Sydenhams Football League Div 1 – 01/05/13

RINGWOOD TOWN               3 v 1       COWES SPORTS

So to the final game of the 12/13 season. A win at The Canotec Stadium would see Richie Woodburn’s side pip Team Solent to third place and one goal for skipper Gareth Bricknell would give him the Division One ‘Golden Boot’ award on his own as before the game he shared top spot with three other players.

Four enforced changes from the side that had beaten Stockbridge four days earlier, despite having a slight injury, Ed Hatt was back in goal as Joe Winchcombe dropped out during the afternoon, Charlie Allen, Michael Jones and Dom Burbidge all came into the starting line up with Dexter Malin(unavailable), Jason Ince and Lee Davies dropping to the bench where they were joined by James Flux and Kevin Winchcombe.

First chance of the game went to Cowes when Jordan Browne crossed but Dom Burbidge sent his shot wide. The Yachtsmen were then dealt a blow shortly before the half hour mark when keeper Ed Hatt had to be replaced due to his injury, Kevin Winchcombe, rolling back the years, replacing him. Ringwood Town captain and keeper twice somehow managed to keep the ball out of his goal as the ball bobbled around the area. On the half hour Ringwood took the lead when Joe Phelps conceded a stupid free kick wide on the Cowes right. The ball was floated into the Cowes area where CHRIS BAILEY was left unmarked to head home from ten yards giving Kev no chance. Nine minutes later the home side doubled their lead with a carbon copy goal, this time scorer was the experienced SEAN LEADBETTER.

Just before the break Cowes attacked Nathan Lewis won a header on the edge of the home area before the bobbled around for about a minute eventually being smacked into the Ringwood goal by Gareth Bricknell, but as he did so, Referee Lee Rutter blew his whistle for a supposed head injury to a defender caused by Nathan’s challenge. Cowes were furious as he had not blown straight away and it was said later that it was not a head injury anyway.

H-t 2 - 0

The Yachtsmen had the first opportunity of the second half when Darren Williams headed onto Jordan Browne but his strike at goal was saved by their keeper with his feet. Cowes for the most part were unable to create much and looked rather tired as the season headed towards a disappointing end. Gareth Bricknell latched onto a throw but again John Page blocked. The result was put beyond doubt in the 83rd minute as a ball into the Cowes area was headed onto the post before substitute MATT NABNEY volleyed home from close range for a third Ringwood goal. Cowes were then nearly gifted a way back into the game when a free kick into the box was headed against the post by a defender, the ball was cleared to Lee Davies whose cross took a vicious bounce in front of the keeper who could only push the ball away. Nathan Lewis then sent in a cross/shot  that forced the keeper to tip the ball over the bar. In the 90th minute JORDAN BROWNE did net a consolation goal for Cowes but it was too little too late.

Final First Division 2012/13

Team:- Ed Hatt(Kevin Winchcombe), Max Draper, Nathan Lewis, Michael Herbert, Charlie Allen, Joe Phelps, Michale Jones(Lee Davies), Jordan Browne, Darren Williams, Gareth Bricknell c, Dominic Burbidge(Jason Ince), Sub not used; James Flux

Referee:-      LEE RUTTER       Assistants – Brian Channing + Antony Smith

Sydenhams Football League Div 1 – 27/04/

   STOCKBRIDGE      3 – 4     COWES SPORTS   

Having seen any chance of promotion disappear in mid week the YACHTSMEN were again on their travels still with a chance of claiming third place, they had to win both their remaining games and Pewsey Vale needed to beat Team Solent in order for it to happen. Both Aidan Bryan and Craig Insley along with the long term injured Tom Dye were missing, Jason Ince and Mitch Herbert coming into the starting line up. Joe Winchcombe also replaced Ed Hatt in goal.

