| Josh GORTON is a new up and coming reporter who has already impressed the Editor of the Arsenal Programme, no less. We look forward to his style of writing and his opinions. All great sports columnists have to start somewhere - its great that Broxbourne can give him that platform |
Broxbourne Boro 2-0 Aylesbury Vale
Match Report 8th November
Broxbourne produced a complete display to clinch an emphatic 2-0 victory over a lacklustre Aylesbury side at Goff’s Lane this Saturday. The first chance of the encounter fell to Ryan Wade after 8 minutes, however the prolific forward squandered the chance. As the home side began to dominate the possession, Ryan Wade almost caught Aylesbury keeper Eddie Farmer napping, although Wade’s speculative 40 yard effort whistled over the bar.
As Boro asserted their authority on the match, Tony Burke’s promising effort scorched past the post after 25 minutes, much to Farmer’s relief. Broxbourne then really began to get into their stride, and after 28 minutes they secured the opening goal after a composed finish from Matt Mitchell.
Not long after this, Broxbourne extended their lead after a penetrating cross from Ryan Wade was followed up by a thunderous header from Rob Tungatt. As the half drew to a close, Broxbourne could reflect on a clinical and efficient performance.
Early on in the second half, Ryan Wade almost scored Broxbourne’s third of the game; however his scorching effort soared over the bar. On the 62nd minute, Neil Roberts had an audacious 30 yard effort which just skimmed the bar, to the relief of Obey Murefu. Late on, Aylesbury threw caution to the wind, although it was to no avail as their desperate attempts to salvage a consolation goal failed. So, as Rob Hodges blew his final whistle Broxbourne could feel satisfied with their performance.
Another positive was Broxbourne keeping a clean sheet, quite a rarity in recent weeks. Broxbourne manager Tony Faulkner was delighted with the win, he commented “We produced a complete performance today, we were outstanding in defence, and clinical in front of goal”. Next up for Broxbourne, they entertain Hitchin in the FA Senior Trophy, looking to continue with their recent run of promising results and progress further in the competition.
Broxbourne Boro 1 1 Cockfosters
Match Report - Saturday 25th October
A controversial last minute goal from Cockfosters forward Dan O’Connor stifled Broxbourne and salvaged a point for a fortunate Cockfosters at a windy Goff’s Lane. Cockfosters had four former Boro players in their starting line up, Steve Kessack, Gavin Conway, Kevin Hunt and Ian Reddington.
The visitors began promisingly with O’ Connors having a speculative 20 yard effort which whistled past the post. After 20 minutes Ian Reddington’s superb 25 yard strike tested Murefu however, the athletic keeper tipped it over the bar. Nevertheless in the next five minutes Broxbourne began to grasp a stranglehold on the game with fluent football. The home side created their first chance of the game after 28 minutes, it fell to committed midfielder Ryan Wade but he squandered the chance.
Boro attempted to take the lead and assert themselves on the match, although Cockfosters keeper Dan Cubelo dealt with, Nicky Marsh’s probing strike with comfort. At the latter stages of the uneventful half, O’ Connor‘s audacious lob almost surprised Murefu but to his sheer relief, it sailed over the bar. The last chance of the half fell to skipper Gary Taylor when his effort rattled the post and a tame follow up from powerful forward Lloyd Opara enabled Cubelo to parry it away. As the referee blew for half time Broxbourne would attempt to continue their dominance and pursue victory. Both sides began the half tentatively with no drive, but after Bradley Drisdale’s mazy run, Opara missed a sitter from 6 yards.
Both sides got frustrated as they failed to break the deadlock with Lloyd Opara growing increasingly annoyed with his performance. Bradley Drisdale’s goal attempt deflected off Cockfosters captain Conway, and hit the bar as the visitors rode their luck. With just 12 minutes of the tense encounter remaining, Broxbourne got a deserved lead with a wonderful free kick from Danny Ward as Cubelo’s despairing dive was to no avail. Cockfosters responded badly to going a goal down and Boro almost doubled their advantage after a scorching strike from Matt Kearney scraped the post. Finally with 92 minutes on the clock, Cubelo came up for the free kick. O’ Connor curled the free kick and unbelievably it went in.
Broxbourne were furious as they were adamant Cubelo was offside and impeded Obey Murefu. After a talk with the linesman the referee let the goal stand which left Broxbourne distraught as it turned out to be the last kick of the game.
