FA Trophy 1st Round
6th November 2004
	Arlesey Town	0 - 1	Hornchurch
		H/T 0-1 Att:204	Maynard 41'

Match Highlights

Arlesey Town

Hornchurch

Pike - BOOKED	14
	41	GOAL - Maynard
	41	BOOKED - Maynard
Pike - OFF Bull - ON Green - OFF Jenner - ON	54
Jenner - BOOKED	66
Beckett - OFF Reynolds - ON	70
Hatchett - BOOKED	81
	85	OFF - McDowell ON - Panzu

 

I guess a some stage or another we say that football is 'just a game' as if to comfort ourselves that, in times of adversity, what happens next doesn't really matter.  But, deep down, it DOES matter. Bill Shankly is often quoted and although arguably his comment is a little extreme it's more or less right. This day was proof of that sentiment.

To say this was an emotional occasion would be an understatement. As I watched a coach full of supporters pull into the car park I had a tear in my eye, but it was at the final whistle when I realised I'd left my handkerchief at home at a time when I really needed it.

Our team - consisting of an Olympic gold medalist and Nigerian world cup finalist in goal, the experienced Andy Tomlinson plus the majority of the U19 side - were perhaps understandably nervous as they left the dressing room, but the overwhelming reception from our supporters must have dispelled all of that trepidation.  We knew they were all good players, but this performance wasn't just 'good' - it was heroic.

Of course Arlesey had their chances, but they spurned them. Richard Pringle and Stuart Beevor all saw chances go over the bar early on, but it was in the 30th minute when a Beevor 20 yard free-kick looked goalbound before Abiodun Baruna dived to save magnificently. Four minutes later a Jeff Shepherd free kick from a similar distance was scrambled round the post by Arlesey keeper Nicky Bussey but it was just before half time when we scored what turned out to be the decisive goal.  A weak header back by Chris Green gave Tony Maynard the chance to steal in, nick the ball past Bussy and put the ball into the empty net. Cue an understandably exuberant celebration.

Early in the second half Billy Drake shot narrowly over after Maynard pulled back from the goal line and a great run from Shepherd from half way finished with a effort which was just saved by Bussey. At the other end a header off the line and one or two superbly timed tackles kept us in front.  Lance McDowell shot over from 18 yards on the hour and Shaun Batt did the same for the home side a few minutes before the end after a promising move.

The final whistle blew and it was our day. As Arlesey's man of the match was announced towards the end he must have realised that, although Arlesey's best player on the day, he was way down the list of best performances on the pitch.  Arlesey were unfortunate bit part players in this so I think it's worth saying that they were magnanimous in defeat, and as friendly and welcoming to us as they always have been.

Everyone involved with Hornchurch FC should be proud of their part in this achievement which will surely be remembered for a very long time.

 

Photos from the game by Ian

Click here for 26 Photos from the gane...

Video Highlights by Rob

- 41 mins - Tony Maynard scores the winning goal (1.2MB)

  Teams

Arlesey Town Nicky  Bussey Dave Hatchett James Dillnutt Nathan Beckett Chris Green Shaun Batt Stuart Beevor Jason Thomas Greg Pike Richard Pringle Rob Hayward SUBS Ryan Jenner Charlie Bull Danny Hopkin Craig Reynolds Andy Theodosiou

- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 * 12 14 15 16 17

Hornchurch Abiodun Baruwa Sam Williams John Spackman Przemyslaw Wielewski Nathan Philip Andy Tomlinson Terry Everett Jeff Shepherd Tony Maynard Billy Drake Lance McDowell SUBS Stephen City Reagan Panzu Michael Smith Rhys Madden

Weather Conditions:  overcast, but always bright :)
 

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