SATURDAY 02 FEBRUARY 2008

Blue Square South

As expected the eagerly awaited encounter between fifth placed County and the surprise packet of Blue Square South provided a fascinating clash of styles.  County are, at their best an attractive attacking side who use the width of the field to good effect and attack with pace and sharpness, while Hampton are a physically imposing outfit who are much more direct in their style, but have a well-rehearsed game plan and a squad of players with no apparent frailties. 

The football talking points were however once again outweighed by the discussions about the appalling deficiencies of the match referee Antony Coggins.  It would appear ageist to question the appointment purely because of the relative youth of the official from Bicester, and even Pierluigi Collina had to start somewhere, but posting him to this fixture will probably set back his development as an official. 

His decision to award Hampton a 19th minute penalty astonished both sides.  Steve Jenkins made as clean a tackle as any in his long career, sending the ball towards the corner flag, and when Coggins pointed towards the goalmouth, the visitors appealed for the corner which they rightfully thought was theirs.  It just did not seem possible, but the young referee was actually indicating a penalty.

The County skipper and his 10 colleagues immediately converged upon the hapless youth who must by now have realised the gravity of his error.  However, he did not use the get-out option of consulting his assistant and reversing his decision, and, when play was eventually resumed, ELLIOTT GODFREY understandably declined to do the decent thing, instead finding the net from the penalty despite the effort of Glyn Thompson who got both hands to the shot.  The subdued nature of the celebration spoke volumes!

From that moment on, Coggins was like a rabbit in the glare of headlights whenever a decision was called for, and his absurd posturing did not compensate for his lack of authority.  He seemed to suffer from stage fright and confused players and spectators alike with his decisions.  The problems the game faces with the quality of officiating are highlighted every week on televised matches, and here, in sixth grade football, standards of refereeing are very disappointing.

By the time of the intervention of the man in black, County were holding a 1-0 lead courtesy of CHARLIE GRIFFIN’s sixth minute goal when a failed attempt to clear by Beavers’ keeper Matt Lovett was returned with interest as County’s top scorer netted his 16th goal of the season from 20 yards.  The team’s other ace marksman CRAIG HUGHES took his tally for the season to 13, and became the fifth to reach a half century for the present club, when he rose to head home after a superb build-up from Jason Bowen and Lee Fowler to restore home advantage on 25 minutes.  Guppy has been a credit to himself and the club since joining in October 2005, producing exemplary determination and effort in every game, added to a sure touch in front of goal.

County’s lead never looked secure as Hampton showed why they occupy such a lofty perch in the table though, while a second equaliser was always threatened, chances for the visitors were few.  The three man defence of Orlando Jeffrey, Marcello Fernandes and captain Dean Wells looked rock solid and County found it difficult to get wing wizard Jason Bowen into the game.  He gave way for Jermaine Clarke on 76 minutes to supply a physical presence as an attacking spearhead alongside Hughes, with Griffin, who had made some excellent defensive challenges, taking the slot wide on the right.

Two minutes later County’s worst fears were realised when, following a failure to clear a corner, Jeffrey hit the ball into the roof of the net for an equaliser.  County manager Peter Beadle was convinced that Mark Dodds was fouled in the build-up to the goal but the referee has had enough mention already in the narrative part of this report.

Hampton seemed content with their afternoon’s work and it was County who threw caution to the Spytty wind as they looked to win the game.  Clarke was close before a fine move involving the in-form left flank duo of Damon Searle and Richard Evans set up a chance for Griffin that the striker looked certain to score, only for a header of the ‘Toblerone’ variety to send the ball into the grateful hands of Lovett.

All that remained was for Coggins to leave to the anticipated crescendo of jeering from the crowd that his performance had so richly deserved.  It is to be hoped that he reflects and learns from his unfortunate experience.  His major problem was as much with his manner as with his judgement.  The primary role of the match official is to facilitate the game rather than take centre stage, and only then can referees enjoy their role.

Man of the Match:

County: Nathan Davies (non stop effort in midfield)

Hampton: Dean Wells (a strong leader at the back).

Special mention: Bishop’s Stortford and Bognor Regis Town (for beating the top two).

Special mention:                

© Colin Jeremiah