Match Reports - 2009/10
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

26 Sep 09 - Bookham 1-0 Cove

Back to the league, Cove dominated the match and should have taken the three points but instead, a combination of missed chances, a Man of the Match goalkeeping performance from the Bookham stopper, and a dubious refereeing decision prevented Cove from taking anything from this game.

Cove started strong on a very poor pitch that resembled something from a Sunday Council pitch, not an ex Ryman league ground. Both teams did their best to play good flowing football but this proved difficult under the circumstances.

Never the less, Cove worked the flanks well and were causing Bookham problems. It wasn’t long until Cove registered the first shot on target when Alex Jeffers twisted and turned on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful shot that the Bookham keeper tipped over the bar.

Next to test the keeper was Darren Dobbinson but this time it was the woodwork that came to Bookhams rescue as his rasping shot smacked squarely against the post. The rebound found a Cove player but the follow up shot was pushed over by the keeper.

Bookham were hitting the front men early but the back four were coping well with the direct approach. As the half time approached, the home team were getting more confident, and much more into the game. Chris Foster in the Cove goal was now more involved and had to deal with some decent set piece deliveries but he was up to the task.

Half Time: Bookham 0-0 Cove

The second half was very much the same as the first, with Cove in control for many periods. Cove became frustrated with their poor finishing in front of goal and then even more so with the two penalty claims turned down by the referee. One for a foul on Jeffers and the 2 nd for what seemed to be a handball on the goal line.

With 5 minutes to go it was end to end stuff with Cove desperately trying to get that goal they had so much worked for, and Bookham looking to snatch an unlikely win.

From a quick breakaway the Bookham substitutes linked well and almost got the winner when a shot beat the Cove goalkeeper but hit the crossbar. Moments later a ball was played long into the Cove box. Jack Williams playing right back today was ready to clear the danger but in doing so was shoved in the back and the ball bounced up and hit him on the hand. A penalty was harshly awarded and then tucked away into the corner. 1-0. There was no time left and the whistle was blown seconds later.

A harsh reminder for Cove that teams at the bottom are fighting to stay in this league and that you need to be at your best week in week out.

Full Time: Bookham 1-0 Cove

22 Sep 09 - Cove 2-1 Molesey (Premier Challenge Cup Rd 1)

The draw for Cove had not been kind having to play Molesey so early on in the League Cup. Last season we were drawn against Raynes Park Vale in the 1 st round losing out on penalties. Molesey were looking forward to another run in this competition having reached the semi finals the previous season.

Molesey dominated the first half with some fine passing moves that really should have rewarded them with more than just the one nil lead. The opening chance fell to Sam Lampard after good work down the Molesey left but he shot wide of the goal. Again, a Molesey player found himself in acres of space but managed to curl the ball wide and over. The third chance in a matter of minute fell to Moleseys Matt Baxter, but his shot was tame and Foster in the Cove goal saved easily.

Cove’s only real chance came when Alex Jeffers linked up well with David Johnston on 37 minutes but shot wastefully over the bar. Molesey got what they deserved when a free kick was whipped into the box for Ross Defoe to head home. 0-1

With minutes to go till half time, Cove registered their first real effort on target when Johnston curled a free kick around the wall that bounced awkwardly in front of the Molesey keeper.

Half Time: Cove 0-1 Molesey .

Cove raised their game in the 2 nd half after an ear bashing 15 minutes during the interval by the Cove gaffer.

Molesey had no answer for the hard working Cove midfield, who hussled and probed every time a Molesey player touched the ball. This new found belief was made real when Darren Dobbinson turned sharply on the edge of the box and shot into the corner of the net away from the despairing dive of Young in the Molesey goal. 1-1

Molesey had the chance to regain the lead when Foster came charging out of his goal to clear the danger with his head, only for it to land to McShanes feet who sent it back goalwards to see it unfortunately just clear the bar.

Although a free header for Molesey from a corner was saved, it was Cove who was turning the heat up with Dobbinson finding space in between the Molesey midfield and defence on regular occasions. Young came to the rescue with a fine tip around the post from a Dobbinson strike. From the resulting corner, Nathan Woodbridge ghosted round the back and unselfishly squared it back across goal where Alex Jeffers nodded home to give Cove the lead. 2-1

There was time left for a terrific run from a Molesey player, who made it all the way into the penalty area, only to be stopped in his tracks by a terrific tackle from Blount.

