Caught By The Fuzz - Hendon 1-3 Met Police

Hendon 1-3 Metropolitan Police

Tuesday 25^th October 2011

Ryman League Premier Division

Vale Farm

Last night at Vale Farm, the Green shirted Hendonites fought the law and unfortunately, the law won, thus missing the chance to go into the weekend’s FA Cup tie at Luton on top of the division. I’ve been thinking about the game and the performance a lot since getting home last night and I cannot decide whether or not I am slightly heartened, despite the result, or a little bit worried. Perhaps this post will take the form of an essay with a conclusion at the end. Let’s see where we go.

Gary Mac made two changes from the side humbled at Canvey at the weekend with the fit again Ryan Wharton coming in for James Archer and Kevin Maclaren replacing the injured Greg Ngoyi. The Greens lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Dewayne Clarke partnering Elliott Charles up front, Casey Maclaren starting on the left side of midfield and James Parker moving to right back to allow Wharton to slot back in alongside Michael Peacock. Met Police lined up in a nominal 4-5-1 formation with Stafforde Palmer the lone striker, but with Sam Hurrell, Mu Maan and Tony Finn all breaking forward at pace to support him when in possession.

The game began at a pretty frantic pace with both the visitors looking to spread the play and get their two wide men Hurrell and Finn involved as much as possible, whilst Hendon were looking to hit Charles, in particular quite early and play off of him. It was Met Police who shaded the opening exchanges and were unfortunate not to have gone ahead after 10 minutes or so when a low drive from Hurrell who had beaten Parker quite easily for pace down the left was deflected towards goal instinctively by Palmer. Sean Thomas was beaten all ends up but the crossbar wasn’t and the ball bounced to relative safety.

The opening goal, when it arrived came from nowhere. The Greens had offered little in the way of cohesive attacking threat before Charles allowed a low ball into the box to run across his body and dumped on his posterior by a challenge from behind that appeared to get nowhere near the ball. I was in no doubt that it was a penalty, and nor was the man whose opinion really mattered, Gary Evetts who well positioned, blew his whistle and pointed to the spot with dour precision. Charles worked himself into a frenzy picking up the ball leading to shrieks from the Hendon bench of ‘BUZZER, GIVE IT TO BUZZER!!!’ The message eventually got through and Busby duly did the rest, powerfully dispatching the spot kick for his 6^th goal of the season.

This sparked the Greens into life and they enjoyed their best spell of the half. Dewayne Clarke showed a few nice touches and bursts of pace and a couple of dangerous crosses into the box just eluded a Hendon attacker – one particularly superb clearing header by Daniel Gwyther drew applause from both sets of fans. Peacock headed wide from a Cousins corner and then came the swift double sucker punch.

Both goals were preventable. The first came as a result of a needless free kick conceded 25-30 yards from goal. Ty Smith stepped up and powerfully struck the ball over the four man wall of green. Thomas got a strong hand to the ball but could do no more than palm the ball into the top corner of the net. The ball was well struck, but Thomas may feel disappointed that having got such a good touch on the shot that he wasn’t able to keep it out of the net. A couple of minutes later, nine green shirts stood and watched as a low corner was swept inside the far post by an unmarked Duran Reynolds, the Met left-back to give the visitors a 2-1 half time advantage that on balance, they probably deserved. 

His Name Isn't Rio - It's Duran. Promising left-back

Half time came and went in a heartbeat, despite the best efforts of Jamie Butler, the Police custodian who arrived onto the pitch a couple of minutes after everyone else delaying what was an entertaining and at times, frantic second period. Both sides had excellent chances, the Met to seal the game and the Greens to get back on level terms. Sean Thomas made a superb save from Stafford Palmer by staying on his feet and narrowing the angle whilst at the other end Butler made two good blocks from powerful Charles efforts that whilst well struck, were quite close to the goalkeeper. He did make one outstanding save though from a Casey Maclaren header late on at full stretch, Clarke headed badly off target when well placed at the far post, Isaiah Rankin had a header blocked on the line and shot wildly high, wide and far from handsomely off target from inside the penalty area.

At the other end, Tony Finn in particular reveled in the space he was receiving, showing pace, awareness and skill to give both Hendon full-backs problems on the break. Palmer missed another one-on-one chance to seal the tie when he dinked the ball over Thomas but into the side netting after Ryan Wharton had made his only mistake of the evening in selling the goalkeeper short with a back-pass. With Palmer having fluffed his lines, it was left to his understudy Carl Wilson-Denis to apply the coup-de-grace for the away side as Hendon were caught by the fuzz on the break, Finn breaking down the left, squaring for the former Kingstonian who showed the kind of clinical edge that had been lacking from the home side’s strikers all evening by driving the ball into the bottom corner beyond Thomas.

An entertaining game was brought to an end by the referee and it was the away side who were able to celebrate a well earned 3 points. I felt the man with the whistle had done well trying to let the game flow and not needlessly booking players, instead relying on a word to calm things down when they could have got out of hand. The two bookings he did hand out were spot on, Jamie Busby receiving one for cynically stopping a Met counter-attack in the centre circle and Sam Hurrell for catching Parker high up late. I suspect the fact that the Met number 11 led with one foot rather than two saved him from a worse fate. Both sides had penalty claims waved away, and certainly from my vantage point, none looked anywhere near as clearcut as the one that was given.

For Hendon, going into the game at Luton on the back of three straight defeats isn’t what anyone would have wanted. Not only that, but the defensive solidity and organisation that we’ve shown up until last week isn’t there at the moment and we look more vulnerable. Whether that is linked to a more permanent move towards having two centre forwards is a point of debate, certainly I think there could be an argument for reverting to 4-5-1 to give us the extra solidity in midfield against most sides. With so many strikers on the books though, it’s going to be hard to keep them all happy. Additionally, I’m struggling to see the value in a few of the signings Gary Mac has made. They’re all good quality players, but is Dewayne Clarke best deployed as an out and out striker, winger or just off the front men? Does Belal offer anything more / that different to Greg or Elliott. This isn’t meant as a criticism of the manager at all, he will know in his mind what his plans are and how the players fit into any system which is why he’s in the hot-seat and mine is considerably cooler. Of course, added to this it is easier to be picking holes in systems and personnel just after a defeat, or in a little run of disappointing results. The most important thing is that after the Luton game, whatever the result, we get back on track as quickly as we can against Horsham and Leatherhead.

