COOKHAMS AWAY DAY DELIGHT

Once again Cookham started on the front foot and played some excellent football throughout an exciting first half.
After several half chances the Dean deservedly took the lead in fine fashion after 20 minutes when Richard Webb latched onto neat pass before rifling the ball into the far corner

Webb then tested the keeper with another effort soon after as the Dean went straight for the jugular. Paul Sharp, making his full first team debut, then forced another save with a thumping drive.
At the other end Highmoor did threaten on the break with Shane Small and Adam Baker showing well for the home side.
Cookhams keeper James Clarke made a superb one handed save from Small, pushing his stinging shot onto the bar on the half hour.

But Cookham were hungry for more and the move of the match saw full back George Bond surge down the right wing before picking out Jon Schaaf with a good ball.
The striker did brilliantly before lashing in the second goal and the Dean led 2-0 at half time.

The second half however could not have started any worse for the visitors when Bonds tackle on Baker was deemed a foul and the Referee pointed to the Penalty spot.
It had been only minimum contact and Cookhams protests were loud but made no difference. Clarke was unlucky not to save the kick as the ball bounced over his outstretched arm after a mis kick from the taker.

Ironically minutes later Baker was booked for a dive in a similar position to where the Penalty had been awarded.

Despite the set back Cookham were still the better side and rather than simply sitting back they went looking for a third goal. They almost got it too but from a good position Richard Webb hit the crossbar when it had looked easier to score.

On the hour Highmoor virtually blew any chance of a comeback when Baker was dismissed for a bad challenge on Ryan Jones who had been causing Ibis all kinds of problems.
Cookham defended stubbornly for the rest of the match and with little space to work in the home sides chances dwindled.
Cookham should have added to their total in the last few minutes when Richard Webb put Jon Schaaf in with a good ball, but the striker blazed the ball wide.
The Referee added on 5 minutes of stoppage time but the Dean held out to record a fine victory after what had been a strong team performance.

Gallery:
1. Louis Shepherd shoots
2. Jon Schaaf just scored
3. Dave Saunders gets his tackle in
4. James Clarke saves
5. Ryan Jones in full flow