MATCH REPORTS
Crawley 0 : 3 Marle Place Wanderers
Place turned up for the final game of the league season knowing that a win would bring them the title and they duly delivered, taking their first real honours which is huge achievement for this group of lads, some of whom have been playing together for 9 years, and is also a great reflection on the work put in by Manager Martin Gillam who took over the squad three years ago. Place started strongly and had already threatened when on 9 minutes Jamie Nicholson's through-ball found league top scorer and Golden Boot winner Jack Wilkins, and whilst his initial shot was saved he was the first to react to the rebound and slotted home. The rest of the first half was somewhat forgettable as Place became a bit complacent, apart from one scare when a Crawley goal was ruled out for offside. After something of a telling off from Gillam at half time, Place immediately doubled their lead after the restart, Wilkins again hitting a sharp first time effort low into the right hand corner. Crawley did their best to ruin the party, but Place defended well and keeper Wills Brimacombe was only seriously tested once, tipping a fierce effort onto the bar to safety. With Josh Arnold in particular a constant threat on the left, Place continued to create chances, and settled the match, and the league on 73 mins when Ads Chilcott burst strongly from midfield before laying the ball off to Nicholson who slotted home from close range. After a slow start to the season where a couple of early losses did not bode well, Place have been remarkably consistent, not losing a game since November despite the fiercely competitive nature of the division which saw just 16 points separate the top 6 teams in the final table.
Marle Place Wanderers 2 : 1 Saint Hill Blues
A hugely committed and gutsy defensive performance saw Place defeat season-long league leaders Saint Hill Blues (who needed a win or a draw to secure the title), and leave the destination of this year's title in their own hands, being two points off the top with their upcoming midweek game away to Crawley Youth the only game left in the league. From the off it was clear this game was going to be a tough encounter, both sides full of energy and commitment and it was Place who struck first on 18 minutes, superb work by David Sadler who made a great tackle, won the ball carried it forward before cutting it back to the waiting Jack Wilkins who calmly slotted home. Saint Hill hit back almost immediately, rattling the post with a long range free kick before a second free kick was expertly fired in from distance for the equaliser. Place always looked dangerous going forward, Wilkins and Jamie Nicholson in particular proving a handful for the Blues defence and on 28 mins Josh Arnold's mazy run winning a free kick on the left hand side of the area, taken by Wilkins who found Jack Harford who had cleverly found some space at the far post and placed his header superbly in the far corner. There was still time before the break for Blues to again hit the woodwork, but Place were relieved to see the ball fly over the bar. The second half, perhaps unsurprisingly, became increasingly niggly and saw three Blues players go into the book for a succession of pushes and dissent. In the face of no little provocation, Place did remarkably well to maintain their composure and confidence as Blues threw everything at them, and the defensive quartet of Jake Hill, James Atkins, Stu Ellmer and Jake Chantler managed to deal with everything the Blues could muster. On the one occasion there was some alarm, keeper Wills Brimacombe did extremely well to push away a high swirling ball to safety. Place had a great chance to ease their (and their manager and other parents) nerves with 10 minutes to go, Wilkins setting up Arnold who saw his shot drift agonisingly wide, and also had a strong penalty claim denied before referee Graham Miles ended a gruelling encounter. It would be unfair to single out any Place player for MoM in such a committed team display.
Marle Place Wanderers 2 : 2 Hurst Hornets
After a win each this season in the preceding fixtures, perhaps a draw was inevitable but both sides will be left feeling they could have taken all three points. After a frenetic start, it was Place who settled first playing some attractive passing football. On 10 minutes and after a spell of good pressure, a free kick near the edge of the area was all Place top scorer Jack Wilkins needed to get on the scoresheet again, his expertly struck kick clearing keeper Dan Jee and dipping under the crossbar. Three minutes later Place doubled their lead, a superb run and lay off from Jamie Nicholson finding David Sadler in the centre who placed the ball in the bottom corner. Hurst came back into the game straight away and equalised on 17 minutes, Ben Haskell’s low shot bouncing awkwardly on the uneven surface and beating Place keeper Wills Brimacombe by his left hand post. Brimacombe then did well to keep out a high drifting ball but just before half time, a series of corners led to the equaliser, Haskell again finishing from close range but Place will be disappointed they didn’t take opportunities to clear the ball. There were few chances in the second half, but those that were created were not without controversy. First, Nicholson sent a delightful through ball towards Wilkins who beat the last defender and finished well, only to be denied by a very late offside flag, before Hornets too had a goal disallowed, another close range finish from a corner however the referee blew for a foul on the defender. The quality of the game suffered somewhat as both teams became tense in their desperate search for a victory, Hornets coming closest in the later stages only to be denied by a Jake Hill goal line clearance.
