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Reserve Team Match Reports
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Rydon Group - Main Sponsors of East Grinstead Town F.C.
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- Chichester City United 2, East Grinstead Town 1
- East Grinstead Town 1, Burgess Hill Town 2
- East Grinstead Town 0, Chichester City United 0
- Arundel 1, East Grinstead Town 0,
- Eastbourne Borough 1, East Grinstead Town 0,
- East Grinstead Town 1, Eastbourne Town 2
- East Grinstead Town 0, Eastbourne Borough 1
- Horsham YMCA 2, East Grinstead Town 1
- Oakwood 1, East Grinstead Town 2
- East Grinstead Town 0, Three Bridges 0
- East Grinstead Town 5, East Preston 1
- Sidley United 2, East Grinstead Town 3
- Whitehawk 1, East Grinstead Town 0
- East Grinstead Town 2, Newick 1
- East Grinstead Town 2, Horsham YMCA 1
- East Grinstead Town 6, Arundel 0
- St Francis Rangers 1, East Grinstead Town 6
- Pulborough 3, East Grinstead Town 5
- Eastbourne Town 2, East Grinstead Town 2
Click Here for the 2003/2004 season match reports!
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| :: Chichester City United 2, East Grinstead Town 1 :: |
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A lacklustre performance against an ordinary team. Two defensive errors led to two goals for the home team in the first half. Grinstead's consolation goal came a couple of minutes from the end; a penalty by Steve Norros after James Upton was fouled.
Team : Simms, Foyle, Coomber, Lancashire, Green, Pike, Baker, Norris, Upton, Alexander and Anderson. Sub Used : Patel
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| :: East Grinstead Town 1, Burgess Hill Town 2 :: |
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On paper it looked a difficult match for Wasps, facing a Ryman League reserve team flying high in second place in the table. Wasps trailed 1-0 at half time but had two good appeals for penalties turned down. The second half saw Andy Goodwin equalise before the visitors regained the lead with ten minutes to go. Wasps piled on the pressure and with the final kick of the game nearly equalised.
Team : Whibley, Buckingham, Coomber, Green, Lancashire, Goodwin, Thompson, Pike, Tramontin, Anderson and Upton.
Subs Used : Norris and Foyle
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| :: East Grinstead Town 0, Chichester City United 0 :: |
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A physical battle took place on Saturday at East Court; with only Wasps playing any football on offer. Town dominated possession and territory but could not breakdown the visitors defence. A good and lively debut from Gary Wright and it was also pleasing to see Phil Thompson to come off the bench and play after a three month absence.
Team : Whibley, Holland, Lynn, Green, Benton, Johnston, Lancashire, Upton, Tramontin, Anderson and Wright. Subs All Used : Thompson, Houghton and Pike
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| :: Arundel 1, East Grinstead Town 0 :: |
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Wasps travelled to Arundel with a much changed and youthful team. The team comprised of six Under 18's, with one of them, Scott Johnston, making his debut at this level. After weathering a number of attacks in the first 10 minutes, Town started to play the better and more attractive football. They created a couple of good scoring opportunities in the first half but were unable to take them. The defence looked very solid with Haydn Coomber celebrating his 18th birthday and captaining the side from left back. The first half finished goaless but there was plenty of optimism in the away changing room at half time.
The second half started with Town on the back foot and they conceded a goal from a free kick after 60 minutes. With nothing to lose, Town pushed more forward and took the game to Arundel. Unfortunately they were unable to unlock the home defence and did not get at least the point their efforts deserved.
A very good team performance, full of character from Town who will hopefully get back to winning ways when they entertain Chichester City at home this Saturday.
Team : Whibley, Johnston, Davis, Green, Coomber, Mann, Upton, Goodwin,
Foyle, Lancashire and Tramontin.
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| :: Eastbourne Borough 1, East Grinstead Town 0 :: |
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An excellent display from a very young Reserve side nearly secured a point against the champions elect, Eastbourne Borough. It was always going to be a difficult game against the Conference League Club and when Wasps conceded a goal after 10 minutes it looked like it was going to be a long afternoon.
