ACTONIANS 2-0 DARTFORD FA Cup

[Ajaxman DFC]

I arrived at Rectory Park early today. Good thing I did. To gain entry I first had to register with the Middlesex FA. I thought the receptionist was winding me up at first.
Once the formalities were out of the way atleast I had the pleasure of tucking into the best cheesy chips I've ever had. Served to the rafters in a closed box, the chips were smothered in properly melted cheese which was piping hot. The coffee wasn't bad either.
The players entered the field of play lead by the referee who appeared to be physically challenged, which left me wondering if he would be able to keep up with play. If not then it could lead to a reduction in his mental capacity to make the right decisions.
Good referees hardly get noticed for 90 minutes.
Not this one.
Our coaching staff didn't seem to be very impressed by his performance on a few occasions and these guys don't get upset for no valid reason.
He got caught out late on during the second half. It was during one of his protracted on field debates, caused by own making, when the lady next to me shouted, "This is all about you ref!".
He then walked right into it by verbally retaliating with, "It is about me, I'm incharge!". I followed up with. "You've got an ego problem!".
Firstly, a referee shouldn't allow himself to be distracted by having an exchange of words with the supporters. And secondly, all he proved was the lady and I were right on both counts.
This man was clearly affected by every single decision he made today, which removed his ability to function properly by focusing on managing what was infront him in real time.
As for the game itself would a neutral know they were watching a cup game played out by two clubs from different levels in the pyramid?
No. Absolutely no way. Infact our girls had the ball in the back of the net before Dior Knorr's first goal in the 14th minute. Darts had their chances. Notably another long range shot from Shauni forcing the goalkeeper into making an uncomfortable save. Emily Vaughan also came close with a shot just over the bar. Going in 1-0 down at the break Actonians probably just shaded it.
Second half our girls hit the ground running and they really went for it. The pressure intensified as Actonians endured an aerial bombardment but Darts just weren't getting the rub of the green.
And then, in the 78th minute as the girls continued relentlessly pushing forward, they were undone on the break with Dior firing the fatal shot with her second goal of the match.
To sum up the game in a nutshell here's an interesting stat.
Actonians didn't have many chances today despite Dior having a decent game. Her goals took them into the next round but she wasn't the host's player of the match.
That went to Elisa Dogor, their German goalkeeper.
Says it all really.
And she did pull off a terrific save from Beth Powell which looked nailed on to hit the back of the net for the equaliser.
Thought I'd better get that one in considering I'm sponsoring her this season.
Well, atleast the club's got my money anyway.

[TonyDart]

Well done James for a very interesting read and was so sad to hear on the day that our girls had just failed to reach the proper rounds of the Adobe Women's FA Cup; but certainly I hear, not for the want of trying.

I can imagine this has hit the girls hard; they so want to succeed for the Club as well as for their personal endeavours, but I guess Sunday just wasn't to be their day. But other big days will come, one can be assured of that.

I missed the game through not wanting to pass on my germs during a car-share journey, so I visited Princes Park in the open air to watch the U18 Girls play a league game, and I met up with Steve Cullum our 'Dev's' photographer.

Our U18s team was depleted by many out sick with colds and coughs and although agreeing to start the match as a 10 v 10 , Old Wilsonians had the added benefit of having 3 subs to call on whereas Darts had none. Our U18s eventually went down 2-4, but had pulled the game back to 2-3 in the second-half and then unluckily hit the crossbar with the goalie beaten, but our opponents having fresh legs available, it gradually took the toll on our girls. But still, our Girls held their heads high and made Old Wilsonians work hard for their win. Anyway, a good entertaining game. So well done to all involved.

However, I must say, Princes Park was DEAD, and I mean DEAD, FLAT, NOTHING. We've got all these wonderful facilities but no-one is visiting PP.
Why is this all going to WASTE?

The two mini-pitches were vacant all afternoon. So much for being told that everything is so heavily booked! - No spaces available - REALLY?

[Ajaxman DFC]

Totally agree Tony. We could do with Sophie Purves in the boardroom. But that would never happen. It's not that kind of club unfortunately. She would ruffle too many feathers.
When she first joined Tonbridge Angels she said she would find ways to generate more income and support for the club as they couldn't compete with the likes of Dartford.
She's since achieved everything she said she would do and the tables have now turned as DFC struggles to keep up with yet another innovative local rival.
This club attracts income providing there's no physical graft involved.
For that we have our wonderful volunteers who are the true faces of DFC without whome this club would struggle to function without.
After all, would you see a board member rolling up his sleeves to pull a few pints to get more income on match days outside the regular opening hours?
Wednesday evening will be another missed opportunity if the bar closes at 10pm. Inflexibility due to rigid opening times strangling maximisation of much needed income.
By the time the girls have warmed down, showered and changed it'll be atleast 10 pm.
Can you name me any other club in the country who would close that early so soon after a game?
Not only is the stadium owned by the council it sometimes feels like the club's being run by it with the imposition of rules like this.
Atleast there's always the ambience of the Irish to enjoy should the club fall short in the hospitality stakes.

[DA Mikey]

Interesting you should say that, Ajax. I have corrected two people over the last two weeks for saying that the club is owned by the council and therefore not in charge of its own destiny.

[Lol]

Ironically had our girls got the better of Actonians, they would have come up against Oxford Utd. away in the First Round Proper. I couldn't make it as I was away on holiday, but I will be at PP tomorrow to do what I can in support of our girls.
I would be more than happy to assist behind the bar on DFCW match days (after the game) to keep it open longer and generate more money for the Club. Not that there is anything wrong with a few beers down the Irish, and I'm sure we are all grateful that the lovely people down there are so welcoming.

[Ajaxman DFC]

Nice draw for Actonians then. Guess you'd call it the A40 derby.
The unluckiest draw will involve the teams who'll have the misfortune of having last Sunday's referee allocated to their game.
His whistle should be confiscated by the FA with his note book and cards thrown in the bin.
And issued with a restraining order preventing him from going anywhere within half a mile of a football ground for the remainder of the season.
You'll make a great bartender Lawro!