It was the home side that fashioned the first opportunity at goal when Sam Coleman had a shot saved by Joe Winchcombe. Cowes responded when Jason Ince’s goal-bound effort hit Jordan Browne and looped over the Stockbridge goal. It did not take the Island side long to stamp their authority on the game as Lee Davies broke down the left before crossing the ball to DARREN WILLIAMS whose first header at the home keeper was saved, but he could do nothing to stop the second attempt finding the back of the net. However, if Cowes thought it was going to be an easy win, their minds were soon changed when Stockbridge leveled in bizarre fashion on 17 minutes. Joe Winchcombe’ s attempted clearance hit Dave Cotter and span towards the goal, Joe recovered to clear the ball off the line but only to Jack Hutchings who squared to DAVE COTTER to net from one yard. Just a minute later and Cowes were back in front, again in strange circumstances. A ball down the Cowes left saw keeper Peter Roberts race out to the right of his area to clear, his kick fell to skipper GARETH BRICKNELL 35 yards from goal, his quick thinking seeing their keeper well out of his goal,he sent the ball into the unprotected goal to restore his sides advantage. The lead was increased in the 24th minute. A short corner on the right gave Max Draper the opportunity to send the ball into the area, a defender inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net. Jason Ince crossed to Jordan Browne who controlled the ball before sending a right foot shot past Peter Roberts right hand post. Joe Phelps sent a crossfield ball from the right, finding Lee Davies wide left, he in turn found Jordan Browne inside their penalty area before laying the ball back to DARREN WILLIAMS who sent it into the right corner of the Stockbridge net from 25 yards. Lee Davies was again in the thick of the action just before the break, his drive across the goal saw Gareth Bricknell touch towards goal, but Peter Roberts done well to clear the ball off the line, but only to Jordan Browne whose follow up was also cleared off the goal line as Cowes went in with a comfortable half time lead.

H-t  1 - 4

Having picked up a slight knock in the first half, Max Draper was brought off early in the second, being replaced by Mikey Jones – Jason Ince dropping to right back. Within seconds of coming on Mikey’s first touch was to send a thunderous shot at goal, the ball smacked against the right angle of crossbar and post a fly to safety.  On the hour the ROBINS pulled a goal back when across form their left found JACK HUTCHINGS with a free header to net at the second attempt.  Dom Burbidge then ‘scored’ after Dexter Malins shot had been saved, but the Assistants flag was raised for offside. Six minutes from time Cowes were caught short in defence as three Stockbridge players attacked two Cowes defenders which ended with JACK HUTCHINGS adding his second and the home sides third goal setting up a tense finish to the game. in the 91st minute Dom Burbidge was fouled in the penalty area, with Gareth Bricknell in the running for Division top scorer, regular penalty taker, Darren Williams gave his skipper the chance to boost his chances, however Peter Roberts saved a poorly taken spot kick. Would Gareth rue that missed chance?

Team:- Joe Winchcombe, Max Draper(Mikey Jones), Michael Herbert, Joe Phelps, Nathan Lewis, Dexter Malin, Jason Ince, Jordan Browne(Dominic Burbidge), Darren Williams, Gareth Bricknell c, Lee Davies, Subs not used; Kevin Winchcombe, Ed Hatt, Aidan Bryan

Referee:-    SEAN JENKINS        Assistants – Paul Scott-Munden + Roger Hatcher

Sydenhams Football League  20/04/13

ANDOVER NEW STREET      1 v 1      COWES SPORTS   

Richie Woodburn made just one change to the squad following the mid-week Gold Cup exit, Mitch Herbert replacing Jimmy Wykes on the bench as the same starting line up was named for this important game. The home made five changes to the squad that had been beaten 7-0 on the Island a few weeks earlier, three to the stating XI.

Cowes Sports traveled to Foxcotte Lane looking for a similar result to the home game, knowing that any other result to cost them dear in their quest for promotion. As expected the Islanders made the early running, Mikey Jones setting up Dom Burbidge on the left, his shot across the face of the goal was pushed away for a corner by Cray Sams in the New Street goal. Ashley Brett then sent in a free kick that picked out Craig Insley in space but he could only head the ball over when maybe he should have scored. Jordan Browne tried his luck but the ball went wide of the keepers left hand post before Dom Burbidge set up Jordan Browne , but again the chance went the wrong side of the post. Although having the more chances Andover, to their credit never made it easy, throwing themselves around to block and tackle, finally though, Cowes got the breakthrough they needed with just a minute of the first half left, Craig Insley sent a teasing cross into the Andover area where a defender headed his clearance straight up in the air, DARREN WILLIAMS reacted first to head the ball over their keeper and into the net to give the Island side a half time lead they rarely look like getting.