Marle Place Wanderers 6 : 3 Ifield Youth
Wilkins (3), Sadler, Hemsley, Arnold the scorers
Wealden Rangers 1 : 2 Marle Place Wanderers
Both teams struggled to find any real rhythm and tempo for large parts of this game on a heavy pitch. After a tame opening Place's Ads Chilcott had the first real chance, bursting from midfield before seeing his shot curl over the bar from distance. Dave Sadler then put a decent left footed effort just wide before Rangers came very close when a powerful close range effort was deflected onto the crossbar. Place probably edged the rest of the first half, Josh Arnold finding Jack Wilkins who in turn played in Jacob Hemsley who fired just over, Joe Russell having a shot saved at the near post and Arnold himself shooting wide but at the break the game remained goalless. Place started the second period with a bit more intensity, and a good move involving Wilkins and Chilcott saw Iwan Griffiths arriving in the centre just too late to make contact. After Wills Brimacombe made an excellent low save at his near post, Place finally made a breakthrough, Hemsley placing the ball over the keeper from 15 yards. Chilcott then had a shot blocked after a good run, but Rangers equalised after some sloppy defending and continued to press. It was Place (and the leagues) top scorer Wilkins who settled things on 70 minutes however, latching on to a good ball from Hemsley and finishing well. Wilkins then set Sadler up with an opportunity to kill the game but his effort went wide. Place MoM Ads Chilcott.
Hurst Hornets 0 : 3 Marle Place Wanderers
Excellent performance and thoroughly deserved win. HT score 0 : 0, Hornets dominated at the start of the second half before goals from Ads Chilcott (2) and a long range effort from James Atkins sealed the points. MoM not awarded as difficult to single anyone out in a great team effort.
Cuckfield Cosmos United 3 : 4 Marle Place Wanderers
Place deservedly took the points in a fiercely competitive game at Whitemans Green. Place took the lead just 3 minutes into the game when good pressure on the keeper from Jacob Hemsley saw the ball played out to Jack Wilkins, who spotted the keeper off his line and skilfully lobbed the ball over the last defender and into the net. Despite the great start, Place failed to convert their pressure and often slick football into clear cut chances as Cosmos defended well, Wilkins coming closest with a deflected shot that hit the post,and they were made to pay when it was Cosmos who equalised against the run of play on 18 minutes, a good cross in from the left hanging in the air before being stabbed into the net. Wilkins had a couple of chances to restore Place's lead but otherwise clear-cut chances were few and far between. Place started the second half like they started the first, Ollie Parkin (playing up from the U14s along with keeper Alex Bates) making a great run into the box before being clumsily pushed, Jack Wilkins calmly slotting home the penalty low to the keepers right. Place were firmly on top now, chances for Wilkins, Dave Sadler and Jamie Nicholson going begging before the goal of the game, Hemsley winning the ball in midfield, feeding Wilkins who sent a long ball down the right to Parkin who's early cross was expertly converted by Nicholson on 64 mins. Place then did their best to throw the game away, conceding two sloppy close range goals due to poor defending from crosses. To their credit, Place refused to let their heads drop and immediately went on the attack, Hemsley and Wilkins having headers cleared off the line. With two mins to go, Good work by the energetic Nicholson, winning the ball and passing to Hemsley who fed Wilkins who completed his hat trick and secured the points with a delightful chip over the advancing keeper. Place MOM Jack Harford for a telling contribution in the centre of defence
Marle Place Wanderers 3 :1 Wealden
Place will utilmately feel somewhat fortunate to have taken all three points in this game after missing a couple of players through injury and then suffering injuries during the game, but it testament to the huge effort and commitment shown by the team on a freezing day and a heavy pitch that they battled through to take the victory. With barely a minute gone, Ads Chilcott sent a long curling pass through the middle for the league's top scorer Jack Wilkins, who took a neat touch and deftly lobbed the keeper to make it 1-0 and the perfect start. Place continued to press, and had several chances to extend their lead with Dave Sadler, Wilkins (crashing the ball against the bar from distance) and Jacob Hemsley all going close as Josh Arnold sent in some wicked corners, whilst at the other end a last ditch tackle from Jake Chantler, having a monumental game at the back, and a smart save from Wills Brimacombe kept Wealden at bay. Just before half time, Wealden were awarded a penalty after Jack Harford handled on the line, but faced by the confident Brimacombe who hasn't been beaten by a penalty in open play this season the Wealden striker blasted the spot kick over the bar. Place were under immediate pressure in the second half as their lack of fit substitutes started to tell on tired legs, but still had two great opportunites, both falling to the lively Wilkins, to score. Whilst having the lion's share of possession, Wealden were resticted mainly to long range efforts however they got a deserved equaliser after a goalmouth scramble saw the ball poked into the net on 70 mins. The writing appeared to be on the wall for Place at this point, but immediately after getting cautioned for a tackle, Chilcott slipped the ball through to Wilkins who raced through and coolly slotted home on 75 mins. The points were sealed on 78 mins after a superb run by Sadler saw his cross turned into his own net by the Wealden defender despite the keepers desperate attempts to stop it. Place MoM shared by Jake Chantler and Ads Chilcott, referee the excellent Matt Parsons
