This Saturday, after stepping back into the dugout myself in the morning (albeit a temporary assistant role), I decided to take in another North Bucks Premier League game. One fixture caught my eye. A clash between two teams promoted into the Premier League as champions of their respective leagues last term.
AFC Carpathians, this week's home side, won Division One by three points last season, losing just two league games and only conceding 26 goals in their 22 games. Marsh Gibbon won the Intermediate Division, finishing 8 points clear of Milton Keynes City, also only losing twice in the league and also conceding very few goals (22 in 18 games). BotP had the pleasure of watching the title decider back in May, when The Mighty Marsh required just a point at home to Deanshanger Athletic to secure the league (Whooping It Up). This saw them make an immediate return to the Premier League.
This season has started reasonably well for both teams. Carpathians, the Wolves, have a full set of results. Having played three, they have won one, lost one and drawn one. Lats time out they beat Twyford United 3-0 at Brooklands.
Marsh Gibbon have only played two matches, both of which have ended in draws. Their opening game was a 2-2 draw at current table toppers Willen. Last time out they also drew 2-2 at Milton Keynes City.
As far as I could make out, this would be the fist league meeting of the teams.
Thanks to Marsh Gibbon's linesman for sharing their team sheet with me (I already had Carpathians from Facebook). Much appreciated.
AFC Carpathians, this week's home side, won Division One by three points last season, losing just two league games and only conceding 26 goals in their 22 games. Marsh Gibbon won the Intermediate Division, finishing 8 points clear of Milton Keynes City, also only losing twice in the league and also conceding very few goals (22 in 18 games). BotP had the pleasure of watching the title decider back in May, when The Mighty Marsh required just a point at home to Deanshanger Athletic to secure the league (Whooping It Up). This saw them make an immediate return to the Premier League.
This season has started reasonably well for both teams. Carpathians, the Wolves, have a full set of results. Having played three, they have won one, lost one and drawn one. Lats time out they beat Twyford United 3-0 at Brooklands.
Marsh Gibbon have only played two matches, both of which have ended in draws. Their opening game was a 2-2 draw at current table toppers Willen. Last time out they also drew 2-2 at Milton Keynes City.
As far as I could make out, this would be the fist league meeting of the teams.
Thanks to Marsh Gibbon's linesman for sharing their team sheet with me (I already had Carpathians from Facebook). Much appreciated.
Carpathians on the attack Despite kicking down the slope in the first half, Carpathians made a sluggish start to the game, conceding ground to their visitors early on. In the third minute a mix-up between home keeper George Puravu and defender Marius Betelie almost ended in disaster as the defender's touch took the ball past the keeper, heading for the net. However, Betelie reacted quickly to hack the ball off the line. A few minute's later Gibbon's Abdou Jallow went close, heading just wide from a free-kick. The early scares seemed to wake up the home team but it had taken them a good ten minutes to get going. Their first venture into Gibbon territory came in the 13th minute when they showed how they can move the ball around, putting together a series of passes that sent Jake Wright free on the right. His low cross was easily picked off by Luke Connell, but it was a warning for Marsh Gibbon.
The visitors looked dangerous from set pieces delivered into the home box and, on the quarter hour they manufactured another opportunity. This time Ben Craig was on the end of it, again heading just wide, but the Wolves were starting to stir now. Another flowing move got them to the edge of the penalty area before Wright's shot was comfortably saved by Connell and then, from a corner, Costi Popa was not a million miles off target with a powerful header. As the home pressed, the Gibbon defending got more desperate. Only a last ditch toe from Steve Turner prevented captain Connor wells from a strike at goal from 8 yards. However, the relief was short-lived. A minute later, a loose defensive header dropped in behind the back line. Jake Wright was first to react, latching onto the error before firing low past Connell. 1-0
The home side were now looking well on top in terms of possession. On the half hour Claudiu Mitu must have thought he had scored a second when his curling effort looked destined for the top corner, before the tall frame of Connell stretched to fingertip the ball against the post and away from danger. A tremendous save.
Marsh Gibbon's chances were now quite limited. Jallow flicked on a 37th minute free-kick, but it was an easy collection for Puravu. Then, with four minutes of normal time remaining in the half, the home side hit Gibbon with a devastating double. Once again, the visitors were architects of their own downfall, giving the ball away inside their own half. Carpathians were onto it in a flash, feeding the ball wide to Mohamed Kamara who then squared for captain Connor Wells to slot home with some ease. 2-0. Two minutes later Gibbon gave a away a free-kick some 30 yards out and just left of centre. The ball was floated towards Connells left-hand post before being headed back into the mix where Shoniwa Perseus pounced to volley past Connell. 3-0
Marsh Gibbon suddenly found themselves three goals behind and it could have been worse just before the break. Betelie found Mitu with a delightful through ball. The midfielder took one touch and then tried to lob the onrushing Connell, lifting the ball over the keeper but also over the bar.
