Leigh Ramblers 1-0 BHFC White Essex Cup
Last 16 of the Essex Cup was always going to be a tough game and so it proved, though neither side will likely take any solace in the way the match was decided. Both teams put up a fine, well organised and determined performance and for the game to be won and lost on a poor refereeing decision was a desperately unfair ending to a super game of football.
Buckhurst Hill feel rightly robbed and I’m sure Leigh Ramblers, while delighted to be in the last 8 of the County Cup, will also feel it was something of a hollow victory. Although it always looked likely, the more the game went on, that the tie would be decided by penalties, both sets of supporters and managers could not have expected such a very dubious penalty decision 2 minutes from time. A decision that, quite frankly, most observers felt the referee had blown for a free kick to Buckhurst Hill and not for a penalty to the Ramblers. However, the referee, who it must be said, had an excellent game up until that point, explained afterwards that he played what he saw and while the decision looked wrong, at least he was honest and brave enough to discuss and explain his decision with managers and supporters alike.
For the first 10 minutes of the game the reporters hands stayed firmly in his pockets on a brisk January day as both sides fought for possession in midfield with no tangible chances and no telling possession or moves created by either side. Then on the 10 minute mark the first corner of the game came to Leigh but was well cleared by the Hill defence which released Redhead down the right. A well hit cross / shot was slightly fumbled by the keeper but he recovered well at the second attempt to prevent a chance for the incoming Hill forwards.
Then on 13 minutes the best move of the half saw Hurst play the ball forward to Swan who controlled well, played in Redhead whose well struck shot was blocked for a corner. On 15 minutes a threat from Leigh down the left saw a well struck cross flash through the Hill box but go out for a throw in as the Ramblers forwards had not pushed on enough in the box to capitalise.
The game was very tight throughout the first half but on 24 mins Johnson played a super ball threaded behind the Leigh defence for Brooks to run onto. In the box he chose to shoot from a tight angle rather than play the cut back, and was unlucky as he ball hit the near post and rebounded to safety. The very next minute it appeared as though the game was opening a little as Leigh broke through but the chance was well claimed by S. Barrett. Barrett then ended the half with a fine take from a high ball following a corner which ensured the teams went in at the end of the first half locked at 0-0.
The second half started much in the same way as the first, very tight, although Hill conceded a free kick in a dangerous position on the right edge of the box early on, the attempt was well cleared by S. Barrett. Then again in the 8th minute another free kick was given away in a similar position but this time the effort went wide. Hill supporters were getting a little uncomfortable with the pressure inducing free kicks conceded down our right side. At this point a couple of changes were made and Foster came on to add some more bite in the middle with Dackombe moving to wide right and Brooks taking a breather with a knock to the
ankle.
There were not many more incidents in the second half, most notable being a strong run down the left by Redhead whose effort narrowly missed at the near post.
Then on 28 minutes the game was decided by the penalty decision. The ball had been played into the edge of the Hill box and a Ramblers forward attempted to control, the ball coming off his shoulder and bouncing clear, possible handball. It fell to a Leigh midfielder who played the ball back in, this time it appeared to clearly strike a Leigh forward on the arm but bounced down and up and struck Foster, most supporters felt, on the chest. The referee blew and the Hill fans believed for a Hill free kick. Despite no appeal from players or fans though the referee pointed to the spot. All were bemused, but a penalty it was. A well struck penalty was
firmly placed to S. Barrett’s right side, but despite the keeper reading the direction and making a fine attempt the ball was too firmly struck. Well taken penalty and 1-0 Leigh.
Buckhurst Hill, despite having only moments left, mounted a valiant effort and in the dying seconds a great run by Brooks down the right saw the ball delivered into the box which then broke into the path of Johnson on the edge of the box who hit the shot well but just wide of the post.
Full time came vey soon after and the game ended 1-0 to Leigh. Enough has been made in this report concerning the decision but I should end by saying well done to Leigh. They are a fine team who played very well and whose manager and supporters were very fair and sporting. We wish them the very best in the next round while a bitterly disappointed and wounded Hill depart to concentrate on the League where going into 2012 they sit proudly on top….and will no doubt make every effort to put this game out of their minds with a strong performance and hopeful victory next week.
Gutted of Loughton.
