Match Reports - 2008/09
KEY: CCP - Combined Counties Premier, PCC - Premier Challenge Cup, SCC - Southern Combination Cup
FAC - FA Cup, FAV - FA Vase, HSC - Hampshire Senior Cup, ASC - Aldershot Senior Cup

Tues 13 Jan 09 - Cove 2 Epsom & Ewell 2 (CCP) 

After the recent bout of bad weather, causing four out of six games to be postponed, the visit of league leaders Epsom & Ewell to Oak Farm was to be a stern test for the Cove team.

Cove took the game to their visitors from the start causing problems with each attack and it was not a surprise with the match barely 10mins old, a right wing corner from Rob Parrott was met perfectly by the incoming MICHAEL BLOUNT who made no mistake to give Cove the lead with a powerful header.

With both teams playing good attacking football, chances were created at both ends, but either poor finishing or good goalkeeping meant Cove retained their lead at the break.

Half TimeCove 1 - 0 Epsom & Ewell

Epsom started the second half in very determined mood putting pressure on the Cove defence from the off. Pressure which paid off within 5mins as Cove keeper Chris Foster failed to gather a drive and allowed it to bounce out to the feet of MARVELL who accepted the gift of the equaliser 1-1 (50mins)

Despite this early set-back Cove continued to press forward, with the bustling Childs and the running of Jeffers causing concern within the visitors defence, Alex Jeffers regained the lead for Cove as he cut in from the right before driving a shot goal-wards only to see it rebound from the far post, but was first to react and fired the ball into the far corner from a tight angle. 2-1 (65mins)

Although the lead had been restored, there was always a strong possibility of Epsom pulling it back as increased the tempo with ex.Cove boy Shane Sinclair causing problems on the left wing. It was from one of these excursions that the visitors drew level for the second time as he outpaced the Cove defence, his strong low cross was met at the near post by MARVELL to guide home for his second of the night. 2-2 (77mins).

At the final whistle the relief from the visiting team was plain to see having secured the point that takes them back to the top on goal difference, and keeps Cove in fourth position

Sat 20 Dec 08 - North Greenford Utd 6 Cove 1 (CCP)

Cove travelled to Greenford expecting a tough game against a team riding high at the present time and a ground where they have difficulty in getting good results.

The game started brightly enough for Nth.Greenford as they opened the scoring, when a poor headed clearance was intercepted by GARY SENIOR who accepted the gift which he converted with ease giving the Cove keeper little chance 1-0 (1 min).

Cove responded well from this set back as they settled down and soon equalised, as a well worked move down the left flank ended when a high ball into the box found its way to MITCH WHILE whose overhead kick found its way through the crowded area and into the Greenford net. 1-1 (10mins)

As the half progressed both sides created and wasted chances. Cove’s Alex Jeffers side footed an effort over the bar from close in when a little more composure would have given the visitors the lead and a Rob Parrott effort crashed against the bar before rebounding to safety. Nth Greenford found the long diagonal ball useful as the Cove defence were caught out on numerous occasions, and were fortunate not to concede again before the break

Half Time Nth. Greenford United 1 – 1 Cove

Before the spectators had time to finish their half time cuppa, Greenford had stormed into a 3-1 lead as first a BENNETT (52) strike and a KIRBY (58) header from close in, destroyed Cove’s 3month unbeaten run.

The game then settled down as Cove, tried to get back into the match that had slipped away in the horrendous previous 10 minutes. Despite the warning signs of the first half, the cross field diagonal ball proved to be Cove’s undoing again when on 74 mins GARY SENIOR found himself free in the area to head home the easiest of chances, as the Cove defence failed in their marking.

With Jack Bennett causing havoc on the Greenford left flank, it was the home side who looked the more likely to add to the scoreline and increased their lead when they were awarded a rather fortunate free kick out on the left. The inswinging centre proved too much for the Cove defence to handle and LIAM BIRD (88) rose unchallenged to head home .

GARY SENIOR (90) secured his hat-trick when he completed the scoring with another free header from a left wing centre, inflicting Cove’s heaviest defeat for 5 years

Full Time Nth Greenford United 6 – 1 Cove

A Cove supporter offered this comment after the game “If Cove are to be taken as serious contenders in the promotion race, they need to tighten up in defence. 6 goals including 4 unchallenged headers from close range is not good enough ”.

