Team: Carter, Hollands, Grundy, Kuodys, Richards, Coventry, Fraser, Pickering, Jessavala, Kenning, Alexander

Subs: Stapleton (Jessavala - HT)

Goalscorer: Kenning

Looking back on Saturdays fixture part of me wonders whether it is worth entering the Hampshire Intermediate Cup. 150 mile round trip, playing on an awful park pitch, supplying your own linesman - substitute Tom Stapleton, to be kicked off the park for the majority of the game & to have the home linesman (dressed in jeans) giving me verbals as I suggested that the last man should have received a red card for crudely upending Tom Stapleton when clean through on goal. Although there is also a part of me that thinks this was a very good lesson for our young team & helps us appreciate how good we have it at Hartley & in the Suburban league. It certainly won't be a game that the players will forget in a hurry.

The game started at a frantic pace, with both teams struggling to get control of the ball on the hard surface. Only a few minutes in a Westover player went over the top of the ball & studded our centre midfielder halfway up the shin - play on instructed the referee! That one incident set the tone of the game which is frustrating as the man in the middle could have nipped those types of challenges in the bud. The only real incidents of note in the 1st half were those of a physical nature, next up was 17 year old Liam Kenning who was elbowed off the ball & when involved in a scuffle only moments after was verbally threatened by the home player. Aaron Carter did well to claim a couple of deep crosses when under pressure & although we didn't create any real openings ourselves we did have a couple of long range efforts that in fairness didn't really test the home goalie.

The 2nd half started well for Hartley, with Tom Stapleton making a real difference. For the opening goal only minutes in, Tom drove past his man from just inside the opposition half, he expertly laid the ball back for Stuart Alexander who's shot was blocked, the ball fell kindly to Liam Kenning who thumped the ball home off the inside of the post from 18 yards out. 1-0.

The 10 to 15 minute spell that followed was quite impressive, Hartley adopted to play a near perfect 2 touch game, which had the home side chasing shadows. Craig Fraser was so unlucky not to increase the lead, he took control of the ball some 30 yards out, opened up & smashed the ball against the underside of the crossbar & frustratingly bounced away to safety, that strike would have been a certain contender for goal of the season. Moments later the home goalie somehow kept the ball out from close range impressively turning the ball round the post.

Tom Stapleton was upended when clean through on goal, for the home defender not to receive a red card was almost laughable.

We certainly had our chances in that period but Westover Bournemouth found themselves back on level terms midway through the half. A crossfield pass went off for a throw in, the referee somehow awarded a corner, the resulting kick was met by a towering header that was cleared by the Hartley defence, goal - apparently the ball had crossed the line. 1-1.

Following the equaliser Westover made a couple of key substitutions, with a man mountain of a striker coming on, along with ex Farnborough Midfielder Danny Holmes. These changes certainly unsettled the visitors & the home side looked the far more likely of the two sides to take the lead. Their physical presence was certainly paying dividends as they started to take a grip of the game, although Aaron Carter stood up well & palmed a one of one effort round the post.

Extra time was fairly even, chances for both sides were limited & the game was certainly in the balance.

Westover did manage to take the lead in the 2nd half of extra time (just as I was thinking about penalty takers!). We were caught in posession 25 yards from our own goal, the home striker took advantage & slotted past the onrushing Aaron Carter. 1-2.

2-1, became 3-1 with the very last kick of the game. A mix up in defence allowed the attacking Westover player to control the ball & pass into an empty net.

This was certainly a tough game, one in which I have learned a great deal about our players. I am certain we won't face a physical challenge like we did in this game for the rest of the campaign & we can use it as part of our development as a team. Overall, despite the result I was fairly pleased.

We have a tough league game at Bedfont on Monday, it certainly won't be as physical but we will be facing better players so it is another opportunity for the players to show us what they are capable of.

