Ringmer 2^nd XI – 0 v 1 – Loxwood FC

08/04/08

Match Report by Rob Hawkes

Ringmer Reserves Bow Out in Style

The impressive run that the Ringmer 2^nd XI enjoyed in the prestigious Sussex Intermediate Cup competition came to an end tonight at the hands of the newly crowned Sussex County Division Three Champions: Loxwood FC.

Both teams started brightly and with each used to winning in their respective leagues, both exuded a confidence and an expectation that they would progress to the final. Each created early chances, with shots on target within the first five minutes of the start. However, it was Loxwood that had the better of the first half hour, using their physical strength and superior height to win any 50:50 ball put into the air and shrugging off challenges from some of the more diminutive younger Ringmer 2^nd XI players. But Ringmer worked hard to create a number of good chances: a couple of strikes on goal from Ringmer Captain Jamie Gray, a 30 yard effort from Josh Hawkes and fantastic passing movement through midfield culminating in a Simon Greatwich strike, which went just wide of the target.

Loxwood took the lead in the 38^th minute when Ollie Lambkin’s run into the Ringmer 6 yard box wasn’t tracked and he was allowed a free strike on goal, beating Joe Adams from close range.

Ringmer came into the ascendancy towards the end of the first half and their best chance fell to Sam Sowter just two minutes after Loxwood had scored, as he was allowed a free header to connect with a Kieran Patel corner at the back post, but Sam couldn’t keep it on target and the ball flew wide of the post.

Ringmer started the second half with the first of their two substitutions: Josh Lawrence coming on to replace Jesse Stonell at right back.

Responding to Bob and Steve’s half time talk Ringmer started to take their game to Loxwood and dominated possession throughout the second half. Their first attempt on goal coming within the first minute of the restart, but Hawkes’ attempt was ruled offside.

In the 68^th minute Bob and Steve made their second substitution of the game, bringing on Ryan Betsworth for Sam Sowter up front. A minute later, another great Ringmer movement culminated in a fantastic chance for Grey, but his strike whistled over the Loxwood crossbar. Ringmer were denied another good goal scoring chance and a free kick when Gray was fouled on the edge of the Loxwood area, but Mr Smallwood thought otherwise, despite Grey requiring treatment for the injury he sustained.

Ringmer continued to put Loxwood under pressure and their best chance of the second half came in the 77^th minute when Hawkes picked out Matt Davis wide, who in turn set up Greatwich for a terrific strike forcing an equally good save from Loxwood’s keeper Chris Coles.

This was an entertaining game to watch, with end to end action. Ringmer worked hard and created a lot of chances, but were just unable to make them count. There were great performances all over the park, but Matt Davies and Ryan MacMillan’s performances in the Ringmer defence are worthy of a particular note as neither put a foot wrong and both battled hard all night. Loxwood’s goal came from an elementary error which in the end proved to be the difference between the two sides. Congratulations go to Loxwood who did enough on the night and progress to the final round.

 

	Player	Goals	Comment
1	Joe Adams	.	(GK)
2	Jesse Stonell	.	.
3	Matt Davies	.	.
4	Ryan MacMillan	.	.
5	Aaron Last	.	.
6	Josh Hawkes	.	.
7	Kieran Patel	.	.
8	Jamie Gray	.	(Capt.)
9	Mark Whiteman	.	.
10	Sam Sowter	.	.
11	Simon Greatwich	.	.

 

	Substitutes	Goals	Comment
12	Ryan Betsworth	.	On for S. Sowter (68)
14	James Novis	.	Not Used
15	Louis Munnery	.	Not Used
16	Josh Lawrence	.	On for J. Stonnell (46)
17	Dan Davies	.	Not Used

 

Manager	Bob Munnery
Coach	Steve Oliver
Physio	Ian Fairs

 

Referee	Richard Smallwood
Linesman 1 .	Ross Simmonds
Linesman 2 .	Mark Breeding
4TH Official .	Duncan Brooker

Please note: The above report is a personal view by the writer, Rob Hawkes and should not been seen as necessarily totally factual or accurate. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the contents no liability rests with the writer and the contents should be studied and approved by the editor and Ringmer FC in general prior to publication.