Wednesday evening football this week was a local title decider. 'Mighty' Marsh Gibbon required just a point at home to third-placed Deanshanger Athletic to secure the title. However, there was slightly more riding on the game than that. Athletic were also the only side who could catch them, although it would require a large swing in goal difference too. On top of that, if Athletic failed to get at least a point, MK City would claim the second place spot and also gain promotion to the Premier League.
Marsh Gibbon were looking to make an immediate return to the top flight after dropping down last season. Deanshanger had been promoted from Division 1 at the end of the 21-22 season. The reverse fixture, only the second game of the season, ended with Marsh Gibbon claiming a 3-2 away victory. Jack Harris and league top-scorer Rhys Bonsell, scored for Athletic but a Jake Wright hat-trick secured the points for The Robins.
Both sides were coming into the game in very good form, having both taken 16 points from the last 18 available. Deanshanger were slightly edging it with a better goal difference in those six games. However, very recent results, pointed to Marsh Gibbon after they won 3-1 at Deanshanger in a cup quarter-final two weeks ago. So, all set up for a rousing end of season game.
A big thank you to referee Timothy Brandi, who I happened to bump into on the way into the ground, for sharing the team sheets with me. Very much appreciated.
Marsh Gibbon were looking to make an immediate return to the top flight after dropping down last season. Deanshanger had been promoted from Division 1 at the end of the 21-22 season. The reverse fixture, only the second game of the season, ended with Marsh Gibbon claiming a 3-2 away victory. Jack Harris and league top-scorer Rhys Bonsell, scored for Athletic but a Jake Wright hat-trick secured the points for The Robins.
Both sides were coming into the game in very good form, having both taken 16 points from the last 18 available. Deanshanger were slightly edging it with a better goal difference in those six games. However, very recent results, pointed to Marsh Gibbon after they won 3-1 at Deanshanger in a cup quarter-final two weeks ago. So, all set up for a rousing end of season game.
A big thank you to referee Timothy Brandi, who I happened to bump into on the way into the ground, for sharing the team sheets with me. Very much appreciated.
Early Shanger attack After some initial early jousting the first chance of any significance fell to the visitors. A freekick was met by the head of captain Jack Harris with home keeper Luke Connell reacting well to tip the ball over the bar. However, it was a sign of things to come and, with Athletic looking to have settled into the game the better, they too the lead on the quarter-hour mark, following a lovely passing move. This culminated in Dan Forbie being released on the right side of the penalty area. His low, driven cross toward the back post was met by Corey Moore, who had the relatively simple task of poking the ball over the line. 0-1.
At this point Marsh Gibbon's best opportunities looked to be coming from aet pieces, particularly corners, of which their captain, Tom Leonard, had already sent over a couple that had caused some consternation for the Athletic defence. Having said that, as we approached the midpoint of the first half, Will North decided to have a run at the visitor's defence, doing well to earn a corner which, sadly for him, came to nothing. That was a glimpse of the attacking threat that The Robins with their pace on the flanks. They were starting to play their way back into the game, but were almost two behind when a superb through ball put Josh Baldwin clean through, only to be thwarted by Connell's speed off the line, spreading himself well to smother the danger.
The game was suddenly opening up. Barely a minute after Baldwin's attempt, Marsh flashed a shot across the face of Dave Elder's goal at the other end, only for Athletic to immediately counter with Ben Stevenson putting a shot just wide.
Maybe this burst of action was the catalyst Marsh Gibbon needed, as they then set about finding an equaliser. On 27 minutes Abdou Jallow got a strike on target, comfortably saved by Elder. A minute later, however, The Robins were back on level terms. Will North, who had earlier given warning of his threat on the right, got clear again. His square ball found Abdou Jallow who, with a drop of the shoulder, engineered enough space to slot the ball past Elder into the bottom corner. 1-1. The confidence and belief flooded back in the home side, somehting that was abundantly clear when they scored a second goal after 34 minutes. A goal created by a series of quick, accurate passes that cut through the SHanger defence. George Carpenter's slide-rule pass between two defenders found Tom Leonard inside the box, on the right. Ignoring the assistant's flag which the referee immediately over-ruled, Leonard squared the ball to Will North who finished calmly. 2-1. Tellingly, there were no real complaints from the Deanshanger players or bench, which backed up the referee's decision to play on.