Cove closed out the game and progressed into the next round to face Worcester Park at home.

Full Time: Cove 2-1 Molesey

19 Sep 09 - Cove 2-3 Ringmer (FA Vase 2 nd Round Qualifying)

Cove lost a very controversial but exciting encounter with our Sussex Division 1 opponents.

Ringmer sitting very close to the bottom of their league were out to do exactly what East Grinstead did to Cove.

Ringmer certainly started the better of the 2 teams but the Cove defence stood strong and kept them from getting any chances on goal.

Fist blood was drawn when David Johnston whipped in a free kick that Nathan Woodbridge was able to get his head to and guide the ball in to the net. 1-0

Not too long later, the ball was launched up field where a Ringmer head flicked the ball on and into the path of a Ringmer striker. The player coolly lobbed Foster in the goal to make it one a piece. 1-1

Half Time: Cove 1-1 Ringmer

The second half saw both sides looking for goals but there was little goalmouth action of note although Trott in the Ringmer goal did well to deny Martin Girling on the hour mark when he tipped his shot around the post for a corner. Otherwise both defences held firm for the remainder of the 90 minutes. Cove were dealt a blow with 10 minutes of normal time remaining when Cove’s centre half, Michael Blount, had to retire injured. Cove had to shuffle the pack with no defenders on the bench to call upon. Ringmer almost snatched a late goal for the Blues before Trott again blocked two shots in quick succession to deny Cove the decisive goal.

In extra time, new signing Steve Duff did well to benefit from a lapse in the Ringmer defence to shoot from 20yds, giving Trott in the goal no chance. 2-1

With only 7 minutes remaining in the 2 nd period of extra time, and Cove with 1 foot in the next round, Ringmer were given a lifeline when a poor shot was blocked on the edge of the Cove penalty box, only for the ball to bounce kindly to a Ringmer player standing in what seemed to be an offside position. The player slotted the ball into the corner with appeals of offside waved away by the officials. 2-2 Cove substitute Martin Williams had a great chance to win the game but he blasted the ball over from 10yds.

With the game looking to go to a replay, a cross fell at the feet of a Ringmer player in the penalty box. Screams of a blatant offside fell upon deaf ears and to add insult to injury, the Ringmer player mishit his shot, which deceived everyone and trickled into the corner amid wild celebrations for the away supporters.

Full Time: Cove 2-3 Ringmer

Cove felt like they’d been robbed but again, only had their selves to blame for letting their opponents back into a match that should have been closed out.

5 Sep 09 - Newhaven 0-6 Cove (FA Vase 1st Round Qualifying)

Cove travelled to the South Coast looking to progress in the next round of the Vase. Newhaven were two tiers below Cove and were no match for their Hampshire opponents. Koo Dumbaya and Duncs were unfortunately away which left Big Dobbo in charge.

Cove started the match in positive fashion attacking down the flanks where Nwhaven seemed vulnerable. The 1 st goal was cheekily put away by Martin Girling from a well taken free kick out wide by David Johnston. 0-1 Cove were well on top and after some good possession, the midfield opened up and Johnston raced through and hit a speculative shot that hit the upright and out for a goal kick. A deep cross from Jason Milletti was missed by everyone, which left Girling at the back post to smash it into the bottom corner. 0-2

Shots were now raining down on the Newhaven goal with efforts from Tom McGarry and Alex Jeffers. The 3rd goal was soon to come when Jack Williams beat the full back with pace and squared it for Jeffers to belt it into the corner. 0-3 As Newhaven began to get some possession the half time whistle was blown.

Half Time: Newhaven 0-3 Cove

Complacency again crept into Cove’s game and within a minute of the restart, Newhaven had a one on one with Foster in the Cove goal. The keeper saved well and from the rebound Foster was up quick again to push the 2 nd attempt on to the post and off for a corner. Cove regained the upper hand and from a McGarry in swinging corner made it 4 with Jack Williams volleying the ball into the top corner of the net. 0-4

The 5th goal came when some sloppy Newhaven passing was intercepted by Jack Williams and from 30yds, hit an unstoppable drive that burst the net. 0-5

At this point, Cove substitutions were made and they had an immediate impact with Martin Williams hooking the ball over his head, only for the keeper to tip it over for a corner. From the resulting corner the other substitute, Jamie Kieth, rose highest to nod the ball powerfully into the net to make it six. 0-6 It could have been more towards the end with Williams and Girling missing good chances and Johnston making it into the box only to be shot by a sniper in the trees at the crucial point. Cruel laughter and pointing was heard from his fellow team mates.

