Match Report
Cobham 6 v 0 Newhaven, FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round, September 8th 2007
Report by Andy.
Cobham soared into the next round of the FA Vase by sending Sussex County League Division 3 side Newhaven away with a 6-0 hammering.
On what was a warm and reasonably sunny day Cobham were always in charge and had two early half-chances to open the scoring but the visiting goalkeeper had also starting in good fashion to keep the game goalless. The home side also had a penalty saved after Marcus Rose had been clumsily brought down only for Dean Pitcher's tame attempt from the spot to be easily saved. However, Cobham continued to cause Newhaven difficulties and on one such occasion in the 28th minute the impressive Rose was intercepted in the away side's penalty area only for the ball to head towards goal and evade a last ditch attempt to clear to put the Hammers one up. It was soon 2-0 as Pitcher redeemed himself by bringing a cross by Ben Thorne down onto his chest and hitting the ball home. At this stage Cobham were 100% in control and effectively using the Newhaven goal as a shooting range. HT = 2-0.
The second half started with the visitors looking much more lively and pushing forward more - a much better tactic than the occasional counter they managed in the opening period. In fact it took Cobham until the 68th minute to reclaim control and score their third through Michael Carpenter after some excellent direct running by Pitcher left the scorer with a relatively easy chance. Goal number four was the pick of the bunch as a superb 30 yard cross pitch ball from Nick Tooley was brilliantly brought under control by Rose who hit sweetly home. Although the game was effectively safe Cobham continued to press and were rewarded with goal five from some fine individual play from Carpenter taking the ball past two defenders and the goalie. On the 87th minute Newhaven had their first meaningful shot on goal which alas went past the post. Cobham still had time for the sixth which came from a corner and a resulting thumping header from substitute Matt Barrett. The visitors did have one final (and second) shot on goal which this time was on target but was easily saved by Nick McGregor who was probably happy for something to do. FT = 6-0.
Once again Cobham showed that they can perform on their day. The only trouble is at the moment their days are a little few and far between but they are through to the next round and a visit from Lordswood.
Man of the match with 29% of the vote is Marcus Rose.