Broxbourne manager Tony Faulkner was disappointed with the result and called the referee’s display “Interesting”. Faulkner also said “I thought the referee tried to be the centre of attention although it was a scrappy affair”. Faulkner also added “Daryl Mitchell was a big influence when he came on because he has great passing ability, and it felt like a defeat today as we were the dominant side in the second half”.
Broxbourne Boro 1 1 Oxhey Jets
Match Report 21st October 2008
On a freezing Tuesday evening at a tense Goff’s Lane, Broxbourne held in form Oxhey Jets to a 1-1 draw. Boro started the game terribly with Oxhey Jets defender, Lee Grace seeing his scorching header soar over the Broxbourne crossbar.
The first goal of the encounter came after 3 minutes with the prolific Jets forward, Tim O ‘Mara slotting the ball home past Obey Murefu’s despairing dive. Broxbourne responded decently to going 1-0 down as they dominated possession however, they failed to capitalize on it by equalizing.
On the 26 minute mark an atrocious tackle by the away side’s forward, Steve Brown infuriated the Broxbourne fans and it resulted in defender Rob Kemble, being carried off and Brown was deservedly sent packing. Midfield maestro, Bradley Drisdale replaced Kemble and made an instant impact, with his stunning drive rattling the post. As referee Quentien Pearsell blew for half time, the home side’s slick interplay was to no avail as they were still 1-0 down.
Broxbourne started the second half with positive intent with Danny Ward’s probing effort tremendously saved by the formidable Oxhey Jets keeper Rob Blackburne. After 60 minutes, Nicky Marsh had a respectable effort, although it went wide to the relief of a beaten Blackburne.
As the game reached the 63 minute mark Drisdale had another sparkling run, his superb cross found Rob Tungatt who slotted the ball home; however it was ruled as handball. Nevertheless, Tungatt was adamant it was a goal and essentially an equalizer.
Broxbourne continued to put relentless pressure on their opponents and the visitors almost cracked when a terrific through ball from Boro defender, Michael Nathan, found Ryan Wade one on one with Blackburne, but his audacious lob rattled the goal frame as Oxhey Jets continued to ride their luck
With 15 minutes remaining, Boro finally got a deserved equalizer with Danny Ward beating the offside trap and finishing with sublime composure. The one man advantage Broxbourne possessed was evident as the encounter reached the latter stages, however Oxhey Jets hung on to take a valuable point from the match.
Incidentally this was Broxbourne’s first draw of the season so far, Broxbourne will attempt to build on this positive performance in their upcoming fixture against Cockfosters.
Broxbourne Borough 3 2 Berkhampstead Town
League - Saturday 11th October
Broxbourne produced a determined performance to defeat a resilient Berkhampstead side on a humid day at Goff’s Lane. The home side eventually secured a 3-2 win after an incident filled match. Berkhampstead made the more assured start to the match with forward, Neil Richardson’s tame effort not troubling the formidable Virgo .Berkhampstead skipper, Tony Fields had a great effort deflected onto the post after 20 minutes, as the away side piled relentless pressure on Boro.
After 30 minutes Broxbourne had to reflect on a woeful performance with their potent strikers, Lloyd Opara and Tony Burke underperforming. Berkhampstead captain, Fields carved through the lacklustre Broxbourne defence after 34 minutes and his clinical finish gave the visitors a deserved lead. Broxbourne went into half time concerned with their poor performance. Broxbourne responded imminently in the second half with an outstanding finish from Lloyd Opara equalizing for Broxbourne. This superb finish left shocked keeper Sam Styles helpless.
Broxbourne continued the half purposefully and almost took the lead after Bradley Drisdale’s tremendous run almost picked out an unmarked Danny Ward. Broxbourne continued to keep the ball and create chances and Lloyd Opara’s physical prowess was evidently causing havoc in the Berkhampstead defence. As the home side dominated, the visitors became tentative and failed to create chances of any substance. Boro striker Rob Teppett came on as a substitute and made an instant impact with his acrobatic header just being saved by a relieved Styles.