Marle Place Wanderers 3 : 2 Crawley
Goals - Jack Wilkins (2), Jacob Hemsley
Marle Place Wanderers 7 : 1 Cuckfield Cosmos Athletic
Both teams can be pleased with their efforts on a dreadfully heavy pitch in freezing rain. Place, in their first game of 2013, started strongly, forcing a succession of corners before Jacob Hemsley opened the scoring on 9 mins, thumping in David Sadler's cross. The lead was doubled within a minute, Jack Wilkins firing home after Cosmos failed to clear another corner. Wilkins added the third on 13 mins, heading home after a superb passing move involving Ads Chilcott and Hemsley. Place then became somewhat complacent and allowed Cosmos more possession, and they came close to scoring but were denied by stand-in keeper Iwan Griffiths who saved well with his legs. Wilkins slotted home to make it 4-0 (and completing his hat trick) on 27 mins after collecting Joe Russell's excellent pass, and made it 5-0 with a great finish, Sadler this time the provider. Cosmos made a lively start to the second half as Place sat deeper, but Chilcott made it 6-0 on 53 mins, lobbing the keeper from just outside the box, and then had another effort scrambled clear. Sadler saw his first time effort drift agonisingly wide before Callum East pulled a deserved goal back for Cosmos, slotting after a great save by Place 2nd half keeper Josh Arnold fell invitingly at his feet. Further Place chances followed, Sadler and Joe Russell in particular going close but it was Wilkins who completed the scoring with a simple finish on 70 mins, Sadler yet again the provider. Wilkins hit the post after being put through by Russell as the game drew to a close, players on both sides having given everything. MoM David Sadler for the creativity he showed going forward.
Cuckfield Cosmos Athletic 3 - 13 Marle Place Wanderers
Cosmos were unlucky to find Place in the mood to play some of their best football of the season and from the off a high scoring game looked likely as Place's pace up front, allied with some neat passing and good movement led to numerous chances being created. However, the first came on 6 minutes, Jack Wilkins scoring from the penalty spot after he was tripped. Wilkins added a second on 12 minutes after great work by Jacob Hemsley on the right, before Jake Chantler bundled in the third on 14 minutes after David Sadler's shot was saved.Wilkins completed his hat trick on 18 minutes, racing on to a through ball and rounding the keeper. Sadler then got on the scoresheet himself, finishing well from Hemsely's cross on 24 minutes. Wilkins got his fourth and the team's sixth on the half hour, running strongly from midfield. Cosmos then had the chance to pull a goal back from the penalty spot after a clumsy challenge, but keeper Will Brimacombe maintained his record of not being beaten from a penatly kick in normal time this season with a low save. Hemsley had a shot saved on the goal line before Cosmos nicked a deserved goal just before half time with a free header from a corner. Place's seventh came from another spot kick on 45 mins, Josh Arnold being felled after a strong run and giving the keeper no chance with the penalty. Cosmos then pulled a further goal back before Place again upped the tempo, Jamie Nicholson in particular playing some excellent football and setting up several chances. Wilkins made it 8-2 from close range, Sadler completed his hat trick with two composed finishes within a couple of minutes before Wilkins secured his double hat rick after more good work by Nicholson, who got a deserved goal himself on 70 mins after refusing to give up the chase on a through ball. Hemsley completed the Place scoring with a cool finish before weak defending allowed Cosmos to grab a late consolation. Place MoM Jack Wilkins for his six goals, although several other players pushed him close
Marle Place Wanderers 3 : 5 Saint Hill Blues (played at East Grinstead on 3G pitch)
Place scorers - Jamie Nicholson and Jack Wilkins (2)
Roffey Robins 1 : 1 Marle Place Wanderers (Roffey Robins win 4-3 on penalties AET)
Place's first foray into the County Cup ended in disappointment, although for the second week in a row they took a team that on paper was significantly stronger through to the lottery of penalties after a hard fought encounter. Place started in the worst possible fashion, conceding a soft goal after only two minutes when they failed to stop a break down the right, and also failed to clear the resultant cross despite opportunities allowing the ball to be bundled in from close range. The sides were closely matched throughout, although clear cut chances were at a premium. Jack Wilkins came close, flicking Jacob Hemsley's corner onto the underside of the bar, whilst at the other end the Place defence coped well, Oli Gillam making two great interventions and Stu Ellmer having a very solid game at left back. David Sadler looked dangerous on the left, and he combined well with Wilkins whose shot was easily saved. In the first of a game littered with injuries, Place skipper Joe Russell took a bang to the head after a heavy challenge and left the field just before half time. Playing down the hill after the break, Place created more