MATCH REPORT
Faversham Town 0 v 2 Bognor Regis Town
Ryman League Division One South
by Thomas Reeves
Is there ever a good time to play a team perched at the top of the league table and how would Bognor Regis Town cope without their top scorer Jason Prior? These were the questions on the minds of the respective team’s supporters before this match. The Faversham fans were hoping the recent news, that the Ryman League Division 1 South’s top scorer is no longer a Bognor Regis Town player would signal a change in fortune for the club after four games without a win. The away side’s followers were left wondering who would fill the void left by Prior who had netted 25 goals for them this season before his departure.
The match almost started disastrously for the Lilywhites with a penalty appeal within the first minute, the referee Mr Goddard boldly waved play on. The visitors started well and had the first opportunity of the match after just 7 minutes. A free kick from Ashley Robinson glanced goal wards by Terry Dodd. But Lewis Craddock, who was making his first appearance for the first team this season, acrobatically tipped the header over the crossbar. The away side continued to dominate throughout the opening half hour. Although, they were unable to create any further clear cut chances.
The Lilywhites seemed unphased by the good start from their opponents and almost went ahead themselves after 32 minutes when a Justin Ascheri cross flew towards Danny Hockton. He couldn’t quite climb high enough to meet the cross though and the danger was averted. Just when the home side appeared to be handling the pressure that they were being put under, the visitors hit back and took the lead 5 minutes before half time. A Ben Johnson cross headed home by Bognor’s captain Dan Beck and the away side went in at the half time interval a goal to the good.
The home side started the second half brightly and tested Bognor Regis Town’s goalkeeper Craig Stoner on the 47th minute, as a long range effort from David Botterill was saved and held by the away side’s goalkeeper. This save proved crucial, as 8 minutes later the visitors doubled their lead. Johnson slipping the ball through to Dodd and he shot past Craddock.
At this point most people would have expected the Faversham’s player’s heads to drop and the away side to put them to the sword. However, this wasn’t the case as the Lilywhites pushed forward in search of a goal, which their performance had probably deserved. The home side thought they had got the goal on the hour mark. Adrian Stone turning an Ascheri cross towards goal with a spectacular overhead kick, but his shot was well saved by Stoner. Then, 10 minutes later substitute Renford Tenyue burst down the left flank before whipping in a dangerous cross that fell to Hockton. But, his header was weak and easily saved.
Against all this pressure from Faversham, Bognor Regis thought they had added a third goal on the 88th minute. Ashley Robinson lashed the ball into the bottom corner from 20 yards out. However, he had been ruled to have fouled Matt Bourne in the build-up to the goal. This goal would have made little difference to the final score line and the away side ran out 2-0 victors, despite the home side’s best efforts.
After the match, Faversham manager Ray Turner praised his side. He stated “I thought we did alright today against the best side in the league and I’m pleased we created some good chances”. He also reserved special praise for Craddock. He claimed “He made a few very good saves and didn’t do anything wrong, so I’m pleased with him today”.
Pictures from the game:
Faversham Town:
Lewis Craddock
Ashley Brown
Nathan Simpson
Mobolaji Dawodu (off 62)
Nicky Humphreys (c)
Matt Bourne
Justin Ascheri (off 81)
James Peacock
Adrian Stone
Danny Hockton
Dave Botterill
Tommy Hill (on 81)
Renford Tenyue (on 62)
Nicky Moir
Keanne Lee
Rob French
