Aston Clinton retain their unbeaten start to the season and end Eynesbury United's 100% start.
This weekend, with the weather finally changing, I decided to stay quite local for my Saturday game and what better than a Spartan South Midlands Division Two match between third -placed Aston Clinton and current leaders, Eynesbury United. Both sides came into the game unbeaten after two games. In fact, United were defending a 100% record, whereas Aston Clinton had won one and drawn one. United had already notched up seven goals in their opening two games. However, Aston Clinton were yet to concede a goal at all.
The last two league encounters between the teams at Aston Clinton Park have both ended in 1-1 draws, the two before that ended in big wins for Aston Clinton, 4-2 and 5-1, although Eynesbury did win the reverse fixture 5-0 that season.
Many thanks to match official Kevin Rogers for giving me access to the team sheets prior to kick-off. Always, this was very much appreciated.
The last two league encounters between the teams at Aston Clinton Park have both ended in 1-1 draws, the two before that ended in big wins for Aston Clinton, 4-2 and 5-1, although Eynesbury did win the reverse fixture 5-0 that season.
Many thanks to match official Kevin Rogers for giving me access to the team sheets prior to kick-off. Always, this was very much appreciated.
Midfield battle The referees whistle not only signalled the start of the game but also appeared to be the cue for the threatened stormy weather to begin. The rain that was previously a threat from dark clouds, began in earnest, accompanied by a gusty wind blowing across the pitch, not really in the favour of either team.
It was the visitors, in their change kit of white shirts and red shorts, who generated the first real effort when Owen Meeds was sent clear. The striker took the ball wide of advancing goalkeeper Booby Swain, but could not get enough power on hist goal attempt, which was scrambled clear for a corner. That close encounter seemed to wake up the home team, who then started to take some control over proceedings.
Their first effort came on the quarter hour mark when Elias Williams shanked an effort well wide. However, four minutes later, they came much closer. Dan Boateng, latching onto the ball some 20 yards out and to the left of goal, went for the curled effort towards the far corner, only to be thwarted by a good diving save from Joe Burberry.
It wouldn't be the last save from the visiting goalkeeper, but he was powerless to prevent the home side taking the lead on 22 minutes. A long throw from the right was only half-cleared to the edge of the area, where Elias Williams stepped onto the ball, absolutely thrashing a drive past Burberry. 1-0
It could easily have been worse for United a couple of minutes later when Harvey Matthews cut inside from the right flank and let fly. Luckily for Eynesbury, the right-back didn't quite get enough on the strike, allowing Burberry to get behind it and make the stop.
United's efforts to get forward were being hampered by some very loose passing and, at this point, Bobby Swain was having very little to do in the Aston goal. His team-mates, however, were enjoying themselves. On 34 minutes they produced the best move of the game, a flowing interchange of passes down the left wing that culminated in the ball being cut back to Boateng, some 10 yards out. He made good contact but, once again, Burberry was the United saviour, getting across his goal to make a very good block with his feet.
With under ten minutes to go before the break, the blues extended their lead. Harvey Matthews, who must have used his earlier effort as a sighter, struck this one much better, sending the ball in off the inside of Burberry's left-hand upright from just outside the box. 2-0
HT Aston Clinton 2 Eynesbury United 0. In all fairness, a two-goal lead at the break was no more than Aston Clinton deserved. After the initial scare inside the first 5 minutes, they had been much the better team. Eynesbury seemed to be struggling to get any fluidity into their play and had not troubled the home defence too much.
It was the visitors, in their change kit of white shirts and red shorts, who generated the first real effort when Owen Meeds was sent clear. The striker took the ball wide of advancing goalkeeper Booby Swain, but could not get enough power on hist goal attempt, which was scrambled clear for a corner. That close encounter seemed to wake up the home team, who then started to take some control over proceedings.