Deanshanger's response was almost immediate when, two minutes after going behind, Ben Stevenson fired a shot narrowly over Connell's bar. Will North then stung Elder's palms again but, as the game swung from one end to the other, Connell had to be brave, throwing himself into a sea of feet to cut out a low cross, getting a clattering from his own defender in the process.
As we entered added time North set off on another mazy run, beating a couple of challenges but unable to get past Will Gross, who had come in from right-back to make an excellent block. That goal saving challenge almost paid dividends when, the next minute, Deanshanger engineered a massive opportunity that saw the ball sent in from the left to find Scott Moore unmarked some six yards out. Connell threw himself across goal and managed to get in a great block with his legs but Moore, left with his head in his hands, should have given him no chance at all. A big let-off for The Robins. To his credit, Moore picked himself up quickly and, with almost the last kick of the half, was unlucky to see his freekick diverted inches wide for a corner.
HT Marsh Gibbon 2 Deanshanger Athletic 1. A very entertaining first half. Some intricate passing and moving from both sides, who clearly both love to move the ball around quickly. It's advantage Marsh but there's plenty left in this one.
At this point Marsh Gibbon's best opportunities looked to be coming from aet pieces, particularly corners, of which their captain, Tom Leonard, had already sent over a couple that had caused some consternation for the Athletic defence. Having said that, as we approached the midpoint of the first half, Will North decided to have a run at the visitor's defence, doing well to earn a corner which, sadly for him, came to nothing. That was a glimpse of the attacking threat that The Robins with their pace on the flanks. They were starting to play their way back into the game, but were almost two behind when a superb through ball put Josh Baldwin clean through, only to be thwarted by Connell's speed off the line, spreading himself well to smother the danger.
The game was suddenly opening up. Barely a minute after Baldwin's attempt, Marsh flashed a shot across the face of Dave Elder's goal at the other end, only for Athletic to immediately counter with Ben Stevenson putting a shot just wide.
Maybe this burst of action was the catalyst Marsh Gibbon needed, as they then set about finding an equaliser. On 27 minutes Abdou Jallow got a strike on target, comfortably saved by Elder. A minute later, however, The Robins were back on level terms. Will North, who had earlier given warning of his threat on the right, got clear again. His square ball found Abdou Jallow who, with a drop of the shoulder, engineered enough space to slot the ball past Elder into the bottom corner. 1-1. The confidence and belief flooded back in the home side, somehting that was abundantly clear when they scored a second goal after 34 minutes. A goal created by a series of quick, accurate passes that cut through the SHanger defence. George Carpenter's slide-rule pass between two defenders found Tom Leonard inside the box, on the right. Ignoring the assistant's flag which the referee immediately over-ruled, Leonard squared the ball to Will North who finished calmly. 2-1. Tellingly, there were no real complaints from the Deanshanger players or bench, which backed up the referee's decision to play on.
Deanshanger's response was almost immediate when, two minutes after going behind, Ben Stevenson fired a shot narrowly over Connell's bar. Will North then stung Elder's palms again but, as the game swung from one end to the other, Connell had to be brave, throwing himself into a sea of feet to cut out a low cross, getting a clattering from his own defender in the process.
As we entered added time North set off on another mazy run, beating a couple of challenges but unable to get past Will Gross, who had come in from right-back to make an excellent block. That goal saving challenge almost paid dividends when, the next minute, Deanshanger engineered a massive opportunity that saw the ball sent in from the left to find Scott Moore unmarked some six yards out. Connell threw himself across goal and managed to get in a great block with his legs but Moore, left with his head in his hands, should have given him no chance at all. A big let-off for The Robins. To his credit, Moore picked himself up quickly and, with almost the last kick of the half, was unlucky to see his freekick diverted inches wide for a corner.
HT Marsh Gibbon 2 Deanshanger Athletic 1. A very entertaining first half. Some intricate passing and moving from both sides, who clearly both love to move the ball around quickly. It's advantage Marsh but there's plenty left in this one.
