MATCH REPORT - Vets vs Copthorne

Veterans Share the Spoils in Hard-Fought Draw Against Copthorne

Rotherfield Veterans headed into their fourth league fixture of the season sitting joint top of the table, with four of the six teams level on six points after three matches. Early signs suggest this will be a fiercely competitive campaign, with every side more than capable of taking points from one another.

Memories of last season's cup semi-final against Copthorne were still fresh, when a 2-2 draw eventually saw the visitors progress on penalties. With that in mind, everyone expected another closely contested encounter.

Despite several key absences affecting the spine of the side, with Taylor and Mansford away in Portugal, Riley supporting his children's matches and Wilkins unavailable, Rotherfield still fielded a strong squad. There was also a welcome return for Stuart Woodroofe, making his first appearance for the club since suffering a serious injury whilst playing for the First Team two seasons ago.

On a beautiful autumn afternoon, both sides immediately showed their intent to play football from the back. In fact, within the opening 20 minutes, centre-half McGuire had probably touched the ball more than he had in the previous two seasons, repeatedly stepping forward and helping build attacks from deep.

Down the right flank, the partnership of King and Brooker was reunited following Brooker's return from a pre-season injury. The duo quickly found their rhythm and caused problems for the Copthorne defence, although the final ball often failed to match the quality of the build-up play.

In midfield, Penny, Thompson and Garrett found themselves engaged in a fierce battle with Copthorne's own central trio. Neither side was willing to give an inch, resulting in a tightly contested midfield contest that helped define much of the first half.

At the back, Rotherfield were outstanding. Organised superbly by Seb Chick, the defensive unit remained disciplined throughout. Fuller, filling in at left-back, produced arguably his best performance of the season, repeatedly nullifying attacks and providing a calm presence in possession. Whenever the visitors did find a way through, Woodroofe was on hand to demonstrate both his experience and shot-stopping ability.

Clear-cut chances were at a premium before the break. Rotherfield's best opportunity arrived late in the half when a dangerous cross from King was misjudged by the otherwise impressive Copthorne goalkeeper. The ball struck Evans and looped towards goal, only for the keeper to recover just in time and prevent it crossing the line.

Half-time: Rotherfield Veterans 0-0 Copthorne Veterans

The second half continued in much the same fashion, with both teams looking to play positive football but finding opportunities restricted by resolute defending at either end.

As the tempo began to take its toll, substitutions became increasingly important. Oddy was the first to make way, with Tsang entering the action in an unfamiliar left-midfield role. Further changes saw Moore replace Thompson, Taylor come on for Evans and Cullum replace Brooker.

Moments before his substitution, Brooker had the best chance of the game. Another excellent delivery found him completely unmarked at the far post, and with only the slightest touch required to turn the ball home, somehow the winger failed to connect, allowing the opportunity to slip away.

Rotherfield's defence continued to hold firm, although Woodroofe was called into action with a superb double save to keep the scores level entering the final 10 minutes.

As fatigue set in, Thompson returned to the field in place of the excellent Penny. It was Thompson who then had perhaps the final chance to win the match. Pressing high, he capitalised on an error from the Copthorne goalkeeper while attempting to play out from the back. The loose ball broke kindly with the goal completely unguarded some 40 yards away. However, his effort was scuffed and drifted harmlessly out for a throw-in, bringing an end to the opportunity and, ultimately, the contest.

In truth, a draw was probably the fair result. Both teams attempted to play football in the right way, both defended superbly, and neither could find the breakthrough in an absorbing and highly competitive encounter.

Full-time: Rotherfield Veterans 0-0 Copthorne Veterans

Player of the Match: Seb Chick - an excellent performance organising the defense - always in the right position

Starters: Woodroofe, King, McGuire, Chick, Fuller, Penny, Garrett, Thompson, Brooker, Oddy, Evans

Finishers: Moore, Taylor, Tsang, Cullum