H-t 0 – 1

All that had made the trip expected Cowes to step up the pace of the game and add a few more goals to their tally in the second half, but how wrong could we have all been as they struggled to get any rhythm to their play. Dom Burbidge was played in with only the keeper to beat, but Cray Sams came off his line to bravely save at Dom’s feet, the loose ball fell to Dexter Malin who beat a defender before sending the ball towards the goal, but defender Stuart Anderson recovered well to clear off the line. Andover’ s confidence began to grow and eventually they were rewarded with an equalising goal in the 75th minute when a seemingly nothing ball down the slope found SPENCER CASSON who fired past Ed Hatt. Nathan Lewis tried to respond for Cowes but after a brilliant run into the box he fired wildly wide of target. Both substitute Gareth Bricknell and Ashley Brett headed over the bar in the closing stages. Cowes, however, had Ed Hatt to thank for at least getting a point as he produced two magnificent saves to prevent New Street from causing a great shock.

Two vital points dropped in the promotion race as Brockenhurst and Team Solent both won while Whitchurch did not play.

Team:- Ed Hatt, Max Draper, Nathan Lewis, Aidan Bryan capt, Ashley Brett, Craig Insley, Michael Jones(Lee Davies), Jordan Browne, Darren Williams, Dominic Burbidge(Gareth Bricknell), Dexter Malin, Subs not used; Jason Ince, Michael Herbert + Joe Winchcombe

Referee:-   KARL SEAR       Assistants -  Rod Davis + Peter Creagh

Sydenhams Football League Div 1 — 11/04/13

TADLEY CALLEVA     0 – 2    COWES SPORTS

Following the previous weeks abandonment due to floodlight failure,with Sports losing 2 – 1, a second attempt to play the game was made with the same Match Officials. A long journey on a Thursday evening was not what was really required , but credit to the squad and the loyal band of supporters it was worth the trip as Cowes Sports performed heroics to take full advantage of their second chance.

Cowes Sports made four changes from the previous attempt to play the game, Charlie Allen, Jason Ince, Michael Herbert and Lee Davies being replaced by Darren Williams, Dexter Malin, Michael Jones and Ashley Brett in the starting line up whilst their hosts, Tadley Calleva made two changes to their starting XI.

Quite a cagey start to the game by both sides, Tadley trying to play some neat football pressing hard to make an impression with Cowes standing firm and protecting their goal with a fair amount of ease. Just 20 minutes into the game and the Yachtsmen’s task looked to become a lot harder as first Joe Phelps(ankle) then top-scorer and skipper Gareth Bricknell(hamstring) both had to be replaced by Michael Herbert and Dominic Burbidge respectively, meaning a slight change with Nathan Lewis and Darren Williams moving into center midfield. First real chance of the match saw Darren Williams header Dexter Malin’s corner straight at the home keeper. Just past the half hour mark substitute Dom Burbidge showed his pace as he broke through the home defence only for a slightly heavy touch giving keeper Lee Allen time to come off his line to save at Dom’s feet. Same scenario in the 34th minute as Dom once again out paced the home defence this time the keeper only managed to send Dom crashing to the ground earning himself a yellow card whilst conceding a penalty. After a short wait DARREN WILLIAMS stepped up to send the ball into the right corner of the Tadley goal for his 19th goal of the season and since his return to the 1st XI his 9th goal in his last five appearances. Dom Burbidge, causing the home defenders a lot of problems, then won the ball in the area before turning and firing at Lee Allen. Right on half time Dexter Malin sent Mikey Jones through on goal but Lee Allen made the save before a defender cleared the ball to safety.