He's Pleased - And so he should be.

And the Met? For all the scorn they attract for the way they may or may not be funded and just how many of their squad are actually policeman (it is a definite misnomer in my humblest of opinions), they looked a decent side who could possibly push for the play-offs with a bit of luck. I was particularly impressed with Duran Reynolds at left-back, I’d go so far as saying he’s the best opposition player I’ve seen so far this season, and if Tony Finn is in the mood, there are few better wingers in the division either. They didn’t look altogether secure defensively, particularly from set-pieces and with better finishing, Hendon could well have come away with a share of the points. Relegation is certainly not an option on last night’s showing.

Player Ratings

1. Sean Thomas: May be unhappy with the first goal, had no chance with the other two and made an excellent stop in the 2^nd half from Stafforde Palmer. 6/10

2. James Parker: Moved to right back and had his hands full all evening with the lively Sam Hurrell and Tony Finn. Did ok, and used the ball well enough, but was caught for pace on a few occasions. 6

3. Scott Cousins: Lost out in the battle of the left-backs, but not by much. Rarely gave the ball away and did well against Finn in the first half. 7

4. Michael Peacock: Pretty commanding in the air again and proved a threat at attacking set-pieces. Did ok. 6

5. Ryan Wharton: Considering he’d been out for quite a long while and was clearly feeling some stiffness in the 2^nd half in his back, he fitted back in very well. One mistake but he atoned for that on more than one occasion with some important challenges at the back. 7

6. Casey Maclaren: Stuck out on the left flank which is clearly not anything like his best position. Gave it everything as always, but hindered by his weak left foot. 6

7. Jamie Busby: Not at his best either, particularly when passing the ball. His radar was somewhat awry. Two powder-puff free kicks from shooting range as well in the 2^nd half, but took the penalty as reliably as ever. 6

8. Carl McCluskey: Looked leggy again on the right flank. Showed a couple of glimpses of his quality but slightly off the pace. 5

9. Dewayne Clarke: My first viewing of Clarke in the green and white and like most of his team-mates, showed flashes of quality. Missed a great chance with a header in the 2^nd half, and needs time to show an understanding with Elliott Charles. 6

10. Kevin Maclaren: Did well breaking up Met Police attacks, but use of the ball was sometimes poor, attempting the spectacular when simple would have sufficed. Substituted before he belted Ty Smith. 6

11. Elliott Charles: Again our biggest threat going forward, if he could work on his first touch and staying onside, he would be a hell of an asset. Worked himself two openings in the 2^nd half only to be denied by good saves. 7

Subs

12. Isaiah Rankin: Had two or three decent chances and showed good touches after coming on for Clarke. Maybe worth a start before long alongside Charles if we remain 4-4-2. 6

14. Belal Aite-ouakrim: Came on for a couple of minutes, didn’t have time to affect the game.

15. Byron Bubb: It wasn’t until I read the team on the website this morning that I remembered he’d come on! 4

Star Man: Ryan Wharton

Match Rating: 7/10

Verdict: On the balance of play I think the right team won, even if the two goal margin was perhaps a shade flattering. There’s plenty to work on for Hendon ahead of Saturday but the number of chances created was certainly encouraging. Next step is to take them again.

The Season So Far - Quarterly Review

This Friday, in a slight departure from Fridays previous, I have decided that rather than previewing tomorrow afternoon’s hot battle on a Hastings hillside (mostly because I can’t get down to the south coast), I would take a quick look at the first quarter or so of the season. Yes, I know it’s hard to credit, but most sides have completed around about 25% of their league programme already. It only seems like a couple of months ago that I began my long and drawn out preview. How is everyone faring then? More importantly, how are my predictions looking? Well…

1. Lowestoft Town, P 10 Pts 22

A pair of surprise defeats against Middlesex’s not quite finest Harrow Borough and Wingate & Finchley excepted, it’s been a very impressive start from the Suffolk lot. Benefitting greatly from Lubo Guentchev’s schooling at the Gary Mac academy of skillz (the former Hendon man has 8 goals in 8 starts so far this term) and dangerous strike partnership of Matt Nolan and Michael Frew the Trawlerboys have racked up 26 league goals already this season. It’ll take a brave punter to bet against them remaining top of the pile come April’s end.

Top Scorer: Lubo Guentchev -8 goals (in all comps)

Next Fixture: A v Wealdstone

Surprise Rating: Negative

2. Cray Wanderers, P 10 Pts 22

Few would have predicted Cray’s response to their opening day 5-2 thumping at home to AFC Hornchurch, but with 9 wins from 11 games since, and four different players already notching hat-tricks this season (Leigh Bremner, Tommy Whitnell, Jack Clark and Louis Perkins). Progress to 2^nd spot in the league has been matched by two wins and eight unanswered goals in the FA Cup to continue what has been a lightning start by the Hayes Lane tenants. Whether or not they’ll be able to stay the course is up for debate, but signs are bright and confidence will be sky high going towards Christmas.

Top Scorer: Tommy Whitnell – 8

Next Fixture: A v Kingstonian

Surprise Rating: Midly Astonished

3. Billericay Town, P 10 Pts 21

Another side who have enjoyed an excellent, and goal laden start to the campaign, Craig Edwards’ side have really impressed with seven wins from their last eight matches in all competitions during which time they’ve scored 22 goals and conceded just twice. Their pair of signings from Thurrock have been amongst the goals, Rob Swaine and David Knight both have 6 to their name, and Jay May has 4. The signing of Adam Thompson looks to have been a key component to ‘Ricay’s recent success and they look well set for a play off charge.

