AS Camboli put in their best performance of the season so far to put Leatherhead Monday to the sword and progress to the last 16 of the Surrey Cup.
Having won 4 of their last five matches, Camboli went into the tie in good spirits and their fans were certainly looking forward to see if they could keep their good run of form against their much travelled opponents. Leatherhead Monday were an unknown quantity with Camboli, by their own admission, unable to perform a scout report due to poor weather and staff cutbacks. So it was important to start the game brightly as they had done so in recent matches. A number of changes had to be made at the last minute with semi-retired player manager Tom Welburn replacing the absent James Price in goal and Tom Harris slotting in for Johnny Hannaway at right back. The back four was also missing Andrew Bradshaw due to family commitments and so it was that Justin Green returned from his 2 week break to slot in alongside the ever reliable Dave Aird and Richard Putman. Sam Welburn and Jonny Gosnell resumed central midfield duties as Michael Hannaway was unable to play, with Alex Williams and Jack Burgess providing the ammunition down the flanks. Rumours were rife of the whereabouts of the O'Flaherty brothers' but the club refused to comment on any, what they termed 'spurious allegations', of socialising the night before a game. One group of brothers that were able to be reunited were the Welburn's, with Jim Welburn returning from injury to play alongside Gary Smith at the spearhead of the Camboli attack - cheered on from the stands by eldest brother and veteran campaigner Paul.
And what a treat the fans were served up....
Camboli did indeed start brightly with every single player playing his part in an opening 20 minute salvo that had Leatherhead rocking. Their commitment to the cause was plain to see as they were first to every loose ball and stroked the ball around the pitch with consummate ease. At times the home side's passing and movement was so good that the away fans applauded as they watched in awe (well, if the didn't they should have..!). The inevitable breakthrough came after only 8 minutes in an equally inevitable fashion. Camboli's own 'Delap', Dave Aird providing yet another mammoth throw that was flicked home off the head of the evergreen Gary Smith. With an early lead giving the side confidence, Camboli began to pass the ball around in delightful fashion. At times it was two touch football with everyone playing their part. Leatherhead were beginning to be spectators as Camboli hammered home their superiority with their best goal of the season so far.
A move that involved almost the whole team began with a short pass from 'keeper Tom Welburn to Richard Putman at left back and worked its way along the back four via Sam Welburn to Tom Harris. Harris surged forward and laid the ball into the midfield before continuing his run down the right flank. After a good exchange in the midfield including a great interchange between Sam and the bright new signing Jack Burgess, the ball was eventually fed down the touchline to Burgess who flashed it across the goal for Alex Williams to provide the finishing touch to a fabulous team goal. At this point 'The Lodge' was simply going wild. Camboli continued to dominate the first half. Jack Burgess added another goal after another fine team move and Gary Smith bagged his second goal of the game either side of three dubious disallowed goals. Camboli could have scored more in the opening half. Leatherhead's keeper did well to deny the bright Jim Welburn and Jonny Gosnell hammered a fierce drive that just whistled past the top corner from fully 25 yards. Things may have been very different of course if 'keeper Tom Welburn had not denied the away side with an outrageous one handed save to stop a looping volley nestling in the top corner (!!! who writes these reports eh?!!)
If it was the best team first half performance of the season, Camboli were determined not to let things slip in the second half. They soon added a fifth goal courtesy of another Dave Aird throw that Jonny Gosnell poked home after a mistake by the opposing 'keeper. Inevitably, Camboli were unable to sustain the high levels they had shown in the first half and small mistakes did lead to some half chances for the visitors, culminating in a penalty after Tom Harris clipped the heals of the Leatherhead skipper. Determined to keep a clean sheet, Tom Welburn rolled back the years to save the resultant kick that was drilled low to his right and ricocheted off his left arm and away in the opposite direction. Sadly, the away side were quick to pounce on the rebound and a scuffed shot across the goal was turned in by the relieved skipper.
There were still flashes of great football from Camboli. Sam Welburn whistled a volley inches over the bar, Gary Smith might have added to his tally as could Williams and Jim Welburn and Jonny Gosnell sent another pile driver just over from a free kick. The 6th goal eventually came and it crowned another hat-trick for Gary Smith following another nice team move that ended with Jim Welburn unselfishly squaring the ball to Smith who sidefooted home from 12 yards.
Leatherhead did bag another late consolation goal from a long throw but in truth it didn't take away from a truly great Camboli performance. It underlined that they now have a squad that doesn't rely on individuals and is capable of demolishing any opposition in their division or cup with their exciting team brand of attacking passing football. They will be looking forward to the next game and all eyes will be on the midweek draw to see who they meet in the next round.
Harry Jones, Leatherhead manager
"I thought Camboli were excellent today. We didn't stand a chance. We didn't really get going in the match but I think that was credit to Camboli. It was like playing Brazil at times and I don't say that lightly as i've never even played Brazil.."
Tom Welburn, A.S. Camboli manager
"I was extremely pleased with the performance of the team today. It was the best team performance since I've been at the club. It wasn't about individuals today because everyone played a part and i'm proud to be able to say that. We let the football do the work and even though people remember the goal scorers, today every single player had a key role in at least one of the goals which is quite incredible and the players should be proud of that. A lot of fresh players came in today and played some fantastic team football. They deserved their places in the side and that's a sign of a good squad and a good bunch of lads. That's enough praise though. It's just one game and we've got to continue to play like that. That's just a new benchmark. I'm off now to moan about something."
