BLUE CHIP 0 - 3 KINGS AFC

Saturday 9th September 2006

Line-up: Sansom, Brodier, Wilson, Farmer (Richardson), Loosemore (B Whelan), Tomlin, Milner, Haywood (c), Evans (Minty), M Whelan, Morgan

Half time score: 0-2

Goalscorers: Haywood, Wilson, Brodier

Booked: None

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Blue Chip versus Kings AFC was the fixture much of the division had been looking forward to, mainly because of the merry go round of transfer activity that surrounded the two clubs during the summer months.

Blue Chip have started the season seriously weakened by a club exodus which has seen a number of star players move across the pond to rivals Kings AFC. Much of the Chips’ starting line-up is unrecognisable with the only familiar players being new club captain Matt Bailey in the centre of Midfield, right winger Lee Bailey, former West Ham Youth player Michael Grierson, as well as Michael LeMonte who turned out a couple of times for the Chip last season. Chris ‘Smudge’ Smith has also taken over the managerial reins after the retirement of Kain Kelly who was in attendance for the first time this season hoping to see a feisty encounter which was all the more likely now since Richie ‘the rocket’ Evans had signed for the Kings.

Kings turned up for the fixture without a number of first team regulars. Crane was out because of a small bruise on his thigh and Paul Hatton has now emigrated added to the absence of Fordham and top scorer Clements. The game however, saw the welcome return of club captain Adam Haywood and explosive left winger Mike Whelan for their Kings debuts as well as a first outfield start for Daniel Brodier at right back.

The reliable David Sansom was back between the sticks and the back four included Loosemore at left-back, Wilson and Farmer at centre half and Brodier on the right. With manager Wilson preserving with a 4-4-2 formation, Whelan came back in on the left with Tomlin shifting over to the right. Haywood and Milner completed the midfield line-up. Lee Morgan and Richie Evans started up front, then Stuart Minty, Gary Richardson and Ben Whelan were chomping at the bit from the bench.

With so much anticipation surrounding the fixture, Kings took control in the early exchanges with a flurry of corners and shots from distance but the game would never really get out of third gear. The early exchanges made it clear that Blue Chip were targeting left winger Whelan which is understandable given their knowledge of the player. A couple of early chances for Kings were denied by harsh offside decisions and the game continued in controlled fashion as the Kings looked to make their on the ball dominance pay dividends on the score sheet.

Blue Chip made few inroads into the Kings defence during the first half with Sansom touching the ball only three or four times, routinely claiming stray punts forward. Although Kings hearts did temporarily jump into their mouths as a decent Blue Chip penalty appeal was waved away by the referee. Kings were lucky to escape what appeared to be, and what was later confirmed by the unfortunate Farmer, a certain penalty. Whilst Blue Chip were unlucky on this occasion there was little more resistance for the remainder of the contest. Kings dominated proceedings without been at their best and perhaps should have had more than their domination deserved at this juncture of the game.

The first incident of any vicious intent came half way through the first half when Evans and L Bailey challenged for a loose ball which led to a minor altercation but nothing more. In truth Blue Chip weren’t being given the opportunity to throw too many tackles in as they couldn’t get close enough to the ball.

Haywood and Whelan both sailed through the Blue Chip defence only to be pulled back by offside decisions again but it was not long before Haywood got his reward by latching onto a mistake in the Blue Chip defence to turn and fire to the keepers left for 1-0. Great goal by the returning captain.

James Farmer was looking composed in the centre of defence but he was struck a cruel blow part way through the half when his right thigh ceased up and he was unable to continue. It was indeed a cruel blow but a chance for experienced defender Gary Richardson to stake a claim for a starting berth.

With half time looming the ball was played in behind the poor Blue Chip right back who had the unenviable task of marking the returning Whelan. Whelan easily beat the youngster to the ball, cruised past the centre half and into the penalty area and was indignantly taken out. The referee immediately blew for a penalty and the defender was lucky to escape greater punishment. Wilson strolled confidently towards the penalty area when he realised Captain Haywood was asserting his authority and claiming the penalty. The look of horror on Wilson’s face was a picture. This was his opportunity to claim his first of the campaign and put his name up in lights against his former club and he nearly had kittens. Whilst Haywood is the captain, Wilson owns the club so I suppose there was no argument, added to the fact that Wilson had eight successful penalties to his name last season. Wilson stepped up, despite the distraction and placed the ball firmly to the keeper’s right to give Kings a two goal advantage on the stroke of half time. It was a cushion that was richly deserved and perhaps should have been of a greater margin.