chances, Josh Arnold setting up Wilkins for one effort, then Arnold himself having what looked like a stunning equaliser disallowed for offside. Robins could have sealed the game when they were awarded a penalty for a trip, but blazed the spot kick over the bar. A superb cover tackle by Hemsley broke up another Robins attack before a curled through ball by Ads Chilcott found a rampaging Wilkins who lifted the ball over the keeper, both of whom were injured in the process. After the Robins keeper was replaced, Place's Ellmer also took a nasty blow to the face and had to be replaced along with centre half Jake Hill who injured a knee before Iwan Griffiths had a great chance to put Place ahead but saw his shot well saved. Both teams looked very tired as the game went into extra time and chances for either side were limited. A tense penalty shoot-out went to sudden death, Robins winning 4-3 on the sixth round of kicks. Place MoM Ads Chilcott for his energy and commitment throughout
Marle Place Wanderers 3 : 1 Ifield Youth
Place ultimately overcame a dogged Ifield team on a very heavy Janes Lane pitch, but only by stepping up their performance in the second half after a poor first 40 minutes. Chances were few and far between for either side before the break, although Place keeper Wills Brimacombe tipped one long range shot around the upright and Place's Dave Sadler had a couple of decent long rang efforts saved. Ifield took the lead shortly before the break, tapping home from close range after the Place defence missed several chances to clear. After the expected half time talking-to, a different Place emerged and dominated play throughout the second period. Adam Chilcott shot just wide after good work through the middle, Joe Russell fired over from the edge of the box after a corner and Jack Wilkins put an effort wide before seizing Chilcott's excellent through and firing home to level the scores on 50 minutes. Sadler, Wilkins, Jamie Nicholson and Place MoM Russell all had decent chances before Chilcott's deflected shot from a corner found it's way into the net to give Place the lead. Wilkins then had a header saved from another corner before midfield pressure from Chilcott and Russell allowed Wilkins to follow in and score Place's third and his second. Ifield threatened occasionally, but found the Place defence generally well organised despite missing a couple of players through injury.
Cuckfield Cosmos Athletic 0 : 10 Marle Place Wanderers
Place were relieved to have taken the points comfortably after last weeks poor showing, although a degree of profligacy in front of goal stopped them scoring as many as they could and should have done. Jacob Hemsley, who was energetic and committed throughout and thoroughly deserved the MoM award, opened the scoring on 5 mins, latching on to a Jamie Nicholson pass. Ads Chilcott and Dave Sadler then missed good chances to increase the lead before Jack Wilkins netted after a neat exchange with Chilcott. Wilkins then grabbed his second with a well placed free kick before Sadler made up for his earlier miss, scoring from close range after Athletic failed to clear a corner. Almost immediately, Wilkins completed his hat-trick after Jake Hill's excellent free kick into the danger area before Hemsley made it six with a great run and finish after latching on to a clever Jake Chantler pass. Despite some reorganisation due to injury, Place increased their lead at the start of the second half, Nicholson finally opening his account for the season after beating the offside trap. The game then went through a somewhat scrappy period which allowed Athletic to create a few chances, the best of these being a penalty after a clumsy push by Hill, but for the fourth time this year Place opposition failed to score, this time putting the ball wide of the upright. Place were then awarded a penalty of their own, and skipper Joe Russell made no mistake, firing the ball into the bottom corner. Wilkins made it 9 (and four for himself) with a few mins to go, again beating the offside trap and racing clear before Nicholson completed the scoring after good work by Russell. Place were then reduced to 10 men as Russell went off injured, but Nicholson missed a great opportunity after a strong solo run but saw his effort drift just wide
Marle Place Wanderers 0 : 4 Hurst Hornets
After three decent performances in as many weeks, Place could and should have done much better against local rivals Hornets, but unfortunately failed to match their visitors in either intensity or application, especially in a one-sided first half, and deserved this chastening defeat. Hornets took the lead early on with a sharp break down their left that went unchallenged before keeper Brimacombe was beaten at his near post. A couple of sloppy pieces of defending before the break took Hurst to 3 - 0, although Jack Wilkins almost pulled one back after an excellent run. Brimacombe also smartly saved a penalty for the second week in a row after a clumsy push. After an expected, and deserved, half time roasting from Manager Martin Gillam, Place at least increased their effort significantly in the second half and played some neater football and created the better scoring opportunities, but fell further behind to a long range effort that caught Brimacombe off his line. The improvement in the second half, although ultimately futile, was largely down to Place skipper and MoM Joe Russell, who, along with Jack Harford, were the only two players who really did themselves justice on a day best quickly forgotten for the home side.
