The preliminaries

A POOR DAY FOR MIDDLESEX STEP 4 CLUBS (WITH ONE NOTABLE EXCEPTION)

Jim Taylor

There are currently 6 Middlesex FA affiliated clubs playing at Step 4 of the Non-League Pyramid.   Ashford Town (Middlesex), Bedfont Sports, Hanwell Town, Northwood, Staines Town and Uxbridge all currently compete in the Isthmian League South Central Division.

Our roving team of Chris Benn (photographer) and Jim Taylor (reporter) chose to visit the match involving Ashford Town (Middlesex) on Saturday last, 5th March and also to review the current situation regarding the other 5 clubs.

Ashford Town (Middlesex), who are experiencing a moderate playing season, entertained Chipstead at their Robert Parker Stadium.   These clubs started this, their 27th league match, in 11th and 12th places in the table, with Ashford on 32 points and Chipstead on 29.   These positions were reversed as a result of the result of this encounter, with Chipstead having the better goal difference.

Ashford were understrength in attack for this match, due to injuries and a departure and this had a bearing on the eventual outcome.   They had the better of the game territorially for most of the first half but failed to capitalise on this.   They went behind in the 7th minute and then conceded twice more in the final minutes of the first half, to go in at the interval 3-0 down.   Despite Chipstead being reduced to 10 players just before the hour, the Tangerines were still unable to penetrate their defence and the second half was goalless.

Following some early Ashford Town possession, striker Andy Kabuikusomo beat the offside trap, took the ball on and netted to give the visitors an early lead.

Andy Kabuikusomo puts Chipstead ahead

The Tangerines continued to dominate possession and forced several corners but could not trouble the visiting keeper.

Matt Kerbey gets up high for an Ashford Town corner

Ashford’s Clyde Obdo made a good run and set up Connor Holland, whose shot on the turn was too high.

In the 24th minute, Chipstead defender, Daryl Coleman received a yellow card for a foul tackle.   Sam Humphreys hit the resulting free kick wide.

In the 39th minute, Ashford’s Ayodeji Owoeye’s low shot brought a good save from Chipstead custodian, Matt Kerbey.   Then Wayne Ridgeley’s long shot was narrowly wide.

Andy Kabuikusomo doubled his sides’ lead with a low shot, from the edge of the box, in the 42nd minute.

Andy Kabuikusomo hits Chipstead's second goal

The score moved to 3-0 on the stroke of half time, with a very good Chipstead goal.   A chip over the home defence released Jonathan Gjoshe down the right and his pinpoint cross was headed home by Jack Beadle.

Jack Beadle heads Chipstead's third goal

Half time score: Ashford Town (Middlesex) 0   Chipstead 3

Ashford Town introduced Dan Brown to their attack for the second half and within 2 minutes of the restart, he had broken through and hammered a shot against the advancing keeper’s legs.

Dan Brown is foiled by Matt Kerbey's legs

At the other end, Kieran Lavery headed just past the post from a corner.

In the 59th minute, Chipstead’s Daryl Coleman rugby tackled Dan Brown, who was headed goalwards and received a second yellow card.

The tackle which earned Daryl Coleman his second yellow card

However, although Ashford almost completely dominated possession during the final half hour of the match, Chipstead comfortably held them at bay.

Final score: Ashford Town (Middlesex) 0   Chipstead 3

Ashford Town (Middlesex): Alfie Mcnally, Abraham Henao-Enomorado, Clyde Obdo, Wayne Ridgley, Dale Burnham (Daniel Brown 46 mins), George Spiers, Kain Adom, Sam Humphreys, Ayodeji Owoeye, Connor Holland (Monty Everett 68) and Ethan Hellyer (Alex Duffy 77).

Unused Substitute: Nash Doukoure.

Chipstead: Matt Kerbey, Jonathan  Gjoshe, Simeon Dennis (Jensen Grant 61), Zohair Irtiza-Ali, Daryl Coleman, Peter Wedgeworth, Callum McAllister, Daniel Moody, Andy Kabuikusomo (Sam Bell 77), Jack Beadle and Kieran Lavery.  

Unused Substitute: Tobi Adaje.

Referee: Dan Todd   Assistant Referees:  Chris Howes and Jake Bloom.

Attendance: 93.

By far the best result, from the other 5 Middlesex teams in the Division, was achieved by Bedfont Sports, who trounced Chalfont St Peter 6-0 at home.

The day started with Hanwell Town (3rd), Uxbridge (4th) and Bedfont Sports (5th) in the play off places.   As a result of their fine win, Bedfont moved up to 3rd place.  With 54 points from 28 matches, they trail runaway leaders, Bracknell Town by 22 points but are only 4 points behind second placed Chertsey Town.

Unfortunately, our other 4 teams lost.   Hanwell Town hosted Binfield, who occupied 8th position in the table and despite scoring first, lost 3-1.    As a result, they dropped to 5th place, with 53 points from 27 games.

Uxbridge, who were unbeaten in their 4 previous league matches, were reduced to ten players in the 26th minute, when striker Mahlondo Martin received a red card.   Their subsequent 2-0 defeat sent them down to 6th place, with 52 points from 27 matches but leaves them very much in contention for a play-off spot.

Northwood’s excellent run of 9 matches without defeat, stretching back to 27th December, came to an end at league leaders, Bracknell Town.  The third goal in their 3-0 defeat, was scored by Aaron McLeish-White, recently acquired from Ashford Town.    Northwood are now in 10th place, with 34 points from 29 matches.

It is very sad to see Staines Town in bottom (19th) place in the table, with 14 points from 28 games..   Their 6-2 defeat, at home to Thatcham Town, means that they have gained only 1 point from their last 10 matches.

We thank Chris & Jim for once again giving up their Saturday to cover the goings on in Middlesex Football, as ever they have selected some of their favourite images that can be found throughout the report. Chris has also very kindly supplied us with a full album of imagery from the game.

Chris & Jim’s Picks

Full Album courtesy of Chris Benn

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