The half time team talk was more controlled than the previous week when Wilson had become irate at the lack of passion. More of the same was requested and although this was maybe an opportunity to pile on the goals a win is a win is a win.

The second half began with some vigorous challenges on Evans who had clearly been marked out as the man to bait into a reaction. Evans was doing well to control his temper in the face of provocation and agonisingly struck the cross bar from close range after a great run down the right hand side. It was an opportunity that should really have been taken. The hard work had been done and all that was needed was a finishing touch into the empty net but Evans was stretching and could not get over the ball with a tight angle to beat.

It was a great chance for number three but nevertheless continued Kings’ domination. At the other end Richardson was enjoying an extended run in the side. He was controlled on the ball and, along with Wilson, Loosemore and Brodier was snuffing out the rare Blue Chip attacks. His performance will pose a selection dilemma for Wilson with Crane to return from his bruise and the impressive Farmer playing well wherever he is deployed. With strong performances from four central defenders the squad is looking very strong.

Another good performance was on the right hand side of the defence by Daniel Brodier who had played between the sticks against Putnoe the week before. Brodier was excellent in the tackle and was never beaten to the ball. He was attacking with vigour down the right hand side supporting Tomlin, Evans and later Minty as the game grew old. Brodier’s performance was capped by a fine run down the right which led to number three. A one two with Milner sent Brodier through and when one on one with the keeper fired low which was well saved but with three Kings players bearing down on the ball and an empty net the race was on for glory. The three involved were Brodier who was favourite because he was already at full speed, Tomlin who was running from the left and Morgan who was immediately installed as third favourite. Morgan was using his pace and against all the odds it appeared as though he may get there first but another burst by Brodier ensured he was the one who finished his own move and deservedly so. It was number three and this was where the scoring was to end.

Another late challenge on Evans on the right hand side could have ended his season but he luckily escaped serious injury following this ferocious tackle by Matt Bailey. Who was subsequently the third Blue Chip player to enter the referee’s book for ill-discipline. Evans nearly blew his top at this point and had to be restrained. Wilson decided it best to substitute Evans in an attempt to avert a potential tear up and bought on Minty, moving Tomlin up front. He also brought on Ben Whelan at left back for Loosemore who, despite a controlled display was suffering from severe blisters.

With no substitutes remaining it was returning Captain Haywood who was also suffering who had to play out the remaining 15 minutes with terrible cramp and the evidence of not having played for a good few weeks was apparent.

A rare attack from Blue Chip in the closing stages saw a cross from the right fly straight through the defence and it was unclear who got the final touch but it was expertly saved by Sansom onto the bar from close range. Sansom safely gathered the scraps to ensure a first clean sheet of the campaign for the Kings’ boys. But it did come at a price as Sansom damaged his wrist making the save and it now is to be seen whether there will be any long term damage.

Ben Whelan did a good job deputising for Loosemore at left back and linked up well with his brother in the closing stages. On the opposite flank Minty was composed on the ball and created a solid wall on that side distributing the ball and dictating play around him.

The second half was a little bitty, broken and inter-mingled with the Chip players turning on one another in their frustration very much reminiscent of previous years. Kings however are finding a team spirit and supportive nature which is a pleasure to watch. It’s easy to be supportive though when you are three goals up! We will have to wait and see if that’s the case during tougher encounters.

Minty later celebrated his birthday by going completely over the top in town and indeed may have had to take some time off work to recover to the joy of team mates Sacbuker, Morgan, Evans, Brodier and Wilson who had witnessed the carnage at close quarters.

The game ended at three to nothing and it was a good result considering the ties that many players have to Blue Chip and it left Kings in second place in the division but having played a game more then the teams around them more challenges are sure to come along. Focus is now directed towards next week’s opponents Oakley Reserves who have started their campaign well with three wins in three games.

Kings AFC Press Team

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