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Seniors - Match Reports
Season 2011-12Tompkins: Ramsgate were lucky to get away with four
Saturday 24th March 2012
RAMSGATE 1-4 CHIPSTEAD
MARK Tompkins believes the victory at Ramsgate was the best Chipstead had played all season.
And the High Road boss reckons Chips could still reach the play-offs if his side plays the same way for the rest of the season.
At the very least, they can surpass last season's club record points tally in the division.
"It was a good win and it is the best we've played this season," Tompkins crowed. "Ramsgate were lucky to get away with four.
"It's definitely never an easy place to go. I think we won 1-0 there in my first season, but since then we've lost twice.
"All 16 players we took there got eight out of 10. We scored after 48 seconds and we gave them no time on the ball, closing them down quickly."
Centre-back Matt York scored the first with a free-kick rehearsed on the training ground.
Bruce Hogg scored his sixth of the season late in the first half. Usually a left-back, Hogg was pushed into a left midfield role and scored with a superb volley.
Luke Coleman scored the other two - his first goals for Chipstead - against his former side.
The first was after a "great touch", said Tompkins, inside the box on 56 minutes and the second after a longer ball from Callum O'Shea. Ramsgate scored in the final minute through Pascal Ebigbo.
Tompkins added: "Until it's mathematically impossible, we will be giving reaching the top five a real go. If we play anything like Saturday for the rest of the season we've got a good chance.
"I just hope we take this into the game against Burgess Hill." The Hillians are second bottom and in relegation trouble if Whyteleafe can mount a sustained push to stay up.
"They will be right up for it," Tompkins said of Burgess Hill. Chipstead notched 57 points last season in finishing 10th. "That's another record we'd like to break."
* * *
Tompkins hopes to shackle Rams
Saturday 17th March 2012
Chipstead 1 - 3 Bognor Regis Town
MARK Tompkins says Chipstead will be out to take three points at Ramsgate on Saturday after falling 3-1 to the leaders Bognor.
The High Road outfit have recruited fresh faces recently, more for next season than this, said manager Tompkins, who believes the title fight is between Bognor and Whitehawk.
"Ramsgate is a hard place to go," he said. "I don't think as a player or a manager I've ever had anything but a hard game there.
"They've got a good manager in Jim Ward, but we need three points to move us up again."
Kyle Hough, brought in from Horley after scoring 37 goals, played again after making his debut the previous week.
"He's just getting used to this level," said Tompkins. "He'll be involved in the next few games until the end of the season, but we're aiming to get a good pre-season into him for next year."
Hough played alongside Luke Coleman, signed from Sittingbourne.
But Chipstead only scored through an own goal by Stuart Axten when Chips were 3-0 down. It came from an Alex Wilkes cross.
Tompkins added: "I told him if he put it in the danger areas anything could happen and it put their centre-back under so much pressure he put the ball into his own net."
Jordan Brown had a chance in the first half, from 25 yards, that went wide. "I thought he could have done better with that," admitted Tompkins. "Luke Coleman also had a great chance at 0-0. If we'd scored that it would have been a different game."
Tompkins has been able to pull in recruits - and keep players - despite the chairman stepping down and leaving the club for personal reasons and the budget going as a result. "It's a shame, I got on well with Nigel [Scarbrough]," said Tompkins.
Bognor scored on 49 minutes through Terry Dodd, then through the same man on 63 minutes before Stuart Crane added the third a minute later. Axten's own goal came on 70.
Chipstead: Grant, Neuman, York, Watkins, Hogg, Wilkes, Bedford, Goodchild, Brown, Hough,
Saturday 10th March
CHIPSTEAD 2-0 SITTINGBOURNE HORLEY Town top-scorer Kyle Hough made his debut for Chipstead in a 2-0 win over Sittingbourne, but was not among the scorers.
And Hough wasn't the only new signing for Mark Tompkins' side, with Luke Coleman from Cray Wanderers and Whyteleafe duo Jay Garrick and Fabian Batchelor added to the squad.
And Chipstead assistant manager Mick Read explains signing four forwards in a week was no coincidence.