Team: Aaron Carter, Jason Kingston, Rob East, Lee Peters (c), Jack Coventry, Luke Fewtrell, Nick Kingston, Simon Higgs, Josh Hollands, Simon Annetts, Tom Stapleton

Subs: Aaron Jessavala (Josh Hollands - 55), Alex Pickering (Simon Higgs - 60), Stuart Alexander (Luke Fewtrell - 70)

Unused Subs: Liam Kenning, Craig Fraser

Goalscorer: Nick Kingston

We went into this local derby, sticking with the starting XI that performed impressively in the away victory at Berkhamsted on Saturday.

Although Hartley created a bag full of chances, probably enough to win three games, they couldn't quite find the finishing touch to take 3 points away from Cove.

The opening exchanges were scrappy, on a surface that resembled an end of season fixture, this could possibly be why Hartley struggled to get into any passing rhythm. Cove were certainly more industrious & looked the likeliest to break the deadlock with the lively home forward line causing some anxious moments in the Hartley defence.

Following what looked like a clear foul on Simon Higgs & to most peoples surprise the referee awarded a free kick to Cove just inside their own half of the pitch. The ball was lofted to the far post & then headed back across the goal for the onrushing striker to prod the ball home into an empty net to give the home side the lead. 1-0 nearly became 2-0 shortly after, again a deep cross, this time from the other side of the pitch enabled the striker to escape his marker & drive the ball onto the outside of the post.

This close scare seemed to spark the visitors into action. So much so Cove barely had any form of posession outside of their own half for the remainder of the opening period. Hartley adopted a more direct approach, utilising the pace of Simon Annetts in behind the home defence, although not the picture perfect way to play the game it did turn out to be effective. Numerous chances came Hartley's way, falling to Annetts & Stapleton in particular, if it wasn't for last ditch defending, solid goalkeeping, the woodwork & some in-different finishing Hartley could have comfortable gone into the break 3 or 4 goals to the good. Although we somehow ended the half 1-0 down.

The 2nd period started as the 1st half ended, with Hartley attacking & applying pressure on the home defence. Hartley equalised only minutes after the restart, with an inswinging corner being whipped into the near post area for Nick Kingston to open his account for the season forcing the ball home.

Other than some brief moments/scares with the rare posession that Cove had in the Hartley defensive 3rd, the visitors had control of the game & with chance after chance going begging it just seemed that it wasn't going to be Hartley's evening & this turned out to be the case with the game ending 1-1.

Before the game, with an away fixture you would probably take a point. Looking back with the chances that we missed it does feel like 2 points dropped, but saying that it's another point on the board & another game under the belts of the many youngsters involved in their 1st season in adult football. It shows with this group, we have come away & dominated a game without playing as well as we know we can, this surely bodes well for the season ahead.

Team: Aaron Carter, Josh Hollands, Rob East, Lee Peters (c), Jason Kingston, Jack Coventry, Nick Kingston, Dan Higgs, Luke Fewtrell, Tom Stapleton, Simon Annett

Subs: Liam Kenning (Simon Annett - 55), Stuart Alexander (Josh Hollands - 65), Craig Fraser (Nick Kingston - 70)

Goalscorers: Tom Stapleton, Simon Annett, Lee Peters

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Team: Aaron Carter, Rob East, Mindy Kuodys (c), Lee Peters, Jack Coventry, Nick Kingston, Alex Pickering, Aaron Jessavala, Josh Springer, Tom Stapleton, Rob Forkan

Subs: Ritchie Cohen (Josh Springer - HT), Elliot Richards (Aaron Jessavala - 65), Dan Higgs (Alex Pickering - 65)

Unused Subs: Jason Kingston, Liam Kenning

Goalscorer: Rob Forkan

The 1st pre-season training session was back on June 24th, so the players & management were itching to get going. The starting line up consisted of four new signings in the shape of Aaron Carter, Rob East, Jack Coventry & Josh Springer.

The game as expected started at a frantic pace, lacking in real quality but certainly not in commitment, highlighted by the willingness of Rob Forkan to shut the Camberley goalie down & force him into an error in the opening minute.

The 1st chance of the game went Hartley's way, after a neat move Tom Stapleton broke clear of the home defence & in a one on one situation held onto the ball a yard too far, being thwarted at the last moment when looking set to score.