Top Scorer: Rob Swaine, David Knight – 6

Next Fixture: A v Met. Police

Surprise Rating: Contentedly

4. Hendon, P 9 Pts 20

No one, and I mean no one foresaw this start by the Greens, least of all myself. It hasn’t always been pretty, but it’s been mightily effective. Just seven goals conceded in all competitions so far, progression to the 3^rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup and a pair of strikers bang in form. Greg Ngoyi is really looking the part up front with his selfless performances up front and new boys James Archer and Carl McCluskey have been especially impressive additions to the squad from lower levels. The influence of Junior Lewis as coach is clear, and there is a growing belief around Vale Farm that the kind of mid-season collapse we saw last season may be a thing of the past. I for one am hoping it is.

Top Scorer: Greg Ngoyi – 6

Next Fixture: A v Hastings United

Surprise Rating: Very very very pleasantly

5. Lewes, P 10, Pts 20

Lewes have been the opposition I’ve been most impressed with this season so far, and that I think we gained our best result of the season thus far against. Strong, well organised and classy, the only thing that will stop the Sussex side cruising into the play offs will be injury and suspension problems. With a 100% record remaining at home and with an early FA Cup exit possibly proving to be a blessing in disguise, I imagine Steve King and most Lewes faithful would have taken a tally of 20 points from their first 10 matches, particularly after the struggles they’ve faced over the last 3 seasons.

Top Scorer: Michael Malcolm – 5

Next Fixture: A v Canvey Island

Surprise Rating: Not particularly

6. AFC Hornchurch, P 11, Pts 19

Lurking ominously just outside the play-offs and having shaken off the three straight defeats that blighted the beginning of their season, things are looking good for the Urchins. Martin Tuohy remains one of the most feared strikers in the division, despite having gone 5 goalless games, and with the return of Rickie Hayles from East Thurrock strengthening an already strong looking back line, I fully expect the Urchins to remain hovering in and around the play offs for the remainder of the season.

Top Scorer: Martin Tuohy – 7

Next Fixture: A v East Thurrock United

Surprise Rating: Nil

7. Bury Town, P 10 Pts 19

It’s been a bit of an up and down start to the season for Bury with impressive showings at Canvey Island, and AFC Hornchurch mixing with disappointing defeats at home to Met Police and Redbridge in the FA Cup. The squad, although full of quality may be a little threadbare and need a little reinforcing when the pitches worsen and injuries may bite. Marcus Garnham has been particularly impressive with the gloves, and the goals have been well shared around. They may well need one of the Reed brothers or Daniel Cunningham to step up and score regularly to ensure they remain in the play off hunt.

Top Scorer: Daniel Cunnigham, Sam Reed – 3

Next Fixture: H v Leatherhead

Surprise Rating: A tad

Best In Show? Marcus Garnham, Bury's In-form stopper

8. Canvey Island, P 10, Pts 19

Canvey bounced back in fine style from their opening day defeat at home to Carshalton with five wins on the bounce that pushed them well up the table alongside the early pacesetters. However, that form has fizzled out slightly and they are now without a win in their last 3 matches, including a surprise 3-0 defeat at home to Aveley. Rob King continues to provide goals from midfield, and the return to fitness of Jason Hallett ought to boost their goal output a little as well as they look to return to winning ways as soon as they can.

Top Scorer: Rob King, Danny Heale – 5

Next Fixture: H v Lewes

Surprise Rating: Couldn’t be less

9. Metropolitan Police, P 10, Pts 18

An American fan’s dream, the Fuzz appear not to believe in drawing matches. They’ve done well in their first season of Premier Division football beating most of the sides who are struggling early on (with the notable exception of Bury Town) and with Stafforde Palmer providing plenty of goals along side Carl Wilson-Denis who has spent much of the season on the bench. Whether they’ll be able to push for the play-offs or be happy to consolidate towards the top half of the table remains very much to be seen, but Jim Cooper will doubtless be extremely happy with their start.

Top Scorer: Stafforde Palmer – 6

Next Fixture: H v Billericay Town

Surprise Rating: Pretty

10. Wingate & Finchley, P 10, Pts 16

Wingate had a blinding start to the season with four wins and a draw from their opening five matches as they took the momentum from last season’s successful conclusion through to the beginning of this season. Since losing to Canvey Island four weeks ago however, they’ve picked up just one win and lost their other five fixtures, letting in fifteen goals in the process. Dave Norman has made two or three new signings to freshen things up, and whilst Leon Smith remains at the club, they’ll pack a goal threat. They need a win sooner rather than later though to arrest this slump and get themselves back on track.

Top Scorer: Leon Smith – 9

Next Fixture: H v Harrow Borough

Surprise Rating: Incredibly then not so

11. Wealdstone, P 11, Pts 13

Not quite the start the Stones faithful had anticipated, particularly after three consecutive wins against Bury Town, Leatherhead and Kingstonian looked to have kick-started their season. However, a surprise defeat against Beaconsfield SYCOB in the FA Cup began a run of form that has seen them score just twice in their last six matches, five of which have been lost. Frustration seems to be building off the pitch, but there is more than enough quality in the side to turn their season around and get them heading back towards the play offs.

Top Scorer: Richard Jolly – 6

Next Fixture: H v Lowestoft Town

Surprise Rating: Not that much of one

12. Tooting & Mitcham United, P 10, Pts 12

I said earlier in the season that Tooting were as likely to win 4-0 as lose 4-0 in any given fixture. To borrow from Churchill, they’re a mystery wrapped in an enigma etc. Mark Beard has been unable or unwilling to select a settled side, which has shown in their erratic results so far this season but things seem to be slowly settling down. 12^th is a fair start considering the chopping and changing on the pitch, and although the 25 goals currently showing in the ‘Against’ column will concern fans, there is a good opportunity for the club to improve on their 14^th placed finish last season.

Top Scorer: Kiernan Hughes-Mason – 3

Next Fixture: H v Aveley

Surprise Rating: Very and yet not really simultaneously

13. Margate, P 9, Pts 11

I’ll be honest, Margate’s start has surprised me. Good away, anything but at home. Chris Kinnear has a settled squad down at Hartsdown Park that looks on paper better than 13^th place. Home form will be a worry, as will the lack of goals from sources that aren’t Tom Bradbrook and Kwesi Appiah, whose 5 goals in midweek at Thamesmead took him into double figures for the season. Ian Pulman has just signed for a month from Eastbourne Borough and I’m expecting their climb up the table to be a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’.

