sportvslade181003
Thursday 01st September 2005
Collier steers Green towards top of table
Sporting Bengal 1-4 Slade Green
Go Travel Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 18 October 2003
by Robert Smith
Phil Collier steered Slade Green to within 2 points of league leaders Cray Wanderers as he scored one and set up another of the goals in this victory at the Mile End Stadium.
For 40 minutes The UK Asian Champions more than held their own against their
more experienced opponents and claimed their first ever home goal in senior
football by taking a 29th minute as a half hit shot from Saim Uddin looped
into Paul Vines net.
However by the time this goal had arrived Green should have been ahead with
both Sam Prett and Tony Weir squandering opportunities in front of goal.
Green were back on terms though by the 40th minute as Dave Martin was tripped
in the box and from the resulting spot kick Phil Collier steered an immaculate
strike wide of the Bengal keeper.
This equaliser spurred Green on and they could have gone in at the break ahead
through Paul McCarthy who firstly saw an effort fly over and then a second
opportunity thwarted by the keeper.
Thirteen minutes into the second half Green edged ahead. A Bengal defender
needlessly gave away a corner as he ushered the ball out of play and from the
resulting flag kick Dave Martin whipped the ball towards the far post and
after Phil Collier had headed the ball across the face of goal Dean Corrigan
was on hand to pounce with a swooping header to claim his first ever goal in
senior football.
Just 2 minutes later the game was effectively put beyond the home side's reach
as Sam Prett skilfully side stepped two defenders before drilling his
cross-shot beyond the keepers reach.
Paul Vines had to be alert with two late saves as Bengal pressed forward but
Green always looked capable of adding to their tally.
Mark Burton was introduced to proceedings for the final 10
minutes and twice he carved out glorious opening for Weir. The first chance
saw Weir look to the heavens in despair as he screwed his shot wide with just
the keeper to beat, but just seconds later he made no mistake when with master
precision he rifled the ball home to claim his third goal in as many games.