Sat 6 Dec 08 - Cove 5 Bedfont 0 (CCP)

Looking to continue their unbeaten run, Cove entertained a lowly Bedfont side which, on paper, should have been an easy win for the home team.

As we are well aware for those who follow football closely, these things rarely work out that way in reality. The visitors defence put up a stubborn resistance throughout a first half leaving the Cove attack a frustrated force as anxiety caused the chances which did come their way to be missed and the score line blank at the break

Half Time Cove 0 – 0 Bedfont

The second period started with Cove pressing hard to break the deadlock but again and again the Bedfont defence stood firm. The substitution of Mitch While replacing the ineffectual Marco Torino on the hour mark brought immediate results. Getting behind the visitors defence, his near post effort was well saved by the Bedfont keeper, but an unfortunate groin injury ended his involvement in the game. From the resultant corner MITCH WHILE ended Cove’s suffering prodding home from close range 1-0 (68mins)

Cove’s second followed soon after as another Rob Parrott corner found the head of Ashley Childs whose effort rebounded from the crossbar to the waiting MICHAEL BLOUNT who reacted quickest to head home 2-0 (78 Mins)

With this second goal the Bedfont resistancewas broken and Covecould relax and play their normal game, spraying the ball around at will. MARTIN GIRLING added his name to the score sheet as he chased down and prodded home a Mitch While effort which was trickling slowly towards goal 3-0 (81mins)

As full time approached, the fourth and best goal arrived as a Dan Rice centre found MARTIN GIRLING in a crowded area. His waist high scissor kick from 12yds flew into the net passed the unsighted Bedfont keeper to record a scoreline that the visitors did not deserve on their first half display, but the injury to their goalkeeper was too big a blow for them to handle 4-0 (89mins)

Full Time Cove 4 – 0 Bedfont

Sat 29 Nov 08 - Horley Town 0 Cove 1

When Alex Jeffers smashed home a left foot drive, he buried the ghost of the past four visits to “The New Defence” as each of the past seasons have ended in defeat.

On a wet and windy afternoon, the heavy and boggy surface made good football difficult, but both teams contributed to a good entertaining end-to-end first half. The introduction of new signing Marco Torino, who replaced the unwell Mitch While, was a constant threat to the home defence as he and strike partner Ashley Childs’ hustle and bustle caused problems all afternoon.

The breakthrough came as half time approached, when a long kick from Cove keeper Chris Foster found Marco Torino, who’s first touch brought instant control, his second was the killer ball inside the defender for young Alex Jeffers to run onto and bury the ball inside the far post. ( 0–1 ) 43 mins

Half time Horley Town 0 – 1 Cove

The game continued after the break in the same vein with both sides trying to play football, but as time wore the home side began to be more robust in their challenges and less disciplined. The introduction of Jason Milletti replacing the tiring Torino, helped to shore up the midfield for the last quarter of the game.

Ashley Childs had a great chance to put the game beyond doubt, as with time almost up , he was put through on goal, but his tame shot was easily smothered by the home keeper,

Full Time Horley Town 0 – 1 Cove

Sat 22 Nov 08 - Ash United 1 Cove 1 (CCP) 

Travelling to Youngs Drive for this first meeting of the season between these two local rivals, Cove were in high spirits following the victory over last years Champions, Merstham, in the Southern Combination Cup.

The opening minutes saw both teams sounding out the opposition as they searched for a way to breach the strong rearguard of both defences. The first period was one of few chances as both sets of defenders snuffed out any threat before it could do any harm, leaving the majority of the play condensed into the middle third of a heavy, bumpy surface.

