Hemel Hempstead Town 2 Clevedon Town 1
Clevedon Town can count themselves unfortunate to see their FA Trophy campaign for 2007/08 end at the hands of fellow BGB Premier side Hemel Hempstead Town. On a brisk but sin kissed afternoon Town manager Phil Bater made four changes from the side who ironically beat the same opposition on the same ground just a week earlier, with Kyle Bassett, Kris Leek, Mike Trought and Geraint Bater replacing Daine O’Connor, Kevin Davies, Mike Symons and Tyrone Toppar.
The visitors started the game brightly, and could even have taken the lead direct from kick off when Kyle Bassett had a shot deflected away. Yet it was of the Tudors of Hemel who made the early running, with John Sozzo proving particularly troublesome for the Town defence, the midfielder dragged a shot wide before thumping the ball against an upright just moments later following a goalmouth scramble. Soon after Town had Josh Brigham to thank for keeping the scores level, the full back heading a shot from Steve Sinclair off the line as the home side, and current league leaders, worked a short corner routine.
Nevertheless as the half continued the Seasiders began to impose more of an attacking threat. The lively Bassett disappointingly pulled a shot wide before producing a far more worthy effort when cutting in from the left that was unfortunate to find only the side-netting. Town began to take the ascendancy, Christian Sylvester shot from distance and captain for the day Scott Hendy was disappointed to head over after rising the highest at a Town corner. However it was left to the lively Sozzo to have the final word of the half, firing high and wide when place on the stroke of half time.
The early exchanges of the second half largely followed the pattern of the first with neither side looking like scoring, and a replay appearing to be on the cards. Kris Leek had Clevedon’s best chance when his looping header from a Danny Haines cross was well held by Ian Brown in the Tudor’s goal. Yet with Town looking comfortable it was the home side who took the lead from the penalty spot. What appeared an innocuous long ball forward split the Seasiders’ defence, and in an attempt to claim the ball the onrushing Danny Greaves hauled down Scott Sinclair, leaving referee Paul Forrester little choice but to award a spot kick, which Drew Roberts confidently converted.
The visitors were now forced to chase the game; within a mass-goalmouth scramble Town appeals for a penalty kick after substitute Mike Symons appeared to be tripped fell on deaf ears. Yet despite their increased endeavour it was the home side who pulled further ahead, breaking at speed with Town having committed men forward. Striker Roberts rounded Greaves before crossing for Paul Edgeworth to nod into the unguarded net.
However Clevedon were able to claim the last word in the dying seconds of the game. Geraint Bater returned a half cleared ball with interest, producing what he later described as a pile-driver
from fully 25 yards to leave Brown stunned in the Hemel goal.
Nevertheless this fine goal was sadly not enough and it is Hemel who progress to the next round of the competition. Clevedon must however be content with a sound display from every man in yellow, sadly the performance just seemed to lack the little bit of cutting edge or killer pass that could’ve ensured a replay was contested. Yet Town manager Phil Bater must be proud of his men, and will hope for more of the same against Gloucester City at the Hand next Saturday, 3pm kick off
Gallery
Team Sheet
| No: | Name: | Sub: | Goal: |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greaves | ||
| 2 | Brigham | ||
| 3 | Haines | ||
| 4 | Bater | 1 | |
| 5 | Hendy (Capt) | ||
| 6 | Trought | ||
| 7 | Leek | ||
| 8 | Green | ||
| 9 | Page | ||
| 10 | Sylvester | ||
| 11 | Bassett | ||
| 12 | Symons | 7 | |
| 14 | Cook | 11 | |
| 15 | O'Connor | 6 | |
| 16 | Toppar | ||
| 17 | - | ||
| Own Goal | - |
Match Details
| Date: | 03/11/07 |
|---|---|
| Competition: | FA Trophy |
| Opponents: | Hemel Hempstead Town |
| Venue: | Vauxhall Road Hemel Hempstead HP2 4HW |
| Half Time: | 0 - 0 |
| Full Time: | 2 - 1 |
| Attendance: | 188 |
| Match Report: | Will Wright |
| Photographs: | Tony Merrett |
| Notes: |
|
Downloads
| Appearances & Goal Scorers | Word Document |
|---|---|
| Team Sheet Matrix | Excel Document |