Match Report From John Company
31 Aug 2009

Match Report

Brightlingsea Regent vs. West Bergholt
The Champions Provide an Awesome Performance as Fiddler Pulls the Strings in Six Goal Feast.

West Bergholt were too strong for Brightlingsea - a team that opened up the season with eight goals from their opening two matches - and who despite clawing there way back into the game after the break submitted to the power of the champions in a second half blitz that saw new man Robert Fidler score a brace and the visitors gain there third successive league win.

The opening 20 minutes saw both sides totally committed and there was plenty of aggression and referee Mr. Arnot did well to keep the lid on matters as the temperature rose in keeping with the sea side sunshine.

The home side made the worst possible start falling behind in the second minute. Wayne Johnson - who proved a handful throughout - sliced an intended shot without much pace wide of the target and as keeper Mathew Griggs endeavored to gather the ball beyond the width of the six yard box "Bergholt" skipper Simon Ashurst sensing that the keeper was struggling to make the necessary ground intercepted and with Griggs well out of position coolly turned the keeper and drilled his shot between covering defenders to give the visitors the perfect start.

The home defense were hard pressed in the early minutes and Johnson picked up an early yellow card for an over enthusiastic challenge. The offensive play continued as "Bergholt" produced a fine move when Andrew Millar sent a diagonal ball from the left flank finding Ashurst who headed into the path of Jason Sones whose close range shot was deflected for a corner.

Millar then released Damien Saiz down the left and his ensuing cross was headed clear by Simon Levi.

The home side became more prominent and forced a couple of corners but could make little headway.

West Bergholt extended their lead in the 23rd minute. Wayne Johnson shot from 20 yards in the left channel but his shot lacked pace and there appeared no danger until the quick thinking Fidler ran from the right across the face of the goal providing the perfect dummy that allowed the ball to maintain its course and enter the net totally deceiving poor Griggs.

"Bergholt's" Jamie Thomson was the second player to pick up a yellow card and this was followed by a third card to a visiting player that was followed by an untidy gathering of players contesting a challenge but fortunately Mr. Arnot restored order.

Visiting keeper James Barningham did well taking Simon Levi's free kick from the left fully stretched and the keeper was quickly off his line to foil the speedy Ricky Griggs who was pursuing a through ball.

Millar's free kick from the right touch line almost penetrated the home defense except Kieron Baker who cleared at the far post.

It took 40 minutes for the home side to get a shot on target. A slick move down the right culminated in defender Levi sending a low ball to the six yard area where Ashley Sauka popped up to fire a close range shot at the near post area but Barningham made a smart save diving low to his left to keep his goal intact.

The half finished with "Bergholt" on top and Fidler released Millar whose low cross was cut out by the diving Griggs.

Half Time: Brightlingsea Regent 0 - West Bergholt 2

Brightlingsea made a bright start and Thomson foiled a penetrating run from Ricky Griggs. Then Lee Barrett struck a free kick that was headed clear by Anthony White as the home side started to gain some momentum. They forced a couple of corners the second of which was punched clear by Barningham at his far post. White then conceded a free kick but Barrett wasted the opportunity.

However Brightlingsea's renewed efforts were rewarded in the 57th minute when they won a penalty. Barrett was fouled in the box and Kieron Baker stepped up to dispatch a fine spot kick to give the home side some hope.

The home side were now pushing the visitors and the "Bergholt" defense was on the back foot through the pace of the enterprising front pair of Barrett and Griggs. Indeed Barrett very nearly equalized but was foiled by the combined efforts of Barningham and Christophe Edin who between denied the attempt at the expense of a corner.

However the initiative was lost when West Bergholt had a magical two minutes that settled matters.

They restored there two goal margin in the 65th minute with a fine individualist goal. Christophe Edin played a one two with Millar - who significantly had moved from the left flank to the right - and Edin moved forward 20 yards resisting three tackles finally reaching the box before firing wide of the keeper to make 3 - 1.

Two minutes later Andy Millar - a throw back of orthodox wide players with artistry of years gone by - turned two defenders and raced to the by line and then pulled the ball back finding the impressive Robert Fidler who had ghosted in unannounced to drill the ball past the keeper.

Brightlingsea retaliated and Matt Hill went close from 20 yards and Barrett and Griggs continued to look lively on the break.
However it was the visitors playing an expansive brand of football and using the width of the North Road pitch to fine affect who added to there tally in the 84th minute. Ashurst fastened on to a diagonal ball at the angle of the six yard box and played in Gary Mcllwaine who took advantage of space at the far post to tap home.

Brightlingsea's misery was completed two minutes later when following a short free kick with Edin Jamie Thomson dispatched a superb ball into space beyond the square defense that Robert Fiddler exploited to good advantage and steered the ball over Griggs to make it six.

Brightlingsea were unlucky to find the "champions" in such commanding form and can take heart that there young side will do well this season as there first two opening games suggest.

West Bergholt will be a force again this season on this showing and their strength in depth may provide them with an "edge" over their rivals - we shall see.

Full Time: Brightlingsea Regent 1 - West Bergholt 6
Brightlingsea Regent;

Mathew Griggs; Kieron Baker, Michael Angier, Jake Gould, Simon Levi; Adam Bloss, Ashley Sauka, Ryan Salter, Matt Hill; Ricky Griggs, Lee Barrett.