Half Time. Ash United 0 – 0 Cove

As the second period got under way, the prodding and probing of both teams continued, but it seemed a draw the more likely result. Then in the 78 minute an error in the Cove defence resulted in a goalmouth melee ending with Mark Fifer firing home from close range at the third attempt (1-0)

The patience and resolve of this Cove side was now to be thoroughly tested as they fought to find a way through the well organised Ash defence, and with a little luck and a huge helping hand from the Ash keeper, Cove drew level when a hopeful but not too powerful effort from substitute Bas Laksamba looked easy catching practice for the Ash stopper, who then proceeded to let the ball slip from his grasp and drop gentle over the line for the softest of goals. (1-1) 88mins

Full Time Ash United 1 – 1 Cove

Following the game a Cove spokesman said “In this game you always need a little luck and today we used up a huge slice of ours. This was a good result against a team who lay in a false lowly league position and is testimony to the never-say-die spirit within this club, maintaining our unbeaten record and also keeps us in touch at the top”.

Tues 18 Nov 08 - Cove 3 Merstham 2 (SCC)

Cove progressed into the Semi Final of the Southern Combination Cup courtesy of this exciting victory over Ryman League side Merstham, last year’s Combined Counties League Champions

Ashley Childs set Cove on their way after 12mins with a powerful header from a Rob Parrott corner, rising unchallenged to place the ball wide of the visitor’s stopper. (1-0)

With a goal under their belts, Cove grew in stature taking the game to their opponents and looking far more dangerous on the attack. Cove further increased their lead after a right wing raid found Mitch While, cutting inside along the 18yd box, he found just enough room to curl a left foot shot inside the post (2-0) 15mins

Whether complacency or a feeling of euphoria set in, Cove seemed to relax which in turn allowed our visitors to claw their way back into a game where they had been out-fought by a determined home side. Merstham pulled a goal back after 30 mins when Kwame Agyei picked up a loose ball driving home from close range when the Cove defence failed to clear a corner (2-1)

Half TimeCove 2 – 1 Merstham

With the second half barely under way, the visitors levelled the tie when Ross White broke clear of the home rearguard to slide the ball past the advancing Cove keeper to put the visitors back into a game which just a few minutes earlier should have been out of reach. ( 2-2)

With Merstham now having the better of the game, the Cove defence were constantly under pressure, but with Ken During and Michael Blount working overtime in the centre of the back four, the raiders were repelled although for short periods as the Cove attack tried in vain to regain the initiative. With time running out and the extra 30 mins looming, Merstham were awarded a free kick , vehemently appealing for a penalty as Ken During brought down Agyei with a slide tackle which the referee adjudged to be right on the edge of the area. Ross White curled the ball over the 10 man Cove wall and just past the post to the relief of the home supporters

With skipper Dave Johnston driving his team on, Cove managed one last effort to forcing a corner which Rob Parrott sent into the crowded goalmouth. Central defender Michael Blount appeared from nowhere to beat the keeper to the ball and power home a header sending the supporters and team into the semi-final (90+2)

Full Time Cove 3 – 2 Merstham

Sat 8 Nov 08 - Cove 5 Hartley Wintney 2 (CCP)

Cove went into this match looking to avenge their FA Cup defeat and extend their 5 game unbeaten run against their local neighbours.

The action packed first half saw a Martin Girling header hit the crossbar, Mitch While also hit the bar from the rebound and had one cleared off the line as he watched the ball roll gently toward the goal, From this let off Hartley put together their first meaningful attack which led to their goal as ANDY SULLIVAN put the visitors ahead totally against the run of play, with the Cove defence static. ( 0-1) 28mins

From the restart Cove laid siege to the Hartley goal winning a corner which Rob Parrott placed inside the area where the visitors defence made a hash of the clearance leaving ALEX JEFFERS to poke home the equaliser ( 1-1 ) 31mins

Cove’s joy lasted just two minutes as KEVIN VALLANCE restored the visitors lead with a long range effort which totally deceived Chris Foster as it floated over his head and under the bar. ( 1-2 ) 33mins

The half ended with the dismissal of scorer Andy Sullivan for an elbow on Parrot after both had been booked when involved in a minor fracas a few minutes beforehand.

