The preliminaries

THE MIDDLESEX SENIOR CUP REACHES THE QUARTER FINALS STAGE

Jim Taylor

The Middlesex Senior Challenge Cup Quarter Final draw, as it often does, produced some interesting pairings.   Our roving team of Chris Benn (photographer) and Jim Taylor (reporter) took in the match played at The Robert Parker Stadium on Tuesday last, January 11th, in which Ashford Town (Middlesex), from the Isthmian League South Central Division hosted National League side, Barnet.

It was a keenly contested game, which could have gone either way and ended in an odd goal victory for Barnet.   The Tangerines turned in a very good performance against their higher level opponents and they were unfortunate not to take the contest to a penalty shoot-out, having twice hit the goal frame at important moments during the game.   The Bees should be commended on their attitude throughout the match and should be congratulated on their win.

The visitors took the initiative early and home keeper, Paul McCarthy made a good save from Adam Marriott in the 3rd minute.   Then, in the 9th minute, Connor Cullen made a tricky run for the Tangerines, which finished with him shooting straight at Barnet keeper, Jake Askew.

Askew made a great save from Dan Brown in the 25th minute, palming over a well struck shot which was destined for the top corner of the net.   Almost immediately afterwards, Alex Duffy just cleared the Barnet crossbar with a freekick.

At the other end, a cross from Jordan Thomas set up Mason Bloomfield, whose shot was blocked.   The rebound eventually fell for Ben Richards-Everton, who fired narrowly wide of the post.

Ben Richards-Everton fires just wide of the Ashford Town post

 

Ashford’s Connor Cullen was having a good match and was giving the Bees’ problems.   He almost breached their rear-guard with an explosive run, after being released by Aaron McLeish-White.

Barnet’s Wes Fonguck and Mason Bloomfield both tried long range efforts, as the interval approached.   Wes’s shot went for a corner off of a defender’s head and Mason’s free kick skimmed the bar.

Half time score: Ashford Town (Middlesex) 0   Barnet 0

Conor Cullen shoots...

 

The Tangerines were unlucky not to take the lead in the first minute of the second half, when Connor Cullen cut in and beat keeper Jake Askew, only to see his shot come back into play off of the post.   Connor was then released through the middle by Aaron McLeish-White but his shot was blocked by the keeper.

...and hits the Barnet post

 

Sam Woods (28) gets his head to Josh Payne's corner...

 

Barnet took the lead in the 59th minute through Sam Woods, who headed home a corner from Josh Payne.

...and puts Barnet 1-0 up

 

In the 69th minute Connor Cullen again broke through for the Tangerines.   This time his shot crashed against the underside of the Bees crossbar and back into play but too awkwardly for the incoming Aaron McLeigh-White to control.

It was apparent that Connor had now come to the obvious conclusion that it was just not destined to be his evening and he was substituted by his sympathetic manager.   Connor was undoubtedly the Man of the Match.

Barnet substitute, Mitch Brundle had a chance to add to his side’s lead, but Paul McCarthy blocked his header from a deflected shot.

Ashford pressed in search of an equaliser.   Sam Humphreys fired wide, Fred Hill’s long range free kick was deflected for a corner and keeper Askew saved at Dan Brown’s feet.

Aaron McLeish-White equalises for Ashford Town

 

The equaliser arrived in the 86th minute, through Aaron McLeish-White, who fastened onto a through ball and slipped it past the keeper.

Daniel Powell shoots...

 

However, the Bees went straight down to the other end from the kick off and restored their lead, with a superb goal by substitute, Daniel Powell, who went past several defenders before beating Paul McCarthy with a low shot.

...and scores the winner for Barnet...

 

Referee, Conor Griffin controlled the proceedings admirably in an efficient and unspectacular manner.   He was ably assisted by his colleagues Dani and Fadi Mansour.

...and receives the congratulations of his team mates

Final score: Ashford Town (Middlesex) 1   Barnet 2

Ashford Town (Middlesex): Paul McCarthy, Roque Hanza Nchaso, Alex Duffy (Fred Hill 76 mins), George Spiers, Dquame Copeland, Dale Burnham (Clyde Obdo 81), Sam Humphreys (capt), Siao Blackwood, Aaron McLeish-White, Connor Cullen (Ethan Hellyer 71) and Dan Brown.

Unused substitutes: Rhys Paul and Harry Woodward.

Manager: Luke Tuffs

Barnet: Jake Askew, Jordan Thomas, Josh Payne (capt), Ben Richards-Everton, Mason Bloomfield, Serhat Tasdemir (Daniel Powell 60), Adam Marriott, Reiss Greenidge, Sam Granville, Wes Fonguck and Sam Woods (Mitch Brundle 61).

Unused substitutes: Aston Oxborough, Jamie Turley and Ephron Mason-Clarke.

Manager: Dean Brennan.

Referee: Conor Griffin   Assistant Referees: Dani Mansour and Fadi Mansour.

Attendance: 122.

OTHER TIES IN THIS ROUND

Northwood v Bedfont Sports

This match between Isthmian League South Central rivals, was won 2-1 by Northwood when Tommy Boxer forced home the winning goal 2 minutes into added time at the end of the game.   Lewis Flatman had given Bedfont Sports the lead in 36 minutes and Josh Helmore, making his debut for Northwood, had equalised 20 minutes later.

Hampton & Richmond Borough v Spelthorne Sports

This match was postponed on Tuesday and was switched to Spelthorne the following evening.   National League South club Borough beat their Combined Counties Premier North opponents 4-0 with all the goals, scored by Imran Uche (2), Z Robinson and B Barzey coming before half time.

Hanwell Town v Brentford B

This match is scheduled for Tuesday next, 18th January.

SEMI-FINALS (to be played during the week commencing 14th February).

Northwood v Barnet

Hanwell Town or Brentford B v Hampton & Richmond Borough

We thank Chris & Jim for taking in this game and as ever, they have selected their 10 favourite images as shown throughout the report along with a full album of imagery.

Chris & Jim's picks

Full album courtesy of Chris Benn