Match Report – Magham Down (League)

East Sussex Football League
Division 3

Magham Down 0-12 South Coast Athletico

Saturday 27th October 2018
Red Lion Field

Chopbacks get back to winning ways in style

After a recent dip in form, South Coast Athletico travelled to Magham Down in a somewhat optimistic mood after a good weeks training for this weekend’s action.

Magham have found themselves on a difficult run of form since the season start due to a quantity of players leaving and new faces coming in, but the Chopbacks prepare for the game in their typical ‘prepare for anything’ fashion.

The game kicked off and Coast got stuck in, playing with a hint of swagger.

It took Luke Darvill only 8 minutes to open up the Chopbacks account after an assured through ball from Penney Ryan.

The hosts looked to respond and put the pressure on coming inches close to scoring four minutes later, but for a recovering sprint and crucial goal line clearance from Jack Bloomfield.

The dogged determination of the team was back in full effect.

The whole team spirit seemed to lift higher and only seconds later, Brad Owens picked out Connor Easton who slotted home to give the visitors some breathing room.

Magham Down tried to assert some authority to prevent the game getting away from them, however Coast had found their form and showed again what a devastating force this group of players can be when playing as a solid group with confidence and flair.

At the 20 minute mark Luke Darvill crossed the ball in towards goal line hero Jack (Joey) Bloomfield, who despite not scoring so far this season struck the ball with a measure of accuracy and confidence that would suggest he’s bagged many.

11 minutes later, Connor Easton chipped the ball over the Magham keepers head and headed the ball in doubling his goal tally.

6 minutes later, Luke Darvill was bought down in the hosts penalty area and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Luke selflessly gave the ball to Captain Connor Easton to take the penalty as he was on a hatrick.

Despite not taking a penalty for many years Easton stepped up and slammed the ball wide of the keeper to claim his accolade.

Brad Owens dug out the ball in midfield in one of his many had fought tackles of the day during the 38th minute, glanced up and smashed his way onto the score sheet from 22 yards making the score 6-0 to the Chopbacks.

Magham Down pressed on with a dogged determination to get something from the game and kept Coast at bay for a while, until the referee blew for half time.

South Coast’s manager Neil Sutcliffe’s half time team talk was focussed on concentration and keeping a clean sheet.

The boys went back on pitch determined not to concede.

Magham were slow out of the blocks and 3 minutes later Luke Darvill played a well weighted through ball releasing Connor Easton to go one-on-one with Magham Downs young goalkeeper, Easton showed his experience and class to slot the ball past and into the net for 7-0.

Coasts midfield battled for the ball at the restart and Penney Ryan took the ball into space, saw Connor Easton on the shoulder of his defender and played him in to score his 5th of the day.

As the 52nd minute ticked along, Brad Owens again won the ball in midfield, powered into space and dispatched another stunning 25yrd effort leaving the keeper no chance.

4 minutes down the road and Jack Bloomfield picked up a loose ball in Maghams defensive 3rd, attacked the space and rifled in a decent strike to grab his brace.

Magham again set to work trying to earn a consolation goal holding the visitors until the 66th minute when the ball found it’s way into Maghams congested 6 yard box, the ball was hard to see for the bodies but Connor Easton latched onto it and found the back of the net, Charley Adams claiming a rare assist.

Just short of the 80th minute, Substitute Mike Hawley smashed the ball at the hosts goal, the ball rebounded and was claimed by Connor Easton once more to become a 7 goal hero!

Magham came close to a consolation as Chopback keeper Ben Tate who had for the most part was just a spectator, was called into action in a one-on-one which Maghams attacking player put just above the bar, the Cat had closed down well and had his angles covered.

The game finished 12-0 bringing Coasts goal difference in line with the teams above them.

After the match Gaffa Neil Sutcliffe said

“The boys produced a huge team performance with every man not just doing his part but going the extra mile for each other time after time. Magham Down were the perfect hosts, very humble and welcoming and we thank them for that. They have the basis of a good team who ultimately just need time playing together and they will grind out results in due course”