On the 70 minute mark, Rob Teppett had a stunning 20 yard effort and it deflected in off the goal post to give Boro a lead they richly deserved. Ashley Addison had a respectable effort after 84 minutes, but Virgo could only parry it as Richardson slotted the ball home for 2-2 and parity. Just moments after the Berkhampstead equalizer, their influential defender Fergus Moore was sent off for dissent. However, they responded remarkably well with Addison winning a dubious penalty for the away side. Unbelievably it was saved by Virgo to the agony of a distraught Addison. This penalty miss proved to be a defining moment in the match. Moments later Danny Ward was fouled by Giovanni Marotta and Boro earned a penalty. Ryan Wade took the responsibility of penalty taking and his composed finish won the match for an etstatic Broxbourne team.
Broxbourne Manager Tony Faulkner was delighted with the win and admitted “ We were lucky to get something from the game, but on Tuesday, against Hanwell, we missed numerous chances, however today our composure won us the match”.
Broxbourne Borough 1 2 Hanwell Town
Match Report Tuesday 7th October
On a wet and miserable Tuesday evening, Broxbourne Borough were stifled by a fortunate Hanwell Town at Goff’s Lane. Boro were attempting to build on a stunning 2-1 victory over Tring Athletic just three days previously. Broxbourne made an assured start to the encounter dominating possession and creating numerous half chances.
However, Hanwell used the flanks to their advantage with their wingers running circles round the Boro full backs. The first shot on target came for the home side falling to Broxbourne forward Tony Burke. The former Cheshunt striker’s tame effort didn’t trouble Hanwell Keeper Gary White. After 20 minutes Broxbourne’s powerhouse midfield had been superior, winning plenty of important challenges.
Nippy Boro winger, Bradley Drisdale, secured the first goal of the game with an outstanding strike which left White despairing in the Hanwell net. Hanwell’s first goal attempt came from prolific midfielder, Michael Buckley, as his probing shot caught Mark Virgo napping. As the 30 minute mark approached Broxbourne had refused to succumb to any pressure put on by their lacklustre opponents. Centre half, Dan Odamo, showed off his physical prowess with numerous challenges to prevent the dangerous Hanwell attackers from shooting. As Andrew Aylott blew for half time Hanwell had to vastly improve their lacklustre performance as Broxbourne led 1-0.
Early into the second half Broxbourne started tremendously well with Danny Ward squandering two glorious chances to the frustration of an agitated Broxbourne manager, Tony Faulkner. On the 52nd minute sloppy defending from Hanwell’s back four gave Michael Nathan a tremendous chance to give Boro a 2-0 lead. However, his stunning header rattled the crossbar. Another mazy run from Bradley Drisdale almost picked out the unmarked Ward as the home side failed to extend their 1-0 lead.
On the 58th minute, Luke Roodenburg thought he had equalized for the visitors although, to Hanwell’s dismay, it was called offside. On the 67th minute an outstanding 30 yard strike from Hanwell talisman Charlie Baverstock gave Hanwell an undeserved equalizer. Broxbourne were distraught after the relentless bombardment on Hanwell’s goal.
With only 15 minutes of this gripping encounter remaining, Broxbourne were helped by the sending off of influential defender, Fred Yobauh after two reckless challenges. Broxbourne continued to dominate on the possession front but it was to no avail as they didn’t capitalize on it. With the game on a knife edge, it looked like being a stalemate, however an outstanding winning goal from midfield maestro, Michael Buckley won the game for the away side.
Broxbourne Borough 2 1 Tring Athletic
Match Report - 4th October 2008
Broxbourne’s valiant side battled to a hard fought win over a determined Tring Athletic on a blustery Saturday afternoon at Goff’s Lane. Early on in the encounter Tring showed off their physical presence with numerous crunching tackles, as both sides were eager to state their authority.
The first piece of action came after 6 minutes with Gary Taylor’s well timed tackle preventing Tring forward Dave Whicker having a goal attempt. Just moments later Ryan Wade’s stunning header was cleared off the line by David Foskett after lacklustre Tring marking. With 15 minutes on the clock Bradley Drisdale, had a mazy run although his cross was poor. Eighteen minutes in to this physical encounter, Andy Mullins had a stunning shot saved brilliantly by the athletic Virgo.
As the 25 minute mark approached it was evident there was no love lost between these two sides. With 10 minutes left of this quiet first half, Mullins had a speculative effort just go over the bar to the relief of Boro keeper Virgo. Bradley Drisdale had a sublime effort just after 38 minutes which skimmed over the bar, to the relief of a stranded Dave Clark. Forty one minutes into the first half, Danny Ward, produced a clinical and composed finish to give the home side a crucial lead. As the half drew to a close Tring would be annoyed at not capitalizing on numerous chances they created.
