MATCH REPORT
10 February 2007
Essex Olympian Football League
Reserve Division One
Canning Town 4 Epping Reserves 2
A game in which individual errors cost the visitors dear. Having received the ultimate early boost with a penalty awarded after a foul on Andy Mavin after he had run through the visitors defence with unbelievable grace Epping found themselves in an intriguing battle with the side from East London. Tony Whiteway converted the penalty and Epping began to settle and take the game to the home side. Nevertheless , in the second half of the first period Epping pressed the self destruction button and gave the home side two goals one from a corner midway through the first half and a second cruelly and critically minutes from the end of the period which resulted from a defensive mix up.
The second half was dominated by Epping . The visitors were awarded a second penalty that was brilliantly saved by the Canning keeper. Epping had their tails up and after 70 mins they drew level. It was potentially one of the goals of the season. Pete Beaumont delivered a superb free kick which was met by the impressive Mavin and headed into the bottom corner.
Despite some great moves Epping were unable to beat the home keeper who was having a superb afternoon and the game looked like drifting to a fair draw. Then Epping cut their own throats conceding two poor goals in injury time. It was cruel but the side had created their own downfall.
Boss Phil Hernon said " The result did not reflect the game. Nevertheless, we are developing a habit of giving teams goals and teams like Canning Town do not need an invitation. We are a young team and need to concentrate and learn from the errors we make. I am confident that we have the nucleus of an exceptional side and will not be making mass changes. These boys are as good as any side in this League. Once again though I would like to highlight James Kelly and Chris Bailey for their excellent contribution to the side. Also Tom and Russ in defence . Ollie also looked like his old self and Mavin was outstanding.'
Team: Buttigeg, Harper, Scriven, Webster, Grey, Dainton, Mavin 1 goal, Whiteway 1 goal, Beaumont, Bailey, Kelly
Subs: Seymour, Gerraghty, Robinson
Scorers: Mavin, Whiteway.
EPPING FOOTBALL CLUB, STONARDS HILL, TIDYS LANE, EPPING