HT AFC Carpathians 3 Marsh Gibbon 0. After a sluggish start, the home side found their rhythm and deservedly got in front, helped considerably by some questionable defending. At one, or even two, the visitors may well have been still in with a shout but, at three goals, it looked like a damage limitation exercise in the second half.
The visitors looked dangerous from set pieces delivered into the home box and, on the quarter hour they manufactured another opportunity. This time Ben Craig was on the end of it, again heading just wide, but the Wolves were starting to stir now. Another flowing move got them to the edge of the penalty area before Wright's shot was comfortably saved by Connell and then, from a corner, Costi Popa was not a million miles off target with a powerful header. As the home pressed, the Gibbon defending got more desperate. Only a last ditch toe from Steve Turner prevented captain Connor wells from a strike at goal from 8 yards. However, the relief was short-lived. A minute later, a loose defensive header dropped in behind the back line. Jake Wright was first to react, latching onto the error before firing low past Connell. 1-0
The home side were now looking well on top in terms of possession. On the half hour Claudiu Mitu must have thought he had scored a second when his curling effort looked destined for the top corner, before the tall frame of Connell stretched to fingertip the ball against the post and away from danger. A tremendous save.
Marsh Gibbon's chances were now quite limited. Jallow flicked on a 37th minute free-kick, but it was an easy collection for Puravu. Then, with four minutes of normal time remaining in the half, the home side hit Gibbon with a devastating double. Once again, the visitors were architects of their own downfall, giving the ball away inside their own half. Carpathians were onto it in a flash, feeding the ball wide to Mohamed Kamara who then squared for captain Connor Wells to slot home with some ease. 2-0. Two minutes later Gibbon gave a away a free-kick some 30 yards out and just left of centre. The ball was floated towards Connells left-hand post before being headed back into the mix where Shoniwa Perseus pounced to volley past Connell. 3-0
Marsh Gibbon suddenly found themselves three goals behind and it could have been worse just before the break. Betelie found Mitu with a delightful through ball. The midfielder took one touch and then tried to lob the onrushing Connell, lifting the ball over the keeper but also over the bar.
HT AFC Carpathians 3 Marsh Gibbon 0. After a sluggish start, the home side found their rhythm and deservedly got in front, helped considerably by some questionable defending. At one, or even two, the visitors may well have been still in with a shout but, at three goals, it looked like a damage limitation exercise in the second half.
Gibbon close from a corner Having said that, Gibbon came out for the second period looking fired up and what looked and sounded like a frank exchange of views at the break. The team was re-shuffled a little and, to their credit, they set about trying to reduce the deficit. They were rewarded as early as the fifth minute of the second period. Tom Leonard's long throw from the right was flicked on by Jordan Goodge and there was Abdou Jallow to head into the top corner. 3-1.
After writing them off in my head at half-time, I was now starting to wonder if the visitors could stage a remarkable comeback. A second goal would certainly have made things uncomfortable for The Wolves, who were now struggling to get forward up the slope. ells did have a strike watched wide by Connell, but the chances which had flowed in the first half, had dried up.
Although Gibbon were now having the lion's share of possession, they weren't able to stretch Puravu until the 70th minute when a quick break saw the ball fed into Jallow on the left. The striker must have thought he had scored when he unleashed a low drive toward the far post before Puravu went full-length to push the ball wide. Two minutes later Carpathians were grateful to their keeper again when Goodge's header looked destined for the top corner before the stopper somehow got a fingertip to it, pushing it against the bar before it was hacked clear. Two crucial saves in two minutes from the home keeper which appeared to motivate his team-mates into stepping up their own efforts. Substitute Ose Ofioh glanced a Carpathians corner just wide in the 76th minute and, as gaps started to appear in the tiring visitor's defence, the same player found himself clean through before blasting his effort high and wide.
The home team were closing in a win but they still had their keeper to thank once more before the end. Prince Nahimana broke down the right for Gibbon, driving the ball across the face of goal where Jallow was arriving at the far post. The striker connected well from six yards but Puravu flew across his goal line to block with his legs and, once again, deny the visitors.
FT AFC Carpathians 3 Marsh Gibbon 1. The ultimate game of two halves. Carpathians looked well in control at half-time but full credit to the battling qualities of Marsh Gibbon. They knew they had not performed in the first 45 minutes and set out to put that right. Only a fantastic display of goalkeeping from George Puravu kept them at bay.
The win lifts The Wolves into third spot, behind Old Bradwell United Devs on goal difference. Marsh Gibbon drop to third from bottom after their first defeat.
Next weekend Carpathians are in Charles Twelftree Cup action as they make the trip south to face FC Beaconsfield. Marsh Gibbon are at home for the first time in the league as they welcome Wing Village to The Nest.
