Sports entertain the magpies in top of the table clash (i wish)

Ipods for Christmas?

Buoyed after their last result in the DPL, Cobham went into their home clash against the league leaders full of confidence in the face of adversity. However as has been the case in previous weeks, the squad and subsequently starting line-up was full of changes from the victory on the cold, bitter day in Bridport. Most noticeably was the return of the much-missed Kieron (Captain Caveman) Campbell from a long injury lay off. This meant the Gunnsey reverted to his less favoured right wing back role. In the absence of Robbie Cook, Matty Allen and Pete Goodbody who were apparently at an oasis in Cardiff, there was a move into midfield for Cobham’s answer to Ledley King; Sam Chapman. The hole left in the defence was adequately filled by the returning OAP Simon Hallam but no sign of Keith Jnr anywhere. (It was later reported that he was spotted in McDonalds Big Mac in hand). It was a big match too for 16 year old Chris Mawer who left the Avenue pre-season in somewhat acrimonious circumstances, and he was eager to put one over his former team mates.

After a warm up by the side of the heavily sodden Stade de Cob and with the ex-manager and family on the sidelines, the match kicked off. As expected the youthful Dorchester Town team came out of the traps flying with a lot of possession but with the grit and determination shown by Cobham, combined with the heavy pitch neither side created much for the first 25 minutes. Then a flash of inspiration from the Dorchester winger. The ball found its way out to the right wing some 25 yards from goal; and with the ball dropping he saw his name up in lights and unleashed an almost unstoppable volley over Robbins’ head that left the Cobham keeper rooted to the spot. A deft silence fell over the match as everyone watched the ball sail toward the top corner to give Town the lead . . . . . . ‘ping’ it struck the inside of the post and then landed safely into the keepers hand. Let off! With only 15 minutes to go Perry Fry was on the receiving end of a crunching tackle and the youth team player was substituted and strolled off to see the school nurse. Replaced by fellow youth teamer Shane Evans. With Cobham predominantly on the back foot and Gunnsey showing flashes of the player he was before he got old, the first half petered out with the two sides then cancelling each other out and went in to half time at 0-0.


Mozza must have given the Avenue outfit a few words at half time because the whistle to start the second half signified the charge of the Dorch brigade. Wave after wave of Dorchester attack was repelled by Cobhams mean defence. Hallam leading by example from the back and Merrell and Chapman acting like a 2 man shield in front of their defence with Gunnsy in inspirational form down the right Robbins goal looked like a fortress. Dorchester had most of the ball, most of the play but failed to create any real chances for themselves. That’s how it stayed for the majority of the second half with the few respites coming in the shape of Gunnsy’s runs or Campbell and Mawer; holding up the play whenever they were given the chance. There were only 15 minutes to go, could they hold on? A point at home to top of the league was a credible result in any league. Just as these thoughts were circulating around the Cobham faithful, disaster struck. A jinking run from the right winger went unstopped by the previously solid rearguard and after he beat the third challenge, he slipped the ball into the bottom right of Cobhams goal from the edge of the area. 1-0 Cobham hearts were broken. How would they react? Would they pull together and hit back or would they capitulate and conceed several more late goals as they did against both Sherborne and Holt this campaign? Only time would tell. Dorchester, with momentum quickly hit Cobham for another and a Rob Cotton slip let them in for a quick fire third. 3-0. 3 goals in 10 minutes – nightmare.

However Cobham had fighting spirit and a never say die attitude and this was a match they had contributed equally in for the last 85 minutes and weren’t prepared to come away empty handed. 3-0 down, they would have to come from behind (and then in the mouth). Sure enough battle they did and got their just reward on 90mins. Town failed to clear their lines and Mawer performed a perfect pirouette that would’ve looked more at home on CJ’s dancefloor than the Dorchester 6 yard box, and slotted the ball home against his old club . Full time. A brave performance by Cobham and some good signs of improvement but unfortunately Dorchester had too much for them on the day.

Next up: Cranborne . . . .

Cobham: Robbins, Cotton, Tucker, Hallam, Merrell, Chapman, P.Fry (Evans 35) Gunn, Moore (Tom Ear 80) Mawer, Shrek Unused sub: old man Penn