A good result for Cove and a fun journey home on the coach, with Big Dobbo leading the celebrations and drinking games.

Full Time: Newhaven 0-6 Cove

31 Aug 09 - Cove 2-1 Badshot Lea

Cove returned to Squirrels Lane with pride seriously dented after their shock Fa Cup exit at the hands of East Grinstead two days previous. The Bank Holiday Monday match couldn’t have come any sooner for Cove. This was a must win match for Koo’s yellow and black army.

Our derby rivals had progressed comfortably in the Fa Cup and came to Oak Farm Fields looking for another victory.

It wasn’t to be as Cove took the lead early on with a spectacular overhead kick from Jack Williams just outside the penalty box. 1-0 Cove were rampant in midfield with the skipper David Johnston pulling the strings and organising a tight midfield. Cove at this point were happy to keep possession while using the strength of Williams and speed of Alex Jeffers to create chances. The only Badshot Lea chance of the first half fell to their striker who managed to beat the offside trap on the 3 rd time of trying. He rounded the keeper and from 25yds hit an almost certain goal. Fortunately for Cove, Johnston saw the danger early and recovered enough to make a goal line clearance. This spurred Cove into attack again and within minutes had increased their lead from the penalty spot. Jeffers had been put through one on one with the keeper, only for him to be tripped with an out stretched boot of Watson in the goal. Tom McGarry made no mistake from the spot. 2-0

Jeers from the away crowd were heard at the half time whistle. Chants and comments were dished out at the Cove players having learnt that Cove had surrended a similar two goal lead two days previous.

Half Time: Cove 2-0 Badshot Lea

The previous match was harshly reminded to the Cove players in the changing rooms, and from that point, Cove were in no mood to take prisoners. The home side came out fighting once again with tough tackles but certainly no gifts. Badshot huffed and puffed but never seem to get going. A couple of penalty appeals were all they seem to muster up until very late on when Cove’s legs looked to tire. A long throw was not dealt with and Badshots Matt Griffiths headed home to reduce the deficit to one goal.

The away side were soon reduced to 10 men when the referee over heard a swear word aimed at himself. This settled where the 3 points were going and eased the pain of the Fa Cup defeat two days earlier.

Full Time: Cove 2-1 Badshot Lea

It hurts to even write this report but Cove threw away probably their best chance ever to progress in the most famous cup competition in the world.

The pitch and facilities were immaculate and so was Cove’s start to this Preliminary round of the Fa Cup as they raced into a 2-0 lead courtesy of a Michael Blount goal and a thunderbolt from Tom McGarry. Blount’s goal came in the 26 th minute from a freekick out wide that was not dealt with by the East Grinstead defence. The ball was well delivered, and found Blount in acres of space at the back unmarked. He took his time and smashed it into the net. 0-1 With Cove enjoying lots of ball possession they soon scored again. Tom McGarry had a freekick 35 yds out, on a slight angle which he attempted to deliver into the packed penalty box. The ball was blocked by the Grinstead wall which came back to Mcgarry, and on the volley hit an unstoppable shot that swerved into the top corner. 0-2

Cove were now cruising but were in danger of stepping off the gas and letting their hosts off the hook. East Grinstead shuffled their formation to match Cove’s, which worked well. Soon after, two chances went begging for Grinstead but they didn’t give up. With seconds remaining of the 1 st half Cove gave their opposition a life line. Having had countless opportunities to clear the danger, the ball fell kindly to an unmarked player in the penalty box who took his chance and gave East Grinstead hope. 1-2

Half time: East Grinstead 1-2 Cove

Within a minute of the restart Cove had a great chance to increase their lead when David Johnston released Darren Dobbinson with only the keeper to beat. Dobbinson lobbed the keeper but unfortunately there was not enough pace on the ball and a defender got back on the goal line to clear the almost certain goal. 10mins later the game turned on it’s head. Slack passing mixed with poor communication between the Cove centre backs allowed East Grinstead the easiest of levellers and a gift back in to the Fa Cup tie. 2-2 The hosts with their tails up then went in to the lead with a rather controversial goal. A Grinstead free kick was whipped to the back post where it was met by the head, knee, hand of a Grinstead player. Foster in the goal saved the initial controversy but the ball fell nicely and was prodded in at the 2 nd attempt. 3-2 Appeals of handball were waved away by the referee and the linesman to the disgust of the Cove players. After being 2 nil up to now being 3-2 down, the light seemed to have gone out of the Cove belief. With 5 minutes left Grinstead got a fourth with their striker creating space and curling a lovely shot past Foster.