AFC Carpathians: 1.Puravu, 4.Choudry, 5.Perseus, 6.Betelie, 19.Gheorghe, 23.Hewlett, 14.Malik, 17.Mbevi, 27.Mitu, 30.Popa, 11.Wells(c), 10.Wright, 9.KPolley, 7.Ofioh, 29.Kamara, 20.Gurung
Marsh Gibbon: 1.Connell, 2.Craig, 3.Lindsay, 4.Carpenter, 5.Turner, 6.Janecki(c), 7.Leonard, 8.Goodge, 9.Jallow, 10.Chittenden, 11.Nahimana, 12.Hill, 14.Patel, 15.Piggott, 16.McIlrath, 17.Patterson
After writing them off in my head at half-time, I was now starting to wonder if the visitors could stage a remarkable comeback. A second goal would certainly have made things uncomfortable for The Wolves, who were now struggling to get forward up the slope. ells did have a strike watched wide by Connell, but the chances which had flowed in the first half, had dried up.
Although Gibbon were now having the lion's share of possession, they weren't able to stretch Puravu until the 70th minute when a quick break saw the ball fed into Jallow on the left. The striker must have thought he had scored when he unleashed a low drive toward the far post before Puravu went full-length to push the ball wide. Two minutes later Carpathians were grateful to their keeper again when Goodge's header looked destined for the top corner before the stopper somehow got a fingertip to it, pushing it against the bar before it was hacked clear. Two crucial saves in two minutes from the home keeper which appeared to motivate his team-mates into stepping up their own efforts. Substitute Ose Ofioh glanced a Carpathians corner just wide in the 76th minute and, as gaps started to appear in the tiring visitor's defence, the same player found himself clean through before blasting his effort high and wide.
The home team were closing in a win but they still had their keeper to thank once more before the end. Prince Nahimana broke down the right for Gibbon, driving the ball across the face of goal where Jallow was arriving at the far post. The striker connected well from six yards but Puravu flew across his goal line to block with his legs and, once again, deny the visitors.
FT AFC Carpathians 3 Marsh Gibbon 1. The ultimate game of two halves. Carpathians looked well in control at half-time but full credit to the battling qualities of Marsh Gibbon. They knew they had not performed in the first 45 minutes and set out to put that right. Only a fantastic display of goalkeeping from George Puravu kept them at bay.
The win lifts The Wolves into third spot, behind Old Bradwell United Devs on goal difference. Marsh Gibbon drop to third from bottom after their first defeat.
Next weekend Carpathians are in Charles Twelftree Cup action as they make the trip south to face FC Beaconsfield. Marsh Gibbon are at home for the first time in the league as they welcome Wing Village to The Nest.
AFC Carpathians: 1.Puravu, 4.Choudry, 5.Perseus, 6.Betelie, 19.Gheorghe, 23.Hewlett, 14.Malik, 17.Mbevi, 27.Mitu, 30.Popa, 11.Wells(c), 10.Wright, 9.KPolley, 7.Ofioh, 29.Kamara, 20.Gurung
Marsh Gibbon: 1.Connell, 2.Craig, 3.Lindsay, 4.Carpenter, 5.Turner, 6.Janecki(c), 7.Leonard, 8.Goodge, 9.Jallow, 10.Chittenden, 11.Nahimana, 12.Hill, 14.Patel, 15.Piggott, 16.McIlrath, 17.Patterson
Brooklands
The Ground
AFC Carpathians currently play at Brooklands Community Sports Pavilion just to the North East of Milton Keynes centre. For those who know the area the pitches are directly behind those huge pale blue distribution warehouses on the A421 heading out to the M1. There's ample parking at the pavilion and toilet facilities can be fond inside the building. Note that the pitches are hidden from view and you have to walk around the pavilion and then follow the path to the left (there's a playground to the right), through a dividing wall of bushes, before it opens out into a large field. The Wolves play in the nearest pitch to the gap in the bushes. Of course, this is a community facility, so there's no spectator cover around the pitch. The playing surface slopes away toward the distribution centres in the background and, following the recent dry weather, the ground seemed to be a little on the hard side.
Ground Number: 415
Att:
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A
AFC Carpathians currently play at Brooklands Community Sports Pavilion just to the North East of Milton Keynes centre. For those who know the area the pitches are directly behind those huge pale blue distribution warehouses on the A421 heading out to the M1. There's ample parking at the pavilion and toilet facilities can be fond inside the building. Note that the pitches are hidden from view and you have to walk around the pavilion and then follow the path to the left (there's a playground to the right), through a dividing wall of bushes, before it opens out into a large field. The Wolves play in the nearest pitch to the gap in the bushes. Of course, this is a community facility, so there's no spectator cover around the pitch. The playing surface slopes away toward the distribution centres in the background and, following the recent dry weather, the ground seemed to be a little on the hard side.
Ground Number: 415
Att:
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A
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