As it stood at the start of the second period, Marsh Gibbon would be champions and MK City would be guaranteed the second promotion spot. Athletic needed to find a way back to keep their promotion hopes alive
However, it was Marsh Gibbon who started the second period with some zest. Within two minutes Josh Hill saw his header come back of Elder's bar, and Jallow's crisp drive was well saved by Elder. McIlrath's free-kick was then driven well wide before Jallow looped a header over the bar. Will Gross then got in another vital block to keep out Hill, with the keeper beaten. The home side had already generated enough chances to put the game beyond doubt but, at 2-1, would they be made to pay for missing their chances?
Athletic, having weathered the storm, then produced some flowing moves of their own, cutting through the Marsh Gibbon ranks to remind the hosts this game was not over. Corey Moore went on a run from inside his own half, cutting across the pitch before firing his shot over.
Just before the hour mark, however, The Robins managed to convert another opportunity. Abdou Jallow pulled a long ball out of the sky, turned and slipped a killer pass in behind the Athletic defence for Jake Wright to run onto, before slipping the ball past Elder for 3-1.
That goal took the wind out of the Athletic sails. The title looked to be in the bag for Marsh Gibbon but they were keen to put it beyond any doubt. Carpenter was fouled as he pulled the trigger on the edge of the box but the resulting free-kick came to nothing. Then Wright somehow managed not to nod home a ball across the face of the goal from almost on the goal line.
As we entered the final quarter of the game, substitute Zac Willis looked to have finally settled any lasting doubts when he made it 4-1 but, on 74 minutes Deanshanger hit their hosts with a lightning strike. Corey Moore broke free, using his pace to reach a long ball up the right. He then found Darren Sapwell running in at the back post. His strike beat Connell before hitting the inside of the post and finally entering the net on the opposite side of the goal with Moore following in to make sure. 4-2
A few minutes later, Alex Clarke whistled an effort just over for Marsh Gibbon. Then, with 11 minutes to go, Zac Willis was played in again buy another delightful through ball, before guiding the ball past Elder to make it 5-2. It realy was all over now. Marsh Gibbon could have had a sixth when Elder let a cross slip out of his hands, but no one was on hand to mop up the loose ball. They would have to make do with five.
FT Marsh Gibbon 5 Deanshanger Athletic 2. A result that doesn't tell the entire story. This game was certainly pretty even in the first half, and was still in the balance even when Marsh Gibbon went 3-1 in front.
Congratulations to Marsh Gibbon, who will be playing Premier League football again nest season. The result also sees second place guaranteed for MK City. Commiserations to Deanshanger who, in my opinion, looked to be a very good side. They may yet be able to bring some silverware home this season when they take on Woburn 7 Wavendon in the Intermediate Cup Final at Buckingham FC on May 18th. However, first of all they have their final league game to play, also against Woburn & Wavendon, on May 11th.
It's testament to Marsh Gibbon's success that they still have two league games remaining. They travel to Finmere next Tuesday before a final road trip to Newport Pagnell Athletic Reserves on the 11th.
Marsh Gibbon: Connell, S.Leonard, Craig, Clarke, Carpenter, Hill, T.Leonard(c), McIlrath, Jallow, Burnham, North. Subs: Nahimana, O'Connor, Willis, Wright, Ashworth
Deanshanger Athletic: Elder, W.Gross, E.Gross, Sheward, Kissane, Harris(c), Forbie, S.Moore, Baldwin, Stevenson, C.Moore. Subs: Sapwell, Ness, Brown, Lathwell
However, it was Marsh Gibbon who started the second period with some zest. Within two minutes Josh Hill saw his header come back of Elder's bar, and Jallow's crisp drive was well saved by Elder. McIlrath's free-kick was then driven well wide before Jallow looped a header over the bar. Will Gross then got in another vital block to keep out Hill, with the keeper beaten. The home side had already generated enough chances to put the game beyond doubt but, at 2-1, would they be made to pay for missing their chances?
Athletic, having weathered the storm, then produced some flowing moves of their own, cutting through the Marsh Gibbon ranks to remind the hosts this game was not over. Corey Moore went on a run from inside his own half, cutting across the pitch before firing his shot over.
Just before the hour mark, however, The Robins managed to convert another opportunity. Abdou Jallow pulled a long ball out of the sky, turned and slipped a killer pass in behind the Athletic defence for Jake Wright to run onto, before slipping the ball past Elder for 3-1.