H – t  0 – 1

Tadley Calleva came out for the second half fired up and but for a Max Draper clearance would have leveled the scores within minutes of the restart. Cowes’ outstanding defence withstood the early onslaught from their hosts before slowly imposing themselves back on the game. Max Draper saw his excellent cross just evade Mikey Jones before Jordan Browne watched his dipping effort clear the home crossbar. Home right back, Spencer Barlow can count himself very lucky as both the Referee and near side Assistant failed to spot him deliberately push Dom Burbidge into the barrier surrounding the pitch, Dom hitting his head on the metal post right in front of the Cowes supporters. How the Referee could not see this is totally amazing as he was no more than 15 yards away. With time seeming to take forever throughout the second half a 77th minute free kick from the left looked to be heading into the awaiting arms of home keeper Lee Allen, but AIDAN BRYAN appeared from nowhere to bundle the ball into the home goal and double the Cowes lead, his first goal of the season, sending the Cowes bench and fans wild with delight. The game was far from over, Tadley pushed forward and a ball into the area saw Ed Hatt produce a superb reaction save from Brett Denham’s shot, however the ‘offside’ flag had been raised anyway. An outstanding team effort, after the early setbacks, as everyone dug deep and although not one of the best footballing displays the great team spirit of the squad shone through as the Islanders ground out a result that sees them back on top of the Division 1 table as shown below.

Team:- Ed Hatt, Max Draper, Nathan Lewis, Aidan Bryan, Ashley Brett, Dexter Malin, Michael Jones(Lee Davies), Joe Phelps(Michael Herbert), Darren Williams, Gareth Bricknell(Dominic Burbidge), Jordan Browne, Subs not used; Jimmy Wykes + Joe Winchcombe

Referee:-  Derek Pratt      Assistants – Ian Turk + Michael Ridge

Sydenhams Football League Div 1 — 09/04/13

COWES SPORTS             3  -  0     HYTHE & DIBDEN

Prior to the kick off of the final home game of the season two awards were presented by Club Chairman IAN LEE. The first was the ‘PROSPECT FINANCIAL PLANNING’ Player of the Month for March, winner JOE PHELPS(pictured below left). The second award was the ‘SUPPORTERS’ ‘Player of the Year’ once again, completing a hat-trick wins – AIDAN BRYAN(pictured below right).

SUPPORTERS ‘Player of the Year’ 12-13

Manager RICHIE WOODBURN made just one change from the side that comprehensively beat Andover New Street, Harry Dye replacing Dexter Malin(work), whilst new Hythe & Dibden Manager, LEE BURCH, made several changes from their previous match, a 1 – 2 defeat at home to Whitchurch United.

From the start it was Cowes Sports who made all the running, pressing hard for a positive result to finish their home campaign with. Nathan Lewis set up Gareth Bricknell for the first chance of the match but his effort was fired straight at Hythe keeper Wayne O’Dell. Gareth Bricknell then shot over the bar after good work from Mikey Jones had set him up. Hythe & Dibden then created an opportunity for themselves too remind Cowes that there were two sides in this game, but the lob at the back post cleared the Cowes crossbar. The impressive Jordan Browne set up Max Draper but his shot dipped just over the bar as Cowes’ frustration began too show. As in other games throughout the season Cowes had dominated but failing to take any of the many chances they had created. Gareth Bricknell sent a free kick into the area, but Harry Dye’s header was saved. Jordan Browne was next to miss as he poked a shot just wide of the left post. The Cowes faithful were now starting to get on the backs of the home side urging them to take one of the chances created. Mikey Jones then done well out on the right before cutting inside and unleashing a powerful drive that cannoned off the crossbar to safety. Gareth Bricknell then ran at the visitors defence before shooting, but again Wayne O’Dell made the save to deny Cowes the lead. He was nearly beaten right on half time by his own defender but again he managed to pull of the save as the teams went in at the break level.

H-t 0 – 0

Cowes came out for the second half and continued where they had left off, pressing hard for the opening goal. Harry Dye saw his header hit the post before Jordan Browne headed a Gareth Bricknell corner over the bar. Harry Dye then latched onto a through ball but his cross evaded Max Draper’s desperate dive. Surely a goal had too come!!!! Finally the deadlock was broken in the 61st minute. Max Draper got to the bye line before sending in a cross that keeper Wayne O’Dell palmed away, but only to DARREN WILLIAMS who eventually got the ball under control before firing home from ten yards, much to the relief of everyone connected to Cowes. Cowes Sports then doubled their advantage just four minutes later when a corner form the Cowes left found Aidan Bryan unmarked to head the ball back across the goal where JORDAN BROWNE got the final touch on the ball before it nestled in the right corner of the Hythe net. Jordan then had a couple more chances to add to his goal but failed to take them. In the 93rd minute a ball slipped into the box saw Darren Williams brought down by a defender and Referee Steve Wade immediately pointed to the penalty spot. DARREN WILLIAMS  blasted the spot kick straight down the middle of the goal to net his second and Cowes’ third goal of the evening.