Crawley United 2 - 2 Marle Place Wanderers
Place travelled to Crawley with some trepidation, the home team having scored over 30 goals in their first three matches this season. However, buoyed by good wins in their last two games, Place dominated the first 30 mins and created numerous decent chances whilst restricting Crawley to mostly long range efforts, one of which brought a superb diving save from Will Brimacombe. Crawley did miss a penalty (awarded for hand ball) and took the lead on 30 mins entirely against the run of play with another long range effort. Place got a deserved equaliser just before the break, Jack Wilkins slotting home after good pressure on the defence by Iwan Griffiths. Crawley started the second half stronger but it was Place who went ahead, Wilkins hitting a first time shot across the goal into the corner. Crawley continued to press down the hill, and after another outstanding save by Brimacombe, equalised after the Place defence failed to take their opportunities to clear the ball. Crawley were then awarded a second penalty for a high boot, but this just allowed Brimacombe to seal the MoM award as he saved the firmly struck spot kick with his legs. Despite the at times frantic defending, Place held on, and could have sealed the points at the death, Jamie Nicholson sprinting into the Crawley half as they pressed high up the pitch but seeing his finish drift agonisingly wide of the upright.
Marle Place Wanderers 4 : 2 Wealden Rangers
Place repeated last week's excellent performance and scoreline, this time defeating a strong Wealden team with another great team effort. Place raced into a 3-0 lead within 22 minutes, Ads Chilcott opening the scoring on 7 mins after controlling the ball on the edge of the box and putting the ball just inside the far post. Jacob Hemsley was rewarded for some hard work with the second, being first to the ball after a punched clearance by the Wealden keeper and slotting from short range before Jack Wilkins netted a great individual effort after a mazy run. Unfortunately, a couple of defensive lapses allowed Wealden to pull two goals back but Place had further chances to restore their lead before the break, Chilcott, Josh Arnold and Hemsley all going close. Place were much tighter defensively in the second half, restricting Wealden mainly to speculative through balls which centre backs Jake Hill and Jack Harford in particular dealt with very well, and when the ball did get through keeper Wills Brimacombe was quick off his line to cover. David Sadler increased Place's lead with a long range effort that the keeper somehow failed to deal with leaving Place worthy winners. Place MoM Jake Hill for a commanding second half display.
Saint Hill Blues 2 - 4 Marle Place Wanderers
Place tore into Saint Hill from the start of this match, determined to make up for last week's opening loss. Playing high up the pitch, Place put immediate pressure on the Saints' defence, and this was rewarded when Jake Chantler harried the keeper into an error and he cooly slotted home. Saint's equaliser failed to rattle Place, and Jacob Hemsley restored the lead before half time, confidently lobbing the keeper. The game was becoming increasingly fractious, and Place defender Jake Hill picked up a justified yellow card but this didn't detract from the excellent game he had in the centre of defence, working well with new signing Jack Harford. The second half continued in the same vein, Place creating numerous chances as their pace continually worried Saints. Place MOM Jack Wilkins, who was a menace throughout, struck an excellent third from outside the box, before good work on the right by Hemsley allowed David Sadler to volley home the fourth. As both teams tired, Place came under increasing pressure, and although Saints pulled a goal back to make it 4-2, Place ran out well deserved winners, the whole team having given everything.
