Match Report for 04/09/04
Reserves v Evergreen Res.
Buntingford Won 1-0
Kelly Jones put in yet another fine performance
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After the storming start for their first team Town’s reserve side had much to live up to as they started their competitive season with a reserve cup match at home to last season’s Reserve Division 2 runners-up Evergreen.
Town’s Manager Stuart Barber had every right to be confident going into the game after some tremendous pre-season performances from his reserve team players. Barber’s only concern was whether his younger players would cope with the physical and intimidatory aspect which is often associated with the Watford-based team’s game. However he had little to fear as with a superb refereeing performance by Stevenage-based official John Hopkins and the overall performance of his team Town deserved a solitary goal win to go into the hat for the second round draw.
The first chance of the match fell to Town’s midfield work horse Del Brand who headed wide from a Kyle Darcy right side free kick after Duncan McHugh was fouled. McHugh was again involved in the next opportunity for the hosts as Joe Tyler put him through with an exquisite pass in the 13th minute. The Town striker failed to control well but did enough to earn a corner which found Jamie Williamson in the box. Williamson, younger brother of Town’s first team keeper could only fire wide with his first chance at goal.
Town then scored their first goal of the competitive season when the flawless Kelly Jones in goal collected a cross and quickly set Tyler away on the left with an intelligent throw. Town’s teenager went past two players before cutting in and being scythed down 25 yards out in a central position. Another of Town’s teenage senasations Kyle Darcy took responsibility for the free kick and curled a peach of a shot around the wall which eluded the diving visitors’ guardian and flew into the net.
Just 2 minutes later Town were grateful to Jones in goal after Evergreen should have equalised after Theo Mansen beat the offside trap. Jones did enough to narrow the angle and save the goal bound effort of the lively Mansen.
Stuart Barber’s rally for the second half was to spoil Evergreen’s midfield playmakers and frustrate them for the first 15 minutes which he felt sure would see them look for a goal. The tactics worked well with Brand and Harry Marr giving their opponents no time in the middle.
The only chance the away side had early in the second period was a free kick which was heading for goal before Jones again saved his side with an acrobatic fingertip stop.
After the hour mark Town felt unlucky not go further ahead as the woodwork and a referee decision denied them on three occasions.
On 62 minutes a left side corner located Chris Englishby. The experienced defender’s headed effort looked good before it crashed agonisingly against the cross bar.
The woodwork again saved the visitors from going further behind as Paul Lamont struck a shot which skimmed the cross bar from another corner after 75 minutes.
Just a minute later James Williamson then felt hard done by as a mazy dribble from a wide left position into the box saw him felled by a clumsy challenge but the referee waved play on.
The last 20 minutes saw Evergreen press forward but the visitors did not seriously trouble the Town goal and the Buntingford strike pairing of Williamson and McHugh did well to alleviate pressure when the ball was played to them.
Despite the lack of firepower from Evergreen Stuart Barber was still relieved to hear the final whistle. He said after the game “I am really pleased with the result because Evergreen are a good experienced side and we never really looked like losing today. Our blend of youth and mature players worked well and this result sets us up well for this season. Kyle Darcy’s goal was a delight, they usually are from Kyle, and Kelly Jones had another commanding performance between the sticks. In fact I was pleased with all the players”.
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