TEN MAN COOKHAM BOW OUT OF THE CUP

The Dean once again started the match on the front foot and Beaconsfield could not get anywhere near the ball for the opening 15 minutes. There was only 10 minutes gone when Cookham produced the move of the match with some incisive passing that ended with Jon Schaaf crashing the ball against the crossbar.
The Dean had several other attempts on goal but ominously were not hitting the target, most notably with Dave Saunders effort fizzing inches over.

The visitors finally conjured up a chance themselves with a swift break after 25 minutes, and the pace of it caused alarm at the back for Cookham.
One blocked shot was quickly followed up by an alert striker and Ollie Webb handled to stop a certain goal.
The influential midfielder was then Red Carded for his trouble but Keeper James Clarke produced a superb full length save from the spot kick to deny the visitors the lead.

Cookham had to re-group quickly, but from that moment never looked comfortable with just ten men.
The home side then gave the ball away for Beaconsfield to break once again and a telling cross was side footed into the net giving Clarke no chance this time and The Dean were behind at the interval.

Soon after the break Cookham almost went level when the visitors keeper spilled a stinging free kick from Chris Ellis, but Schaaf's follow up shot hit the post and bounced safely behind.

Beaconsfield, despite having the extra man advantage were forced to defend in depth for most of the secoind half, but despite creating plenty of openings the Dean simply could not hit the target.
Jake Chance had a good turn and shot, and within a minute the same player headed wide when well placed.

The trend continued for Cookham who could not find the goal they needed to keep their season alive.
As Cookham attacked they also left gaps at the back and the visitors came close to sealing victory when they too hit a post with ten minutes remaining.

Nick Seymour had a shot well claimed by the keeper soon afterwards and Chance had another effort at the death, but Beaconsfield held out for a Cup Final place against Reading YMCA.

SUMMARY
Cookham Dean's passing football continues to get the players into some excellent positions but unfortunately the side do not score enough goals, and that is why there will be no trophy for the first team this season.
Manager Dave Clarke said afterwards: " Of course we are disapointed, but you could not ask any more from the players than that, they worked hard and maybe deserved better, but that's football".

Next Week Cookham travel over to Reading to face Title favourites Highmoor without Scott Allen who is getting Married, and Chris Ellis who will be away on Holiday. But Clarke will now have one eye on next season and will see this terms remaining fixtures as the ideal opportunity to blood his promising youngsters who will gain vital experience for the bigger challenges ahead.


Action Photos Posted c/o Ailie Timmins gary@omegaelectrical.com