Cuckfield Cosmos Athletic 3 - 13 Marle Place Wanderers
Cosmos were unlucky to find Place in the mood to play some of their best football of the season and from the off a high scoring game looked likely as Place's pace up front, allied with some neat passing and good movement led to numerous chances being created. However, the first came on 6 minutes, Jack Wilkins scoring from the penalty spot after he was tripped. Wilkins added a second on 12 minutes after great work by Jacob Hemsley on the right, before Jake Chantler bundled in the third on 14 minutes after David Sadler's shot was saved.Wilkins completed his hat trick on 18 minutes, racing on to a through ball and rounding the keeper. Sadler then got on the scoresheet himself, finishing well from Hemsely's cross on 24 minutes. Wilkins got his fourth and the team's sixth on the half hour, running strongly from midfield. Cosmos then had the chance to pull a goal back from the penalty spot after a clumsy challenge, but keeper Will Brimacombe maintained his record of not being beaten from a penatly kick in normal time this season with a low save. Hemsley had a shot saved on the goal line before Cosmos nicked a deserved goal just before half time with a free header from a corner. Place's seventh came from another spot kick on 45 mins, Josh Arnold being felled after a strong run and giving the keeper no chance with the penalty. Cosmos then pulled a further goal back before Place again upped the tempo, Jamie Nicholson in particular playing some excellent football and setting up several chances. Wilkins made it 8-2 from close range, Sadler completed his hat trick with two composed finishes within a couple of minutes before Wilkins secured his double hat rick after more good work by Nicholson, who got a deserved goal himself on 70 mins after refusing to give up the chase on a through ball. Hemsley completed the Place scoring with a cool finish before weak defending allowed Cosmos to grab a late consolation. Place MoM Jack Wilkins for his six goals, although several other players pushed him close
Marle Place Wanderers 3 : 5 Saint Hill Blues (played at East Grinstead on 3G pitch)
Place scorers - Jamie Nicholson and Jack Wilkins (2)
Roffey Robins 1 : 1 Marle Place Wanderers (Roffey Robins win 4-3 on penalties AET)
Place's first foray into the County Cup ended in disappointment, although for the second week in a row they took a team that on paper was significantly stronger through to the lottery of penalties after a hard fought encounter. Place started in the worst possible fashion, conceding a soft goal after only two minutes when they failed to stop a break down the right, and also failed to clear the resultant cross despite opportunities allowing the ball to be bundled in from close range. The sides were closely matched throughout, although clear cut chances were at a premium. Jack Wilkins came close, flicking Jacob Hemsley's corner onto the underside of the bar, whilst at the other end the Place defence coped well, Oli Gillam making two great interventions and Stu Ellmer having a very solid game at left back. David Sadler looked dangerous on the left, and he combined well with Wilkins whose shot was easily saved. In the first of a game littered with injuries, Place skipper Joe Russell took a bang to the head after a heavy challenge and left the field just before half time. Playing down the hill after the break, Place created more chances, Josh Arnold setting up Wilkins for one effort, then Arnold himself having what looked like a stunning equaliser disallowed for offside. Robins could have sealed the game when they were awarded a penalty for a trip, but blazed the spot kick over the bar. A superb cover tackle by Hemsley broke up another Robins attack before a curled through ball by Ads Chilcott found a rampaging Wilkins who lifted the ball over the keeper, both of whom were injured in the process. After the Robins keeper was replaced, Place's Ellmer also took a nasty blow to the face and had to be replaced along with centre half Jake Hill who injured a knee before Iwan Griffiths had a great chance to put Place ahead but saw his shot well saved. Both teams looked very tired as the game went into extra time and chances for either side were limited. A tense penalty shoot-out went to sudden death, Robins winning 4-3 on the sixth round of kicks. Place MoM Ads Chilcott for his energy and commitment throughout
League Cup Semi Final
Marle Place Wanderers 3 : 3 Cuckfield Cosmos United AET (CCU win 3-1 on penalties)
Both teams can be immensely proud of their efforts, producing a fiercely competitive, extended match on a dreadfully heavy pitch. There were few chances in the first 15 minutes before Cosmos took the lead after 18 mins, a seemingly innocuous free kick somehow eluding the Place defence and being poked in from close range. Place's Jack Harford was booked as challenges became more intense, and there were chances being created at both ends with Place keeper Will Brimacombe making one smart save and Dave Sadler, Jack Wilkins (twice) and Iwan Griffths threatening the Cosmos goal. Place started the second half strongly and were left ruing missed chances as Cosmos doubled their lead when they gave the right wing too much time to cross and the pinpoint delivery was headed home. Long range efforts (also from corners) by Ads Chilcott and Joe Russell threatened the local squirrels in the trees more than the Cosmos goal, these were followed by a couple of breakaways that almost allowed Wilkins and Jamie Nicholson through. On 75 mins Place got a lifeline when Chilcott's through ball found Wilkins who delightfully chipped the keeper to pull one back. Clearly rattled, Cosmos immediately lost possession at the restart and within a minute Place were level, Wilkins powerful cross being met brilliantly by Sadler who headed home. Place were clearly on top as the end of normal time approached, but lost Harford who received a second yellow card for a challenge which also resulted in a yellow card for the Cosmos player who retaliated. Despite being down to 10 men, Place remained on top in extra time, and were unlucky to go behind again as a corner eluded the defence and was poked in. Within minutes, the scores were level again, Chilcott picking up a loose ball and striking a 30 yard effort that dipped over the keeper into the net. Place, who despite being down to 10 men were clearly covering the ground better as players started to cramp up, had chances to win through Wilkins and Sadler but extra time finished with the scores at 3-3. It was a shame either side had to lose to the lottery of penalties, but Cosmos ran out winners in the shoot-out 3-1 to progress to the final. Place MoM Jake Chantler for an excellent all round performance, but all the players put everything into this match.