A dangerous cross shortly after from Jack Coventry caused panic in the Camberley penalty area when the home goalie failed to claim the ball, the number of attacking players couldn't quite force the ball home.

Early indications showed that Camberley were a little shaky at the back & with the right service would certainly concede.

Camberley themselves soon came into the game, although not creating any clear cut chances of note, they did hit the face of the cross bar from a cross come shot & clipped the top of the bar twice in quick succession following speculative long range attempts at goal.

The half continued with Camberley having slightly the upper hand. Although Aaron Jessavala was very close to breaking the deadlock right on half time, a good passing move on the right hand side enabled Aaron to cut in & stab the ball goalwards only for the home goalie to deny him with a reaction save at the near post.

Half Time: 0-0.

The 2nd half got off to the worst possible start, with Hartley conceding with the 1st Camberley attack only moments after the whistle. A deep cross wasn't shut down & the resulting shot saw Aaron Carter palm the ball across the goal onto the inside of the post & back into the 6 yard box, the desperate attempt by Mindy Kuodys to clear the danger wasn't quite enough as the ball was forced over the line to put Camberley 1-0 up.

Camberley now infront & with their tails up started to pass the ball with composure & were looking more likely to extend their lead. Hartley did hit the home team on the break, following a jinking run down the left wing when Jack Coventry drove the ball across the 6 yard box for Rob Forkan to equalise or so we thought. The goal was disallowed for hand ball.

1-0 became 2-0, with the lively Camberley striker turning his man inside the penalty area to slot home.

Camberley were now brimming with confidence & Hartley started to look vulnerable with each attack. A long ball caught the visiting defence off guard & after racing through from just inside his own half the home striker finished with aplomb driving the ball into the far top corner.

Hartley did manage to pull goal back, a cross from deep bounced awkwardly infront of the goalie & as he tried in vain to claim the ball Rob Forkan pounced to head home.

Scoring their opening goal of the league campaign lifted the Hartley spirits briefly, but the home side struck the final goal of the game to make the scoreline 4-1, with Aaron Carter conceding from close range.

The 1st game is always a tough, frantic encounter, especially away to Camberley. We showed glimpses (only glimpses!) of what we're capable of, but once the team / squad settles down & as we continue to work on things in training I am 100% positive we will have a good season. I look back at the squad we had this time last year & I am far happier where we are right now.

Team: Hipple, Cousins, Kuodys, Roberts, Kingston, E.Richards, Pickering, San Emeterio, Fewtrell, Stapleton, Jessavala

Subs: Hunt

Goalscorer: Fewtrell

Saturday evening saw Hartley involved in yet another tough encounter, this time against a determined Leverstock Green.

It was pleasing to field a starting 11 containing 6 players aged 19 or under, who have shown in recent weeks that they are really coming to terms with playing Suburban League football.

There certainly seems to be a common theme in recent weeks, with the opposition starting brightly & Hartley having to soak up the pressure, with the side looking more comfortable in doing so with each game that passes. For large periods the visitors struggled to keep posession for more than a couple of passes & playing up the hill this was always going to be a case of digging in & weathering the storm.

The two banks of four proved to be solid & as with most games of late limited the opposition to long range efforts, which were either off target or well gathered by Hipple in the Hartley goal. Leverstock looked at their most dangerous from set pieces & came close on 2 or 3 occasions with powerful headers at goal, with one effort having to be cleared off the line by Roberts following a goal mouth scramble. Hartley didn't have any chances of note but the game was always going to change in the 2nd half with it being their turn to attack down the slope. HT 0-0.

From the kick off Hartley stepped up the tempo & look very confident attacking Leverstock with balls into channels being particularly dangerous, especially with the pace of Jessavala & Stapleton up front. Stapleton came closest to breaking the deadlock, following a neat passage of play Stapleton drove into the box & will be dissapointed that he didn't score when one on one with the goalie, who in fairness did well to block the shot.

Leverstock briefly threatened but Mindy Kuodys in particular defended with authority winning every header against the John Carew look-a-like.