Half TimeCove 1-2 Hartley Wintney

The second period started in torrential rain as Cove took advantage of the extra man to gain the upper hand pressing the Hartley Wintney into panic defending. With more than an hour of the game gone, it was beginning to look as though the missed chances of the first half were to be costly until one of many goal mouth incidents lead to ROB PARROTT pouncing onto a loose ball to prod home from close range to the relief of all Cove players and supporters. ( 2-2 ) 69min

This goal visibly deflated the visitors, and when DAN RICE opened his account with Cove’s third in the 78min. The game was effectively won as there seemed no way back for 10 man Hartley as the home side continued to go in search of goals

MARTIN GIRLING contined his scoring form with number 4 as goalkeeper and defender collided following a Rob Parrott corner leaving the inrushing Cove midfielder to drive home from 18yards. (4-2) 84mins

As full time approached ROB PARROTT drove home the fifth goal and his third in two games since his arrival from Guildford City, to round off a convincing victory which seemed a long way off at half time. (5-2) 90mins

Full Time Cove 5 – 2 Hartley Wintney

A Southern Counties Radio reporter who attended the game commented on the good value for money at Squirrel Lane on the evidence of today’s game played in appalling conditions from a team who never gives up and has scored in every game this season.

Sat 1 Nov 08 - Molesey 0 Cove 3 (CCP)

Cove made their first visit to Molesey after their relegation from the Ryman League last season and have been struggling with life in the Combined Counties so far.

As the rain beat down Cove quickly got into their stride and caused the home defence problems as they found it difficult to stem the flow of attacks, conceding a few corners in quick succession. It was from one of these that Cove took the lead as after 3mins as a Rob Parrott corner was cleared, but found DAVID JOHNSTON lurking 25yds out who returned the ball with interest as his first time volley flew into the top corner leaving the Molesey keeper rooted to his line (0-1) 3mins

Cove increased their lead when yet another corner found Ken During unmarked 12yds out, His header looked goal bound, but ALEX JEFFERS loitering with intent at the far post made sure for his fifth of the season ending a long barren spell ( 0-2 ) 8mins

The rest of the half was all Cove, but the home defence gradually got to grips with the visitors attack holding out until the break.

Half Time Molesey 0 – 2 Cove

As the rain continued to fall, Cove carried on where they left off before the break, and although the waterlogged surface did not help, they still played the better football. From a break down the right,, Cove increased their lead as ALEX JEFFERS’ clever near post flick had just enough pace to clear the mud and crawl over the line off of the far post ( 0-3 ) 59mins

With a three goal cushion, Cove had the game won with the only danger coming from the now torrential rain and a waterlogged pitch. The Cove defence were hardly troubled and never looked in danger of conceding against a poor Molesey attack.

Full Time Molesey 0 - 3 Cove

Sat 18 Oct 08 - Egham Town 2 Cove 0 (CCP) 

Laying in third place, Cove made the trip to The Runnymede Stadium in confident mood, and set about their host from the first whistle.

With the midfield pulling the strings, the Cove attack were gifted many chances to open the scoring, but either poor finishing, bad luck or some stout defending by the home defence, kept the score-sheet blank as the chances came and went. Egham, although looking dangerous on the break, rarely troubled the visitors defence as the home side lacked ideas when near to goal. Had the Cove frontline had their shooting boots fully loaded, instead of blanks this game could have been put to bed in the first half.

Half Time Egham Town 0 – 0 Cove

As the second period progressed Egham became more and more confident and soon took the lead when PERO netting from close range following a mix up in the Cove defence 1-0 (54mins).

The loss of striker Ashley Childs, a victim of a very crude challenge which left him in a crumpled heap on the touchline, took away the menace imposed upon the Egham defence, although substitute Mitch While chased and harassed, the impact had gone.

The failure to take the opportunities of the first half eventually cost us the points as with just minutes remaining Cove old boy LEON WHITE burst into the area before firing home a nearpost effort leaving keeper Chris Foster little chance 2-0 (88mins)

Full Time Egham Town 2 – 0 Cove

Tues 14 Oct 08 - Camberley Town 2 Cove 2 (CCP) 

Making the short trip to near neighbours Camberley Town for this top of the table clash, Cove were very confident of retaining their unbeaten away record and moving above their hosts in the league table.