Top Scorer: Kwesi Appiah – 11

Next Fixture: H v Carshalton Athletic

Surprise Rating: Quite

Kwesi couldn't be Appiah when scoring goals.

14. Harrow Borough, P 10, Pts 10

New manager, usual old Boro. Only they could follow a 4-0 home defeat against Cray with a 2-1 win at Lowestoft 3 days later. Dave Anderson is slowly improving the squad and getting them settled down which will no doubt keep them well away from relegation trouble. Jon-Jo Bates is just beginning to find his feet and score some important goals whilst Rob Wolleaston, formerly with Oxford United and Weymouth looks a great addition on paper. All signs point towards ‘fine’.

Top Scorer: Jon-Jo Bates – 5

Next Fixture: A v Wingate & Finchley

Surprise Rating: Not. At. All.

15. Kingstonian, P 9, Pts 10

The play offs beckon. If they played Hendon just before Christmas then I’d be backing them to go down, now they’ve got us out of the way and beaten, I think they’ll end up going from strength to strength. There’s no doubt that their start to the season has been disappointing, but again Alan Dowson looks to have found a winning formula, albeit maybe slightly later than he might have liked, but wins over us and Lewes show signs of turning the corner. Ali Chaaban looks a superb signing on paper and Bobby Traynor is still a dangerous customer in front of goal. Perhaps of most encouragement to K’s fans will be the two consecutive clean sheets in those games.

Top Scorer: Bobby Traynor – 5

Next Fixture: H v Cray Wanderers

Surprise Rating: Massively pre-Hendon, Bemused during Hendon, Not really post Hendon

16. Hastings United, P 10, Pts 10

Saturday’s opponents have endured (rather than enjoyed) a tough start to the new season, Jason Hopkinson’s first full season in charge of the Us. Wins over East Thurrock and Kingstonian have been offset by defeats against Wingate, Bury, Carshalton, Cray and Billericay, whilst games against other sides in and around them have been drawn. Their big problem appears to be in front of goal where none of the strikers look like being the 15-20 goal a season man clubs at any level need. Now I’ve said that, one of them will doubtless smash a treble past our back four tomorrow. Unless Hopkinson can sort that issue, it looks like a long winter ahead for the Hastings faithful.

Top Scorer: Matt Hall, Fred Foreman – 2

Next Fixture: H v Hendon

Surprise Rating: Sadly not really

17. Carshalton Athletic, P 9, Pts 10

This wasn’t in the script. Not on the pitch anyway. With strife on the terraces and off the pitch, the talented bunch of players Paul Dipre had got together in the summer were supposed to gel and fire the Robins to championship glory. It hasn’t happened. Players have got injured, there’s no space to find the money to bring in replacements, others have underperformed and they’re being led by a man who appears to have as much tactical nous as an Italian General. The impression remains that he can bring in as many players as he likes, but until a genuine manager able to mould a side is appointed, relegation looks ever more realistic a proposition than the play offs ever really did.

Top Scorer: Dean McDonald, Paul Vines – 3

Next Fixture: A v Margate

Surprise Rating: Genuinely astonished despite my better judgement.

18. East Thurrock United, P 9, Pts 8

It’s been a tough start, but the Rocks have stayed in touch with the middle of the table despite a lack of fire power. They will be hoping that the return of Sam Higgins from injury will now give them the launch pad to push up the table whilst Petric Elbi will be looking to transfer the form that has given him 4 goals in 3 FA Cup matches into the league. Sam Collins looks a good signing as well and Kris Newby is beginning to settle back into familiar surroundings. I still think they’ll be ok.

Top Scorer: Petric Elbi – 4

Next Fixture: H v AFC Hornchurch

Surprise Rating: -9

19. Aveley, P 10, Pts 7

Carl Griffiths has found the going touch in his first full season at Field Mill as Aveley have struggled to replicate the impact they had on the division a couple of years ago. Micah Hyde has done well in midfield and the recent addition of Paul Shave looks good, whilst Sherwin Stanley shoulders much of the goal burden on his shoulders if they are to haul themselves out of trouble. The first win at Canvey Island hasn’t been built on with a disappointing midweek home defeat against Met Police. It looks like a long season ahead unfortunately.

Top Scorer: Sherwin Stanley – 4

Next Fixture: A v Tooting & Mitcham

Surprise Rating: Not even vaguely I’m afraid

20. Horsham, P 9 Pts 6

Six straight defeats tells its own story down at Gorings Mead and that is in spite of boasting only the second man in double figures for goals so far this season, the hitherto unheralded Tony Nwachukwu. Without his goals it is difficult to know exactly just what kind of mire the Hornets would find themselves in as Justin Luchford continues to search for the winning combination. He will need to keep Nwachukwu fit and firing, never mind at the club if they are going to haul themselves up the table. At the moment, and with little room to play financially, things don’t look good for the Sussex side. This weekend’s match against Concord Rangers looks enormous.

Top Scorer: Tony Nwachukwu – 10

Next Fixture: H v Concord Rangers

Surprise Rating: As expected sadly.

21. Concord Rangers, P 9, Pts 4

Somehow, the Essex side are still winless. After witnessing them first hand in the season opener at Vale Farm I was impressed by them and thought they would prove dangerous opponents and very hard to beat. Another play off tilt didn’t look beyond them. The opposite has proven the case and even the return from injury of Tony Stokes hasn’t yet ignited their season. On the plus side, Kyle Asante looks a good signing up front. Anything less than a win tomorrow at Horsham could have dire consequences for the Beachboys both in the long and short-terms, particularly coming off the back of an FA Cup replay defeat against Wroxham.

Top Scorer: Kyle Asante – 3

Next Fixture: A v Horsham

Surprise Rating: Enormously

22. Leatherhead, P 9, Pts 2

The first manager this season to fall was Mick Sullivan as Leatherhead have found adjusting to life at a higher level tougher than many expected. Players have already been and gone through the door with slightly alarming regularity whilst former Sittingbourne bosses Richard Brady and Jamie Coyle have so far shown faith in those already at the club. Hopefully they’ll be able to get themselves going before too long and put up a fight against relegation, but it’ll need to begin pretty quickly.

