05.09.07
Man of the match: Jamie Scott
Newly promoted Frilsham and Yattendon travelled to James Lane with both teams looking to score their first wins of the season following disappointing starts. The already heavily depleted Corinthians squad lost Saturday’s goalscorer Fin Mulholland, Nick Clarkson and Daniel Huggins for this game, bringing in Richard Hand, Dan Groves, Paul Brady, John Smith and Manager Matthew Charters to replace them.
Both sides started well in a cagey opening to the game, as Corinthians accustomed themselves to the new line up. The Whites defence of Richard Cotterill, Ian O’Reilly, John Quinton and Groves was looking solid, and was being well protected by Joe Charters and Hand in the midfield. Some of the passing and movement by Corinthians was impressive, and after 5 minutes Smith was released only to be brought down just outside of the area with the keeper committed. Chris Long was unable to test the keeper with his effort, but Frilsham did not learn from this scare as 5 minutes later a superb ball from Joe Charters found Smith who got between defender and keeper to clip the ball home.
Frilsham responded well to the setback and entered a period of sustained pressure, forcing a number of corners and maintaining possession well, however excellent defending and two fine saves from Jamie Scott in the Corinthians goal maintained the slender lead. The vast majority of the latter stages of the half was played in the midfield third, with Frilsham enjoying the lion’s share of the possession but generally passing in front of the home sides defences. At half time the message from the management was to avoid sitting back and to attempt to force play back up the pitch and defend from there. This message was taken on board but difficult to sustain as Frilsham once again committed men forward in search of an equaliser. Again the defence held firm, with Joe Charters working tirelessly in front and trying to drive the side forward when he had the chance.
The club vice-captain has had a fine start to the season, and has picked up the slack to make up for the large absentee list thus far. The hard working midfield, including wide men Chris Long and Jim Emptage was continuing to protect the back four effectively, and Drew Warnke was proving to be an effective outlet up front, however again Scott was called upon to make two match-winning saves, one from point blank range, as well as relieving some pressure by claiming corners and crosses when possible. As the game entered the final 10 minutes a breakaway from Corinthians saw Long beat two men before hitting his shot just wide, and a rare Corinthians corner failed to be cleared but O’Reilly was just unable to make the game safe, putting his effort just over from 6 yards. As the final whistle blew the Whites were well aware that they had probably not deserved the win based on possession and territory, but the fight shown and the commitment displayed was worthy of something, and will serve them well this season if it can be added to the quality that they undoubtedly possess.
Next up for Corinthians is the old foe Marlow Utd, who Corinthians have met every season since they joined the league. Marlow have had the edge more often than not, however these games are rarely decided by more than the odd goal, so Saturday should be another exciting match.