Ringmer 2nd XI - 5 v 0 – Saltdean 2nd XI

04/03/08

Match Report by Rob Hawkes

 

With a disappointing game at the weekend tonight was an opportunity for the Ringmer 2nd XI to get back on track and regain their winning ways and this was exactly what they did. Those that came to watch Ringmer’s 2nd XI this evening were treated to a high tempo, exciting and thoroughly entertaining display of football. Ringmer’s first half performance was as good as I’ve seen all season. It was played at a high tempo with a great work rate from all eleven players, who were just relentless in their assault on the Saltdean goal. Ringmer went ahead in the 7th minute when Greatwich finished off a series of close range attempts on goal from Sowter and Dryer before the ball was eventually deflected out to him to put away.

 

Ringmer’s second goal, scored by Elliott Finney in the 11th minute, followed a short corner taken by Greatwich and Dryer who picked out Finney in the penalty area who put it away the composure and confidence of someone who does it week in and week out (so why don’t you Elmo?). It needs to be said that I am guilty of only mentioning players in these reports who have had a hand in scoring goals and although Elmo put away a great goal tonight, his best work was in his more usual and less glamorous role at centre back, where he excelled. Always composed, always in control.

 

Ryan Betsworth rounded off an excellent Ringmer first half performance with two further goals in the 19th and 34th minutes. The first coming from a counter attack as Betsworth, Hawkes and Sowter broke from midfield with Ryan using his strength and determination to make his finishing count. His second of the evening was set up by a sublime chip from Sowter which allow Ryan to break through between Saltdean’s centre backs and fire past the exposed keeper.

 

The first half concluded 4 – 0, which was a fitting reward for Ringmer’s work rate, creativity and dominance.

 

The second half started with Dave Soutar replacing Simon Greatwich in Ringmer’s forward line. Five minutes into the half and Ringmer were awarded a free kick 5 yards outside the Saltdean penalty area. Joe Dryer curled one of his characteristic free kicks over the wall, but was only able to strike the cross bar and the ball go out for a goal kick.

 

One of the more admirable traits of the Saltdean sides we’ve played this season is that they just don’t know when they are beaten and for the duration of the second half they chased the game as though there was only one goal in it. They always looked dangerous in attack and the Ringmer back four were never allowed to relax and were frequently called upon to mop up repeated Saltdean counter attacks.

 

The last goal of the game came from another short corner. The ball this time picked up on the edge of the area by Hawkes then Lawrence who threaded the ball through to Betsworth to fire home from 6 yards for his hat trick and Ringmer’s fifth.

 

This was an excellent high energy performance from all the Ringmer players against a strong and tenacious Saltdean 2nd XI. Many of the Ringmer players were playing their third game in four days and showed no signs of fatigue. Makes you wonder what Mr Wenger bleats on about sometimes doesn’t it. Our referee, Mr Daniels, should also be mentioned for having an excellent game in which he was essentially invisible throughout.

 

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.

 

 

	Player	Goals	Comment
1	Matt May	.	(GK)
2	Jesse Stonell	.	(Capt.)
3	Scott Taylor	.	.
4	Elliot Finney	11	.
5	Josh Lawrence	.	.
6	Joe Dryer	.	.
7	Kieran Patel	.	.
8	Josh Hawkes	.	.
9	Sam Sowter	.	.
10	Ryan Betsworth	19, 34, 83	.
11	Simon Greatwich	7	.

 

	Substitutes	Goals	Comment
12	David Soutar	.	on for Greatwich (46)
14	James Novis	.	Not used
15	Louis Munnery	.	Not used
16	Justin Wood	.	on for Stonell (67)
17	Amro Shaker	.	Not used

 

Referee	Richard Daniells
Linesman (Ringmer)	Lee Cramp

 

Manager	Bob Munnery
Coach	Steve Oliver
Physio	.