Top Scorer: Greg Andrews, Danny Gainsford – 3

Next Fixture: A v Bury Town

Surprise Rating: In spite of my predictions, mild shock has still struck.

There we go then, there’s still a long way to go and a lot of time for things to change as doubtless they will. There’s some big games coming up this weekend at both ends of the table, some managers who could really do with a win if they’re not going to find themselves coming under extreme pressure whilst others can continue to bask in the relative glory of an unheralded beginning. Whatever happens over the next six and a half months, everyone needs to be watchful. Football has that annoying habit of biting you on the arse when you least need it to.

For the next 24 hours at least, I, personally, can remain contented.

Dons Still Top as Trawlerboys and Gulls Close Gap

The Weekend Review

Good morning my little ones, and thanks for taking the time to read my review of the weekend action in the Ryman League Premier Division, which brought smiles for some and tears for others. As ever, there was plenty to get ones gnashers into so let’s begin with Leatherhead’s first point of the season at Field Mill.

Simmons On The Spot For Tanners

Aveley 1-1 Leatherhead (Prediction 1-2)

Leatherhead finally opened their account for the season with a well deserved 1-1 draw at fellow winless side Aveley, the Millers picking up their 4^th draw in their opening 5 matches. After a strong start by the away side, much prompted by the returning Jack MacLeod, who signed in the week from Kingstonian, Aveley took the lead before the break through Micah Hyde’s first goal for the club, swerving a shot away from Chico Ramos into the corner of the net. Leatherhead changed things around at the break with Kev Terry replacing Greg Andrews and they went on to have the better of the 2^nd period. After being denied what they thought was a clear penalty for handball after a Terry shot was blocked on the line, with 20 minutes they got their reward for their endeavours. Mark Simmons’ header was blocked by a hand and this time, the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Simmons blasted home the penalty and drew the sides level. The Tanners continued to press before Michael Akande was dismissed for an alleged head-butt, with Danny Gainsford going close and Craig Davies forcing a good save from Dave McCartney but ended up having to settle for a point.

Ricay Destroy Hapless K’s

Billericay Town 6-0 Kingstonian (Prediction 2-3)

After looking like they’d turned the corner on Monday with a thumping win at Tooting, 3 goals in 12 first half minutes suggested that it wasn’t so much a bend as a whacking great hairpin bend that the Kingstonian juggernaut was negotiating. Without Bobby Traynor leading the attack, the K’s found themselves on the back foot early on with Jay May and Sam Berry both going close. The deadlock was broken after 18 minutes when Junior Luke shrugged off the attentions of Bash Alimi and his cross was finished with aplomb by Paul Semakula for his 2^nd goal of the campaign. Rob Swaine was then left unmarked twice to head home two crosses to ensure a pretty comfortable half time for the Blues, and quite the opposite for the K’s. Courtenay White came off the bench in the 2^nd half to engineer the transition from thrashing to rout, setting up May for his 3^rd goal of the season, nabbing one himself before fellow sub Harrison Chatting completed the scoring and a very good afternoon’s work for Craig Edwards’ side. For Alan Dowson, he was left promising changes after this debacle. He has Traynor, the arrival of Rocky Baptiste, Tom Bird and Chris Page to come back in, but there is a suggestion that maybe bigger surgery and ‘Dowson Day 2’ may well be required to turn around the Surrey side’s season.

Penalty King Rob Spot On Again

Canvey Island 1-0 Harrow Borough (Prediction 2-0)

I could just copy and paste the summary of Canvey’s previous game against East Thurrock for this. Home attack comes up against strong defence, strong defence gives away penalty, Rob King scores penalty, Canvey win game. 12 points out of 15, 4 wins on the spin. 3^rd place. Simple as.

Duane Ofori-Achaempong. Debuted for Harrow at Canvey. Literally head and shoulders above his team-mates

Gray Day for Rocks at Cray

Cray Wanderers 3-0 East Thurrock (Prediction 1-1)

Cray extended their unbeaten run to 4 matches with a comfortable 3-0 win over East Thurrock who have now not won since the opening day of the season. The visitors included new signings Rickie Hayles and Kris Newby in a bid to get themselves going again but to no avail. Hayles nodded just wide early on being adjudged to have fouled Leigh Bremner in the penalty area. Tommy Whitnell beat Richard Wray from the spot to give the Ambers the lead for his 3^rd goal of the season. Jack Clark extended the lead calmly picking up the rebound after Bremner had crashed his shot off the underside of the bar and picked his spot beyond Wray. After the break the Rocks showed more attacking intent and forced a couple of saves from Andy Walker in the Cray goal, it wasn’t until stoppage time that the 3 points were secured when Bremner beat the offside trap and although Wray did well to block the striker’s first effort, he was unfortunate to see the follow up loop up into the net off of his foot to claim his 6^th goal of the campaign already. After a disastrous start, Cray are looking very strong and like they could mount a challenge for the play offs. Tommy Whitnell and Leigh Bremner already have 9 league goals between them. There may be question marks over their ability to cope with an injury to either man, but for the moment, things look good for the men from Kent.

Old McDonald Makes Hay

Hastings United 0-2 Carshalton Athletic (Prediction 1-2)

Carshalton picked up their first points, goals and win since opening day with a comfortable win on the south coast against erratic Hastings United. Dean McDonald, returning to the starting line-up after being left out of the XI that lost at Cray was the Robins hero with both goals. Josh Jirbandey had already headed wide for the hosts before the opening goal after 16 minutes courtesy of a free kick from McDonald that took a heavy deflection on its way past Lloyd Anderson in the United net. Shortly before the half hour mark, Tom Davis was dismissed for his second booking as the referee deemed his fall in the penalty area as ‘simulation’. What a god awful description that is for diving or plain old cheating. Hastings failed to make the most of their man advantage and wasted a couple of good openings before McDonald sealed things for the visitors with a very smart turn and finish after good work from Billy Crook four minutes after the restart. The die was cast, the fate of the home side sealed. Nick Hamann was far from overworked and Hastings slipped into the bottom 4. Next up for them is a trip to Concord, who are still winless. A big match for both sides in the bid to try and propel themselves up the table as soon as they can. Carshalton meanwhile will be feeling a degree of relief after 3 straight defeats, and will now be looking to get themselves on a little run to climb the table. Off the field at Colston Avenue, news came of the resignation due to work commitments of chairman Alan Walker. It is understood that an announcement as to his replacement will be forthcoming soon.

