CHERRY RED RECORDS COMBINED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER NORTH
SATURDAY 23 APRIL 2022
ASCOT UNITED 1 (1)
Scott McCormack (52)
EGHAM TOWN 2 (0)
Luke Maguire (69), Brendan Matthew (90+4)

Egham Town claimed third place in the CCL Premier North in thrilling style, bagging the winner in the local derby at Ascot United in the fourth minute of injury time, not just of the match but the whole season. It certainly gave the Sarnies’ squad an extra lift for their end-of-season do, held at Runnymede Stadium on Saturday evening.
In what promised to be a closely fought encounter between two sides who had played out a 1-1 draw in October, Egham had the early initiative and might well have gone in at the break at least a goal up. The first opportunity fell to Trevan Robinson, who shot over the bar, as did Luke Maguire soon afterwards. Maguire was partnering top scorer Brendan Matthew after his two goals at Reading City. In the 18th minute Luke Brophy whipped in Sandro Costa’s pass, Matthew’s back header clipping the Ascot bar. Egham keeper Michael Edegbe denied Michael Scott with a brave intervention, but the Sarnies were having the majority of meaningful possession. Adam Humphries hooked in a clever cross that Robinson headed goalwards, Samuel Gray tipping the ball over. Ascot had in their starting line-up former Egham skipper Chris Ellis, a powerful centre back with a magnificent long throw. When these sides for their first ever competitive match, in the first Covid-curtailed season, it was his expertise at finding the heads of his more dangerous colleague that was a major factor in Ascot heading back to the Racecourse Ground with a 3-0 win. This time the tactic was used just once, three minutes before the break, and it caused some concern, briefly, but was cleared. Ellis did not come out for the second half.
Ascot took the lead seven minutes after the restart. Robinson was outfought in midfield by Stuart McCormack, who took a return pass then found room to drive the ball beyond Edegbe. The next threat to Egham’s goal, from Duarte Suparnu, was elegantly snuffed out by Haluna Masembe. Robinson then played Maguire in for a cross shot that just beat the far post. More fine work by Masembe kept Egham in the game, then Matthew looked to have taken one touch too many as he found room after a Samad Kazi pass. The equaliser came after Robinson threatened the home defence again, finding Maguire, who was fouled. Sarnie Jeff (Jeff with a “jay”) called it right, low and hard through the nearest gap in the wall. Maguire did just that. It’s on an internet clip somewhere. Maguire was replaced nine minutes from time by Radu Stefanoiaca, whose first action was to pull the ball back for Costa, who got booked for a fall almost as theatrical as the silver dress he “won” later in the evening for being the squad’s worst-dressed player. Egham were now back in the ascendant, and Dan Brown, who had struggled with the swirling wind when taking dead-ball kicks, created panic with a curling corner. Masembe had to leave the field after Costa ran into him, but was able to attend the evening’s festivities. With Egham’s campaign almost ended the only thing to be decided was whether Jordan Berry, Dave Rogers and Greg Phillips had led the team to 3rd or 4th place. A draw would have left the matter undecided, even as Abbey Rangers were losing 2-3 at Spelthorne Sports, as they have a game next Saturday at St Panteleimon. Just as well there’s nothing riding on that game, as the Chertsey side would have gone into it knowing what they needed to do. As it is Egham have 69 points to Abbey’s 65; third place is assured. As for the goal, is it overly fanciful to think that someone was looking over us, wanting a great finish to this remarkable season? Brendan Matthew broke down the left, fired in a cross and the ball ended up in the back of the Ascot net. I don’t care how it got there; had Brendan not shot the ball would not have gone in. The goal is his, taking his total to 19, which is not bad considering his comeback game was on 20 November. The win might have been sweeter still had Brandon Trujillo’s shot after a mazy run not whistled just over the bar.
EGHAM TOWN: Michael Edegbe, Samad Kazi, Luke Brophy, Dan Brown, Reece Yorke, Haluna Masembe, Trevan Robinson, Adam Humphries, Brendan Matthew, Luke Maguire, Sandro Costa. Substitutes: Baback Dehghani, Brandon Trujillo (Humphries, 59), Sean Alexander, Radu Stefanoiaca (Maguire, 81), Ashley Harrack (Masembe, 90).

EGHAM TOWN held their end of season celebration in a packed clubhouse at Runnymede Stadium on Saturday evening. Hosts Steve and Danny Bennett paid tribute to their redoutable father, chairman Pat Bennett, who was not able to attend. The circumstances were considerably less than favourable after last year’s arson attack on the main stand, and it was Bennett Snr. who led the efforts to ensure the club would not be adversely affected. Giving thanks to friends of the club for their efforts during that difficult time, and throughout the season, Steve went on to thank the management team of Jordan Berry, Dave Rogers and Greg Phillips. This is Jordan’s first ever season as a manager, and in a highly competitive league we have come third. The trio came to a club whose previous manager had left us with the new season just a couple of weeks away. The few players who had signed were significantly behind in pre-season training. The re-signing of centre-back colossus and outstanding skipper Reece Yorke, who had left Egham for Beaconsfield Town, then moved on to Chesham United, was a key moment as the squad was built. It was no surprise that his excellent displays throughout were rewarded with the Player of the Year award by the supporters. Brendan Matthew came second, with 19 goals since his second debut, a scoring appearance in the FA Vase tie at Cobham.
The next award was for Players’ Player of the Year, which went to the remarkable Michael Edegbe, Egham’s goalkeeper for most of the season. He was on dual registration with Slough Town, with whom he picked up at least one MOM award. Egham have been luckier with keepers this season; on the odd occasion Michael could not play the young men who have stood in for him have been of high quality. He has certainly won his way into the Sarnies’ hearts, as the cries of “Michael, Michael” rang round the club, along with “Sarnie Army”.
For the award of “Manager’s Player of the Year” Jordan renamed the prize as being for the “Most Improved” player. Tongue back out of his cheek he then presented it to the experienced, and excellent, Samad Kazi.
Along with picking up the “worst dressed” accolade, Sandro Costa won the goal of the season for his remarkable run from our penalty box to the other before scoring at North Greenford United.
One aspect that was noted by the players and management was the support of the ever-burgeoning “Sarnie Army”. It is not unusual to see the occasional new face, but the key thing is seeing them come back game after game, even for away matches. Writing as a supporter of 52 years standing, sitting, shivering etc, who can remember being one of a handful, at best, of away support, the recent converts to the Sarnie cause are a more than welcome addition. The real test could be when/if we hit a sticky patch, or perhaps we can get round them with the support of the “Sarnie Army”.
As I said to the assembled players and management when someone was daft enough to hand me the microphone, “thanks for not being crap”. Hopefully we can keep the squad together, with some key additions. Jordan said that the pre-season will start on Tuesday 28 June, and some friendlies have been pencilled in, but may need revising depending on how the leagues are structured for season 2022-2023.
We now look forward to meeting up again after the break.

Mark
(thanks for the flowers)

SUMMARY
SUPPORTERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Reece Yorke
PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Michael Edegbe
MANAGER’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Samad Kazi