Substitutes: James Cole, Tom Hardy, Mark Gridley

West Bergholt:

James Barningham; Christophe Edin, Damien Siaz, Jamie Thomson, Anthony White; Jason Sones, Andrew Millar, Simon Ashurst, Gary Mcllwaine; Wayne Johnson, Robert Fidler.

Substitutes: Jake Bethell, Richard Llewellyn, Gary Wood, Kevin Ketley.

Referee: Mr. Adrian Arnot (Colchester)

Man of The Match - Robert Fidler

Entertainment Value - * * * * * ( out of 5)
…………………………………………………….
Pre Match Thoughts -

The Brightlingsea ground looked neat and tidy and the car park was nearly full. The notice of the FA's respect Campaign had been cited on the centre spot and on the terrace was a hot dog stall.

Further inspection of the facilities suggests that there has been major refurbishment within the dressing room areas. There are new doors windows and floors to the changing rooms. Also a new toilet is in place and the walls and ceilings have been repainted. The Club received a grant from Tendring District Council and the project was managed by ex Club Chairman Terry Doherty.

I was met by referee Adrian Arnot who asked if I was following him around - he was in the middle at the last week's game that I covered at Dedham. I had an interesting chat with Adrian who is fairly new to the Border League having previously plied his trade in the Colchester and East Essex League. He was pleased to have been on the line of the Tommy Thompson Cup Final last season.

I was then met by Brightlingsea Regent Joint Manager James Webster who told me that both he and his partner Mark Gridley were both in charge of the reserves last season but succeeded Alan Long as first team managers for this campaign. He explained that he had a young squad and expressed some disquiet of Harwich poaching their players.

Although Harwich are in the Ridgeon's League 7 day approaches are presumably not necessary to serve to level 7 Clubs although it occurred to me that it would be a common courtesy to give notice in a more polite way but then Harwich seemingly - from what I have heard previously - always look to bolster their numbers from Border League sides in a similar fashion.

Brightlingsea have launched a Newsletter and very informative it is to. It highlights football in the community and the significant opportunities given to the local youth players. Well done to new Chairman David Girling.

I was then invited to have a cup of tea and met the enchanting 84 year old Dot who has been working for the Club for 20 years. Dot is lovely active lady who very much enjoys her role and indeed makes an excellent cuppa. She mentioned that she has informed Club officials not to change the old tills until she retires - she is not accustomed to the new machinery - indeed why should she - bless her. Keep up the good work Dot.

It was then a swift hello to my "old mates" Kevin Ketley and Gary Wood - the "Bergholt Management team. Gary was sporting his all year tan albeit he has just returned from holiday.

After the Match -

I was impressed with the "Bergholt" performance and interested in there new signing Robert Fidler. Gary advised me that he has played for Witham Town and Heybridge Swifts. Well from what I observed he is a very useful acquisition and with Darren Revie to return following injury it seems to me that "Bergholt" might be even stronger than last season.

I was impressed with Brightlingsea's front pairing of Ricky Griggs and Lee Barrett between them they will get plenty of goals. However as a Premier side ideally they need a couple of experienced players to bring the best out of the undoubted talent that they have.

With the FA National Leagues Cup Tie away to Herts County FA League due to be played in late September it would not surprise me to see a number of players on parade this afternoon in the Border League Representative Side. For example as an outsider looking in - is there a better defensive partnership than Anthony White and Jamie Thomson - I ask myself. I don't think so!

I was impressed with referee Adrian Arnot. He has a presence that I personally like about officials and he displayed a calm control particularly when matters became heated. He exercised common sense and allowed the game to flow whenever possible. Well done Sir.

A quick chat with dapper ex Chairman Terry Doherty - always dressed in shirt and tie - who felt the side needs some experience to blend with the talented young players. It seems to me that there are encouraging signs at North Road.

I visited the hot dog stall and eliminated my hunger pains before returning to Ipswich but ended up with the mustard in my lap!
Finally as at Thursday last week still no publication of the County Cup Draws except the Senior Competition. Well that's a surprise!!
John Campany
29th August 2009

FOR ONLY £30 SPONSOR A PLAYER!
06 Aug 2009

BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT FIRST TEAM ARE LOOKING FOR PLAYER SPONSORS, FOR £30 YOU NOT ONLY GET TO SPONSOR YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON BUT ALSO YOUR COMPANY WEB SITE AND DETAILS WILL BE LINK THROUGH THIS SITE AND WILL PUT YOUR BUSINESS DETAILS ON THE CLUBS NOTICE BOARD IN THE CLUB.

IT WILL BE FIRST COME FIRST SERVED ON PLAYERS SO GET IN EARLY IF YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR PLAYER YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR IF NOT WE WILL ASSIGN YOU ONE.

IF YOUR INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT US THROUGH THE WEBSITE THIS WOULD BE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED BY BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT PLAYERS, STAFF AND EVERYONE INVOLVED WITHIN THE CLUB.

POSSIBLE PLAYERS TO SPONSOR
MATT GRIGGS
RICHIE ROBINS
SIMON LEVI
MIKE ANIGER
WARREN JOSEPH
DARYLL WALLACE
TOMMY HARDIE
MATT HILL
BRUCE BARNARD
ADAM BLOSS
JAKE GOULD
KEIRON BAKER
ASHLEY SAUKA
LEE BARRETT
LUKE JOHNSTON-POOLEY
DEAN SILLETT
ADAM AUGER
DANNY HILL
JAMES COLE
GARETH EVENS
KURT RUSSELL
ROSS BARNARD