Sunday 7th March 2010, Leslie Field, Kick-Off 2:00pm, East Anglian Counties Under 18s Championship.
Caretaker boss Ian Bent had a perfect start to his spell in charge of Essex Under 18s as they saw-off Hertfordshire by three goals to two in an entertaining affair at Burnham Ramblers’ Leslie Field, the home manager claiming: “It gives us something to build on for next season.”
“I was delighted with our performance and all the lads can take great credit,” said Bent afterwards. “I thought we dominated the second half and played some nice football throughout the game which is what we asked for - that’s most pleasing. We also came from behind twice which showed great attitude and spirit. With many first-year players included it gives us something to build on for next season.”
The game start in a lively fashion and Ryan Henshaw curled an effort into the arms of visiting ‘keeper Haydn Dodge following good work from Andy Elgar, but it was Herts who took the lead on just 8 minutes, Omar Vassell beating Ryan Batchford on the right before crossing into the six-yard box where the ball ricocheted in off Arian Jokaran.
Essex responded well, Henshaw coming close as his shot struck a post following a fumble by Dodge before the home county drew level on 19 minutes. Batchford smashed a half-volley in off the crossbar following Jack Gardner’s corner. Within two minutes, though, Essex were behind once more, Jokaran grabbing his second of the afternoon as his 25-yard effort left ‘keeper David Hughes with no chance.
The visitors could have extended their lead when Bobby Hoy chipped a shot onto the crossbar following James Yates’ corner while Ross Lamb fired just wide of the near post for the hosts shortly before the break. However, Essex took a stranglehold on the tie after the break and hauled themselves level nine minutes beyond the restart, Lamb neatly finishing from 15 yards after some neat build-up play.
Gardner’s twisting run across the area eventually saw his low shot blocked and Dodge did well to tip Jamie Oates’ stinging effort over the top but the winner arrived on 79 minutes. Connor McKay finished-off another slick move, sliding Joe Mayer’s low ball inside the near post. Mayer had a chance to extend the lead with seconds remaining as Dodge was called upon to fantastically push away Gardner’s fierce effort.
Essex: David Hughes (Thurrock), Connor McKay (Thurrock), Ryan Henshaw (Witham Town), Ryan Batchford (Chelmsford City), Danny Johnson (FC Clacton), Pearce Clark (Chelmsford City), Jamie Oates (Hullbridge Sports), Jack Gardner (Concord Rangers), Ross Lamb (Chelmsford City), Joe Mayer (Chelmsford City), Andy Elgar (Chelmsford City) (Luke Painter [Thurrock], 70). Unused Substitutes: Joe Fowler (Maldon Town).
Hertfordshire: Haydn Dodge (Boreham Wood), Bobby Armstrong (London Colney), James Budden (Sun Postal Youth), Tom Carter (Hemel Hempstead Town), Charlie Robinson (Broxbourne Borough V&E), James Yates (London Colney), Michael Brindley (Charlie Theridge [Broxbourne Borough V&E], 67) Arian Jokaran (Broxbourne Borough V&E), Bobby Hoy (Stevenage Borough), Liban Aiken, Omar Vassell (West Herts College). Unused Substitutes: Jack Newmarch.
Bookings: None.
Referee: Chris Coyle (South Woodham Ferrers).
Assistant Referees: Robert Keable (Chelmsford) and Kirk Mason (Tiptree).