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 The 2008-09 Ryman League season is now only a week away, but Mark Butler and his side must complete the 2007-08 season first, by facing Chipstead in the delayed Southern Combination Cup Final, which was postponed amid the monsoons of late April and early May.
While the clubs' two First Teams do battle for the trophy at the High Road Ground, the two clubs will field Reserve Teams in a pre-season match at Short Lane.
 Ashford reached this final by eliminating three teams from the Combined Counties League Premier Division, starting back in November 2007 with a 4-0 home win over Cobham. On that evening, both Harris brothers found the net, with Warren scoring twice to Scott's single goal, the other strike being by Paul Timba. Timba was again on target in the Quarter-Final at Sandhurst Town, as was Scott Harris, with Jon Palmer getting the winner. Palmer opened the scoring in the Semi-Final, at home to Chertsey Town, but the Curfews were doughty opposition and it took two goals from Byron Harrision (pictured, right) to get the Tangerines through after extra time.
Chipstead had a rather more mixed route to this final, facing Combined Counties Division One Westfield and emerging victorious by three goals to one. This victory was then followed by a 2-0 win at home to Virginia Water of the Surrey Intermediate League and then a victory over Molesey, for whom a run in this competition must have been one of the high spots of an otherwise miserable season, which saw them relegated from Division One South of the Ryman League. The Chips have had the benefit of home advantage in every round and may well feel their name is "on" the cup, although Ashford will be looking for a trophy to put the seal on what was a remarkable campaign whilst adding momentum to the preparations for the new season. | The Routes to the Final | | Round | Ashford Town | Chipstead | | Two | Cobham (H) 4-0 | Westfield (H) 3-1 | | Quarter Final | Sandhurst Town (A) 3-2 | Virginia Water (H) 2-0 | | Semi-Final | Chertsey Town (H) 3-2aet | Molesey (H) 4-3 |
Although the Chips were mid-table in their debut Ryman League season and lost veteran Secretary Geoff Corner to Leatherhead during the summer, they started their pre-season well, winning at Crawley Down, Ash United and South Park before losing at Whitehawk and drawing with Redhill. They also have the benefit of continuity, having retained the bulk of the squad that completed last season strongly. Ashford, meanwhile, have lost Matt Baxter after the young striker decided to leave the club this week. Directions to Chipstead FCTRAVELLING BY RAIL: It is advised that if you are travelling to Chipstead by train that you travel to Coulsdon South where there is a cab office and you can get a cab to the ground and book a return journey.Trains run from Victoria to Coulsdon South for evening games (3 every hour) and from London Bridge on Saturdays (2 every hour). Next to the station entrance is a cab office and the journey to the ground is less than 10 minutes. If you decide to walk its just under 3 miles.If you travel to Chipstead Station there is NO cab office and it is about 1.1/4 miles to the ground, up a very steep and narrow hill with NO pavements. Trains run from Victoria to Coulsdon South from London Bridge on Saturdays (2 every hour). Next to the station entrance is a cab office and the journey to the ground is less than 10 minutes. If you decide to walk its just under 3 miles. TRAVELLING BY ROAD: Leave the M25 at junction 7 and take M23 northbound signposted Croydon. After 2 miles the M23 ends and becomes the A23. After about 1 mile at the first set at traffic lights adjacent to a BP garage turn left into Star Lane. Follow Star Lane into Elmore Road, keeping the church and the green on your left until reaching the crossroads with High Road. Turn left (signposted Lower Kingswood & Reigate) and parking for away supporters is 200 yards on your left. To walk to the ground leave via the car park entrance turn left and the clubhouse and turnstiles are a further 200 yards along the main road. |
However, Mark Butler has no shortage of striking options and a strong squad should be expected to make the journey to East Surrey. We did not receive definitive instructions from Chipstead as to how much entry will be, so advise supporters to expect to pay Chipstead's normal prices for this match: £8 for Adults, £4.50 for Concessions and £2 for Under-16s. A programme will be available, priced £1.50. There is no coach to this match, so for any supporters wishing to travel, directions are as shown in the box on the right: There is also a Reserve Team match between the two clubs at Short Lane. As at Westfield in midweek, the Ashford side will consist mainly of triallists and young players, as Mark Butler looks to make the final decisions as to whom shall be retained for the season ahead. A number of players were released on Thursday as the squad takes shape, but Danny Byron and Gareth Teuten will both take part in the match, as will goalkeeper Dan Cox. Regrettably, it has been decided that this match, which was due to be played on the Stadium Pitch, will now take place on the Training Pitch. This is a necessary precaution to protect the surface of the Stadium Pitch ahead of the League campaign, particularly as rain is forecast. Anyone choosing to attend this game is therefore advised to bring suitable protection from the elements, and a portable chair if required. |
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
