DEDHAM OLD BOYS 3 - GAS RECREATION 0.

REPORT BY JOHN CAMPANY

Dedham Old Boys

Martin Colclough; John Pearce, Daniel Bell, Kieran Webb, Paul Griffith; Steven Coote, Daniel Charles, Liam Macklin, Carl Marangou; Michael Owen, Ryan Leeworthy.  Substitutes: Dean Saunders, James Morris, Stephen Polley, Kevin Wakefield.
 

Gas Recreation

Ben Reakes; Kane Cranfield, Jay West, Jack Murray, Gareth Evans; Eldon Craig, Andy Millar, Darren Hawes, Matt Greenley; Luke Taylor, Lee Nash.  Substitutes: Adam Cheeseworth, Shayne Ennew, Wayne Morris.
 

Referee - Mr Andrew French (Halstead )  Assistants Mr Tony Ainsworth (Colchester) and Mr Eric Bowers (Lawford).
 

In this all Border League clash in the 5th Round of the  Essex Premier Cup it was Dedham Old Boys who triumphed over the League Champions Gas Recreation to take their place in the Semi Final of this prestigious competition.   The home side certainly put this outpost on the Border of Suffolk and Essex on the football map. Famed for being in Constable Country this small town can be proud of its local side's efforts in perhaps providing an upset in front of their biggest crowd of the season.

"Gas" having gained fine victories to reach the last eight notably against Heybridge Swifts and a terrific performance over Canning Town possibly thought that this would be an easier tie.  But Dedham equally had provided one or two surprises to reach these latter stages that included a good away win against passed winners Manford Way and easily beating Clapton Reserves.

The win was based on an excellent team performance supported by a strong defence and keeper Martin Colclough who was undoubtedly "Man of The Match" with his commanding display.

On a superb playing surface for which the Dedham officials could be rightly proud of it was "Gas" who made a strong start forcing the early pace. An Andy Millar free kick found the head of Jay West which Colclough comfortably held. Then at the other end Michael Owen fastened on to a loose ball and tested "Gas" keeper Ben Reakes with a rising shot from 18 yards.  Darren Hawes for the visitors created space down the left flank before crossing to Skipper Matt Greenley who rose well and headed on target but Colclough was well positioned to comfortably save.

Both sides were setting out their stalls and after 20 minutes both defences were largely on top. "Gas" then settled and looked menacingly with Hawes orchestrating their offensive play and went close when Luke Taylor produced a fine ball to Eldon Craig whose fierce cross was met by Dedham defender Steven Coote who would have diverted the ball into his own had it not been for Colclough's presence of mind back track and finger tipping over the woodwork.

The keeper then saved his side again when Lee Nash cut in on the left to the by line and crossed finding Taylor who from 8 yard volleyed a terrific shot that brought an acrobatic response from the custodian.  Again the keeper's reflexes were brought into action when Gareth Evans delivered a diagonal ball to the edge of the box where Taylor's header required Colclough's agility in gaining ground and position to deny the visitor's again.There was a good cup tie atmosphere as this game evolved and importantly for the home side they had not conceded.Dedham's forward play was often thwarted by "Gas's" high defence and both Owen and Ryan Leeworthy were often caught out in off side positions. However they nearly opened the scoring in the 35th minute when Owen released Carl Marangou who moved into the 18 yard area and sent a low drive past Reakes but the shot shaved the outside of the post.This encouraged the home team and they took the lead two minutes later. Owen split the "Gas" defence and RYAN LEEWORTHY had space and time to fire a low shot past Reakes."Gas" retaliated and Hawes turned well 20 yard out striking a fierce shot but again Colclough made a full length save to deny the visitors. Dedham then significantly struck again in the 43rd minute when "Gas" paid the penalty for poor defensive play allowing DANIEL CHARLES time in a crowded area to strike from close range to give the home side a healthy lead at the break.     

          
Half Time: Dedham Old Boys   2  -  Gas Recreation  0

"Gas" as expected forced the pace from the whistle but the home defence were resolute and very well organised. Millar drove a free kick with pace into the box from the wide right but typically Colclough was perfectly positioned to gather the high ball at the far post. Millar then set up Taylor who sweetly struck first time but straight at the keeper. "Gas" had introduced substitutes Shayne Ennew and Wayne Morris but they still found it difficult to create a chance capable of beating the keeper or the workmanlike defence where particularly Stephen Coote and Kieran Webb were outstanding."Gas" had a strong penalty appeal turned down when Morris's shot struck a defender. Then Ennew released Taylor but his shot almost got through but needless to say Colclough had spread himself well to save at the far post. On the break Dedham had looked dangerous and Owen released Leeworthy who cutting in fired into the side netting.

Then with 10 minutes remaining controversy struck. Dedham substitute James Morris drove a tremendous rising shot from the edge of the box that struck the outside of the nearside stanchion.The referee Mr French awarded a corner kick as the shot appeared to glance off the foot of a defender. With the corner about to be taken the Assistant Referee Mr Eric Bowers had his flag raised and to most peoples surprise a goal was awarded. This brought about strong protests from the visitors and their supporters as clearly the ball had not appeared to have entered the net. Indeed Dedham players and particularly Morris had not claimed a goal.Play was restored after a delay of eight minutes during which time there was bedlam but fortunately common sense prevailed and the game restarted and the remaining minutes played out without any further incident.

At the final whistle the Dedham players, management and supporters were in raptures albeit the 3 - 0 score slightly flattered. However the third goal was academic because the "Gas" side were well beaten albeit they met some inspired goal keeping. But Colclough's heroics could not detract from the work ethic of the Dedham side that played some good football and thoroughly earned their passage through to the Semi Final when the draw will be made and announced by Essex Radio.
 

Full Time: Dedham Old Boys 3 - Gas Recreation 0

It was great feat for Manager Gary Wood and his assistant Colin Knight and to everybody connected with the Dedham Club as they created their own piece of history and hopefully they can now go one better and win their Semi Final and represent the Border League in the Final. That said they will face tough opposition whoever they pull out the hat.
It was good to see the appointment of three Border League officials appointed by the Essex County FA for this tie.In discussion with the officials after the game Eric Bowers was convinced that the ball had struck the stanchion inside the net with the ball exiting the net. He was positioned at an acute angle and there were others who likewise thought a goal had been scored. He stressed that he gave an honest opinion which he has exercised throughout his referring career.

In discussion with referee Andy French he confirmed having awarded a corner with the opinion that the ball had struck the outside of the stanchion without entering the net but having been drawn to discuss with his official he awarded the goal.

Throughout the game the officials were in control and worked as a team and the dispute that followed in the 80th minute was academic to the result.The net result that whilst tempers flared at the point of the incident at the end of the game calm was restored and it was good to see the defeated manager - the successful Richard Elms - embrace Gary Wood and that "Gas" players wished their Dedham counterparts good luck in the Semi Final.It was good to see Terry Thacker from the Essex County FA and  Border League Management Committee Members Brian Lawrence and Peter Beaton in attendance and the gentleman who travelled from Leigh On Sea to watch the game.