Marle Place Wanderers 3 : 1 Ifield Youth
Place ultimately overcame a dogged Ifield team on a very heavy Janes Lane pitch, but only by stepping up their performance in the second half after a poor first 40 minutes. Chances were few and far between for either side before the break, although Place keeper Wills Brimacombe tipped one long range shot around the upright and Place's Dave Sadler had a couple of decent long rang efforts saved. Ifield took the lead shortly before the break, tapping home from close range after the Place defence missed several chances to clear. After the expected half time talking-to, a different Place emerged and dominated play throughout the second period. Adam Chilcott shot just wide after good work through the middle, Joe Russell fired over from the edge of the box after a corner and Jack Wilkins put an effort wide before seizing Chilcott's excellent through and firing home to level the scores on 50 minutes. Sadler, Wilkins, Jamie Nicholson and Place MoM Russell all had decent chances before Chilcott's deflected shot from a corner found it's way into the net to give Place the lead. Wilkins then had a header saved from another corner before midfield pressure from Chilcott and Russell allowed Wilkins to follow in and score Place's third and his second. Ifield threatened occasionally, but found the Place defence generally well organised despite missing a couple of players through injury.
Cuckfield Cosmos Athletic 0 : 10 Marle Place Wanderers
Place were relieved to have taken the points comfortably after last weeks poor showing, although a degree of profligacy in front of goal stopped them scoring as many as they could and should have done. Jacob Hemsley, who was energetic and committed throughout and thoroughly deserved the MoM award, opened the scoring on 5 mins, latching on to a Jamie Nicholson pass. Ads Chilcott and Dave Sadler then missed good chances to increase the lead before Jack Wilkins netted after a neat exchange with Chilcott. Wilkins then grabbed his second with a well placed free kick before Sadler made up for his earlier miss, scoring from close range after Athletic failed to clear a corner. Almost immediately, Wilkins completed his hat-trick after Jake Hill's excellent free kick into the danger area before Hemsley made it six with a great run and finish after latching on to a clever Jake Chantler pass. Despite some reorganisation due to injury, Place increased their lead at the start of the second half, Nicholson finally opening his account for the season after beating the offside trap. The game then went through a somewhat scrappy period which allowed Athletic to create a few chances, the best of these being a penalty after a clumsy push by Hill, but for the fourth time this year Place opposition failed to score, this time putting the ball wide of the upright. Place were then awarded a penalty of their own, and skipper Joe Russell made no mistake, firing the ball into the bottom corner. Wilkins made it 9 (and four for himself) with a few mins to go, again beating the offside trap and racing clear before Nicholson completed the scoring after good work by Russell. Place were then reduced to 10 men as Russell went off injured, but Nicholson missed a great opportunity after a strong solo run but saw his effort drift just wide.
Marle Place Wanderers 0 : 4 Hurst Hornets
After three decent performances in as many weeks, Place could and should have done much better against local rivals Hornets, but unfortunately failed to match their visitors in either intensity or application, especially in a one-sided first half, and deserved this chastening defeat. Hornets took the lead early on with a sharp break down their left that went unchallenged before keeper Brimacombe was beaten at his near post. A couple of sloppy pieces of defending before the break took Hurst to 3 - 0, although Jack Wilkins almost pulled one back after an excellent run. Brimacombe also smartly saved a penalty for the second week in a row after a clumsy push. After an expected, and deserved, half time roasting from Manager Martin Gillam, Place at least increased their effort significantly in the second half and played some neater football and created the better scoring opportunities, but fell further behind to a long range effort that caught Brimacombe off his line. The improvement in the second half, although ultimately futile, was largely down to Place skipper and MoM Joe Russell, who, along with Jack Harford, were the only two players who really did themselves justice on a day best quickly forgotten for the home side.