The full time whistle was blown and with that, also the chances of an Fa Cup win and progression. All the players knew what had happened but couldn’t explain it. The manager put it down to serious complacency and switching off at crucial times. A harsh lesson, but one that will be used as a learning curve.

Full Time: East Grinstead 4-2 Cove

22 Aug 09 - Cove 1-3 Chessington and Hook (CCP)

The first taste of league defeat was hard to swallow for Cove who absolutely dominated for long periods of the match.

The 1st half was full of action with Chessington taking an early lead from a freekick. The ball was crossed to the far side which was misjudged by the Cove full back allowing the visitors to sneak around the back and volley an unstoppable shot past Chris Foster into the net. 0-1.

This sparked Cove into life which in turn saw Chessington come under some severe pressure with the goal being peppered with shots and crosses. In a 35 minute spell, Cove managed to hit the upright twice, score a goal that was dubiously judged offside and have a penalty well saved. Towards the end of the half Martin Girling beat the offside trap, rounded the goalkeeper only to see his effort hit the side netting. Cove had never seen so much possession or had so many efforts and chances on goal but still trailed by 1 goal.

Half Time: Cove 0-1 Chessington and Hook

The 2nd half was not as one sided as the first but still Cove kept believing and applying pressure and making chances. Soon after the restart Cove had the ball in the back of the net, but again the goal was flagged offside. The corners count was getting into double figures as well as the shots but still no equaliser. A long punt upfield by a Chessington defender landed at the feet of a forward. There was a 50/50 tussle with the ball that ended with the referee giving a free kick in favour of the forward 35 yds out. The taker hit the ball with immense pace and accuracy, which gave Chris Foster in the Cove goal no chance. 0-2

Cove were now in unfamiliar territory being 2 nil down but continued to play the football that was so successful last season. Instead of the Cove luck deserting them, it was now the Chessington goal keeper who was in fine form and keeping Cove at bay. A couple of saves from him were topped off by an amazing one handed tip over the bar from an Alex Jeffers freekick. Just as the Cove players looked down and out, Tom McGarry popped up from another Cove corner to score. 1-2

With only minutes remaining and from a free kick deep inside the Cove half, Cove pushed 9 players into the Chessington penalty box looking for that elusive equaliser. The kick from the keeper was deep but never reached the box and from that, the Chessington players broke quickly in numbers and scored the goal that sealed the 3 points.

1-3

Sweet revenge for Chessington after Cove last season scored 10 goals against them in 3 matches and also denied them cup success on the last day of the 08/09 season.

Apart from having a bit more luck on their side and that finishing touch, Cove could not have done anymore. Apart from the result, the management were not worried, as the performance deserved a lot more!

Full time: Cove 1-3 Chessington and Hook

15 Aug 09 - Cove 4-0 Bookham (FA Cup Extra Prelim)

For the existing Cove players, this game was more than just another August FA Cup match. This game had tension and possible despair and disappointment all over again! Last season in the cups, bar one, Cove did themselves absolutely no justice whatsoever. Lost to a poor Hartley Wintney in the FA Cup. We were dominating and winning in the FA Vase until 2 errors at the back late on cost us. Lost on penalties in the league cup and lost to Fleet, the eventual winners of the Aldershot Senior Cup.

Yes, we did have a trophy to show for our efforts last season, but cup competitions were certainly not our forte.

This match on paper was not easy with our CCL Prem friends from Bookham looking to finally beat us after coming so close last season. The match started lively with tackles flying in from all directions.

With not long gone, Martin Girling produced a deep cross which Alex Jeffers volleyed in from 18yds. Unstoppable!! 1-0 We then had 2 injuries to 2 key players. The hero new boy that scored against Ash, Kunjan Gurung, fell awkwardly and fractured his elbow meaning Nuwal Gurung (no relation) replaced him. Mike Blount then sustained an ankle injury and was replaced by Nick Cossa. Strength from the bench was now key.