Their first effort came on the quarter hour mark when Elias Williams shanked an effort well wide. However, four minutes later, they came much closer. Dan Boateng, latching onto the ball some 20 yards out and to the left of goal, went for the curled effort towards the far corner, only to be thwarted by a good diving save from Joe Burberry.
It wouldn't be the last save from the visiting goalkeeper, but he was powerless to prevent the home side taking the lead on 22 minutes. A long throw from the right was only half-cleared to the edge of the area, where Elias Williams stepped onto the ball, absolutely thrashing a drive past Burberry. 1-0
It could easily have been worse for United a couple of minutes later when Harvey Matthews cut inside from the right flank and let fly. Luckily for Eynesbury, the right-back didn't quite get enough on the strike, allowing Burberry to get behind it and make the stop.
United's efforts to get forward were being hampered by some very loose passing and, at this point, Bobby Swain was having very little to do in the Aston goal. His team-mates, however, were enjoying themselves. On 34 minutes they produced the best move of the game, a flowing interchange of passes down the left wing that culminated in the ball being cut back to Boateng, some 10 yards out. He made good contact but, once again, Burberry was the United saviour, getting across his goal to make a very good block with his feet.
With under ten minutes to go before the break, the blues extended their lead. Harvey Matthews, who must have used his earlier effort as a sighter, struck this one much better, sending the ball in off the inside of Burberry's left-hand upright from just outside the box. 2-0
HT Aston Clinton 2 Eynesbury United 0. In all fairness, a two-goal lead at the break was no more than Aston Clinton deserved. After the initial scare inside the first 5 minutes, they had been much the better team. Eynesbury seemed to be struggling to get any fluidity into their play and had not troubled the home defence too much.
Aston go close The rain, which had eased off towards the end of the first half, was back with a vengeance a few minutes in tot he second and, much the same as the first half, it was Eynesbury and, in particular, Owen Meeds, who showed first. The number 9 rose above everyone to meet a freekick and send a header, from the edge of the penalty area, looping over Swain only for the ball to come back off the crossbar and be cleared. Very unlucky for the visitors.
However, also as in the first half, the good start did not last for them and Burberry was again call into action 10 minuets into the half, this time matching Rob Doncaster's effort with a flying save to his right. On the hour mark Matthews, scorer of the second goal, delivered a delightful cross onto the head of Jack Elsey, but somehow the ball stayed out, either with help from the goalkeeper or the post, it was hard to tell from the opposite end of the pitch. Five minutes after that Doncaster was almost in again when a through ball looked to have set him free, only for Burberry to race off his line to clear the danger.
With just over ten minutes remaining and the home team seemingly cruising to all three points, Eynesbury finally got that important final ball spot on. Substitute Archie Palmer was played in behind the defence on the right flank. His pinpoint cross was perfect for Iwen Jones, arriving at the back post to head home. 2-1. Game on perhaps?
Eynesbury had, without doubt, picked up the pace somewhat, and were getting the ball forward at every opportunity, looking for the equaliser. However, the expected siege of the home goal never really transpired. In fact, it was Aston Clinton who had the more clear-cut chances in the closing minutes, Captain Ryan MacDonald saw hi 87th minute strike deflected wide for a corner and, in the fifth minute of added time, the home captain took the ball around Burberry only for his goal bound strike to be acrobatically headed off the line by his opposite number Owen Dunnett.
FT Aston Clinton 2 Eynesbury United 1. A very good three pints for Aston Clinton, that sees them jump up to second spot behind Redbourn on goal difference. Eynesbury drop to fourth, a point behind the top two and below Caddington on goal difference.
Next up for Aston Clinton is a visit to newly-promoted Redbourn, whilst Eynesbury are back at home as they welcome mid-table Codicote.
