Cherry Red Records Hellenic League Division 1 East
At: Finchampstead Memorial Park
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: none ; Programme: £1 (36 pages)
Attendance: 20 (headcount)
Weather: rain
I’d previously visited Finchampstead Memorial Park back in April 1993 when they defeated Reading Town 2-1 in a Charrington Chiltonian League Premier Division.
This season, both Finchampstead and today’s visitors Prestwood are enjoying their first Hellenic League campaign after a merger with the old Chiltonian League was completed during the summer.
Attacking the road end in the first half, Finchampstead took the lead in the 10th minute. Howard Jaeger got down the left and pulled the ball back to Danny Humphreys who gave the keeper no chance of stopping a low first-time shot.
With rain falling continuously throughout the game, Prestwood almost levelled within two minutes. Richard Mabey hit a long-range free-kick which home keeper Keith Strong tipped over.
The home side doubled their advantage in the 20th minute. Humphreys was again on target this time with a close-range header from Jeremy Lynch’s cross.
It got even better for Finchampstead a minute later with a third goal. Danny Russell fired home at close range from near to the left-hand post. The same player was denied another goal when Matt Brion tipped over a shot.
To their credit Prestwood pulled a goal back as the interval approached in the 44th minute. Paul Batchelor chased a long clearance, rounded the keeper down the inside right channel and slotted home.
In an amazing turnaround, the visitors scored again in first-half stoppage time. Craig Eden crossed into the area from the right and Brett Evans headed home.
It was 3-2 when the referee blew the half-time whistle and that remained the scoreline at full time. Just after the hour mark, Jeremy Lynch cleared off the line to prevent Prestwood netting an equaliser.
Finchampstead (sky blue and white stripes / black / black): 1. Keith Strong, 2. Steve Richardson, 3. Lee Goddard, 4. Marcus Pearce, 5. Jeremy Lynch, 6. Ben Rice, 7. Howard Jaeger, 8. Danny Russell, 9. Danny Humphreys, 10. Bruce Rolls, 11. Darren Wilson. Subs: 12. Darren Kettle (for Rolls, ht), 14. Jan Wojna (for Rice, 55), 15. Chris Mather (for Rice, 87).
Prestwood (claret/white/claret): 1. Matt Brion, 2. John Tilbury, 3. Richard Pontin, 14. John Tilbury, 5. Paul Smith, 6. Paul Mullen, 7. Richard Mabey, 8. Paul Batchelor, 9. Brett Evans, 10. Richard Eshelby, 11. Craig Eden. Subs: 12. Scott Hawkes (for Eshelby, 59), 15. David Yeabsley (not used).
Referee: John Sayer (Lower Earley).
Goals:
1-0 Danny Humphreys (10)
2-0 Danny Humphreys (20)
3-0 Danny Russell (21)
3-1 Paul Batchelor (44)
3-2 Brett Evans (45)
