Match Report: Junior League Cup

October 2^nd 2004: Old Berkhamstedians 2 – 1 Old Harrovians II.

For the first game of the season, with our new Captain at the helm, we were confident we could weather the storm of our opening Cup game. Arjun Chopra (Arj) was fresh back from a trip to the United States (home of football?) fully equipped with all the latest ‘soccer’ gear America had to offer. Arm band and tactics board at the ready he met what was a very different looking 2’s team from our first League game against Oundle.

After the referee demanded an early kick off the Old Berkhamstedians were late, so we had plenty of time to warm up and discuss the tactics of our 3-5-1-1 formation. The opening 20 minutes saw us taking advantage of a disorganised and weary team, but we were unable to capitalise on our sustained pressure on the oppositions final 3rd.

Consistent play came down either flank with Arj and Ed Thorn tackling hard to provide Pete Dunbar and Ravi Tulsiani with plenty of chances to get beyond their full backs – which they did with apparent ease. Unfortunately, despite their delivery of intelligent crosses, there was no one on the end of them to fire it home! The most promising attack came from the most simple of moves. One touch passing from the back of the field, Carlton Nelson to Ed Arghebant (Arg), Dom Danos to Dave Mutter, and James Crown (JC) through to Nick Maytum who was only kept out by a well spread goalkeeper.

The game then changed tack as a few minutes from half time and in typical Harrow Football fashion the heavens opened and a torrential downpour hit the Hill! Subs and spectators ran for cover, whilst the players battled the conditions, struggling even to see each other through the heavy rain. The play became very fragmented from both sides with passes going astray and control becoming more difficult. The defence, however, stayed composed in the awkward conditions, dealing well with the Berkhs’ long ball tactics, particularly Carlton Nelson and Ed Thorn who contested every ball.

However, there was joy to be had just before half time when Ed capitalised on one of his many crunching tackles and fed the ball to Mutter. Dave was revelling in the new conditions and he broke solo to the edge of the opposing six-yard area skipping past four sliding tackles on the way. He feigned with his left and stroked it to the back post with his right causing the wrong-footed keeper to palm it into Nick’s path who gathered his thoughts and slammed home the opener.

As is typical of a side relieved to have broken the deadlock the lead was not to be held for long as Berkhs, on what may well have been their first entry into the Harrow penalty area, miss hit a cross which looped up and got caught in the wind to leave Andy Butler totally stranded to watch in wander as the ball miraculously hit the back of the net.

Half time came and a few slightly dejected faces sat in a huddle to take off their boots and wring the water out of their socks. This was the moment for inspiring words and they came thick and fast from both Arj and JC who worked tirelessly throughout the game to control the formation and concentrate on positioning. We felt in control of the game and despite the lucky goal to level things up, there was a steely determination to win our first game at home.

The second half certainly started with gusto, Arj and Ravi were linking up effectively, causing real problems for the Berkhs down the right with Dom and Pete collecting well from the left and distributing for JC and Nick to run onto or hold for back up. A deflected shot from Dave looked promising but the crossbar denied him glory. Perhaps the most unlucky man out there was Pete who was felled twice in the penalty area in the space of 5 minutes, only for the referee not to see anything, nor hear our protestations. What a joy to be 90. Eh?

As the half went on, it became clear that we would suffer for our lack of fitness. The rain seemed to have drained the team of energy, this being most evident in the lack of shots on target compared to the drilling in the first half and our reluctance to press forward. Al Gray was brought on for a fading Dunbar just as Berkhs tried to capitalise on our deep set formation so this defensive substitution looked to have paid off, however, we were still lacking the energy to push forward.

Harry Woolley then took to the pitch and we had an attack minded player ready to make the running but the few chances we had in the second half came from set pieces. Arg had a free kick tipped over the bar and Dom directed a barrage of headers over the bar. Perhaps some fresh legs earlier in the half may have provided the impetus needed for a breakthrough?

Unfortunately, this breakthrough came for Berkhs as their constant harrying resulted in their biggest player ‘falling over’ in the box two minutes from time which he then converted for the win.

Altogether, however, this was a promising introduction to the Cup and the rest of the season for a few of the younger members of the squad. The back three were superb in defence and distribution, expertly marshalled by the safe hands of Andy Butler. The middle five provided the width and stability to stretch the opposition and the front two were unlucky not to have seen more of their efforts find the back of the net.

Berkhs were a tough team to negotiate, but thanks to this little recci we now have the inside knowledge to put the triple past them in the league. Follow up…

AG, DM, ET