Crawley United 2 - 2 Marle Place Wanderers
Place travelled to Crawley with some trepidation, the home team having scored over 30 goals in their first three matches this season. However, buoyed by good wins in their last two games, Place dominated the first 30 mins and created numerous decent chances whilst restricting Crawley to mostly long range efforts, one of which brought a superb diving save from Will Brimacombe. Crawley did miss a penalty (awarded for hand ball) and took the lead on 30 mins entirely against the run of play with another long range effort. Place got a deserved equaliser just before the break, Jack Wilkins slotting home after good pressure on the defence by Iwan Griffiths. Crawley started the second half stronger but it was Place who went ahead, Wilkins hitting a first time shot across the goal into the corner. Crawley continued to press down the hill, and after another outstanding save by Brimacombe, equalised after the Place defence failed to take their opportunities to clear the ball. Crawley were then awarded a second penalty for a high boot, but this just allowed Brimacombe to seal the MoM award as he saved the firmly struck spot kick with his legs. Despite the at times frantic defending, Place held on, and could have sealed the points at the death, Jamie Nicholson sprinting into the Crawley half as they pressed high up the pitch but seeing his finish drift agonisingly wide of the upright.
Marle Place Wanderers 4 : 2 Wealden Rangers
Place repeated last week's excellent performance and scoreline, this time defeating a strong Wealden team with another great team effort. Place raced into a 3-0 lead within 22 minutes, Ads Chilcott opening the scoring on 7 mins after controlling the ball on the edge of the box and putting the ball just inside the far post. Jacob Hemsley was rewarded for some hard work with the second, being first to the ball after a punched clearance by the Wealden keeper and slotting from short range before Jack Wilkins netted a great individual effort after a mazy run. Unfortunately, a couple of defensive lapses allowed Wealden to pull two goals back but Place had further chances to restore their lead before the break, Chilcott, Josh Arnold and Hemsley all going close. Place were much tighter defensively in the second half, restricting Wealden mainly to speculative through balls which centre backs Jake Hill and Jack Harford in particular dealt with very well, and when the ball did get through keeper Wills Brimacombe was quick off his line to cover. David Sadler increased Place's lead with a long range effort that the keeper somehow failed to deal with leaving Place worthy winners. Place MoM Jake Hill for a commanding second half display.
Saint Hill Blues 2 - 4 Marle Place Wanderers
Place tore into Saint Hill from the start of this match, determined to make up for last week's opening loss. Playing high up the pitch, Place put immediate pressure on the Saints' defence, and this was rewarded when Jake Chantler harried the keeper into an error and he cooly slotted home. Saint's equaliser failed to rattle Place, and Jacob Hemsley restored the lead before half time, confidently lobbing the keeper. The game was becoming increasingly fractious, and Place defender Jake Hill picked up a justified yellow card but this didn't detract from the excellent game he had in the centre of defence, working well with new signing Jack Harford. The second half continued in the same vein, Place creating numerous chances as their pace continually worried Saints. Place MOM Jack Wilkins, who was a menace throughout, struck an excellent third from outside the box, before good work on the right by Hemsley allowed David Sadler to volley home the fourth. As both teams tired, Place came under increasing pressure, and although Saints pulled a goal back to make it 4-2, Place ran out well deserved winners, the whole team having given everything.
Marle Place Wanderers 0 - 3 Cuckfield Cosmos United
Place were off the pace at the start of this game and it ultimately cost them the match. Defensive sloppiness contributed to two early goals, the first a through-ball that was missed leaving a simple finish, and the second due to the failure to clear a free kick into the penalty box leaving another simple tap-in. Although 2-0 down within 10 minutes, Place, with new faces Jack Wilkins and Jacob Hemsley beginning to get into things, did start to improve, Wilkins testing the keeper with one effort and last season's top scorer Jamie Nicholson lobbing the keeper but seeing the ball drift just wide. Cosmos, though, effectively sealed the game before half time with their third after more weak defending. Despite the scoreline, Place came out very positively in the second half and had several chances, whilst Cosmos appeared to limit their ambitions to protecting their lead, understandable on the large pitch and in the very hot conditions. The introduction of Place MoM Josh Arnold had an immediate impact, his tackling and play down the left spurring Place on. There were further chances for Wilkins and Nicholson but Place ultimately failed to get at least the goal their second half play deserved.
Goalscorers 2012/13
Jack Wilkins 40 (38 League/2 cup)
Jacob Hemsley 9 (9/0)
David Sadler 9 (8/1)
Ads Chilcott 6 (5/1)
Jamie Nicholson 5 (5/0)