That goal took the wind out of the Athletic sails. The title looked to be in the bag for Marsh Gibbon but they were keen to put it beyond any doubt. Carpenter was fouled as he pulled the trigger on the edge of the box but the resulting free-kick came to nothing. Then Wright somehow managed not to nod home a ball across the face of the goal from almost on the goal line.
As we entered the final quarter of the game, substitute Zac Willis looked to have finally settled any lasting doubts when he made it 4-1 but, on 74 minutes Deanshanger hit their hosts with a lightning strike. Corey Moore broke free, using his pace to reach a long ball up the right. He then found Darren Sapwell running in at the back post. His strike beat Connell before hitting the inside of the post and finally entering the net on the opposite side of the goal with Moore following in to make sure. 4-2
A few minutes later, Alex Clarke whistled an effort just over for Marsh Gibbon. Then, with 11 minutes to go, Zac Willis was played in again buy another delightful through ball, before guiding the ball past Elder to make it 5-2. It realy was all over now. Marsh Gibbon could have had a sixth when Elder let a cross slip out of his hands, but no one was on hand to mop up the loose ball. They would have to make do with five.
FT Marsh Gibbon 5 Deanshanger Athletic 2. A result that doesn't tell the entire story. This game was certainly pretty even in the first half, and was still in the balance even when Marsh Gibbon went 3-1 in front.
Congratulations to Marsh Gibbon, who will be playing Premier League football again nest season. The result also sees second place guaranteed for MK City. Commiserations to Deanshanger who, in my opinion, looked to be a very good side. They may yet be able to bring some silverware home this season when they take on Woburn 7 Wavendon in the Intermediate Cup Final at Buckingham FC on May 18th. However, first of all they have their final league game to play, also against Woburn & Wavendon, on May 11th.
It's testament to Marsh Gibbon's success that they still have two league games remaining. They travel to Finmere next Tuesday before a final road trip to Newport Pagnell Athletic Reserves on the 11th.
Marsh Gibbon: Connell, S.Leonard, Craig, Clarke, Carpenter, Hill, T.Leonard(c), McIlrath, Jallow, Burnham, North. Subs: Nahimana, O'Connor, Willis, Wright, Ashworth
Deanshanger Athletic: Elder, W.Gross, E.Gross, Sheward, Kissane, Harris(c), Forbie, S.Moore, Baldwin, Stevenson, C.Moore. Subs: Sapwell, Ness, Brown, Lathwell
The Ground
The Robins play their home games at a facility shared with the local cricket club, dubbed The Nest. Situated on the South-East periphery of the village, it is a very rural location. There is parking available within the complex, mainly on the service road that leads alongside the pitches to the clubhouse. There's also some parking available on the road outside the ground. The clubhouse is a reasonable size with plenty of memorabilia from both football and cricket teams on the walls and a few benches outside. However, these are more for watching the cricket. The football pitch is just inside the entrance and too far away to watch from the club. The football pitch looked in very good condition, especially considering how late in the season it is and the weather we have had lately. There are dugouts on one side but no spectator cover. The club badge embossed corner flags and club-coloured nets, together with the neatness of the surroundings, give the whole place a very professional and well run feel. Combine that with being out in the middle of the Buckinghamshire countryside and you have a really great place to watch football.
Ground Number: 405
Attendance:
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A
The Robins play their home games at a facility shared with the local cricket club, dubbed The Nest. Situated on the South-East periphery of the village, it is a very rural location. There is parking available within the complex, mainly on the service road that leads alongside the pitches to the clubhouse. There's also some parking available on the road outside the ground. The clubhouse is a reasonable size with plenty of memorabilia from both football and cricket teams on the walls and a few benches outside. However, these are more for watching the cricket. The football pitch is just inside the entrance and too far away to watch from the club. The football pitch looked in very good condition, especially considering how late in the season it is and the weather we have had lately. There are dugouts on one side but no spectator cover. The club badge embossed corner flags and club-coloured nets, together with the neatness of the surroundings, give the whole place a very professional and well run feel. Combine that with being out in the middle of the Buckinghamshire countryside and you have a really great place to watch football.
Ground Number: 405
Attendance:
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A
Dusk at The Nest
RSS Feed