Hendon 2-2 Lewes (Prediction 1-1)

Just a quick plug for a couple of alternative views on yesterday’s match. Firstly from Alan Ainsworth, whom some may know from various Non League forums – his match reports are always well worth a read, full of detail. Secondly, from the excellent blog The Ball Is Round by Stuart Fuller.  

This Ball Is Round Too. Not a very good read though.

  Bradbrook Downs Homesick Hornets

Horsham 1-2 Margate (Prediction 2-1)

Horsham’s wait for their first home points of the season continues as a Tom Bradbrook inspired Margate picked up their 1^st away win of the campaign to move up to 8^th in the table. The home side, who included new signings Russell Eldridge from Burgess Hill Town and centre half Calum McGeehah from Thamesmead Town were distinctly 2^nd best in the first period and perhaps fortunate not to be more than the single Bradbrook strike behind at the break. The goal came after Matt Armstrong-Ford fumbled a Matt Bodkin cross and Bradbrook knocked the loose ball home. After the break Horsham began to work Jack Smelt in the Gate goal and Eldridge forced him into a good stop from a free kick. Bradbrook then headed a superb cross from Curtis Robinson tamely at Armstrong-Ford and was made to pay as Tony Nwachukwu grabbed the equaliser, and his 5^th goal of the campaign racing clear onto a pass to slip the ball low past Smelt. Any feelings of relief or elation were short lived however as it took just a couple of minutes for the away side to claim the points. Bradbrook added his 2^nd goal of the afternoon with a brilliant free kick from the best part of 30 yards. A goal worthy of winning any match. Both sides had chances to add to the scoreline but in the end, Horsham were left to lick their wounds after their 3^rd consecutive defeat at Gorings Mead whilst Margate were able to celebrate a return to winning ways after a couple of disappointing results against Lowestoft and Hastings.

Trawlerboys Cut Frew Concord Like A Knife Through Gravy

Lowestoft Town 5-0 Concord Rangers (Prediction 3-0)

The Trawlerboys leapt to the top of the table for 24 hours with a 5 goal demolition of Concord Rangers whose disappointing winless start to the season is in danger of being filed under ‘torrid’. As so often already this term, Lubo Guentchev and Michael Frew were the main protagonists for Lowestoft finishing with 2 goals apiece to take their respective tallies for the campaign to 5 and 4, whilst Matt Nolan added the fifth to complete an ominous looking win for the Suffolk title favourite in front of an impressive crowd of 701. Lowestoft take their 15 goal attack to Leatherhead on Saturday, whilst Concord will be mightily eager to avoid 2^nd season syndrome developing to strongly as they host Hastings United. It might be a little early to be calling the match ‘must win’, but it isn’t far off if they want to stay in touch with the clubs just above them.

Urchins Tuohy Good for Fuzz

Met Police 0-2 AFC Hornchurch (Prediction 1-1)

AFC Hornchurch picked up a comfortable 2-0 win at Imber Court as they got their season back on track. Joe Wooley became the third man to take the number 1 shirt for the Urchins this season as he replaced Trinidadian Kelvin Jack between the posts and he enjoyed a fairly straightforward afternoon with one good save denying Stafforde Palmer. It wasn’t until the 2^nd half that the breakthrough was made and it was Martin Tuohy who glanced home after Aaron Gayle beat Jamie Butler to the ball to give the away side a well deserved lead. With 12 minutes remaining, the points were sealed when Tuohy linked well with substitute Jo Flack who was able to touch the ball confidently past Butler for his 2^nd goal of the season. Tambeson Eyong forced Butler into a quite brilliant save to stop the Urchins running away with things and having to settle with a 2 goal victory. Met Police travel to Wingate tonight and will be keen to pick up their first points on the road this term, Hornchurch will be hoping a corner has been turned and that lady luck is smiling on them a little more than she may have done so far this term. Tooting up next for the Urchins.

Marc Weathers Terrors Storm

Tooting & Mitcham United 1-1 Wingate & Finchley (Prediction 1-3)

Wingate became the penultimate side to lose their 100% record when they were held to a draw by Tooting at Imperial Fields on Saturday. The hosts included Joe O’Cearuill, Jay Lovett and new signings Malik Aboulai (St. Albans) and Wade Small (Lewes) for the first time this season whilst Wingate made just one change to the side that comprehensively beat Wealdstone on Bank Holiday Monday. The hosts began the stronger and got their reward when Jordan Wilson broke into space and fired home past Bobby Smith from outside the penalty area, leaving Wingate behind for the first time this season. The visitors then began to enjoy more possession without creating much whilst Tooting, and particularly Fola Onijube were very dangerous on the break. The equaliser came midway through the first period when Marc Weatherstone headed home Lewis Jones’ corner. David Laird went close with a free kick before a feisty, but tightly contested 2^nd half ended with the dismissal of Wingate sub Ahmet Rifat for a high challenge in stoppage time. A point apiece, and Wingate remain unbeaten.

Joe O'Cearuill: New face in Tooting Defence

Kieran Stones’ Knight In Shining Armour

Wealdstone 3-1 Bury Town (Prediction 3-2)

Wealdstone picked up their first win at the 5^th time of asking when coming from behind to beat a Bury Town side that was reduced to 10 men in the first half after Karl Leabon saw red for an elbow on Lee Chappell. Sam Reed gave the away side the lead 6 minutes before the break with one of their first efforts on target as he was given the freedom of the far post to head home. Marcus Garnham kept them ahead at half time making an excellent save from Wes Parker before Knight finally beat him with 25 minutes remaining of the 2^nd half firing home after the goalkeeper had done well to push out Chappell’s powerful drive. Moments later, Knight had his 2^nd goal of the afternoon smashing home after good work by sub Jake Parsons and Kurtney Brooks. Garnham then denied Jolly as Stones threatened to run riot before having to retire with a foot injury. Substitute goalkeeper Stephen Fenner came on and was powerless to prevent Alex Dyer from sealing the win for the home side as he side-footed home Jolly’s flick on. The Stones are now up and running and will be looking to add to Kingstonian’s woes at the weekend whilst Bury will be wanting to bounce back quickly against Met Police to winning ways.

