Tuesday 04 DECEMBER 2007
Setanta Shield Round 3
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Tuesday 04 DECEMBER 2007 Setanta Shield Round 3 |
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A second visit to the Beveree this season produced a second narrow defeat, but the delight of home officials at the end about the achievement of the victory spoke volumes about the performance of the County squad. League cup competitions have generally lacked the spectator appeal of league and FA Cup matches but the Setanta Shield has its place in the fixture calendar, and our two encounters have provided invaluable experience for several of our fringe and younger players.
Peter Beadle gave a first start to youth team right winger Lewis Waite, and also provided much needed action for Shane Brewer and James Simpson who are both still in their teens, but have perhaps suffered from a lack of opportunities. Mark Dodds lined up alongside Lee Jarman while Tony Pennock had another chance to show his masterly goalkeeping qualities. New striker Jermaine Clarke made his first start after two substitute appearances, while Ashley Evans was named alongside Simpson in a precocious central midfield.
An interesting name in the home line-up was 19 year-old West Ham scholar JACK JEFFREY who has crossed London to spend a month on loan with the Beavers, and it was he who broke the deadlock after 34 minutes of tedium from both sides. The goal seemed to spur County more than their hosts and following a period of pressure a Richard Evans corner on 41 minutes provided the equaliser. Clarke and Lee Jarman challenged, and JAMES SIMPSON directed the loose ball into the net from just inside the area via a couple of deflections from Hampton defenders.
The half-time whistle provided an unwelcome break as County’s momentum built, but with Clarke winning everything in the air and Waite revelling in his first taste of action, the travelling fans looked forward with optimism to the second period. County were close to edging in front with a fine move down the right featuring Ashley Evans ended in Craig Hughes firing just past the near post after Simpson and Dodds were both close to scoring.
Hampton were more direct in their approach but they restored their advantage slightly against the run of play when County’s defence was dragged out of position following a 63rd minute left wing move and SHAWN McAULEY gave Pennock no chance. It was kindergarten time for Beads as Dan Harrison, Scott Armitage and Luke Prosser were all introduced in the 71st minute to leave skipper Steve Jenkins and Richard Evans as the only regulars on the park, while Dodds was moved forward, to leave a defensive trio of Jenkins, Brewer and Harrison, but Hampton were now in the ascendancy and Pennock produced some superb saves worthy of a bigger audience.
Hampton ended as worthy winners so we wish them well, but the experience will have helped the County youngsters, with seven teenagers tasting first team action for the visitors.
Man of the Match: Hampton: Jack Jeffrey (looks an outstanding young striker). County: Tony Pennock (a goalkeeping masterclass). |
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© Colin Jeremiah |
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