ST. GEORGE`S DAY COMES TOO
SOON FOR SAL
Southern Amateur League 1 -
3 Arthurian League
Played
at Bank of
Chris St.George made the Southern Amateur League pay just before half time ably supported by two goals in the second half from David Pratt to ensure a fully deserved win for the Arthurian League in this well contested annual encounter. Despite more possession by the hosts in the first 25 minutes chances were few and far between with both defences seemingly well in control despite the probings of Michael Ayres who appeared to be at the centre of every SAL attack. The first shot on target came after 24 minutes when his brother James Ayres found space but his shot was well covered by Mark Smith in the Arthurian goal. This inspired the SAL but they found it difficult to create any clear cut chances with the Arthurian defence rock solid at the back. The visitors also found it difficult to break down the SAL defence with most of the play being concentrated in the middle of the park. A 0-0 stalemate looked certain at half time but with two minutes to go a lack of concentration gave St. George the space to score with a good shot into the bottom right hand corner giving keeper John Sullivan little chance. Possession wise, this was perhaps an undeserved lead although the SAL had not really extended the Arthurian defence.
With the fillip of this goal, the visitors started the second half the brighter of the two sides and, despite an early scare when the hosts could have equalized, St. George nearly increased the lead with a good twist and turn but his controlled shot went just over the bar. The Arthurian League looked the most likely to score and their lead was increased after 57 minutes. David Lederman chipped the ball over the defence and David Pratt was on hand to score from an amazing angle. Despite the continuing efforts of Michael Ayres and the probing runs of skipper Nick Humber the SAL could not break down a resolute defence. St. George and Pratt, well supported by Andy Brandon continually switched positions causing the SAL defence problems and a third goal came on 67 minutes. St. George broke down the left hand side, drew two defenders to leave him time and space to pass the ball inside where Pratt finished off the move from close range. Despite good runs from Michael Ayres down the left and Adam Freeman down the right, the heart of the Arthurian defence dealt comfortably with the resultant crosses. With time running out substitute Viv Jeffreys managed a consolation goal for the SAL following good close control and a fine shot.
OFFICIALS:
Referee: John Cooke
Assistant Referees: Derek Horner and Paul Miller.
TEAMS:
SOUTHERN AMATEUR LEAGUE:
John Sullivan (Old Owens), Adam Freeman
(West Wickham), Duncan Childs (BB Eagles), Simon Wood
(Bank of
Subs: Viv Jeffreys (Alleyn Old Boys) and Graham Presney (Old Owens).
ARTHURIAN LEAGUE:
Mark Smith (Old Reptonians), Nick Warner (Old Harrovians), Ben Murphy (Old Foresters), Cameron Beale (Old Brentwoods), James Morson (Old Witleians), Steve Pledger (Old Foresters), David Lederman (Old Harrovians), Andy Brandon (Old Chigwellians), Chris St. George (Old Etonians), David Pratt (Old Foresters) and Paul Molloy (Old Harrovians).
Sub: Mike Strutt (Old Etonians).