Broxbourne attempted to extend their lead in the second half but Danny Ward’s promising cross went comfortably into the hands of Clark. Boro made a more assured start to the second half dominating on the possession front. On the hour Tring midfielder Chris Salmon had his effort go just wide of the goal as the visitors aimed to equalize.
Salmon made up for his earlier mishap with a controlled header to equalize after 62 minutes and put this enthralling encounter on a knife edge. With 71 minutes gone Daryl Mitchell, returning from an ankle injury, replaced Tony Burke and Rob Teppett replaced Rob Tungett. With only 10 minutes left, Ryan Wade was unmarked and his audacious lob outclassed the keeper and gave Broxbourne a deserved lead, but keeper Clark was infuriated with his defence after their poor marking. Tring left their back four vulnerable late on in a desperate attempt to salvage a point from this game. As referee Russell Howes blew the final whistle Broxbourne were satisfied with a well deserved win that will help them soar up the table.
After the game Broxbourne Manager Tony Faulkner was delighted with the win and added “Tring gave us a lot of problems with their physicality and probably did enough to earn a draw… however we were more clinical in front of goal”. Faulkner also singled out defenders Nicky Marsh, Michael Nathan and midfielder Ryan Wade for praise. He added, “Nicky and Michael were outstanding today, however Ryan Wade was probably the difference between the two teams.”
Broxbourne Borough 4 - 1 Tring Corinthians
Challenge Trophy - Tues 9th September 2008
On a damp and unseasonal early September evening at an expectant Goff’s Lane, the home crowd were treated to a dazzling display from Broxbourne as they comprehensively defeated lower league side Tring Corinthians 4-1 in the Challenge Trophy first round. Tring battled valiantly in the first half going into the break level at 1-1, however Broxbourne were rampant in the second half scoring three goals without reply.
The first 5 minutes of the game produced no clear cut chances as the majority of the game was played in the midfield. Broxbourne got the pivotal first goal through prolific Lawal Alhadi after 7 minutes and Tring skipper and goalkeeper Jamie Cox could do nothing to prevent the imposing forward breaking the deadlock. Nevertheless, Tring bounced back superbly with formidable defending and confident passing. However, Broxbourne nearly doubled their advantage through Tony Burke as he attempted an audacious lob over Cox which just drifted wide. With 10 minutes of this intriguing first half remaining stand-in goalkeeper for Borough Obey Murefu made a crucial save from nippy winger Jean Black Ngody.
On the 40 minute mark, Tring secured a deserved equaliser with an outstanding goal from Ngody after a phenomenal through ball from Lee Herring. At the beginning of the second half, Rob Tungett produced a probing cross and Alhadi squandered a glorious chance to put Borough in the lead. On the hour mark, talisman Alhadi missed a gilt-edged chance which he blasted wide past Cox’s despairing dive. As the visitor’s fitness level began to drop below their earlier standards, Broxbourne raised their game and stamped their authority on the game as they began to dominate this tense cup tie.
After 70 minutes, Broxbourne were boosted by the return of Bradley Drisdale who came off the substitute’s bench for his first match back after a brief spell with Enfield Town which helped Boro’s midfield gain more pace. With a quarter of an hour left Broxbourne again took the lead as former Cheshunt forward Burke calmly stroked the ball home to spark relief in the Boro ranks. Danny Ward’s composed finish after 83 minutes gave Broxbourne breathing space as they secured a 3-1 lead. Finally with just 3 minutes of normal time remaining, Burke produced a tremendous individual goal ending with a cheeky lob over a distraught Cox. Credit must go to the Tring Corinthians, who really raised their game rather similar to Broxbourne when they played Dulwich last week.
Next up for Borough they face arch rivals Hertford in the South Midlands Division, Broxbourne will be adamant they can secure their second league victory of the season to propel themselves up the table.
Broxbourne Borough v Dulwich Hamlet
FA Cup Prelim. Replay Tuesday 2nd September 2008
On a chilly Tuesday evening at a packed Goff’s Lane, Broxbourne produced a valiant and clinical display to test the resiliency of a determined Dulwich Town in this FA Cup Preliminary Round replay, which Dulwich narrowly won 2-1. The previous fixture was an intriguing 1-1 draw in which Ryan Wade scored in the 82nd minute for Broxbourne to force the replay.
