The Mighty Clems were looking to take a big step towards winning the Div 1 cup today as undefeated league leaders Writtle Mannor came to town in what was a harsh quarter final draw for both sides. It was always likely to be the first true test for Boreham in some time and the size of the task was magnified with the devastating news breaking 12 hours before kick off, that their in-form keeper and team manager had broken down whilst helping the saturday team claim a 4-3 win earlier in the day. The settled back five of the last few weeks was now in search of a replacement last liner. Early unconfirmed reports from the clubs medical staff suggest that the Clems No.1 could miss the remainder of what could well be a momentus season and Dale himself is as disapointed as anyone about the untimely injury to his troublesome ankle.
With Dales absence, it was up to his troops to rally, and give the hardline Gaffa something to smile about and with frontman Rush dropping inbetween the sticks, a position he has performed well in before, the back line still made good reading with the class and guile of Stammers and T Wright flanked by strong fullback Chittock, and ambidexterous utility man J Dale. The Midfield three picks itself with the talented trio of J Wright, Ansell and club captain R Ince pulling the strings, with the pacey front line of D Ince, Parks and Gothard. Backed up with Coleman as defensive cover, Hawthorne and Joughin as attacking options on the bench, Boreham had plenty of reason to be confident about their chances going into the game.
Mannor were themselves in good form having scored 17 without reply in their previous two games, albeit against the whipping boys of the division. From the first minute in, it was obvious that the sides were fairly evenly matched with the visiters having the better of the early exchanges. Boreham were again slow out of the blocks and seemed to have adopted a more direct style of play than what we are used to seeing from a group of composed accomplished footballers. Parks and Gothard were working hard up top to get into the game, but Writtle had rather more than their fair share of posession throughout the first 45, and forced a number of corners, which was of particular concern to the home side, such was the quality of delivery from writtle's set pieces.
Despite this pressure, and a couple of decent saves from Rush along with one or two frantic blocks from the committed and resilliant back four, it was Boreham who came closest to breaking the first half deadlock with both Gothard and then D Ince watching their rasping drives come back of the crossbar before the referee called time on a tight and turgid first period.
There was a little apprehention in the ranks, that things might not go to plan, but an encouraging team talk from Captain Ince, inspired the Clems to an improved performance after the break. 10 minutes into the second half Coleman replaced D Ince and slotted in at left back with Jay Dale swicthing to the opposite corner of the pitch on the right wing. Coleman's inpact was almost instant with first a stong challenge followed seconds later by a sweet strike from thirty yards which had both the keeper and unfortunatly the far post beaten.
Dales superstar Barmy army were growing in confidence now, with Rush increasingly becoming a spectator in the sticks for Boreham. Dale had the beating of the Writtle full back and Gothard with his quick feet and deadly left side deliveries were causing Writtle probelms. Jay Parks was most impressive for his tireless workrate, tracking back and filling in for chittock at rightback when one attcking corner broke down, and he was no doubt hoping his work ethic would be rewarded with the goal it deserved. Ansell and J Wright looked very neat and tidy picking up the second balls and slowing the pace of the game down to a more familier tempo as the half wore on. We were witnessing some smooth flowing one touch football from back to front with T Wright stepping out of the back line with increasing regularity to get foward and pile the pressure onto the creaking Writtle back line.
Despite the attractive patient football Boreham were now playing, there were few, if any, clearcut chances to speak of as the game looked more and more liklely to go to extra time, as it had the week before for the Clems. With less than 10 minutes to go there was one last heart in mouth moment for the home supporters as a rare Mannor shot on target looked as though it might have Rush beaten, but he showed safe hands taking a good catch albeit at the second time of asking. Then, 2 minutes later the breakthrough, as the ball was played speculatively over the top of the Writtle left back who was caught knapping and in the blink of an eye, Dale stole in and confidently slotted the ball beyond the onrushing keeper for one nil...GET IN!! The 10 man bundle that followed showed what it meant to get the all important first goal with just 5 minutes left to see it out and secure another semi final spot.
It was now about ball retention and concentration, but as Writtle tried to get men foward and push for a late equaliser, it was Boreham who broke with a 50 yard ball from the impressive Stammers up to Parks who opened his speedy legs leaving the centre half in his wake before finishing beautifully with the outside of the right foot into the top bin for 2-0 with just 3 minutes left. Mannor hardley saw the ball in the dying embers of the game, with some showboating and silky skills on display as Boreham puffed their chests out and humiliated the opposition who knew they were well beaten in the end. Full time came and the joy was clear to see on the faces of the players and supporters as the juggernaught that is Boreham Sunday team rolls on into another semi final to add to next weeks mega match in the County trophey against local rivals, 'The QH Rams'.
The mannor of this late win will give The Clems much encouragement ahead of next weeks clash, which has captured the imagination of the village with both sides boasting a 100% record since their first meeting back in November. It's sure to be a tense and nervous affair with a place in the County Trophey Final at stake, but whatever the outcome, the fact that both sides have made it through to meet in the last four from 128 teams back in October, it is a great achievement and the two Boreham based clubs have done the invitation league proud, infact the local resident referee who offiated the last meeting has made himself unavailable next week to join the masses on the touchline as the 'Battle of Boreham II' takes place at the recreation ground.
ESSEX COUNTY TROPHEY SEMI FINAL
SUNDAY MARCH 10TH @ 10:30am
BOREHAM V QUEENS HEAD RAMS