Town kept the score to 1-0 at half time with a defensive display by playing one up front. This frustrated the home side and as Town got more confident in the second half they began to pin the home side back. The last 20 minutes saw Wasps unlucky with three shots at goal and it was the home side who unexpectedly were holding on at the end.
Team : Whibley, Buckingham, Green, Dunstan, Comber, Lynn, Foyle, Norris, Holland, Lancashire and Tramontin - Sub Used : Upton
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| :: East Grinstead Town 1, Eastbourne Town 2 :: |
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It was too little to late for Wasps. Having given the visitors a two goal lead, Wasps woke up with 20 minutes to go. They pinned the visitors back and forced Eastbourne to score an own goal. Unfortunately some near misses and hitting the cross bar were the closest Wasps came to gaining a point in the final frantic 5 minutes.
Team : Whibley, Buckingham, Green, Turville, Foyle, Lynn, Holland, Norris, Goodwin, Arrow and Upton. Sub Used : Hearn
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| :: East Grinstead Town 0, Eastbourne Borough 1 :: |
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This was always going to be a difficult game for Town but they showed great character to nearly get something from the game. The fist half saw the visitors dominate and they were restricted to just one goal after 25 minutes. Town keeper, Lee Whibley, made three excellent saves in the first half. At the start of the second half it was Whibley once again who was the saviour, as he saved a penalty kick afer 55 minutes.
In the last ten minutes Town perhaps had the best of the play and with a few minutes remaining a tremendous free kick by James Holland went very close to earning a point for Town.
Team : Whibley, Buckingham. Foyle, Green, Dunstan, Holland, Lynn, Norris, Brockbank, Major and Anderson. Sub Used : Upton
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| :: Horsham YMCA 2, East Grinstead Town 1 :: |
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Town travelled in confident mood to face the league leaders and for the first 25 minurtes they dominated the game. Simon Tadman hit the post and Tom Green hit the crossbar with a header and the home keeper made a couple of excellent saves. With Town clearly on top, Horsham then responded to score two goals in a five minute spell. Town responded well and Dave Gellatly was brought down in the box, allowing Steve Norris to score from the spot kick.
The second half saw the home team start brightly but as the game progressed Town got stronger. The final 25 minutes saw Town dominate both territory and possession but they were let down by their final ball which allowed Horsham to hang on for the win.
Town were disappointed that they did not get the point their efforts deserved but can take great heart from a youthful Wasps squad, including 3 sixteen year olds and 2 seventeen year olds, which pushed the Premier Reserve League leaders all the way.
Team : Whibley, Buckingham, Moore, Green, Foyle, Tadman, Gellatly, Norris, Holland, Major and Anderson. Subs Used : Goodwin and Lancashire.
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| :: Oakwood 1, East Grinstead Town 2 :: |
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Another important three points for the Reserves means that they have now taken 10 out of the last 12 points and are now in 5th place in the Reserve Section Premier Division. On Saturday the team started very lethargically and it was no surprise when Oakwood took the lead after 20 minutes after the defence failed to clear a cross. This did seem to spur the Wasps into action and they equalised with a very good move after half an hour. Following an eight pass move, Bobby Buckingham delivered a cross for Rob Anderson to head in from close range. This really seemed to spark some life into Town and they took the lead after 40 minutes when a Paul Davies cross was met at the far post by Steve Major who stabbed the ball home.
The second half saw Town have both the elements and the slope but they really did not use them particularly well. The second half saw Town contain the home side to some long range efforts. In the last 10 minutes Town were clearly the stronger side and did have a few chances to increase the winning margin. This Saturday the Reserves have a tough fixture when they visit league leaders Horsham YMCA; who will be looking dfor revenge from a 2-1 defeat to Wasps in October.
Team : Whibley, Buckingham, Davies, Green, Moore, Holland, Norris, Dunstan, Tramontin, Major and Anderson. Subs Used : Goodwin and Foyle Sub Not Used : Brockbank
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| :: East Grinstead Town 0, Three Bridges 0 :: |
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It was most probably a point gained rather thean two dropped as Wasps battled their way to a third unbeaten game. The visitors had the better of the first half and Town struggled to get to the pace of the game. The second half saw Town once again on the defensive and with 10 minutes remianing a point looked good for Town. However, the last 10 minutes saw Three Bridges tire and Wasps create three excellent opportunities to win the game.
