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| Stokenchurch
- League (07/10/2007) 2007 - 2008 Season, Afc Hithercroft  This away game for Afc Hithercroft came after an interval of three weeks since their last game and only twelve players were available at the Park Lane venue. Stokenchurch had just 11 players and were, initially, unable to supply a linesman to assist the referee, Mr Phil Wideson. Pam Ife agreed to act as their linesman whilst Ken Johnson carried out this duty for Hithercroft. The weather was cloudy but dry and bright with little breeze. The home team played in an all blue kit to avoid any colour clash. The game kicked off at 10.31am and, after just three minutes of play Hithercroft’s Tyrone Francis had to leave the field with what was subsequently diagnosed as knee ligament injury. After a further seven minutes it was apparent that Tyrone needed hospital treatment and would not be able to continue and so Ken handed the flag over to Brian Lewis and took to the field as Tyrone’s replacement. Brian then handed the flag to Pat Vaughey and took Tyrone to Wycombe General Hospital. Hithercroft were unable to capitalise on a number of free kicks that were awarded and in the 32nd minute Stokenchurch’s Lee Nuttall (who played for Chinnor Athletic last season) had his name entered into the referee’s book following a nasty tackle. A few minutes later their No.9 was also booked following a wayward tackle and their No.10 was also booked for dissent. Stokenchurch then located someone prepared to run their line for them and so Pam took over from Pat as Hithercroft’s linesman. In the 41st minute Frank Smith, the Hithercroft captain, sent the ball down the middle of the field and Baz David, taking care to remain on-side, ran on to collect it, cut inside a Stokenchurch defender and sent the ball inside the far left-hand post to put Hithercroft 1-0 ahead. However, one minute later the scores were levelled when Lee Nutall took advantage of a defensive lapse and put the ball into the Hithercroft net. The second half got under way at 11.24am and in the 59th minute, following a bad tackle, the Stokenchurch No.2 had his name entered into the referee’s book. Five minutes later the Stokenchurch players called for handball and the Hithercroft defence hesitated allowing John Carpenter to find the back of the net to put his side into a 2-1 lead. Baz, playing on his 19th birthday, went down with a leg injury in the 70th minute and received treatment before being able to continue. However, three minutes later Baz received an elbow to the head and went down appearing to be seriously hurt. The game was halted and an ambulance was summoned. The paramedics stabilized him and then took him to Stoke Mandeville hospital. The game restarted after a 36-minute interval, Hithercroft now having just 9 players on the pitch, Dan Birch being unwilling to continue with the game after Baz’s injury. Despite Ryan Forbes, Dan Allman and Frank’s unsuccessful shots at the Stokenchurch goal the visitors were unable to get an equaliser. Neil Stretton, the Hithercroft keeper, pulled off some fine saves as Stokenchurch made the most of their opponent’s lack of numbers. Dom Williams broke free down the middle and scored from the edge of the 18-yard box and, one minute later, standing at the left-hand post tapped home a cross from the far right to give Stokenchurch a 4-1 victory. Hithercroft had been without a number of players and suffered badly following the loss of Tyrone and Baz. They had shown some good skilful moves early on in the game but their performance was below par on this occasion. Hithercroft scorer: Baz David (41m) Hithercroft’s M.o.m: Luke Revell Hithercroft team: Neil Stretton (GK), Kris Clark, Jason Guy, Dan Birch, Mark Charman, Baz David, Frank Smith (Capt), Tyrone Francis, Dan Allman, Ryan Forbes, Luke Revell Hithercroft sub: Ken Johnson replaced Tyrone Francis (10m) Stokenchurch scorers: Lee Nuttall (42m), James Carpenter (63m), Dom Williams (86m, 87m) |
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