Winchester League 0, Basingstoke League 2
BASINGSTOKE won back the Dick Raynbird Memorial Cup at Chilcomb last Friday night but it was never easy with the home side having plenty of the ball.
The first real chance came in the 19th minute when a good pass down the line from Simon Lohrenz found Paul Ferla, who tricked his man and tried a 20-yard lob but home 'keeper Steve Chamberlain held it under the bar.
A poor throw-in led to Joey Hinchliffe, who had been booked earlier for a nasty tackle on Nigel Moreton, having a good chance and Basingstoke's Adrian Hargreaves had to dive and give away a corner-kick.
In the 24th minute, Basingstoke went ahead. A fine run down the right saw Ferla, who was pacey and effective throughout, hit a perfect low cross which was met by Richard Sygrove. His effort was blocked on the line by the 'keeper but Lee Chambers, who netted 19 goals for Labour Club this season, placed the rebound into the corner of the net from 10 yards out.
The Winchester side came back strongly before half-time with Martin Sanders shooting wide and, in the 39th minute, Paul Goodenough looked to score a certain equaliser but Hargreaves produced a tremendous one-handed save and Rob Russell cleared off the line.
Just before half-time, Hargreaves was in action again saving a good header from Goodenough.
A let-off followed early in the second half when Hargreaves tried to dribble instead of clearing and almost conceded a penalty when Lee Smith was floored. The Winchester player got up but missed the opportunity.
Basingstoke lost the busy Martin Campbell in the 53rd minute through injury and he was replaced by Bradley Shenton. Wthin two minutes, came goal number two. Chambers sent Wayne Barber through the middle and the Three Barrels man coolly lifted it wide of the 'keeper from 12 yards.
Barber had another chance but chipped into the 'keeper's hands while Chambers forced a late save as the Winchester side pushed up.
Victorious manager Geoff Poulter said his side gave a very satisfactory performance.
The cup and awards were presented by Vanessa Raynbird, grand-daughter of the late Dick Raynbird, in whose honour the cup is named after a lifetime of service to local football.
Basingstoke League: Adrian Hargreaves (Three Barrels), Dave Baker (Labour Club), Simon Lohrenz (Three Barrels), Rob Russell (Wellington SC), Paul Turrell (Hook), Nigel Moreton (Hook, capt), Wayne Barber (Three Barrels), Martin Campbell (Kingsclere), Lee Chambers (Labour Club), Richard Sygrove (Hook), Paul Ferla (Tylney Hall). Subs (all used): Bradley Shenton (Oakley Ath), Danny Trump (Water End), Carl Gilbert (Labour Club).
Winchester League: Steve Chamberlain (Upham), Rob Carter (Winchester City), Gareth Lloyd (Upham), Paul Wheeler (Upham), Andy Ford (Upham), Joey Hincliffe (AB Worthies), Simon Rogers (AB Worthies), Paul Goodenough (AB Worthies), Martin Sanders (Crusaders, capt), Stuart Shell (AB Worthies), Lee Smith (Upham). Subs used: Neil Tabbitt (Sutton Scotney), Darren Couch (Hurricans). Sub not used: Rob Sherman (AB Worthies).
Referee: Kevin Willey. Assistants: Ian Sanders and Ron Hanley.
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