Hartley took the lead with around 20 minutes to go. Luke Cousins took a free kick on the right side of the pitch just inside the Leverstock half. Everyone was set up for the long ball into the penalty area but with great awareness he played the ball short to right winger Luke Fewtrell who following some good worked whipped the ball into the box, across the face of goal & to everyones surprise the ball flew into the far bottom corner of the goal, leaving the goalie stranded. 1-0.

Although looking comfortable in defence throughout, the lead was nearly cut short when a long ball into the box was chased down by the Leverstock striker & following a strong, slightly mis-timed challenge a penalty was awarded. To everyones relief the resulting spot kick was blasted over the bar.

For the last 15 minutes Leverstock searched for the equaliser, coming close on numerous occasions with shots just missing the target & with a handful of excellent saves being made from Liam Hipple, who is clearly showing he is an excellent prospect for the future, Leverstock just couldn't find the break through.

Looking back at the game Hartley rode their luck at times, dug deep but in my opinion deserved the win for effort alone.

I would just like to say running the reserves has been a great joy & seeing the younger players improve week after week & visibly seeing the team spirit & togetherness grow has been excellent & rewarding. 

If the club are able to keep this bunch of youngsters & attract additional players of this age group then in the next couple of seasons the 1st team will definitely benefit. My aim was for the reserve side to become an under 19 team & we are already half way there, but this will only be worthwhile if the club & most importantly 1st team management are genuinly interested in these players. From what I have witnessed, these guys should be given a chance, they are good enough & I will guarantee they will not let you down. Technically the Suburban League is superior to CCL1, that I am certain & these players deserve a go. Will they get their chance, we'll just have to wait & see, but I won't hold my breath.

Who ever takes the reserve job on for next season, good luck to you. All I ask is to believe in youth, we can all go out & put a side together which is full of experienced players capable of picking up more wins throughout a season but that is not what the reserves is about.

Finally I would like to thank Hunty, my dad, the players, Mick Peters & Jamie Fewtrell for the effort & support that you have all given me & the players throughout the season. It is much appreciated.

Cheers

Robbo.

Team: Hipple, Fuller, Grundy, Roberts, Kingston, Jessavala, Forkan, Peters, Fewtrell, Richards, Hunt

Subs: -

Goalscorer: Forkan

It was one of those very rare occasions when a defeat felt every bit like a victory. I would like to stand here & say that Hartley Wintney played like Brazil but if truth be told we played more like Wimbledon of old & truly captured the Crazy Gang spirit.

The squad went from 5 to 13 & back down to 10 all in the space of the afternoon. The latest player pulled out at 4pm only to be replaced by 16 year old Kieran Fuller who looked like he should be playing in my nephews under 12's team.

We all made it to Leighton which was a positive start. The team had an awkward look about it, not least with Andy Hunt playing centre forward/target man, 16 going on 12 year old Kieran Fuller at right back, slightly out of shape Danny Roberts at centre half, sun tanned Jason Kingston making his 1^st start in 3 weeks at left back, injured Dave Richards up top & Rob Forkan making his 1^st start for the club.

Leighton made all the early running, spraying the ball impressively from wing to wing & playing neat & concise football on the dry but flat playing surface.

It took time to adjust but the visitors just about weathered the early storm. Leighton peppered Liam Hipple's goal from distance & stretched Hartley near enough to breaking point on occasions but we stood firm & briefly threatened ourselves from time to time as a result of long searching balls out of defence.

Midway through the 1^st half Liam Hipple did well when tipping the ball at full stretch onto the face of the cross bar. He had to be alert moments later diving low to his right to keep out a speculative but dangerous shot from distance but saved the best until last when quickly shutting the angle in a one on one situation & with a reaction save somehow managed to palm the ball expertly just past the far post.

Following the solid opening Hartley did concede a fairly soft goal from a throw in, it was placed into the penalty area for the oncoming forward who sharply turned his man & slotted home into the far corner, 0-1.

Although chances were at a premium for Hartley, just prior to half time Luke Fewtrell did force arguably the best save of the game from the home goal keeper. The ball was played into his path on the right wing, he took the ball past the full back & his ferocious shot from all of 20 yards was somehow matched by the onrushing goalie to keep the score at 1-0.