Kicking down hill, Cove started brightly causing the home defence problems with their high tempo attacking football, hitting both post and bar, before taking the lead when a cross from the right eluded everyone as it flew across the area, only to be met by the right boot of MARTIN GIRLING to crash home from close range 1-0 (42mins )

Cove lost winger Mattie Brunt with ankle ligament damage following an accidental collision with a team mate, this added time brought Cove a second goal as a hesitant Camberley defence allowed skipper DAVID JOHNSTON to slide in at the far post to round off a very good half for the visitors 2-0 (45mins)

Half Time Camberley Town 0 – 2 Cove

Camberley came flying out of the traps in the second half Catching Cove cold as they pulled a goal back within 5mins of the restart courtesy of an own goal fluke as Johnston cleared off his goal line only for the ball to hit another Cove player and rebound back into the net 1-2 (47mins)

With the bit between their teeth, the home side went on the rampage for the equaliser. The second goal arrived as a hopeful strike from JOHN SWIFT took a big deflection passed the unfortunate Chris Foster to trickle over the line 2-2 (62 mins)

Having total control Camberley went for the win, and were unlucky as efforts flew just wide or struck bar or post in a frantic last half hour. Cove were certainly pleased to hear the final whistle, leaving Krooner Park with a point and still unbeaten on their travels.

A Cove spokesman said after the game “It was certainly a game of two halves, with a feeling of disappointment having thrown away a 2 goal lead, But all credit to Camberley they are a good side who deserve to be up among the front runners. A draw was a fair result which both managers would have settled for at the start.”

Sat 4 Oct 08 - Cove 1 Christchurch 2 (FAV)

Cove’s entry into the F.A.Vase started and finished at the 1 st. Round Proper as last year's victors came to Oak farm and left with the same result.

With the wind in their favour, Cove started brightly taking the game to their more illustrious opponents and causing more than a few scares to the visitors defence. They got their just reward when after 12 mins skipper DAVID JOHNSTON volleyed home from the right corner of the area after good wing play with Martin Girling 1-0 (12mins)

With their spirits lifted Cove went looking for a second which could be enough knowing playing against the wind in the second half would be difficult with such a slender lead, but were unable to break down the resolute Christchurch defence
Half timeCove 1 – 0 Christchurch

Christchurch started the second period in a more determined mood, happy with just the one goal deficit, certain their quality an experience would see them through. They didn’t have to wait long as on the hour BRIAN OSBORNE cut in front the right running along the edge of the area before curling a left foot shot into the top corner giving Chris Foster little chance of saving the equaliser (61mins)

With the visitors in the ascendency, Cove struggled to contain the flow of attacks, finding difficulty in playing their own game and hence causing Christchurch little concern to their defence. Last years tormentor Paul Rideout, the ex Southampton player, was once again our undoing as with just 5 minutes of the match remaining, he picked up a poor defensive header to volley a right foot shot into the far corner from 18yards. 1-2 ( 85mins ).

Sat 27 Sep 08 - Chessington & Hook 2 Cove 2 (CCP)

 Cove made the trip to Chalky Lane, knowing they face a difficult fixture as the home side are very strong on their own patch. Making two changes from the previous week with Ken During coming back into defence, and new signing Matt Barratt in place of skipper Jonno who was away at the Judo Championships.

Kicking up the slope, Cove quickly got into their passing game, having good possession but unable to find the killer touch in the final third as the home defence stood firm. The breakthrough came after 25mins when a Matt Brunt corner found John Finnieston at the near post, his back header was met by Martin Girling who placed his header wide of the despairing dive from the “Hook’s” keeper and into the bottom corner 0-1 ( 24mins )

Half Time Chessington 0 - 1 Cove

The home side came out strong for the second half and were soon level as a break down the right by Goddard found Dixon at the near post and his flick of the boot sent the ball beyond Foster for the equaliser 1-1 ( 52 mins)

Undeterred by this set-back Cove continued to play their football and looking comfortable in defence, carried the game to their opponents. Their reward came when a Mattie Brunt corner found Mitch While unmarked at the penalty spot, and not one to pass up these opportunities, planted a powerful header passed the “Hooks” keeper. 1-2 ( 57mins)

With time running out and Cove looking good for the win to keep them in pole position, the assistant referee landed a sucker punch by awarding the home side a penalty for alleged shirt pulling despite the fact not one Chessington player appealed and had been going on all game at both ends inside and outside the area. Chessington defender Tony Howton stepped up to send Foster the wrong way and earn his side the draw they did not deserve 2-2 (85 mins)

Full Time Chessington 2 – 2 Cove

A Cove spokesman said "Chessington is a tough place to come and get 3 points without having decisions go against you. But the point keeps us top and now we have a free week before the Vase game next Saturday”.

