Match Reports
| Bethel United 5 v 3 Mapledurham Cavilers |
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Bethel battle though a ruff n tuff game but come out victorious
Even before kick-off you could feel there was bit of tension in the air and that this would not be game for the faint heated. However the game started at a steady pace with both team passing the ball around nicely, until an off the ball incident on a Bethel player got words exchanged between the teams - but this incident just focused Bethel into doing their talking with the football raising their game and their early pressure soon brought rewards.
1st Bethel Goal - Mashelle's Kawishe's corner deceived those in the box and went to Olli Gash lurking on the edge of the area, who got a bullet header in on goal. Although Gabinus "GJ" Jumbe was just in front of the keeper and managed to nod the ball on it to the goal. Mapledurham then took a leaf from Bethel's books and concentrated back on their football and managed to get themselves back in the game with 2 goals. 2nd Bethel Goal - Good Link up play from Olli Gash on the right allowed for Full Back Paul Alexander to get to the by-line and cross for Siarhei Bahdanovich to get Bethel back in the game as his touch managed to force the ball over the line. 3rd Bethel Goal - Olli Gash's super Free Kick from the edge of the D well placed into the top corner.
Half Time: 3-2
Half-Time
Mid-way though the 2nd half Mapledurham get themself an equaliser to make it 3-3. With game now balance their were still some tough tackles flying about the place, although with 10 minutes to go Bethel finally managed to seal the win. 4th Bethel Goal - Dominic Atherly-Smith long throw into the box was forward on into the area by Gabinus "GJ" Jumbe for Captain Stuart Newton to race onto and smash home past the keeper. 5th Bethel Goal - Gabinus "GJ" Jumbe chased and hassled a Mapledurham full-back, winning the ball and then charged in on goal, lifting the ball over the out rushing keeper to firmly put the game out of reach.
MoM: Siarhei Bahdanovich (CF) took some very tough challenges in his stride and just got on with the game battling though with some great link up play between the midfield and the "front-line" and capped his performance with well taken goal and neat assist.
Full-time
| YMCA United 3 v 4 Bethel United |
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Bethel secure 2nd Spot and a successive promotion
YMCA took advantage of a nervy start from Bethel and banged in 2 early goals past stand-in keeper Danny Lynch within 10 minutes of KO. Chairman & lay preacher Joshua Wilson stood on the by line silently praying for the right result, whilst Manager Greg Lyford looked aprehensively at his team selection for the big SHOW DOWN.
Bethel gradually gather its composure and a neat nod on from Damien Marshall sent Gabinus "GJ" Jumbe through on goal to unleash a thunderbolt strike from edge of the area that flew in over the keeper's head. That seemed to calm Bethel down a bit, but YMCA seem up for spoiling the party and grab 3rd goal after some hesitation in the Bethel defence to make it 3-1 to the home team. However Bethel then took control. Captain Stuart Newton slid though a neat ball for Gabinus "GJ" Jumbe who rounded the keeper to make it 3-2 and then Siarhei Bahdanovich collected a pass from Adi Vaughan and shot at goal from inside the center circle to score Bethel's 3rd, making the half time score 3-3.
Half-Time
After the re-start Bethel finally took the lead after Gabinus "GJ" Jumbe was sent though on goal again by Adi Vaughan. His shot was saved by the keeper but the rebound was bundled over the line by a YMCA player under pressure from Siarhei Bahdanovich for an O.G. Needing just the point to guarantee Promotion - Bethel held on to lead they had and closed out the game as YMCA finally tired after an an exhilarating match. An answered prayer? The chairman thinks so - whilst the squad now focuses on the Philmar Cup Final on 16/5 at Reading Town's ground, Scours Lane 4pm with the understanding that 'There can be only one acceptable result'!
MoM: Dominic Atherly-Smith - All around midfield display. Showed real determination winning every tackle and covering every inch of grass.
Full-time
