Montpelier Villa snatched a point from CCK's grasp after the award of a controversial penalty at Sussex University sports complex. CCK looked set to grab their first league win of the season, however, they were made to settle for a point.
The game started in a cagey manner, with both sides finding the blustery, wet, playing conditions difficult to adjust to. It was Montpelier who seemed to settle the quickest and took advantage of the favourable direction of the wind. Paul Muzzall was forced to make two decent saves early in the half, as Villa looked to grab a lead. CCK were withstanding the early pressure, and defensively they looked resolute. Dave Sewell and Jacob Fortescue dominated aerially, and were also starting passing moves from the back with great confidence. Doug Reid and Ben Eneke proved to be far too tenacious for their respective wingers, who were left frustrated by determined tackles and interceptions on several occasions. The CCK midfield then seemed to get the ball on the floor and play. Mike Morrison and Dave Jones sprayed the ball around the pitch showing good vision, while Ben Tucker and Dan Harnden were running at defenders and providing dangerous crosses from the wide areas. CCK's best chance of the half fell to Mike Morrison who showed great close control before striking from 20 yards out. The shot beat the keeper, however, it then narrowly whistled past the post. Towards the end of the half Villa looked set to score. A corner was whipped in from the left and with the goal gaping their tall midfielder looked certain to head home. Then Ben Tucker seemed to come out of nowhere and pip him to the ball heading clear. It was a fantastic goal saving header that came at a price for the versatile left footer, as a nasty bang to the head halted play for a moment. Not longer after play had resumed, the half time whistle blew.
The second half saw Mike Preston introduced for Ben Eneke. The right back picked up a slight muscle problem and was forced off as a precaution. A defensive re-shuffle saw Doud Reid switch to right back, Ben Tucker slot in at left back, while Preston played on the left wing. Tucker made several strong tackles down the left as he was put under pressure in the opening minutes of the second half. Then CCK sprung into life. Passing moves were increasingly utilising the forwards, with Matt Carvel and Josh Van Nes causing the Villa defence problems. Mike Preston and Dan Harnden continued to show moments of magic down the wings, and Mike Morrison started to run at Montpelier players, who invariably were made to look stupid by the imposing central midfielder. Then Van Nes broke the deadlock in clinical fashion. Ben Tucker overlapped down the left and supplied a beautifully flighted cross into the box. Van Nes had peeled off to the back post and rose to meet the ball. His guided header back across goal was far too accurate for the Montpelier keeper, who's net bulged as CCK players huddled around their hero. The goal was followed by a sustained period of pressure form the yellow's. Good work down the right by Dan Harnden created a chance for Matt Carvel who pulled his shot wide from just inside the area. Villa seemed to be resigned to the counter attack and threatened on several occasions. Paul Muzzall was on top form once again, making several good saves. Then came the moment of controversy. After a scramble in the CCK area, the ball was played through to the feet of the Montpelier striker. Muzzall came out in an attempt to smother the ball. The player in the meantime seemed to turn his body to shield the ball form the keeper, although he never seemed to have the ball under control at all. The ball rebounded back away from goal as Muzzall and the forward ended in an uncomfortable heap inside the area. The referee pointed to the spot. Video replays however, seem to suggest that the ball rebounded back off the keeper rather than it being controlled by the forward. The keepers momentum brought down the player, but not before Muzzall had touched the ball. The penalty was smashed into the net and the game back in the balance. Mark Edwards provided fresh legs up front as Matt Carvel made way. CCK continued to enjoy the lions share of possession and their good football forced several free kicks and corners. They were dealt with with a degree of discomfort by the Villa defence. Tim Virgo's long awaited return to action brought a large roar from the traveling supporters as one of the fans favourites re-acquainted himself with his team mates after a lengthy spell on the physio's table. Goalscorer Josh Van Nes made way for him, as CCK looked to grab a winner. The winner almost came when a corner was met by Dave Sewell. His powerful header looked goal-bound before it unluckily struck Mark Edwards on the back. The game ended with both sides picking up a well earned point.
Badgers captain Dave Sewell was philosophical about his sides display when Sky Sports spoke with him after the game, "Montpelier Villa are a top side in this league, and for us to come away from the game feeling unlucky not to have won on their patch is a positive sign. We played some good football and perhaps deserved more from the game, but there won't be too many sides who come here and get a result, so we can take confidence from this." Goalscorer Josh Van Nes was pleased with his headed goal, "The cross was great from Tucks, and I just tried to direct it back across goal. I feel like I am in good form, that was my third goal in three games, I just hope I can keep scoring goals for this club and that we can climb up the table." Three games unbeaten must give CCK confidence ahead of their next match against American Express next week.
