Midweek Derby pulls no punches

Once again on a late August evening we saw the first crunching derby of the campaign. Off to the Hamworthy Recreation ground for a 6.30 kick off, little time for tea and crumpets, let alone time for the referee to get a second hoot on his whistle before battle commenced.

Hamworthy Recreation, in text book green, started well with new manager Manuel at the helm. Not much has changed about their up and at 'em style of play. Even the winger has a resemblance to the gate of Moores of the other Hamworthy fame now. The return of Gibbons upfront also helps to bolster there ranks. As I pulled into the car park they took the lead. The dry wit of the ticket master on the gate told me the score was 1-0, funny bitch! 'I can hear the cheer you know' was my first thought. Quickly followed by 'two quid!!!' to watch Chapman and co.

No sooner had I hit the hallowed turf had the trend of the game changed. Cobham were in their pomp. Gesticulating Merrell and feverishly endeavoring Gunsey were pushing the Emeralds back into their half. A few quick one twos between players, Hounsell again commanding the right side of defence and the mature play of Tucker seemingly impregnable for a time. Even Sid was getting the boot in. The one area where gaps seem to be opening was down Den Perry's side and it wasn’t long before a bit of fleet footedness and a quick summersault saw the linesman give the ref the nod to point to the spot.

Up stepped Merrell and he drilled the ball like a true predator into the bottom of the net, alluding old father time in goal and sending the small but exceptionally loyal Cob wanderers into a joyous mood. Fisting!!!

The game really stepped up a notch now and both sides had opportunities. Great free kicks delivered into the box and but for some sub standard finishing you could say Cobham would have been home (away I know) and dry. The boy Williams Jnr a prime culprit. The midfield now took over the game. With cob looking slightly short in pace in this area, as well as fitness in some cases it was always likely that if panic did set in, all needed to be in position to clear. Unfortunately at this level you just can’t carry people.

With half time looming, a dodgy corner decision resulted in this panic. Jobs weren't kept to and Gibbons finished off a textbook glancing header to beat the stricken Robbins in goal. This was quickly followed by the half time whistle and the mighty cob trudged off head in hands.

They came out for the second half with renewed belief. Williams Snr had pumped them up and with renewed vigor they chased the game. Merrell coming close again but for a shank, more intricate passing splitting open the emeralds but to no avail.

Heated war games were now ensuing. Chapman booked, Dicks booked for the Greens, pushing and shoving, alongside more incisor tackles all across the park. It was at this point the referee and his colleagues contributed to a slight air of overzealousness against the run of play. Pointing the way for a Hamworthy corner, missed clearances and bad marking saw the ball run Dave Dicks' way and the tugboat wasn't going to miss a chance against his old team-mates. A left footed strike entered the side of the net and the greens were away 3-1. Felch!!

More crucial decisions seemed to go against the Cobham 11 and soon the agitation was showing. Crude pulls and gesticulation at the ref resulted in a quick collapse of what they had built early in the half. Substitutes were introduced and provided at times opportunities again but players were still being carried by others endeavor and commitment. It wasn’t long before the camels back broke and a crude two footed tackle from the hit man Chapman resulted in a swift red card. Handbags and swarfeger ensued and soon Dave Dicks had also pushed too far and he was on the receiving end of a double yellow. More chances alluded Cobham late on and the greater spaces on the pitch with 10 against 10 saw lots more open play, but still no away win for the mighty cob and yet another day on the Judy for the penetrator. Maybe he should have been in the middle, but we'll never know

Robbins, Hounsel, Barrett, Chapman, Tucker, Merrell, Johnston(Smith),Perry Mason (Ronaldo), Edwards, Gunn, Williams jnr, unused sub Penn.

Cobham finally off the mark

Cobham finally open their account on Saturday with an emphatic 3- 0 win at home to Bridport reserves.

Manager Keith Williams made a few changes from the game in the week, bringing back in Keith Williams jnr and Dan Jones as well as moving Paul Tucker back into the defence.

The teams played out an entertaining first half with both teams creating chances but a lack of composure meant the first half ended goalless. Out of the two keepers it was the Bridport keeper who was the busier. Saving well from a long range effort from Merrell, which he couldn’t hold, then reacting quickly to block the follow up from Alex ‘Gunsey’ Gunn. Gunn was again very lively leading the line for Sports following his debut on Tuesday against Blandford, he looks to be a very good signing for Sports.

Williams had made the changes to the defence after conceding four goals in the first two games, Johnstone made way for the versatile Tucker in the heart of the defence. The defence looked very solid with Chapman and Tucker dominating in the air, and the two tough tackling full backs of Barrett and Hounsel enjoying the freedom by bombing on and joining the attacks at every possible opportunity.

Bridport started the second half better of the two teams , creating a couple of chance in the opening minutes of the half. Cobham weathered the early storm, then began to look more composed as the half went on. Cobham were now starting to play some good football which resulted in a long period of pressure in the Bridport half, this resulted in the opening goal. It was no surprise that the lively Gunn had a major role in the goal, he was giving the Bridport defence the run around. It was his neat back heel in the area that presented Dan Jones with an open goal to put the ball into, which he duly did.

Cobham continued to create chances but again failed to kill off the opposition, it wasn’t until Bridport had a player sent off that Cobham really killed the game off. Gunn was again at the centre of the action, he was the player fouled whilst clean through on goal. The referee had no option but to send off the player. From the resulting free kick Cobham went 2 – 0 up. Merrell hit a shot from 20 yards which the keeper did very well to tip onto the bar, but he had no chance with the follow up from Merrell which he hit like a rocket on the half volley into the top corner.

The match was over as a contest after that, Cobham dominated possession and made the Bridport players work very hard. In the final few minutes Gunn set up Jones for his second goal of the game.


Team:
Robbins, Hounsel, Barrett, Chapman(Johnstone), Tucker, Merrell, Williams(Godwin), Jones, Edwards, Gunn, Smith (Perry Mason)

Cobham Sports First week of the Season

Another season has started at the ‘Stad de Cob’ and although results have not gone our way in the first couple of games, things seem very positive at the club.

The arrival of the new manager has really created a buzz around the club. With new players coming in and the old faces from last season trying to prove themselves, this has created a healthy competition for places.
The spirit is fantastic within the club and everyone has gelled together very quickly, already this season we have discovered from the new lads that Jonesy likes rent boys and tucks is a very good ballerina plus he can’t go anywhere without his straighteners. It’s good to see Richie Penn coming out of retirement and a fully fit ‘one minute did’s’ back carrying out this new stretch of his!! Since discovering this new stretch he seems to have a permanent smile on his face!
It’s also good to see the emergence of the youth players at the club. Both Jack and Perry have proved themselves during pre-season and been rewarded with starts during the first two games.

The new season has started with a new optimism at the club, from the committee and the players to the band of ‘die hard’ fans that follow us. Let’s hope this enthusiasm continues for the next nine months, resulting in this season being a success and ending a long overdue wait for some silverware.