Match reports January 8 2011

After seven weeks of inaction, the season spluttered back into life with a raft of rearranged matches. The 1st XI made heavy weather of beating bottom side Chichester 3-2 to go third in Surrey/Hants 1, having to come from 2-1 down in a scrappy game, while the Ladies thumped Epsom 5-0 and go second in Surrey Division Two. The 2nd XI lost 3-5, the 3rd XI went down 2-3 to league leaders Surbiton, but there was a great result for the 4th XI who recorded their first win of the season in beating Leatherhead 4-2.

1st XI 3-2 Chichester
As deserved dick of the day for my appalling tackle that gave a short corner away from which Chichester scored their second and took the lead, I am writing my first match report ever. Thank you Rob for not giving me the yellow card I deserved and for admitting to Knappy in the bar afterwards that the square card of the three should have been shown. I could have done with a five-minute rest at that juncture so thanks are tinged with regret.

We escaped with three points after a very poor performance and had the luck going our way. Not quite sure how Chichester’s top scorer, most influential and senior player, managed an air shot in the dying minutes when the goal was empty but it did us a favour. Burty and the anti corruption panel may like a look at the footage.

Goals from Cookiey, Gav and Rory, the latter two just creeping over the line and inside the post - were they both passes or shots? - enabled us to squeak it and send Chichester home wondering how they lost the game. They certainly won the moaning stakes.

Much better to have these positive match reports rather than the negative self critical reports from pre Christmas – save that of Gav. Woking this week who are the form team with seven wins and a draw from their last eight. Rippers

Epsom 0-5 Ladies
With two of our matches cancelled due the snow before Christmas it meant the Ladies had not played for well over a month. Although we were going to be rusty and have a definite lack of fitness the Ladies were out to continue where they had left off.

The game started off well, controlling the ball and having most of the possession. It wasn’t long before our first goal came scored by Michelle, followed by our second by Hels our veteran! And yep, you heard right Hels. Then our third goal from May who after a great battle in front of the goal pounce on a loose ball and slotted it home. A good position to be in at half time.

The second half was nearly as successful with Michelle topping up her tally of goals to make a perfect hat-trick. Can someone tell me why Goalie insists on substituting her every time she scores!?

Epsom certainly did not make it easy for us, in the last 10 minutes they picked up their game and came close to scoring but although legs were tiring we held our ground and finished the game 5 – 0. It was a tough ending to a great match. Well done ladies. Sarah Mann


Surbiton VII 3-2 3rd XI
Report to follow.

Leatherhead 2-4 4th XI
Report to follow.