University of London vs Amateur Football Combination 2002-03

University of London 4 Amateur Football Combination 3 (Chris Sonne 2, Francis Birch) - 19th February 2003 at Motspur Park.

University of London: Olivier Knapp and Tom Butler (King's College), Alan Cowley (Imperial College), Jamie McCreesh (King's College), Ben Ridgway (Royal Holloway College), Tom Ward (GKT), Mark Curry (Imperial College), Luke Hodgson (GKT), Tom Taylor (Royal Holloway College), Martin John (UCRFMx Med Sch) and Mannie Neville (Royal Holloway College).

Amateur Football Combination: James Holdsworth (Old Hamptonians), John O'Brien (Old Ignatians), Lewis Delaney and Fred Anaman (Old Danes), Dennis Watson (Old Ignatians), James Concannon (Albanian), Craig Patrick (Old Danes), Steve Surridge (Old Aloysians), Chris Sonne (Old Camdenians), Michael Critchlow (Old Danes), Francis Birch (Old Aloysians). Subs: Mathew Jeilay (Old Hamptonians), Dave Harvey (Old Danes), Charlie Hickman (Old Wokingians) and Stewart Minors (Old Danes).                 

Referee:  Peter Eaton.

“SPIRITED FIGHTBACK BY UNIVERSITY EARNS VICTORY”

The old cliche ' a game of two halves ' was certainly relevant in this classic encounter of a side coming back from the dead in the second half. Inspired by skipper Tom Ward and deadly Martin John up front, the University 3-0 down at half time completely turned the tables in the second half with the latter scoring all four goals for the hosts.

The visitors dominated from the start and only quickness off the line by the University keeper Olivier Knapp denied Chris Sonne within the first 10 minutes, having been put through with a superb ball from James Concannon who had won the ball with a strong tackle in the middle of the park. Three minutes later another through ball gave Francis Birch an opportunity but he lost control at the vital moment. He nearly made up for this lapse minutes later when a 15 yard drive was well saved by Knapp. The keeper continually thwarted the AFC forwards with very good handling within his six yard box. With Fred Anaman making strong runs from mid-field a goal had to come and after 25 minutes, Sonne, with good close control, made space for himself and drove the ball into the bottom right hand corner. Five minutes later, Birch increased the lead when a long pass from John O'Brien split the defence leaving him an easy opportunity. Skipper Ward was at the centre of most University possession but good defending gave them no opportunity to reduce the arrears. Their best chance came when Alan Cowley made a good run down the right, crossed first time, but was well cleared at the near post at the expense of a corner. With two minutes of the first half left, Sonne produced another solo effort, with again close control, made space and scored with a sweet left foot drive. A 3-0 lead at half time was no more than the AFC deserved as they had outplayed the University from the start. Little did the spectators know of the complete change of fortunes in the second half.

The half time team talk certainly did the business for the University as they nearly scored within three minutes of the restart but a goalbound shot was cleared off the line. Six minutes into the half, the arrears were reduced when Ben Ridgway, just inside the AFC half, found John free on the right. He controlled the ball instantly, cut inside and gave keeper James Holdsworth no chance. After 62 minutes a good run down the left flank and cross was chipped in at the near post, again by John. With the AFC defence unable to stem the attacking football, it was really no surprise when John completed his hat-trick after 67 minutes. Having changed wings he scored with a fine right foot chip from the edge of the left hand side of the box. With the score at 3-3 both sides searched for a winner and with 15 minutes remaining Sonne came close with a fine drive just over the bar. Immediately the University attacked again and forced a corner on the right.Ward took the corner and John found himself unmarked to score his fourth with a close range header. Suddenly the AFC, finding themselves behind, raised their game, and Lewis Delaney broke into the box and tried to tee up Sonne, but his effort went just wide of the post. Knapp then produced a full length save to deny the AFC. With time running out a foraging run and piledriver from 25 yards by Tom Butler, to make the game safe, was well covered by Holdsworth. Shortly after, referee Peter Eaton brought proceedings to an end. The unbiased spectators on the line all agreed that in view of their spirited second half performance, the University deserved their win but it was a very exciting game to watch.

The usual sponsorship of the game for the AFC was provided by Integra Interiors Ltd of Reigate, Surrey and their MD, Robert Osborn presented the AFC man of the match award to Fred Anaman during the post match hospitality.