Aston Clinton: Swain, Matthews, Lynn, T.Collins, Elsey, M.Collins, Boateng, Paul, Doncaster, MacDonald(c), Williams. Subs: Harrison, Kiff, Edmonds, Heale, Gordon
Eynesbury United: Burberry, Brown, Green, Newton, Lee, Dunnett(c), Irvine, Dean, Meeds, King, Jones. Subs: Wood, Routs, Malig, Palmer, Matheson
However, also as in the first half, the good start did not last for them and Burberry was again call into action 10 minuets into the half, this time matching Rob Doncaster's effort with a flying save to his right. On the hour mark Matthews, scorer of the second goal, delivered a delightful cross onto the head of Jack Elsey, but somehow the ball stayed out, either with help from the goalkeeper or the post, it was hard to tell from the opposite end of the pitch. Five minutes after that Doncaster was almost in again when a through ball looked to have set him free, only for Burberry to race off his line to clear the danger.
With just over ten minutes remaining and the home team seemingly cruising to all three points, Eynesbury finally got that important final ball spot on. Substitute Archie Palmer was played in behind the defence on the right flank. His pinpoint cross was perfect for Iwen Jones, arriving at the back post to head home. 2-1. Game on perhaps?
Eynesbury had, without doubt, picked up the pace somewhat, and were getting the ball forward at every opportunity, looking for the equaliser. However, the expected siege of the home goal never really transpired. In fact, it was Aston Clinton who had the more clear-cut chances in the closing minutes, Captain Ryan MacDonald saw hi 87th minute strike deflected wide for a corner and, in the fifth minute of added time, the home captain took the ball around Burberry only for his goal bound strike to be acrobatically headed off the line by his opposite number Owen Dunnett.
FT Aston Clinton 2 Eynesbury United 1. A very good three pints for Aston Clinton, that sees them jump up to second spot behind Redbourn on goal difference. Eynesbury drop to fourth, a point behind the top two and below Caddington on goal difference.
Next up for Aston Clinton is a visit to newly-promoted Redbourn, whilst Eynesbury are back at home as they welcome mid-table Codicote.
Aston Clinton: Swain, Matthews, Lynn, T.Collins, Elsey, M.Collins, Boateng, Paul, Doncaster, MacDonald(c), Williams. Subs: Harrison, Kiff, Edmonds, Heale, Gordon
Eynesbury United: Burberry, Brown, Green, Newton, Lee, Dunnett(c), Irvine, Dean, Meeds, King, Jones. Subs: Wood, Routs, Malig, Palmer, Matheson
Aston Clinton Park under broody skies
The Ground
Aston Clinton FC are based at Aston Clinton Park on the southern edge of the village. The park is the home to the football club, the tennis club and bowls club as well as having a children's play park and a skate park. The main pavilion is the home of the changing facilities as well as function rooms and a large care with a patio overlooking the park. There's a large car park which extends around the pavilion, providing ample parking. You could even, at a push, watch the football from the comfort of your own car, although the action would be quite distant.
The main pitch is furthest away from the pavilion and car park. There are moveable dugout son the far side as well as a number of benches, picnic tables and handy trees for rain cover. There's no other spectator cover.
The playing surface is reasonably flat if not a little bumpy in places, which is not surprising given the recent long dry spell. Note: The café does a pretty decent cup of tea.
Ground Number: 496
Att:
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A
Aston Clinton FC are based at Aston Clinton Park on the southern edge of the village. The park is the home to the football club, the tennis club and bowls club as well as having a children's play park and a skate park. The main pavilion is the home of the changing facilities as well as function rooms and a large care with a patio overlooking the park. There's a large car park which extends around the pavilion, providing ample parking. You could even, at a push, watch the football from the comfort of your own car, although the action would be quite distant.
The main pitch is furthest away from the pavilion and car park. There are moveable dugout son the far side as well as a number of benches, picnic tables and handy trees for rain cover. There's no other spectator cover.
The playing surface is reasonably flat if not a little bumpy in places, which is not surprising given the recent long dry spell. Note: The café does a pretty decent cup of tea.
Ground Number: 496
Att:
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A
United looking for a way back
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