Tues 16 Sep 08 - Cove 3 Chertsey Town 2 (CCP)

Cove went into the game looking to put one over their old team-mates from last season, knowing the winners would take top spot in the league table. Both teams went for the throat in an end-to-end first period with the visitors having the best chances as Dobinson fired into the side netting after a strong run took him into the area, and it was the same player whose shot was deflected just wide of the near post as a desperate lunge kept the Cove goal intact at the break.
Half time Cove 0 – 0 Chertsey Town

As like two prize fighters slugging it out , it was the visitors who drew first blood as a right wing cross eluded all defenders to find Muldowney at the far post to stab home 0-1 ( 55mins )

Cove levelled the scores 15mins later when Girling fired in a shot which the Chertsey keeper Tidey could only palm away and fortunately for Cove straight to Ashley Childs to tap home from close range. 1-1 ( 70 mins )

Their joy however was short lived as Chertsey regained the lead when old Cove boy Antony Vine was allowed to run towards the Cove goal. His effort was too strong for Cove keeper Chris Foster to gather and as the ball bounced free John Pomroy was on the spot to return the ball into the far corner 1-2 (74mins) As before this season, the never-say-die attitude of the Cove players, brought the scores level for a second time as young Alex Jeffers was clearly pulled back by Wayne Noad for what seemed a free-kick outside the area, but despite the vociferous protests from the Chertsey players, the referee deemed it inside and Martin Girling gleefully smashed home the resultant penalty kick. 2-2 ( 82 mins)

Spurred on by the large home support, Cove pressed for the three points, pushing the visitors back into their own half, and it was this pressure which brought about the winner as Tidey once again fumbled the ball into going out for a corner. The result kick was met at the near post by Ken During who turned the ball over the line. 3-2 ( 85 mins)

The final minutes were nail-biters as Chertsey threw caution to the wind pressing for their own equaliser, and had a good penalty shout turned down as the ball hit a defender on the knee, rebounding on to the hand before being cleared. The home support were sent into raptures as the referee blew the whistle to signal the end of a pulsating game.

As a ground-hopper from Reading commented after the game “Chertsey are supposed to be the team of this league, but from what I’ve seen tonight, unless they control their discipline, it will be same again next season. As for the home side, they showed they wanted the game more and got what they deserved” .

Sat 13 Sep 08 - Banstead 1 Cove 5 (CCP)

Cove made the trip to Merland Rise, expecting a tough game against a previously unbeaten Banstead Athletic, and lying in second place.

The first half saw both sides playing good football with chances missed at both ends. A long kick from Cove keeper Chris Foster got the nod from Childs and found MITCH WHILE who beat the home keeper to put the visitors ahead. (0-1) 29mins

The lead however, did not last long as a poor decision from a linesman allowed TERRY to equalise while standing yards offside despite protests from the Cove side. (1-1) 37mins

With the crowd looking forward to their cup of tea, MITCH WHILE collected a pass from Childs before his mazy dribble into the area ended with a crisp left footer into the net from 10yds. (1-2) 45mins

Half Time Banstead Athletic 1 – 2 Cove

The second half was one way traffic with the visitors midfield taking a strong hold of the game. With Foster’s long kicks and Childs flick headers causing Banstead a good deal of trouble it was only a matter of time before Cove increased their lead. This arrived early into the half as MATT BRUNT powered home the third after good work from Girlingdown the right flank. ( 1-3 ) 51mins

Determined to get into the act, skipper David Johnson smashed home number 4 with a long range effort following a strong run down the left by Ashley Childs, whose lay back found Johnson, making no mistake with a right foot drive to open his account at Cove. (1-4) 71 mins.

As the clock ticked on, manager Koo Dumbuya made several changes with Ashley Childs making way for the returning John Finnieston as partner for While up front and could have scored with his first touch but for the thickness of paint on the upright.

