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.