Ongar Town made the trip to Barkingside on Saturday to take on Frenford Senior. With Graham Jeater and Andy Allen, missing from the previous week, Brad Merrick was drafted into midfield, Mark Neal dropped back into the defence, Wiggy after missing last week returned to the bench and Ben Polley made a welcome return after missing the last two games whilst serving his one match suspension !!! - It was also nice to see Headon and Flighty again who took their place on the bench along with Lodgey who spent most of the afternoon increasing Benson and Hedges profits. Town arrived at Barkingside and after waiting patiently for Davey Armstrong, who owns 6 cars but clearly can't afford a watch, to turn up for 15 minutes the team was announced – Davey had a good excuse though as he didn’t know which car to use and had to shuffle his fleet around his drive to get to the selected one. Little brother Brad arrived with him sporting possibly the worst haircut it has ever been my misfortune to witness, I just wish I had a camera on me so you could all share in the full horror but if you imagine Mr T with hair extensions it gives you an idea.

The game kicked off and after an initial 10 minute sparring session Town settled nicely into the game and popped the ball about neatly and put Frenford under a bit of pressure. Nicky Evans and Mr T lookalike Brad Mills, controlled the central midfield area and up front Ben Polley and Niki Love looked threatening without at this stage creating any clear cut chances. At the back Mark Neal, Ready and Dave Martin were dominant and keeper Chris Neal was untroubled except for a few crosses which he dealt with. A few minutes before half time the ball broke loose in the Town penalty area but the Frenford forwards goal bound shot was brilliantly blocked by Nicky Evans. Half time – 0-0.

The dressing room was positive at half time as it was thought that Town were on top but needed to keep concentrating as the Frenford chance just before half time demonstrated - the need for patience was stressed. The second half kicked off and Town were again on top. Davey Armstrong, in particular was superb for the first 25/30 minutes of the half and was an inspiration to all owners of a bus pass. Town took the lead after 9 minutes, thanks in no small way to a superb piece of refereeing; Niki Love wove his way past a couple of defenders and was clearly fouled in the penalty area but the ref allowed the play to continue so Niki stayed on his feet but the chance had gone so the ref pulled the game back and awarded the penalty. Ben Polley stepped up a calmly slotted the ball home 1-0. Town continued to enjoy good possession and looked very dangerous going forward and a few minutes later they went 2 up – Town worked a corner on the right which resulted in Lee Humphrey being played in by Nicky Evans – Lee’s hard low cross was clinically volleyed home by Ben Polley from close range for an excellently worked Goal – 2-0. Frenford responded and piled players forward but again Ready was in his “they shall not pass” mode and he attacked every ball as though his next pint of lager depended on it – he was more than ably supported by Mark Neal and Dave Martin who on the day formed a formidable defensive unit. Town scored their third after 25 minutes – Lee Humphrey played the ball to Niki Love who turned the defender 40 yards out from goal and set of goal wards leaving defenders in his wake, Roy of the Rovers style (sorry showing my age there) – he steadied himself to slide the ball into the net past the advancing Frenford keeper for a fine and richly deserved goal as he had been a constant threat all afternoon - 3-0. Niki could have gone on to grab a hat trick but first of all the Frenford keeper denied him with an excellent save and he then shot agonisingly a couple of inches wide of the post with the keeper beaten Wiggy, still not 100% fit replaced Lee Humphrey for the remaining 10 minutes. Frenford, with nothing to lose, threw everything at Town and keeper Chris Neal who hasn’t enjoyed the best of form lately showed great character and a return to form by making a couple of smart saves, one in particular of which was very brave and he got a kick in the head for his troubles which left him a bit groggy. Disappointingly Town didn’t keep a clean sheet and conceded a goal with 3 minutes left but it made no difference and Town ran out worthy 3-1 winners.

Summary: An excellent all round team performance, certainly amongst, if not the best performance of the season. Town looked rock solid at the back, played some very neat and tidy passing football in the middle of the park and were lethal going forward

El Col