Early on in this enthralling cup tie it was a frantic start with both sides desperately trying to assert their authority, Broxbourne created the first chance with a shot from forward Mark Brennan in the 7th minute. As the opening ten minutes drew to a close there had been no clear-cut chances, although the away side had dominated the possession.
In the 15th minute an attempted tackle from Boro talisman Ryan Wade didn’t go down well with Dulwich defender Peter Martin as he blatantly kicked Wade. Then to the shock of the home crowd, Wade was sent off as well as veteran defender Martin. This left both sides down to ten men.
Soon after this, Dulwich striker Scott Simpson drilled a stunning shot past Mark Virgo’s despairing dive to give the visitors a crucial lead. On the verge of half time Dulwich had numerous chances, the best effort from Mark Chattaway comfortably being saved by Virgo. As Broxbourne went into half time they must have been disappointed with their distribution in the final third of the pitch.
After the break, Dulwich continued to pile pressure on the resilient Broxbourne defence with Laurent Hamici blasting the ball over the bar as anxiety began to set in for Dulwich as they pressed for that all important second goal. They continued to create chances with Simpson again coming close, just missing the target. On the hour mark Broxbourne had another reprieve as Dulwich had three chances to kill the game off, but they were all thwarted by Broxbourne’s resolute defence.
With a quarter of an hour remaining Broxbourne created a rare chance through Lee Teagle who produced an excellent effort from 30 yards out. As Broxbourne threw caution to the wind, desperately seeking an equaliser, their gamble paid off as Matt Kearney poked the ball home from 6 yards. The goal sparked relief and elation in the Broxbourne ranks.
However, with just 5 minutes of normal time remaining, Dulwich earned a corner and a tremendous header from Marc Cumberbatch gave Dulwich the win and their passage into the next round. Despite losing, the dogged Broxbourne side should reflect positively after matching the impressive Dulwich over 180 minutes of football.
Broxbourne Borough v Kentish Town Match Report
Saturday 23rd August 2008
Those fans who enjoyed the late Summer sunshine at Broxbourne last week certainly got value for money as they witnessed a 10 goal thriller…and there should have been even more goals! Broxbourne Borough were eventually stifled by newly promoted Kentish Town in a controversial encounter at Goff’s Lane which Kentish finally won by the incredible score line of 6-4. Broxbourne would have been particularly disappointed with the result after a great victory against Long Buckby in the FA Cup preliminary round last week in which they looked to be fulfilling the promise that they had shown in pre-season.
Early on in the match the away side had the better chances however a buoyant Borough claimed the first goal as prolific Tony Burke took advantage of Matt Watts superb pass. However Kentish bounced back in great fashion with Aaron Hutchins scoring a cracking goal in the 12th minute. Burke once again gave Broxbourne a crucial lead with a precise finish with the clock on 20 minutes. However, Kentish replied immediately despite a courageous block from Broxbourne skipper Gary Taylor and Javier Rivera converted a simple header. With the score at 2-2 Kentish keeper Jason Hartles was substituted after suffering a groin injury. Broxbourne once again took the lead in this enthralling encounter as Danny Ward scored a superb individual goal.
Just before half time, as Ryan Wade was in possession, Javier Rivera head butted Wade and deservedly he got sent off after the referee consulted his linesman. Therefore, Broxbourne went into to half time 3-2 up…and a man up too!
Just after the break, influential boro midfielder Daryl Mitchell suffered a suspected broken ankle after a reckless challenge from Shaka Cole and to add insult to injury, he was sent off for saying something to his opposite number. This evidently phased Broxbourne and Jonathon Donoghue produced a stunning header to equalise for the visitors. Shortly afterwards, Aaron Hutchins scored his second goal of the game for Kentish and he was subsequently cautioned for taking his shirt off during his goal celebration. As Broxbourne had indifferent decisions against them Kentish extended their lead through Donoghue. Controversially the assist came from Cole who was lucky to remain on the pitch after his earlier tackle on Mitchell.
On the 80 minute mark, Danny Ward produced a probing cross and substitute Rob Teppet prodded the ball home to give Broxbourne renewed hope of picking up some points. Kentish closed out the game late on with Daniele Quatromini converting a simple chance after lacklustre Broxbourne defending.
Understandably, Boro manager Tony Faulkner was unavailable for comment after the game. Broxbourne must now look for redemption in their next fixture when they face Biggleswade United on Tuesday evening.
Joshua Gorton