The 2^nd half started much the same as the 1^st with Leighton looking to play open, attacking football, probing the Hartley defence at every opportunity.

The score became 2-0 only 5 minutes into the half. The Leighton centre forward did well to hold the ball up & in one swift move turned & drove the ball home into the bottom corner of the goal from the edge of the penalty area.

Conceding the 2^nd goal so early in the half could have been disastrous but from the re-start the game totally changed & Hartley with their "nothing to lose" attitude began to take the game to Leighton.

Leighton were now on the back foot & chances were now coming Hartley's way with some frequency.

Following an expert block just inside his own half, Andy Hunt created the opening for Rob Forkan to drive with power & pace for all of 50 yards, through the Leighton midfield & beyond the defence, finally drilling the ball into the far corner of the goal. It was a true contender for goal of the season & certainly put Hartley in the ascendency with the opportunity to achieve the most unlikely of comebacks.

Following some neat footwork Forkan came close to claiming his 2^nd goal lifting the ball just over the bar & Lee Peters was most unlucky when the Leighton goalie somehow managed to keep the ball from crossing the line following his powerful header from inside the 6 yard box.

The best opportunity was squandered when Roberts penalty was saved low to the goal keepers left, following a theatrical dive from Andy Hunt when challenged from behind.

Hartley kept attacking & Leighton were now desperately hanging on as chance after chance came Hartley's way.

Steve Grundy was lucky not to give away a penalty & gain himself a red card for a Jonathon Edwards style 2 footed lunge at the Leighton striker who was ideally positioned to put the game beyond Hartley.

Up until the final whistle Hartley continued to battle but just couldn't find the equalising goal.

The 2^nd half performance alone will go down as one of the most spirited & impressive this season & each player should be very proud of their efforts.

It is nights & performances like this that make you realise why you love playing football.

Well done.

Team: Hipple, Grundy, Kuodys, Peters, E.Richards, De Baros, Shipman, Pickering, Cousins, D.Richards, Stapleton

Subs: San Emeterio (Cousins - 65), Loffler (Stapleton - 75)

Goalscorers: Kuodys, Stapleton

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Team: Hipple, Jessavala, Kuodys, Vallance, E,Richards, Loffler, Shipman, Peters, Pickering, D.Richards, Barnard.

Subs: San Emeterio (Loffler - 60), Forkan (Jessavala - 60), Roberts (Barnard - 75)

Goal Scorers: -

Hartley Wintney certainly worked hard & showed willing on a difficult surface, but from the off it was obvious that the team lacked the edge that saw them grind out a great result against Camberley on Saturday. Maybe that tough encounter took more out of the players than we realised, as the young Harefield side were just that yard ahead of Hartley throughout the game.

The 1st 20 minutes or so were pretty poor for both sides as the hard surface & poor control saw a catalogue of unforced errors & misplaced passes.

Harefield came closest to breaking the deadlock, advancing down the right wing with the resulting cross being narrowly headed over the bar by the centre forward. As the half progressed Hartley began to play the type of football suited to the pitch, playing more of a percentages game & getting the ball into areas behind the Harefield defence. During the 20 minutes prior to the half time interval chances came & went for Hartley Wintney with Dave Richards missing a handful of chances when in good positions to score, although unlucky on one occasion when driving the ball just over the Harefield cross bar from all of 20 yards. Barnard was left frustrated when poised to strike on goal just outside of the 6 yard box when the ball just wouldn't drop & was cleared to safety.

With the scores level at half time the key emphasis was on improving the quality slightly, continuing to play the more direct game as was the case late in the 1st half at the same time as keeping things solid at the back.

Just 10 minutes into the 2nd half Harefield took the lead, one direct ball lifted over the hartley defence resulted in the Harefield striker getting between the Hartley defence & goalie & slotting the ball home from the edge of the area. 0-1.

The game was fairly even but the frustration was increasing as Harefield were vulnerable in defence, but in the attacking 3rd Hartley lacked the quality & killer instinct to take advantage of the chances that came their way.

