out. Jansen always tried to get it down and play. Higgins was box to box competing all over the pitch. Cecil and Miles were solid in the centre of defence and Coote sound in goal. Much of our attacking effort went through Vidal who used his excellent left foot to deliver free kicks and corners right into the danger zone time and again – unfortunately we failed to convert. He was also calm, collected and in control at the back and was the catalyst down the left for our better moves, especially in the first half. Vidal gets it.