Second Team Match Reports

Buxted II 1 Copthorne Rovers 0
Saturday 26th September, Mid Sussex Division 6

Buxted, still reeling from the sloppy home defeat last week at the hands of Heath Pilgrims II, were determined to make amends this week against a strong Copthorne Rovers side.
Buxted were strengthened by the inclusion, in midfield, of Dave Mumford and James Muddle; whose valuable experience helped offset the depleted defensive line. Buxted started the match positively and chances fell to both sides in a very well contested first half, although some fine saves from both keepers kept it at 0-0 at half time.

The second half saw Matt Henshaw replace the hard working Alex Marks to add more strength to the forward line and Buxted picked up where they left off. It was more of the same in the second half from both teams; Buxted continued to play the ball around well looking for the opening and it was they who broke the deadlock. With the ball fizzing about in the box it fell into the path of Scott Richards, who kept his head and hit a low accurate shot under the keeper. It was very much backs to the wall stuff from Buxted in the last 5-10 minutes as Copthorne went in search of an equaliser; a combination of last ditch defending and some brilliant saves from Aaron Mogridge kept the visitors out.

A great gritty performance from Buxted II against a team that was physically stronger than them for the majority of them. But Buxted showed good character to get in front and hold on to their lead. Makeshift right back, Wayne Bristow, showed the kind of commitment that was necessary to win these types of games and hence was awarded Man of the Match.

Starting XI: 1. Aaron Mogridge, 2. Wayne Bristow, 3. James Cox, 4. Nigel Fox, 5. Chris Beeney, 6. James Muddle, 7. Scott Richards, 8. Dave Mumford, 9. Alex Marks, 10. Dean Brooker, 11. Adam Smith(c).

Subs: 12. Matt Henshaw, 14. Karl Smith.

MOTM: Wayne Bristow

   

Buxted II 1 Heath Pilgrims II 2
Saturday 19th September, Mid Sussex Division 6

On another glorious day Buxted II, sitting at the top of the table, faced bottom of the league Heath Pilgrims II.

Buxted got off to a bad start when after just 10 minutes a bad defensive mistake in let the visitors to score the opening goal of the game. Buxted were finding it hard to get into the game as Heath Pilgrims were dominating the aerial battle in midfield. It was not too long before they scored another to go 2-0 up, this time catching Buxted on the break. Buxted did manage to get into the game and create some openings but they continually squandered chance after chance; Scott Richards guilty of missing from 3 yards with no one to beat. However, it was not long before Scott Richards atoned for his miss; with a beautifully struck free kick from the edge of the box to go into half time 2-1 down.

Buxted pressed through out the whole game, but sadly got sucked into the oppositions way of playing, and went looking for the ball. Despite Buxted dominating the majority of possession in the second half, they were unable to find the clinical finish when it was required in front of goal and hence Heath Pilgrims held on to win the game.

Unfortunately Buxted seemed to allow their good early season form go to there heads made the suicidal mistake of taking the game for granted…this was a big mistake and only have themselves blame for defeat. Special mention for Karl Smith, he stuck to his task and position well throughout and therefore received the Man of the Match award.

Starting XI: 1. Arron Mogridge, 2. Karl Smith, 3. Lewis Riley, 4. John Jeffrey, 5. Chris Beeney, 6. James Cox, 7. Scott Richards, 8. Wayne Bristow, 9. Matt Henshaw, 10. Dean Brooker, 11. Adam Smith.

Subs: 12. Alex Marks, 14. Oli Lotter, 15. Lloyd Massey
 

Jarvis Brook II 0  Buxted II 4
Saturday 12th September, Mid Sussex Division 6

Yet another glorious sunny day, the team went to Jarvis Brook with only one thing in mind…a win; and on the back of last weeks 6-1 win confidence was high.

Playing down hill, it took only ten minutes to open up the Brook; a fine ball into the box from Scott Richards and Chris Beeney was there to slot the ball home as it broke loose in the box.
Jarvis Brook tried to make the game a physical contest but only proceed to wind up the referee and before long they received numerous bookings and warnings.
Aaron Mogridge in goal was marshalling his back four well and together they were able nullify any threat that Jarvis Brook were able to create. The defensive line was well supported by the midfield, who also played some excellent football, which only seemed to frustrate Jarvis Brook.
Chance continued to come and captain Adam Smith made it 2-0 when he got on the end of a cross; but undoubtedly the moment of the game came shortly after with Buxted’s third. A quick counter attack with Scott Richards down the left saw his cross find Dean Brooker on the edge of the box; he turned on a sixpence and fired home, keeper had no chance.

In the 2nd half Buxted continued where they had left off and their cause was aided by the referee who sent off the Jarvis Brook centre back for one foul too many. Although playing with only ten men Jarvis Brook did threaten and were kept at bay by a magnificent save by Aaron Mogridge from close range. Eventually Buxted’s fitness won out and Wayne Bristow was on the end of a Chris Beeney shot to make it 4-0.

With superb battling from the whole team there was no way through for Jarvis Brook. Buxted played throughout the game as a team with confidence and showed true style and rightly deserved their victory - now proudly sitting at the top of Division Six.

MOTM Aaron Mogridge

Starting XI: 1. Arron Mogridge, 2. Karl Smith, 3. Ryan Wyatt, 4. John Jeffrey, 5. Oli Lotter, 6. Chris Beeney, 7.Scott Richards, 8. Lewis Reilly, 9. Wayne Bristow, 10. Dean Brooker, 11. Adam Smith.

Subs: 12. Alex Marks, 14. James Cox, 15. Matt Henshaw.
 

Bolney Rovers 1  Buxted II 6
Saturday 5th September, Mid Sussex Division 6

On a glorious sunny day, Buxted travelled to Bolney village and kicked their season off in style.

It was Bolney however who took a shock early lead, which was completely against the run of play. Buxted did not take long to back on level terms with a fine goal from Dean Brooker. From this point on it was all Buxted, although there were some fine saves from new signing Aaron Mogridge in goal when called upon. Wayne Bristow then saw his great volley finger tipped over the bar by the keeper, but this was only delaying the inevitable. Goals followed from Chris Beeney, Wayne Bristow, and an outstanding solo goal from Scott Richards, running from his own half all the way into the Bolney box; Buxted went in 4-1 up at half time.

The second half saw Buxted playing slightly up hill but it didn't stop the constant pressure on the Bolney defence. Dean Brooker fired 2 more goals in the second half to complete his hatrick and secure the Man of the Match award. Unfortunately though there was some bad news as Lloyd Massey was carried off with a horrific twisted knee, and he is likely to be out for some time. All subs played their part as the pre season friendlies and training proved a winner; Buxted easy winners and should have made more of their endless chances.

Starting XI: 1. Aaron Mogridge, 2. Karl Smith, 3. Lloyd Massey, 4. John Jeffrey, 5. Oli Lother, 6. Chris Beeney, 7. Scott Richards, 8. Bernie Emmett, 9. Wayne Bristow, 10. Dean Brooker, 11. Adam Smith.

Subs: 12. Alex Marks, 14. Ryan Wyatt, 15. Matt Henshaw