0-1 became 0-2 when Hartley failed to clear the ball from inside their own penalty area & with the 2nd attempt a soft penalty was awarded when the striker fell to the ground following a clumsy tackle just inside the 6 yard box.

At 2-0 substitutions were made to try & freshen things up & although Hartley weren't really at the races they still had chances to pull a goal back, the best coming during a goal mouth scramble with 3 attempts at goal being blocked on the line & in the 6 yard box.

Harefield continued to attack & had half chances to increase the lead, but to their credit Hartley kept going but just didn't have quite enough to get anything from the game.

We'll draw a line under that one & accept it as an off night. Chesham United up next, we won 2-1 there just a month or so ago. It would be nice to get our 1st double of the season & finish our home campaign off with a win.

Team: Hipple, Jessavala, Kuodys, Roberts, E.Richards, Loffler, San Emeterio, Shipman, Fewtrell, D.Richards, Stapleton.

Subs: Cousins (Loffler - 65)

Goal Scorer: Roberts (Penalty).

With a number of regular players missing & 2 more dropping out only an hour before the game, leaving us with one outfield substitute this was always going to be a challenge, especially considering the weather conditions. This was certainly confirmed when we saw ex Wales international Darren Barnard appear on the teamsheet for Camberley! Again, the Hartley side consisted of 4 of the current youth team & 2 further players aged 19 who each gave a fully committed performance to be proud of.

Camberley started the brighter of the two sides, they effectively kept posession & pegged Hartley back for the 1st 20 minutes, although they were largely limited to speculative long range efforts. Camberley continued to have the upper hand but Hartley continued to battle & briefly threatened when able to get the ball into the last 3rd of the pitch.

Mindy Kuodys marshalled the defence superbly as Hartley continued to frustrate Camberley, with the rest of the side sticking to their jobs & limiting Camberleys attacking options.

Camberley did manage to take the lead midway through the half from a corner. The kick was mis-hit along the ground into the penalty area, but the centre forward 12 yards from goal managed to swing his foot at the ball & somehow caught it perfectly, smashing the ball into the far bottom corner of the goal leaving Liam Hipple with no chance. 0-1.

The half continued to be a battle, with very few chances being created at either end.

The 2nd half was a much more even affair, with Hartley having more joy playing up the slope, keeping posession & beginning to create chances. The wide players came into the game giving better support to the front two who were working tirelessly.

Following a long ball into the Camberley penalty area & with the goalie hesitating Dave Richards had a fantastic opportunity to equalise, from just outside the 6 yard box he had a header that just needed to be lifted over the oncoming goalie but he just couldn't create enough power to do so.

Confidence was growing & for all the hard work alone Hartley deservedly got the equaliser they were looking for. Dave Richards expertly turned the defender on the far right side of the penalty area & was brought down with a clumsy challenge. Danny Roberts slotted the ball home from the spot to make it 1-1.

As expected Camberley upped the tempo & forced 2 or 3 great saves from Liam Hipple in the Hartley goal. Last ditch tackles were being made & Mindy Kuodys was continuing to control the defence. Camberley did almost take the lead when a speculative shot slipped through the legs of Hipple but to the relief of everyone he managed to smother the ball before it crossed the line. Camberley continued to press & for the last 5 to 10 minutes were throwing all but the kitchen sink at Hartley. Barnard was creeping further up the pitch looking to influence the game but Hartley just about held out to the final whilstle to the joy of the 11 exhausted players but to the frustration of 3rd placed Camberley.

The attitude was incredible from each & every player, for that alone Hartley deserved a point. That was a performance that summed up Hartley of old. We had our backs against the wall for large periods but every single player dug deep, battled & stuck up for eachother & ground out a great result. Well done.

Team: Hunt, Shipman, Kuodys, Daniels, E.Richards, Francis, Peters, Pickering, Brunt, Hamilton, Stapleton

Subs: Fisher (Stapleton - 60), Vallance (Pickering - 65), Jessavala (Francis - 70).

Goal Scorers: -

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