MITCH WHILE completed his first Cove hat-trick, a week after Childs claimed his, after first mis-kicking as he lay on the ground , but was quick in reacting as he got to his feet to poke the ball home from close in. ( 1-5 ) 77mins

Full Time Banstead Athletic 1 – 5 Cove

A regular Cove supporter said “This team just gets better with each game, and providing they all stay clear of injury a top two position is a real possibility. Koo and Paul are doing a first class job“.

Mon 25 Aug 08 Cove 2 Guildford City 3 (CCP)

Cove started this Bank Holiday encounter on a high following their victory at Colliers Wood just a few days earlier taking the lead when ASHLEY CHILDS blasted a 30 yarder past the stunned visitors keeper after only 2 mins. ( 1-0 )

Their joy, however was short-lived as slack defensive play allowed SAM POTHECARY to bring the scores level when firing home from 18yds. (1-1) 6mins

Despite having the majority of the possession, Cove found it difficult to pierce a stubborn Guildford back line, but regained the lead after a bout of heading tennis ended when ASHLEY CHILDS forced the ball home from close range for his second of the game. (2-1) 32mins

Just as it looked that Cove would be leading going into half time, the visitors hit on the counter as a break down the right found CRAIG DUFFELL beating Andy Hunt to the ball and scoring from wide on the right with Hunt stranded in no-mans-land

( 2-2 ) 42mins

Half Time Cove 2 – 2 Guildford City

The second period started brightly as both sides played good attacking football, but as the game drew on the visitors started to get on top and looked the more dangerous when attacking. So it proved to be as STEPHEN COYLE found time and room in front of goal to blast home past the helpless Andy Hunt in the Cove goal ( 2-3) 83mins

Full Time Cove 2 – 3 Guildford City

As spectator visiting the ground for the first time on reading the season's results remarked “The management have a tough job on their hands stopping the obvious leaks in defence having conceded 2 or more goals each of the 4 games this season” .

Sat 23 Aug 08 Colliers Wood 2 Cove 3 (CCP)

Cove’s first away day began badly, when after only 4 mins HALLETT found himself unmarked in the area to head home at the far post. (1-0 ) 4mins

The home side doubled their advantage when once again poor defending allowed HUGHES a free run into the danger area and fire an unstoppable shot past the helpless Hunt in the Cove goal ( 2-0 ) 18mins.

The Cove attack lacked the cutting edge to trouble the home defence, although having good possession, they failed to use this advantage leaving the home side comfortable at the break.

Half Time Colliers Wood 2 – 0 Cove

The half time break and substitution saw While replace the hard working Jeffers and had an immediate impact as after only 5mins a low cross aimed at the near post found MARTIN GIRLING diving low to divert the ball into the net to start the Cove fightback ( 2-1 ) 50mins.

As the new centre midfield combination of skipper David Johnston and the returning Lee Passmore settled down, the flow of passes to the strike force of Childs and While started causing the Colliers defence more trouble than had been evident throughout the game. The Cove equaliser arrived when the ever dangerous Ashley Childs fired in a shot which the home keeper could only parry to MITCH WHILE who prodded home from close range. ( 2-2 ) 68mins

Cove now had the bit between their and playing good open football kept pressing forward looking for the winner. This came close to time as ASHLEY CHILDS was sent clear of the defence to slide the ball home passed the advancing keeper for the goal that sealed victory. (2-3) 89mins

Full Time Colliers Wood 2 – 3 Cove

As one Cove official pointed out, we must learn to defend because we cannot keep having to score 3 or more goals every game just to get a win when 1 or 2 should be enough.

Sat 16 Aug 08 Hartley Wintney 3 Cove 1 (FAC)

The long road to Wembley turned out to be a short step for Cove as they crashed out of this years competiton at the first hurdle to local neighbours Hartley Wintney.

