DEDHAM OLD BOYS 1 - BRENTWOOD TOWN RES 2.

REPORT BY JOHN CAMPANY

 

Teams:

Dedham Old Boys:- Martin Colclough: Craig Chaplin, Danny Bell, Kieran Webb, Paul Griffith: Steve Coote, Stewart Tomlinson, Liam Macklin, Carl Marangou: Ryan Leeworthy, Michael Owen.

Substitutes: Daniel Charles, Dean Saunders, James Morris, Blake Marangou. Kelvin Wakefield.

Brentwood Town Res;- Nicky Mitchell: Jake Gibson, Nick Savage, Steve Dickinson, Steve Prady: Tommy Johnstone, Tieron Shelbourne, Danny Aggio, Nat Meyer: Alfie Hayes, Joe Dear.

Substitutes: Steve Carroll, Liam Kelly, Tony Russ, Alan Troy, Tom Read.

 

Referee - Mr Neil Morrison (Colchester),  Assistants Mr Paul Wareing (Colchester),  r Daniel McLaughlin (Harwich)

 

Dedham's big day evaporated in to an afternoon of frustration when they lost the opportunity to make some history and gain a place in the final of the Essex Premier Cup. Although coming into this match with two successive defeats behind them it seemed that the side would be ready for this crucial tie but in reality they did not perform at their best and the chance lost disappointing their supporters and indeed their officials.

It seemed that when the Semi Final draw was made the tie against the Ryman League Reserve outfit would be the easier of the Semi Finalists but arguably so did Brentwood and although having to surrender home advantage they made no mistake in making the show piece final where they will meet hot favourites White Ensign who won through against M & B Club 3 - 1 on penalties.

The visitors had an opportunity as early the 5th minute to get ahead when Danny Aggio made strides down the left and then dispatching a cross to the far post picking out Nat Meyer whose close range attempt was thwarted by Dedham keeper Martin Colclough who palmed away for a corner.

Two minutes later Dedham broke clear with Michael Owen surging past defenders and releasing Stewart Tomkinson but his shot across keeper Nicky Mitchell went beyond the far post.

Brentwood was playing expansive football and the home defence needed to be alert in the early stages with both Danny Bell Paul Griffith and Steve Coote winning important headers. Indeed the visitors were looking the more lively side going forward and Tieron Shellbourne struck a shot wide of the post from outside the box.

Brentwood then eased into a 21st minute lead. The ball had been cleared from the box but Steve Dickerson picked up the loose ball and threaded an inch perfect pass in to the box picking out DANNY AGGIO who was given time to slide the ball passes Colclough.

However Dedham showed character and drew level five minutes later when Owen had a blistering shot partially saved by Mitchell but the alert RYAN LEEWORTHY following up gleefully volleyed home from four yards.

Dedham failed to capitalise on this success and fell behind again in the 31st minute when following poor defensive play Brentwood were gifted a chance that saw NAT MEYER in space and as Colclough came off his line the ball was lobbed over the keeper into the open net.

The Border League side were struggling and were guilty of misplaced passes and never able to find the form that they had displayed against Gas Recreation in the Quarter Final.  However experienced campaigner Craig Chaplin sent a diagonal 40 yard ball into the box and Leeworthy rose well to head on target but Mitchell was positioned to tip over. Moments later the keeper was again in action tipping over following a corner.

Just before the break Kieran Webb powered passed two tackles to set him self up but his low shot went just wide and Brentwood held a slender lead at the interval.

 

Half Time: Dedham Old Boys 1 - Brentwood Town Res. 2

 

The home side made a determined start and Liam Macklin did well before releasing Leeworthy whose shot inside the box was blocked at the expense of a corner.

The home side went close in the 50th minute when Carl Marangou sped down the wide left and sent a superb ball across goal finding Tomkinson at the far post whose effort was well saved by Mitchell.

Dedham kept up the initiative and forced successive corners but the visiting defence were strong in the air winning balls and equally important second balls.

The home side forcing the pace went close in the 58th minute when Owen did win a header outside the box steering the ball to front partner Leeworthy into the area but Mitchell did well to get off his line and smother the attempt. Leeworthy then played a square ball to Webb but his shot went wide.

Brentwood then had a great chance to make the tie safe in the 72nd minute when Colclough rushed off his line beyond the penalty area to make a headed clearance but in so doing presented Meyer with the chance of lobbing in to an empty goal but the effort went narrowly over.

Dedham Manager Gary Wood had introduced substitutes Daniel Charles and then James Morris and this gave the home side fresh impetus and hope. Indeed Morris was quickly in the action and he sent a fierce shot just wide of the upright. For all there possession Dedham could not make the pressure tell and this was not helped when Leeworthy wasted a free kick from a good position.

Charles then split the visitor's defence finding Leeworthy but his close range effort was blocked.

Brentwood had been happy to soak up pressure and counter attack. Their defensive qualities demonstrated plenty of resilience and an aerial dominance that ultimately was to bring about the downfall of the home side.

The closing five minutes saw Dedham throw everything at their opponents but at the final whistle Brentwood had weathered the storm and deservedly went through to the final through an overall team performance that proved sufficient on the day.

Man of the Match for Dedham was Steve Coote who gave a fine display at the heart of the defence.

 

Full Time: Dedham Old Boys 1 - Brentwood Town Res. 2

 

This will be a bitter disappointment for Gary Wood who had done well to steer his side through to the Semi Final stage and a greater disappointment that he knew his side were capable of going the whole way and perhaps should have made the most of home advantage.

Gary will have to pick up his side as they try to keep there season alive when they have another semi Final next Saturday to contest this time in the League Cup away to First Division Leaders White Notley.

The Border League were represented by Management Committee Members Brain Lawrence and Peter Beton whilst Mick Hempstead - Essex FA Director represented the County.

It was good to meet up with Essex Referee Assessor and former Border League referee Alex Cameron. In discussion he commented upon the standard of the Border league suggesting that the formation of the Ridgeons Reserve league had failed to enhance its standard beyond that of the Border League. He also remarked that whilst Ridgeon clubs may have better facilities the playing surfaces of many of the Border League grounds were in better condition.  His Assessment of the referee Mr Neil Morrison should have been approving as clearly Neil has a great future given his young years - excellent performance young man.

It was good to meet up with Mrs Jackie Wood who on my arrival was completing car park arrangements and informed me that Gary had watched Brentwood play Dagenham and Redbridge Res. on Tuesday evening. Upon the arrival of my colleagues Brian and Peter - Jackie then made us teas and coffees. Dedham is a homely Club with nice people including of course Chairman Chris Clark.

 

NEXT WEEK ESSEX & SUFFOLK BORDER LEAGUE CUP SEMI FINAL -

White Notley Vs Dedham Old Boys.