In the end a comfortable win for Cowes Sports that lifts them into second place in the table, but all credit must go to Hythe & Dibden who worked tirelessly throughout the match and made life difficult for the home side.

NISA Pan Stores “Man of the Match” —    GARETH BRICKNELL

Team:- Ed Hatt, Max Draper, Nathan Lewis, Aidan Bryan, Ashley Brett, Harry Dye(Jimmy Wykes), Michael Jones(Lee Davies), Joe Phelps, Darren Williams, Gareth Bricknell capt(Michael Herbert). Jordan Browne, Sub not used; Joe Winchcombe.

Referee:-  Steve Wade      Assistants – John Hopkinson + Michael Chard

Sydenhams Football League Div 1 — 06/04/13

COWES SPORTS                7 – 0    ANDOVER NEW STREET

Cowes Sports were looking to get their promotion push back on track following recent wobbles. With Craig Insley still suspended, Tom Dye injured, Lee Davies at a wedding a much changed side took the field.

The Yachtsmen started brightly taking the game to their visitors and pressing for an early goal. It duly came in the 9th minute when Joe Phelps sent in a cross that was headed into his Own Goal by MARK KEOGH with Darren Williams ready to pounce. Joe Phelps tried his luck from 20yards but fired straight at Dave Tasker in the New Street goal. Darren Williams then split the Andover defence for Gareth Bricknell to run onto but his shot was deflected into the side netting for a corner before Darren Williams headed a Dexter Malin cross over the bar. Surly a second goal must come for the Island side. So be it. A great one two between Dexter Malin and DARREN WILLIAMS, the latter netting Cowes’ second from 12 yards in the 24th min, his 15th of the season so far. DARREN WILLIAMS’ 16th was not too far away either as he netted in the 32nd minute, from close range, following good work by Mikey Jones. Cowes were now on the rampage with Andover unable to cope with the football Cowes were playing. Two minutes before the break skipper GARETH BRICKNELL picked the ball up towards the the right of the pitch, beat several players in making his way across the field then into the area before beating Dave Tasker low to his right to score a fourth Cowes goal and see them go in at half time in a very comfortable position.

H-t 4 – 0

Looking for more goals in the second half to improve their goal difference it took Cowes just five minutes to add a fifth goal from an unlikely source. Nathan Lewis lofted a cross into the Andover area that looked to be an easy take for keeper Dave Tasker, but MAX DRAPER (pictured),challenged the keeper, who dropped the ball onto Max’s back and the ball bounced down and over the goal line for another goal to Cowes. The Yachtsmen continued to dominate. Dexter Malin, looking dangerous down the left done well to get to the bye line before pulling the ball back to GARETH BRICKNELL to fire home number six form ten yards just past the hour mark. Credit must go to Ed Hatt, who up to the 70th minute had had nothing to do, but his concentration was there for all to see as a New Street free kick saw Prince Xhmala climb highest to head goalwards but Ed done well to tip the ball over the bar for a corner. Substitute Jimmy Wykes then got to the bye line before setting up JORDAN BROWNE to score Cowes seventh and his first for the club to cap a very good individual performance.

NISA  Pan Stores “Man of the Match” –   DEXTER MALIN

Team:- Ed Hatt, Max Draper(Michael Herbert), Nathan Lewis, Aidan Bryan, Ashley Brett(Charlie Allen), Joe Phelps, Michael Jones, Jordan Browne, Darren Williams(Jimmy Wykes), Gareth Bricknell capt, Dexter Malin, Sub not used: Joe Winchcombe

Referee:-  PAUL BYFIELD     Assistants – Dave Brunt + Sean Phillips