Cove stared brightly and had two good chances to take the lead with the first few minutes but were thwarted by good saves from the Hartley keeper. From one of these saves the ball was played long down the middle, a mix up in the Cove defence left McMAHON a clear run and open goal calmly slotting home from 10yds. ( 1-0 ) 3mins

Cove’s misery was compounded after 15mins when a cross from the left found WILLIAMS unmarked in the centre and he guided his header into the far corner, leaving keeper Andy Hunt helpless on his line. ( 2-0 ) 15mins

The game was effectively put out of Cove’s reach 3 minutes later when ex Cove player Andy Sullivan broke away down the right, his low cross was met on the volley by MORRIS to turn the ball home from 12yds. ( 3-0 ) 18mins

Half Time Hartley Wintney 3 – 0 Cove

The second period was an improvement by the visitors who kept going despite the deficit they faced. Hartley Wintney were now in cruise control, allowing their visitors to have the better of the half which brought reward on 70 mins when MATTIE BRUNT took on the home defence to curl home Cove’s consolation. Although they continued to press, Cove’s first half performance and defending made the gap to big to,pull back.

( 3-1) 70mins

Full Time Hartley Wintney 3 -1 Cove

Tues 12 Aug 08 - Cobham 2 Cove 2 (CCP)

For the first away game this season Cove made the trip to Cobham their nemesis club over the years. The game started at high tempo with both teams playing open attacking football. Cove striker Ashley Childs could have had the ball in the net after 4 mins when his snap shot bounced back off the post. The same player then smashed two efforts against the bar as Cove applied the pressure.

The home side took the lead against the run of play as they broke down the left and the cross met by CORNELL McCOY whose header flew into the net ( 1-0 ) 24mins.

Cobham increased their lead when ANTONY REMNANT glanced a header in by the near post from a cross by Lee who was given too much time and space down the right flank ( 2-0 ) 35mins.

Despite this setback Cove continued to play their attacking football and received due award when close to half time a needless foul gave Mattie Brunt the chance to send the free-kick into the crowded area, somehow ending up in the back of the net, the goal being designated an O.G. ( 2-1 ) 43mins

Half Time Cobham 2 -1 Cove

The second period resembled something from “The Alamo” as wave after wave the yellow shirted Cove army bombarded the defensive stronghold of the Cobham penalty area. The home side stood firm with all eleven players behind the ball at times, throwing everything in the way just to hold on to their precarious lead including the post and crossbar again. Rarely did they venture outside their area such was the pressure being applied, resorting to time wasting which proved their undoing as with 94 mins on the clock a strong run from the right saw the ball somehow miss the myriad of legs to land at the feet of ALEX JEFFERS who smashed the ball home, leaving team-mates to give chase as he wheeled away in delight and the Cobham defenders on the ground in disbelief. As in the film the defenders could not hold out and gave way under the pressure

Full Time Cobham 2 – 2 Cove

The cove spokesman said ”What a game and a credit to both teams as they went for the points, but we must tighten up in defence and stop leaking silly goals. The pleasing thing about this result is the way we never gave up. The team are buzzing and although we could have had double figures, we battled well after going 2 down.”

Sat 9 Aug 08 - Cove 3 Bookham 2 (CCP)

Cove got off to a flying start as the new season kicked off at Oak Farm with the visit of Bookham.

MARTIN GIRLING opened the scoring with a close range header after being allowed to run from deep unchecked to meet a Mattie Brunt free-kick with just 18mins on the clock ( 1-0 ).

Within five minutes the home side increased their lead when Matt Beale overlapped on the right to plant the ball on the head of new signing ALEX JEFFERS who was again allowed a free, close range, header ( 2-0 ) 23mins.

The visitors, however, hadn’t read the script as CHRIS WOODWARD pulled a goal back after a defensive mistake allowed him a free hit leaving keeper Andy Hunt with no chance to save ( 2-1 ) 32mins.

By half time the scores were level as ANDY McGREGOR finished off a fine inter-passing move to complete the Bookham comeback, when it seemed at the start that Cove were ready to run riot ( 2-2 ) 43mins

Half Time Cove 2 – 2 Bookham

Cove took control in the second half as skipper David Johnstone and Mattie Brunt began to spread the passes about, but were unable to break through the visitors rearguard. The substitution on the hour proved the deciding factor as ASHLEY CHILDS, regained the lead for Cove, meeting a Johnstone cross at the far post to power a header into the net ( 3-2 ) 63mins

Full Time Cove 3 – 2 Bookham

A Cove spokesman said “It is always nice to get off to a good start especially with a new team as we have. Bookham made it difficult for us but we kept going after losing the 2 goal lead and as this team settles down, the future for this season looks encouraging."

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