Sat 19th November, 14:00
Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup, Round 2
Highmoor Ibis 1 – 2 Woodley Saints
Mark Stargatt (35) Kieron Mabbutt (58)
Greg Beckett (82, pen)
Woodley Saints FC are enjoying their first year in the Reading Football League after a pre season merger with experienced outfit Berkshire County Sports FC. The season began slowly with just 1 point from the first 3 games. Since then Saints have moved to 2nd position in the league after 5 games unbeaten and also dumping Senior Division opponents Frilsham & Yattendon out of the Berks and Bucks Cup. The reward of which was a testing trip to Palmer Park Stadium, home of Highmoor Ibis, who are sitting pretty at the top of Hellenic’s Division 1.
Despite Highmoor being 2 leagues above, Saints were not unprepared. A productive pre-season trip to Hellenic’s Hungerford Town was the ideal place to apply new footballing principles.
Saints were somewhat buoyant going into the game, but so too were Highmoor after winning 8 successive league fixtures. Cheered on by their number 1 fan, Toby Cripp, from the U9 Hawks, Saints did have a few tricks up their sleeve –pre-match home-made Millionaire Shortbreads were consumed, Captain Paul Illsley moved into Central Defence and Saints introduced 2 debutants– Gaz Abbott at Right Back with Sam Asuming leading the line.
Mindful of Highmoor’s attacking threat, Saints adopted a conservative approach to nullify the opposition in the first 25 minutes. This was executed well, but lack of possession tired Saints and were eventually undone after 35 minutes. Some good footwork on the right wing broke through Saints’ shape and found Mark Stargatt on the edge of the box. Stargatt was allowed to turn and placed a right foot shot just inside the far post. 0-1
Saints played out the end of the first half well and were able to regroup at half time. A few tweaks were made, aiming to take possession deeper into Highmoor’s territory and attack with more control.
The second half started brightly and confidence grew after a strong period of early possession. Highmoor did not respond to the threat and a deserved equalizer came on the hour mark. Saints Leading scorer Kieron Mabbutt cut in from the by-line and looked to cut back. With options cancelled out by Highmoor’s defence, Mabbutt continued his run and slotted his 9th of the season through the keeper’s legs. 1-1, Game on!
The next 20 minutes saw the 2 sides trade possession but Highmoor looked the more threatening whenever they were able to break through Saints’ 3 lines of defence. 3 lines rapidly became 4 as spirited work-rate from the whole team closed down most opportunities. The few shots allowed on goal were met by a series of athletic saves by in-form keeper David Osborne (Oz). With Highmoor frustrated and losing patience, the best chance of this passage of play actually fell to Saints. The midfield trio linked well to find substitute Aran Horrell in space on the edge of the box. Horrell’s delicate chip over the onrushing keeper inched agonizingly over the bar.
With less than 10 minutes to go, both sides were preparing for extra time, except for 1 man, 1st team debutant Sam Asuming. All game Saints had allowed Highmoor free possession around their own box, but this time Sam decided enough was enough. He hounded 2 defenders into an error, intercepted the loose ball and drove into the box. Sam’s shirt was pulled, a crime often left unpunished in the Reading Premier League, but this was Hellenic 1 and the penalty was given. A few minutes of protest followed but Greg Beckett remained calm and took a perfect penalty. 2-1!
The Saints spectators began to see the value in their £4 entry fee and Highmoor pushed men forward to ensure a nervy last 5. All good cup upsets need some last minute controversy and this fixture did not disappoint – Highmoor’s goal ruled out for a push on the goalkeeper J
Final Score:
Highmoor Ibis 1 – 2 Woodley Saints
Team:
David Osborne, Kevin Glenton (Aran Horrell), Nick Reynolds, Paul Illsley (C), Gaz Abbott, Nick Shildrick, Paul Brown, Simon Maraj-Bennett, Greg Beckett, Kieron Mabbutt, Samuel Asuming,