Team : Whibley, Dunstan, Moore, Green, Foyle, Goodwin, Hanson, Brockbank, Holland, Major and Tramontin Subs used : Upton, Zimatorre and Hearn
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| :: East Grinstead Town 5, East Preston 1 :: |
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The Reserves finished off 2004 with one of their best performances of the year. Due to injuries and unavailabilities Town fielded a young side against high flying East Preston in what was a very difficult game on paper. The first 10 minutes demonstrated why East Preston have only lost once this season, their passing and movement left Grinstead struggling to keep pace with the game. With the Town defence holding firm, Grinstead had their first attack on ten minutes when a Marc Tramontin solo run run was finally stopped on the edge of the box. With Town welcoming back influential midfieder, Steve Norris, from injury, their was a good balance to the Town side. Town looked particularly dangerous when they got the ball to the wide areas for Elvis Lynn and Andy Goodwin to exploit.
Town took the lead after 25 minutes when a lomg ball from Norris was chased by Tramontin; who half blocked the East Preston keeper's clearance. The ball fell to Steve Major, who was around 30 yards out, and he despatched into the net. The goal really did lift Town and they dominated the next 15 minutes and quite rightly extended their lead after 40 minutes. A near post corner by Lynn was flicked on by Major and Tom Green stabbed the ball in from close range.
East Preston tried in vain to get a goal back before half time but the East Grinstead defence remained strong with young right back Bobby Buckingham having an excellent half and captain Richard Foyle as always totally committed at left back.
Town expected the visitors to come out lively in the second half and realised the importance of a third goal. It was great to see the second half start with Town in control and they extended the lead when a Goodwin pass released James Upton and he moved away from the defence to calmly slot the ball past the advancing keeper. It was now all Town and after 70 minutes it was four when a Lynn corner was met with a powerful header from Norris to give the keeper no chance.
With five minutes remaining East Preston got a consolation goal from a free kick on the edge of the box; however it was Town who had the last say on the match. A tremendous run out of defence from Steve Moore including a one-two with Lynn saw him storm into the visitors penalty box before before he was up-ended by a defender. The defender was sent off and Norris converted the penalty to finish off the scoring.
A great team performance but special mention must go to Ben Brockbank who had an outstanding game in the midfield; his workrate, tackling and passing was of the highest order.
Team : Whibley, Buckingham, Green, Moore, Foyle, Goodwin, Norris, Brockbank, Lynn, Major, Tramontin : Subs Used : Upton and Anderson
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| :: Sidley United 2, East Grinstead Town 3 :: |
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A very important win for the Reserves after going behind after 2 minutes from a 30 yard shot by a Sidley midfielder. Town pulled themselves back into the game and equalised after half an hour when Richard Foyle's cross was headed in by Rob Anderson. Town dominated the first half but could not find a second goal.
The second half started slowly for Town and Sidley regained the lead after 65 minutes from a speculative cross/shot. Once again the Town reserves showed their spirit and they bounced back to score two goals on five minutes. Ben Burns was brought down in the box and Rob Anderson scored from the spot and then Burns showed some magic to trick two defenders before shooting low into the right corner of the net.
Team : Whibley, Foyle, Houghton, Moore, Dunstan, Tramontin, Lancashire, Brockbank, Lynn, Burns and Anderson. Sub (Used) : Buckingham
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| :: Whitehawk 1, East Grinstead Town 0 :: |
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The Reserves travelled to Whitehawk with a depleted side due to injuries and unavailabilities. However, the players showed tremendous attitude and character and should really have come away with at least a point. Town were able to repel the initial attacks from Whitehawk and started to create more opportunities as their possession increased. A through ball from Rchard Foyle found Ben Burns and his quick feet gave him the chance to test the home keeper. The Whitehawk keeper was in action shortly after as he stopped an effort from Steve Major.
With the midfield duo of Steve Norris and Elvis Lynn winning some important mdfield exchanes this was releasing Andy Goodwin and Seb Mann out wide; with Goodwin having a long range effort saved by the keeper. The first half came with the game goaless.
