Wealdstone 3 – 3 Clevedon Town
Wealdstone3 - 3
Clevedon TownSomeone said to me tonight ‘why don’t Wealdstone ever get a ‘homer’? well, i honestly wish i knew, as tonight we saw one of the worst performances by a set of officials that i can remember. They seemed intent from the kick off of only penalising Wealdstone despite both teams making the same transgressions of the rules, booking Stones’ Robinson in the 9th minute for kicking the ball away – he completed his shot as the whistle blew – yet within minutes the Referee had completely ignored two similar incidents from the visitors.
All this aside from a blatant penalty waved away, Chris O’Leary taken out around the knees requiring lengthy treatment yet there was not even a discussion with the players who committed the offence, two handball’s, both ignored and when Clevedon chose to play on for over 90 seconds with their own player prostrate in midfield, the official blew up immediately Wealdstone gained position and broke into attack…….
We expect consistency from the players at this level week to week, no matter what their pedigree. is is too much to ask for a set of officials to be consistent over 90 minutes?
Stones started well and took the lead when Robonson broke forward, cutting the ball back into the path of O’Toole who shot home from 12 yards on 17 minutes. Clevedon equalised with their first shot on 25 minutes, Symons effort deceiving Smith in the Stones goal and he could only dive late to help the ball into the net for the equaliser on 25.
Wealdstone continued to press forward and were well on top, efforts from Robinson and Martin being well saved and a 35 yard effort from Donnelly cannoning back off of the bar all they had to show until the 35th minute when Donnelly’s pass dissected the visiting defence and Robinson ran on to coolly slot the ball past the visiting keeper. This gave Stones a 2-1 half time lead.
The second half was a little more subdued until on 57 minutes Martin broke for stones. his back foot was caught in a challenge and he stumbled and lost the ball as the Referee played on. Play immediately switched to the other end on a break and Scott fired a low shot into the far corner of the Stones net to equalise.
On 59 minutes the game changed again. Clevedon were awarded a free kick. As O’Leary and a couple of other players retreated facing their goal not the ball – a Clevedon player ran fully ten yards and drilled a quick free kick into the back of O’Leary’s legs. The Referee Mr Russell wasted no time in bringing out a yellow card for not retreating and an immediate Red as O’Leary had been booked in the first half. It may well be within the rules, but when a player has caused no delay and is retreating, it certainly leaves a bad taste in the mouth……….
Five minutes later and Clevedon had taken the lead when Pitcher was allowed a free header in the Stones box, Smith unable to tip the ball away and it looked as though Stones heads would drop, but to their credit the ten men battled on and were still competitive all thought the team, forcing the visitors back on a number of occasions, just seemingly unable to find the final pass or shot to equalise.
Right at the death though, Stones did get the equaliser and the point (at least) they deserved. Donnelly’s perfectly flighted corner was met with tremendous pass by O’Toole, his header securing at least one point for the Stones as the final whistle went.. Many would say, despite the best efforts not only of the Clevedon team, but the match officials as well.
Team Details: Paul Smith, Marcello Fernandes S71 Graeme Montgomery, Fergus Moore, Ben Martin, Scott Cousins, Scott Donnelly26, John-Joe O’Toole17,89, Chris O’Leary33,59, Theo Robinson9 34, Simon Martin s68 Dean Papali73, Josias Carbon, Subs not used: Dean Clark, Andre Dellisier, Josias Carbon, Lee Chappell
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