HT: Cove 1-0 Bookham

The 2nd half was better with Bookham not providing much resistance and it was Cove who got the all important 2 nd goal. A throw-in inside was hit well by Anthony Vine, and with the keeper slow to react, it was 2-0. A well worked move with David Johnston feeding Gurung in lots of space finished with the substitute turning well in the box and curling his shot into the corner of the net. 3-0. With the game now out of Bookhams reach Girling made it 4-0 from the penalty spot.

A good result and at last a little bit of success in the FA Cup.

Full time: Cove 4-0 Bookham

11 Aug 09 - Cove 2-1 Ash Utd (CCP)

Pride and passion was the only thing that mattered on this mild Tuesday evening against local side Ash Utd.

Cove finished 6th last season compared to Ash Utd’s 9th. Cove also had a trophy from last season to boast about which was proudly on display in the club house. With that in mind you would think all the pressure was on Cove – you would be wrong. Ash had signed some big names in the off season, had more in the waiting and were expected to do well this year especially after thumping new boys Croydon 4-0 on the opening day. All the pressure was on a new look Ash Utd.

The game started at a fast pace with all the possession coming from Cove. The passing was crisp and the chances soon arrived. Ash only ever looked dangerous from set pieces and from the long ball. The management team at Cove changed the formation from the previous match to take care of Ash Utd’s James Blason who is always a thorn in most opposition’s side. With Blason taken care of and Ash Utd’s attack thwarted it was time to get a score on the sheet. Half way through the 1st half Kunjan Gurung scored the 1st goal from a very well worked move. Gurung and David Johnston combined in midfield with a one two, with Johnston passing it out to Jason Milletti. Milletti then played a delightful ball into space, splitting the Ash centre halfs. Alex Jeffers broke the offside trap, rounded the keeper and unselfishly pulled the ball back to Gurung who scored his 1st Cove senior goal.

Cove 1-0 Ash Utd

The pressure continued from Cove and soon enough it was 2-0. Some neat football ended with Darren Dobbinson racing through and rounding the Ash keeper and passing the ball into an empty net.

Half Time: Cove 2-0 Ash Utd

The 2nd half proved to be a different affair with Ash putting the pressure on Cove knowing 2 goals would be the absolute minimum to try and rescue the match. Possession was largely with Ash but to no avail as the centre back pairing of Nathan Woodbridge and Michael Blount kept the Ash team out and the “Ash Ash Ash” man relatively quiet. Ash made substitutions and team formation changes but at times pushed too many players forward, which was leaving huge gaps at the back that Cove exploited. Only good goalkeeping and last ditch defending kept it from being three.

Ash got a consolation goal with minutes to go to make it 2-1 but to rub salt into the Ash wounds, last season's Cove bound winger, Aneel Azeem, was given his marching orders for swearing at the linesman.

Not a good day at the office for Ash. Cove look forward to the FA Cup with high spirits.

Full Time: Cove 2-1 Ash Utd

8 Aug 09 - Colliers Wood Utd 0-2 Cove (CCP)

A new season, a few new players, but thankfully the same old Cove.

The Wibbadune pitch was in the best condition ever, resembling something like Wembley. As much as the grass was lush with no weeds or bare spots, there was still the famous Colliers Wood slope which Cove attacked 1st half. And what a half it was. Within 2 mins Jason Milletti swung over a pin point freekick for Martin Girling to head home. 0-1 to Cove. Countless chances went begging for the away side from the many corners and mistakes by the CW back four but none taken. Just before half time the skipper, David Johnston, took a quick free kick to new signing Darren Dobbinson who had time to turn and pick out Girling at the back post who headed home to make it 0-2 to Cove. A very dominant half from Cove.

Half time: Colliers Wood Utd 0-2 Cove

The second half was generally uneventful and nothing like the 1st. Cove sat back and pinged the ball around without looking too dangerous, only catching Colliers Wood on the break. CW were starting to get back into the game but having to run up the slope against a very organised midfield and back 4 was proving difficult and eventually the CW players ran out of steam. 3 or 4 chances were made by Cove but a mix between good fortune and poor finishing kept the score line to just the 2.

Full time: Colliers Wood Utd 0-2 Cove

The manager was pleased with the 1st half performance which totally knocked the stuffing out of Colliers Wood but was disappointed Cove didn’t build on the 2-0 lead.

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