The second half saw Whitehawk use the elements to their advantage as they pressed Town back. A good save by Lee Whibley kept the home team at bay and their was some excellent covering from Richard Houghton and Luke Dunstan, who was making a welcome return havingbeen in the USA for the past 3 months. Whitehawk took the lead in the 65th minute when Town did not clear the ball from a corner. From the re-start Town went agonisingly close to equalising when Ben Burns shot was blocked on the line by a defender.
Town pushed forwards in the final 10 minutes and Elvis Lynn went close to scoring. In the final minutes a good move involving Norris and Mann released Burns and his whipped cross found Major and the Whitehawk defender with the ball deflecting inches past the post.
A hard working performance in difficult conditions by Town. Finally, a piece of sporting trivia - when, if ever, did a father and son be in the starting line-up for either a County First team or Reserve team fixture for East Grinstead Town?
Team : Whibley, Foyle, Houghton, Major (Phil), Dunstan. Goodwin, Norris, Lynn, Mann, Major (Steve) and Burns.
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| :: East Grinstead Town 2, Newick 1 :: |
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Reserves Do Just Enough
The Reserves progressed to the next round of the Sussex Intermediate Cup with a very mediocre performance. It was the visitors that looked more lively in the early exchanges as Town were very slow and lethargic. It was goaless at half time and really was a half best forgotton.
The second half saw play a little better and Wasps took the lead through Elvis Lynn after 60 minutes. Within a couple of minutes of coming on, Ben Burns increased the lead after 75 minutes after Marc Tramontin found him with a ball across the face of goal. Newick scored a long range consolation goal with five minutes to go but Town held on to record the victory.
Team : Whibley, Foyle, Coomber, Norris, Green, Hearn, Houghton, Lynn,
Tramontin, Thompson, Mann Sub (Used) : Burns
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| :: East Grinstead Town 2, Horsham YMCA 1 :: |
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In front of a large crowd at East Court on Friday night the East Grinstead Town Reserves came from a goal down to storm to victory over the league leaders. Town Manager, Phil Major said "It was by far and away the best overall team performance this season with the midfield four of Norris, Thompson, Thorpe and Hillen in tremendous form".
The evening did not start well for Wasps as they conceded a freak goal in the first minute of the game when a miss hit cross found the far corner of the Grinstead net. After a shaky first five minutes Grinstead then started to dominate the game. Mark Hillen made the goalkeeper work with a long range shot after 15 minutes and as the midfield began to dominate more chances came Grinstead's way. They eventually drew level after 35 minutes when Hillen burst through from midfield; his powerful shot could only be parried by the keeper and Matt Thorpe was on hand to slot the ball home from 10 yards.
The second half saw Grinstead take control from the start with Thorpe nearly on the scoresheet in the 50th minute if it was not for a brave challenge by one of the visiting defenders. An excellent move after 60 minutes almost resulted in a goal for Town. A through ball by Phil Thompson found Marc Tramontin and his fierce drive rebounded off the far post only for Rob Anderson to follow-up and hit the ball over the bar. Anderson nearly made amends a few minutes later when he wrestled into the box only to see his shot saved by the Horsham YMCA keepers legs.
An excellent long range effort from Thorpe and a header from Grant Hearn were close to giving Town the goal they deserved. The winning goal finally came in the 80th minute when Hillen turned two defenders the wrong way before despatching a powerful shot into the corner of the net. There was no way back for the visitors as Town keeper, Lee Whibley had very little to do in the second half as he was covered by a disciplined defence of Hearn, Houghton, Foyle and Wright. In fact Town nearly extended their lead in the last five minutes when Phil Thompson went close; which would have put a fairer reflection on the scoreline, such was Town's domination in the second half.
Team : Whibley, Foyle, Houghton, Hearn, Wright, Thompson, Thorpe, Norris, Hillen, Anderson and Tramontin. Subs Used : Lynn and Burns
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| :: East Grinstead Town 6, Arundel 0 :: |
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East Grinstead Town Reserves had a comfortable win and gained three important points in this one sided match against Arundel.
From the start of the game Grinstead pushed forwards as they played an attacking 3-4-3 formation. In fact, they should have had a penalty in the first minute when Marc Tramontin was clearly fouled by the visiting keeper.