Weekend Ryman Review / Midweek Predictions

It was an intruiging weekend of Ryman Premier Division football where the scarcity of goals (Hornchurch's match excepted) was more than made up for with some very interesting results. A match by match review can be found below.

Aveley 0-0 Kingstonian (Prediction 1-3)

A good point for Aveley, and time may prove this to be a good point for Kingstonian as well having had to play with 10 men for more than an hour following the dismissal of Tom Bird for what was deemed to be a reckless and dangerous challenge on Donovan Wilson 20 minutes into the match. Rob Tolfrey, Gary MacDonald and Tom Hutchison were by all accounts excellent as they kept a lively Aveley side at bay, whilst Bobby Traynor and Allan Tait both forced good saves from Dave McCartney in the Aveley goal before half time. The hosts best chances fell to Ellis Remy in the first period but he was unable to stretch Tolfrey unduly. The K’s custodian did make good saves from Reed and Bonnet-Johnson in the 2^nd period to keep them on terms whilst Sam Clayton could have snatched the 3 points for the visitors late on but his header was off target. The K’s will be hoping to kick start their season tonight against Horsham whilst next up for Aveley is a tough looking trip to Margate

Aveley Next Match: Tomorrow A v Margate

Kingstonian Next Match: Today H v Horsham

Billericay Town 2-1 Leatherhead (Prediction 2-0)

The Tanners were the only of the promoted sides not to record a win on Saturday as Billericay came from behind to take the points at New Lodge. The visitors, playing their first Premier Division match since 1983 began well and took a 12^th minute lead through new signing Danny Gainsford, heading home Mark Simmons’ cross at the far post. Greg Andrews went close to extending that advantage but was denied by Nick Morgan before ‘Ricay worked their way into the game. Jay May twice went close before Chico Ramos was caught in possession outside his penalty area and Benson Kpaka lifted the ball into the vacant net for the equaliser. After the break the Blues came out much the stronger and got the reward their endeavours merited when Junior Luke was allowed time and space in the penalty area 18 minutes from time to beat Ramos and seal the three points for the Essex side. Billericay travel to Harrow tomorrow looking to make it 2 wins from 2, whilst Leatherhead will be looking to bounce back at home to Tooting and Mitcham.

Billericay Next Match: Tomorrow A v Harrow Borough

Leatherhead Next Match: Tomorrow H v Tooting & Mitcham

Canvey Island 1-2 Carshalton Athletic (Prediction 1-1)

The new look and much fancied Robins got off to the perfect start at Park Lane with a 2-1 win over a strong looking Canvey Island outfit. Kevin Dobinson got Canvey off to a decent start with the opener after 18 minutes before Ryman fans everywhere fainted in shock as the news that Dean Lodge had been brought down inside the penalty area 7 minutes later. Dean McDonald duly applied the finish from the spot. Paul Vines grabbed the winner from a Lodge right wing cross with 18 minutes remaining and although Canvey hit the bar late on through substitute Ellis Skidmore, Carshalton held on to record an impressive away win. A good review of the day is available here by Stuart Fuller, a Robins fan. Carshalton meet Wealdstone at Colston Avenue tomorrow evening whilst Canvey travel to AFC Hornchurch looking to get their first points on the board.

Canvey Island Next Match: Tomorrow A v AFC Hornchurch

Carshalton Next Match: Tomorrow H v Wealdstone

Hastings United 0-1 Wingate & Finchley (Prediction 0-1 – BONG!)

Klaxons blare at the wonder of a correct scoreline. Wingate got life in the Premier Division off to the perfect start by the Sussex coast coming away with an impressive 1-0 win thanks to a strike by Leon Smith in the 31^st minute after being allowed time and space to pick his spot and fire past Lloyd Anderson in the United goal. The home side forced just one save of note from Wingate keeper Bobby Smith – an acrobatic save from a deflected Fred Foreman free kick late on as the home side in the words of their own match report, were ‘left to face up to the fact that they simply failed to adequately test a far from watertight looking Wingate defence enough to have merited anything more than they got from the contest.’ All of which left the headline writers delighted at the prospects of writing up another ‘Norman’ conquest at Hastings. Hastings face another successful newly promoted side tomorrow in East Thurrock United whilst Wingate host Lowestoft Town.

Hastings Next Match: Tomorrow A v East Thurrock United

Wingate Next Match: Tomorrow H v Lowestoft Town

Horsham 1-3 Bury Town (Prediction 0-3)

An early 2-0 lead gave the away side an early cushion to protect and gave Justin Luchford’s new look Horsham side a mountain to climb to get anything from the game as the points headed back to Suffolk. A bright opening from the Hornets was ruined in the space of two minutes as first Russell Short fired home from the edge of the penalty area and then Lee Smith was allowed the freedom of West Sussex to slide home a second goal after good work from his namesake Stephen. Bury had further chances to extend their lead before the home side grabbed a lifeline 5 minutes before the break. Daniel Morris, who had been prolific in pre-season converting Callum Dunne’s pull back in emphatic fashion. The home side continued to press for an equaliser after the break with Tony Nwakachu particularly dangerous but the game was sealed for Bury 10 minutes from time when ‘Teletext Cup Hero’ Roy Essandoh ran onto a long clearance, held off the attentions of a defender and fired home to effectively kill off the spirited home side. Bury meet Hendon tomorrow evening at home whilst Horsham will be looking to take the positives from Saturday into tonight’s game at Kingsmeadow.

