Eastern Senior League – Division South
Venue: Jack Carter Centre [3G]
Attendance: 119
2022-23 Season: Match 4
Tuesday 2nd August 2022 – 7.45pm KO
Frenford: Red & White Shirts, Red Shorts & Red Socks
May & Baker: Black & White Shirts, Black Shorts, White Socks
Superb battle for the neutral ends with Frenford & Bakers sharing the points
Frenford 3 – 3 May & Baker
Match Report & Photos by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]
The new season began its midweek foray with a welcome visit to the Jack Carter Centre to see two sides that are highly-regarded in Frenford and May & Baker. The hosts were looking for their first win this term, whilst Bakers were looking to build on a good opening weekend win. Frenford fielded Jack Ryan in goal, with a back four of Alfie Karby, Tom Potter, captain Simon Peddie and Jack Sykes, with wingers Josh Fisayo and Raheem Gray the chief support to forwards James Peagram and Charlie Munns. Bakers had Seb Barford between the posts, with a defence of skipper Jamie Marsh , George Breen and Dauda Nimaga and the full-backs Cain Brougham and Ryan Leavens bombing forward at every oppurtunity. Forwards Shaun Omogbai and Anthony Cooke were supported by rapid wingers Abidemi Lamina and Idris Aminu.
This match did ‘get through the gears’ pretty fast with the visitors looking decent in possession, but it was Frenford who had the better of the early chances, with wingers Josh Fisayo and Raheem Gray both having strikes on Seb Barford’s goal. However, it was Jordan Harris’ tea who broke the deadlock on 11 minutes. From a set-piece from the far side, the threatening ball in found captain Jamie Marsh who powered home a fine header into the right corner, evading the grasp of home stopper Jack Ryan.
Impressive winger Abidemi Lamina had another strike blocked soon after as Bakers looked to push further ahead with the impetus they had created. The match was gathering pace and Dave Forbes’ side levelled on 22 minutes as a powerful strike by Harry Daly was denied by Barford, only to find forward James Peagram well-positioned to strike low into the net on the rebound. The home contingent were celebrating that equaliser but barely three minutes later, Bakers were back ahead. Idris Aminu’s fine weighted pass found fellow winger Lamina who strode through onto goal and his low strike got the better of Ryan to give Bakers the advantage for the second time.
The frenetic pace was still increasing as both defences were struggling to prevent chances. Frenford responded yet again on 34 minutes as a decent strike by energetic midfielder Sam Munton got past the gloves of Barford to make it tw-two. It didn’t stop there though, those of us ground-hoppers in attendance were really finding tricky to keep up but Frenford took the lead for the first time, two minutes after they levelled. Winger Raheem Gray stole in behind the visiting defence and his cool finish ensured that the hosts’ held a slender advantage at the interval.
Half-Time: Frenford 3 – 2 May & Baker
The interval was a chance to catch our breath and while the second half had less goals, it certainly did have plenty of action and big moments. Bakers made a double change of their forward line at the half-time, which saw Trevor Harding and Daniel Whitehead come on to replace Anthony Cooke and Shaun Omogbai. Both substitutes had early chances on goal in the second half and sure enough, they were level with 53 minutes on the clock.
Aminu was involved in the build-up, making another fine run down the right channel, and the ball found its way to Whitehead who connected well with his strike and it was well-saved by unfortunate Frenford stopper Ryan, though Robert Bagnall anticipated the rebound well and promptly tucked the ball into the net into the left corner, to level things up once again.
Ryan was in action throughout the half, making several important saves with his defence finding Bakers’ rapid forward moves tricky to contain. We nearly got a stand-out goal midway through the half as visiting captain Jamie Marsh showing some of the poise of a forward before firing narrowly wide of the target.
Frenford’s chances were comparatively rare in the second half but visiting custodian Seb Barford still had to be alert to deny Peagram’s initial effort, only for the rebound to find its way to Munton and without hesitation, his follow-up strike was well-blocked by a Bakers defender. Jordan Harris’ side responded with several set-pieces in the latter stages but Harding’s late strike was well-denied by Ryan’s legs.
Full-Time: Frenford 3 – 3 May & Baker
To sum up this enthralling, attack-minded match at both ends of the pitch, both sides contributed heavily to the game and whilst it can be debated that Bakers had more chances to win it, it would be a positive outlook to menton that both teams deserved something from this match, given their respective efforts. This division once again shown the entertaining factor it has, even if both defences may be disappointed.
There were some great performances from both teams. For Bakers, winger Abidemi Lamina was a consistent, pacey threat dpown the right flank, utilising his pace and trickery well. Lamina also took his goal well so plaudits to him. Also, skipper Jamie Marsh put in another good display at centre-back, being a resolute presence in the heart of the backline and also his powerful headed goal was important for his side’s impetus at that point. Winger Idris Aminu had a fine match too, creating several good half-chances for his team-mates and can be pleased with his performance. Finally, substitute Daniel Whitehead made a big impact after entering the match at half-time, having several efforts at goal and was well-thwarted by the Frenford defence and goalkeeper Jack Ryan.
For Frenford, goalkeeper Jack Ryan did have an excellent game, making at least five good saves to keep his team in the game at times. Ryan also deserved something from this match for his importance to the team, whilst centre-back Alfie Karby also made several important challenges as well. Forward James Peagram took his goal well to typify a good display, particularly in the first 45 minutes. Lastly, recent signing Sam Munton put in a good energetic display, also tracking back well to assist his team’s defence.
I’ll end this report by wishing both teams well for the rest of the season and also a big thanks to Frenford manager Dave Forbes for his warm welcome, on behalf on the club at this match. It is appreciated.
Teams
Frenford | Manager: Dave Forbes | Assistants: Lee Forbes & Anthony Cook
Starting XI (Subs): 1 Jack Ryan (GK), 5 Tom Potter (15 Liam Newton 20′), 2 Alfie Karby, 4 Simon Peddie (Capt), 3 Jack Sykes, 6 Harry Daly (12 Charlie Fairhead 63′), 7 Josh Fisayo, 8 Sam Munton, 10 Charlie Munns, 9 James Peagram, 11 Raheem Gray (14 Callum Owen 65′)
Goal-scorers: James Peagram [22′], Sam Munton [34′], Raheem Gray [36′]
Booked: Gray, Owen | Subs Not Used: Pegg, Silva
May & Baker | Manager: Jordan Harris | Assistant: Scott Harding
Starting XI (Subs): 1 Seb Barford (GK), 2 Cain Brougham, 3 Ryan Leavens, 5 Jamie Marsh (Capt), 6 George Breen, 4 Douda Nimaga (16 Kalum Bama 86′), 7 Abidemi Lamina, 8 Robert Bagnall, 9 Shaun Omogbai (14 Trevor Harding 46′), 10 Anthony Cooke (15 Daniel Whitehead 46′), 11Idris Aminu
Goal-scorers: Jamie Marsh [11′], Abidemi Lamina [25′], Robert Bagnall [53′]
Booked: Cooke, Nimaga | Subs Not Used: George, Riddell (GK)
Referee: Andrew Crossley
Assistants: Kevin Curran & Paul Watts
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