However, the first 20 minutes saw Grinstead create and miss a number of good chances. The deadlock was broken when Steve Norris picked the ball up in the midfield; he played a quick one-two with Phil Thompson before Norris calmly slotted the ball past the advancing keeper. The score remained at 1-0 at half time and Town's play really did deserve more.
Grinstead extended their lead early in the second half when James Upton was brought down. Norris stepped up to score from the spot and Town were now assured of the three points. Norris rolled back the years when from another penalty he completed his hat-trick. The fourth goal came after 75 minutes when Upon scored following a mazy run. The fifth goal came courtesy of a strike from Ben Burns and Elvis Lynn completed the scoring with a shot from the edge of the box.
Team : Whibley, Foyle, Hearn, Wright, Upton, Houghton, Thorpe, Norris,
Thompson, Tramontin and Anderson.
Subs (both used) : Lynn and Burns
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| :: St Francis Rangers 1, East Grinstead Town 6 :: |
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The Wasps ran out comfortable victors in this County Reserve Cup match, even though they went a goal down after only five minutes. Town, however, were soon on level terms when Rob Anderson turned and scored from 10 yards. After half an hour Town took the lead when following a good move, one of the home defenders scored in his own goal. The third Town goal, just before half time, was possibly the best of the game. Good movement from Martin Millins allowed Rob Anderson to travel with the ball before he shot powerfully into the roof of the net.
The seond half saw Grinstead score three further goals, with Rob Anderson completing his hat-trick and one each for Phil Thompson and Richard Houghton. Special mention for an excellent penalty save from Lee Whibley to prevent the home side from scoring in the second half.
Team : Whibley, Hearn, Foyle, Davies, Green, Thompson, Thorpe, Norris, Houghton, Millins and Anderson. Subs (All Used) : Buckingham, Upton and Major (S)
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| :: Pulborough 3, East Grinstead Town 5 :: |
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The Reserves travelled to Pulborough for a Sussex Intermediate Cup match with a youthful side. On a good surface the Wasps were able to play some good flowing football and took the lead after 10 minutes when Steve Norris released a long pass which found Steven Major, who finished from just outside the box. Pulborough equalised against the run of play after Wasps
gave the ball away on the half way line. Wasps bounced back when a good
through ball by Matt Thorpe found Richard Houghton who scored with a powerful drive. Just before half time Wasps extended their lead when Martin Millins scored from close range.
The second half saw Pulborough start brightly and after 60 minutes a speculative looping cross from 35 yards ended up in the Wasps net to bring the home side back into the game. Wasps were put under some pressure and a great double save by keeper Lee Whibley prevented Pulborough from equalising. A rare second half attack from Wasps saw Steven Major run through and extend Wasps lead. With East Grinstead now in complete control Martin Millins scored the fifth goal before the referee awarded Pulborough a late goal when the ball clearly did not cross the line. A good win for a young Town side which had 3 Under 17's and 2 Under 18's in their starting line-up.
Team : Whibley, Buckingham, Comber, Norris, Green, Foyle, Houghton,
Thorpe, Millins, Major, Upton
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| :: Eastbourne Town 2, East Grinstead Town 2 :: |
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An excellent display by East Grinstead was rewarded with an away point against a very strong Eastbourne team. With the home side including a number of first team players coming back from injury this was always going to be a difficult game for Wasps. After a lively start Eastbourne took the lead after 15 minutes and they continued to dominate the game in the first half an hour. Town did come back into the game at the end of the first half but the score remained at 1-0 at half time.
The second half saw Town start much beter with strikers Rob Anderson and Marc Tramontin looking a threat and wide midfield players Seb Mann and Andrew Twinn getting more possession in dangerous areas. After an hour, and against the run of play, Eastbourne increased their lead after a defensive lapse. However, Town showed great determination to come back into the game when all looked lost. After 75 minutes Seb Mann scored a superb goal with a blistering volley from the edge of the box. In the final 5 minutes Wasps were awarded a free kick and Steve Norris found the head of Rob Anderson, who scored in the corner.
An excellent display by all of the players and a special mention to centre half, Paul Davies, who made his debut for the Reserves.
Team : Whibley, Houghton, Foyle, Davies, Smith, Norris, Upton, Mann, Twinn, Anderson and Tramontin. Sub Used : Blades
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