Horsham Next Match: Tonight A v Kingstonian

Bury Next Match: Tomorrow H v Hendon

Lowestoft Town 3-1 Lewes (Prediction 1-1)

An excellent start for my title tips Lowestoft Town as they came from a goal down and a man down to beat fellow fancied side Lewes in convincing fashion at Crown Meadow. You may remember back in the days of the old 1^st Division, Lee Dixon sending a measured chip over the head of David Seaman at Highbury in a game against Coventry City. Greg Crane managed a similar feat in just the 6^th minute to give the away side the perfect start, although it was more of a calm lob than measured chip. Dominic Sterling and Ian Draycott went close to extending that lead before Andrew Cave-Brown volleyed home the equaliser. Crane then compounded his own personal misery by being dismissed for foul and abusive language before the break leaving his side a man short for the 2^nd period. The Trawlerboys made light of their numerical advantage however as Lubo Guentchev continued his hot streak of goalscoring since moving from Hendon as he netted from close range straight from the restart after good work from Matt Nolan and then Chris Henderson, the former Bury Town man made it 3-1 on the break sliding home a low Guentchev cross at the far post to seal Lewes’ fate. Lowestoft will be looking to carry on where they left off at Wingate tomorrow while Lewes host Met Police on Wednesday night looking to get their season underway.

Lowestoft Next Match: Tomorrow A v Wingate & Finchley

Lewes Next Match: Tomorrow H v Met. Police

Met Police 1-0 Harrow Borough (Prediction 2-1)

The Met enjoyed their first ever match in the Isthmian Premier Division as a late Ty Smith penalty spoiled Dave Anderson’s start as manager of Harrow Borough. A strong looking Met side, including goalkeeper Jamie Butler late of Tooting and who I thought had signed for Lincoln created a number of chances against Anderson’s new look Borough side but all were spurned before the 78^th minute spot kick awarded after Stafforde Palmer was fouled in the area. Midfielder Smith stepped up and confidently beat Nick Pope to give the home side the perfect start to life in the Premier Division. They travel to Lewes on Wednesday evening whilst Harrow will be looking to get off the mark at home to Billericay tomorrow.

Met Police Next Match: Wednesday A v Lewes

Harrow Borough Next Match: Tomorrow H v Billiericay Town

Tooting & Mitcham 0-1 East Thurrock United (Prediction 1-1)

The Rocks became the third of the promoted sides to enjoy an opening day 1-0 win coming away from Imperial Fields with a single goal victory thanks to a late strike from former Hendon loanee Kayan Kalipha. The away side had the better chances of the first half with Simon Lekhyj twice called into action whilst in the second period, Reece Hall and Karl Beckford both came close to opening the scoring for the home side. The winner came late on when a hopeful cross into the danger area by Kalipha dropped over Lekhyj and inside the far post to give John Coventry’s side the points. A frustrating afternoon then for Mark Beard’s side who will hope that the return on loan from Millwall of last season’s talisman Kiernan Mason-Hughes will provide a boost ahead of tomorrow’s visit to Leatherhead whilst East Thurrock will be looking to continue their good start at home to Hastings United, albeit without the services of assistant boss John Lawrence who has had to stand down due to personal reasons.

Tooting Next Match: Tomorrow A v Leatherhead

East Thurrock Next Match: Tomorrow H v Hastings United

Wealdstone 1-1 Margate (Prediction 2-2)

You suspect had Sven Goran-Eriksson been in charge of Wealdstone he would have summed the performance up this. ‘First half bad, second half not so bad’. Gate took an early lead when Tom Bradbrook’s cross was bundled home in the 6^th minute by Kwesi Appiah and then comfortably dealt with any threat offered by the Stones whilst Appiah was denied a second goal after rounding the Jonathan North only by a last ditch clearance by the Stones defence. They continued to press before the break but were unable to add to their lead. Stones boss Gordon Bartlett rearranged his side at the break bringing on Jake Parsons for the disappointing Danny Spendlove and Tom O’Regan for Darren Locke. The two new faces transformed the game in the home side’s favour giving them added impetous down either flank. Indeed, it was O’Regan who netted the equaliser in spectacular style from 20 years out. Peter Dean and Wes Parker had been narrowly off target with headers before this and they continued to search for the winner late on. Wayne Wilson nearly snatched the points for the Gate late on as his long range drive narrowly evaded the post, but in the end both sides were left reasonably happy with a point after the archetypal ‘game of two halves’.

Wealdstone Next Match: Tomorrow A v Carshalton

Margate Next Match: Tomorrow H v Aveley

Cray Wanderers 2-5 AFC Hornchurch (Prediction 1-2)

The Urchins stole to the top of the table yesterday afternoon in emphatic fashion with a five goal salvo that stunned Cray at Hayes Lane. Leigh Bremner gave the home side an early lead with a deft header from a free kick before the floodgates opened five minutes before half time. Michael Spencer took a free kick wide on the right hand side that sailed over Andy Walker, who looked as if he may have been impeded by Frankie Curley and into the net. There was no doubting the second goal on the stroke of half time as Martin Tuohy swiveled and volleyed home a dropping cross from Dave McSweeney in fine style (see video below). Four minutes after the break Tuohy added his second of the afternoon after Cray failed to clear a corner before Tommy Black made it 4-1 breaking from his own half, rounding Walker and coolly beating the two men on the line. Bremner added his own 2^nd late on to give the scoreline a tinge of respectability before substitute Jo Flack added the gloss to Hornchurch’s afternoon in time added on seizing on an awful error by Walker to slide home his side’s fifth. The Urchins meet Canvey Island tomorrow whilst Cray travel to Canvey to play Concord Rangers hoping for a better performance defensively.

Cray Next Match: Tomorrow A v Concord Rangers

Hornchurch Next Match: Tomorrow H v Canvey Island

Midweek Predictions 

As the midweek programme kicks off this evening at Kingsmeadow, I've decided to post my predictions below. I'll be previewing Hendon's game at Bury Town in more detail tomorrow but after a fair effort prediction wise this weekend, it's time to put my neck on the line once more.

Kingstonian 2-0 Horsham

AFC Hornchurch 2-0 Canvey Island

Carshalton Athletic 1-1 Wealdstone

Concord Rangers 2-0 Cray Wanderers

East Thurrock United 2-0 Hastings United

Harrow Borough 1-1 Billiericay Town

Leatherhead 1-2 Toonting & Mitcham United

Margate 3-1 Aveley

Wingate & Finchely 0-2 Lowestoft Town

Lewes 3-0 Met. Police