"Four forwards, but that is what we needed more than anything, that has been our main problem all season - scoring goals," Read said. "We have been keeping the goals out pretty well at the other end, but just not scoring enough.
"It was a good debut from Kyle Hough. He obviously has a good pedigree and he showed some good link up play, and retained the ball well on Saturday."
But the forwards aren't the only new addition at High Road.
"Hugo Langton is going to be joining us to do some coaching," Read said.
"Sometimes it is nice to have someone new in with fresh ideas to liven up training.
"He was the Horsham manager, but he is currently out of a job and he's friends with Mark Tompkins."
And with the weekend's results in the Ryman League Division One South going Chipstead's way, the club aren't giving up on their play-off dream.
"I think we are five points off, and we are looking at a push towards the end of the season," Read added.
The home side started the game livelier, breaking down the wings and trying to create chances from the outset.
Debutants Hough and Batchelor started up top for Chipstead and the home side knew it was always going to be difficult for the two to gel straight away, but both worked hard to shut down the Sittingbourne defence and create space for their side to find them.
It wasn't long before the deadlock was broken.
A cross from the right found Jordan Brown, who superbly adjusted himself at the far post to head the ball home and put the home side in front after 19 minutes.
Matt York and Rob Watkins remained solid at the back for Chips, not allowing Sittingbourne time or space, so keeper Martin Grant had little to deal with in the first half.
Both teams played fairly evenly in the second half, although Sittingbourne began to lose control in midfield and service to their strikers didn't create much danger for the home side.
Jason Goodchild and Tom Battams capitalised on Sittingbourne's drop in form by breaking up play and maintaining possession.
The match was settled later in the second half, when Watkins followed up a parried shot from the Sittingbourne keeper and slotted the ball in the net, putting Chipstead further ahead on 71 minutes.
Debutant Garrick was introduced late in the game to try and shut down the Sittingbourne defence and help see out the game for Chips.
League leaders Bognor Regis Town visit High Road on Saturday.
Chipstead: Grant, Bedford, Hogg (Newman, 46), York, Watkins, Coleman (Garrick, 71), Battams, Goodchild, Batchelor (O'Shea, 58), Hough, J Brown. Unused subs: A Brown, Wilks.
* * *
MATCH REPORT
Tuesday 6th March
CHIPSTEAD 1-0 WHYTELEAFE
"IT DIDN'T need to be pretty, we just needed the win," was the reaction of Chipstead assistant manager Mick Read after an uninspiring derby win against Whyteleafe on Tuesday night.
It hasn't been a week to remember for the Chips after chairman Nigel Scarbrough, who was helping fund the club, left last Wednesday evening, and then on Saturday they lost 3-2 away to lowly Whitstable Town.
However on a very cold night at High Road, Chipstead had enough about them to see off relegation-threatened local rivals Whyteleafe thanks to an 11th-minute strike by Jason Goodchild. And while the derby wasn't a classic, given the circumstances, Read was happy with the points.
"It's nice to get any sort of win, never mind a derby win," he explained. "The chairman's left and so all the money has gone as well. The budget was down to him, until the end of the season he was going to fund it so everyone is playing for nothing now. No one has spoken to him, he resigned by text and that was it, everyone has tried to speak to him but he's just gone. No explanation. I know he has a lot of personal problems, but it hasn't done us any favours."
The match began frenetically, with Chips refusing to let points drop to their neighbours and Ryman League bottom club Whyteleafe, who desperately victories. But the game slowed and was hardly a showpiece for non-league football.
"It wasn't a classic on Tuesday night but we hadn't won for a bit so we just needed the win," Read admitted. "We do hope Whyteleafe stay up though; they are a local club and we like playing them as much as they like playing us, so hopefully they'll stay up."
Chipstead had a couple of good chances that they failed to put away, which has been a problem plaguing them all season.
"We practise shooting every Thursday, it doesn't seem to make much difference though!" Read laughed. "There was a miss by Kofi [Quartey] and, before that, Wayne Grizzle had a good chance but a dodgy touch took him too wide.
"Even though we haven't got a budget we are still looking to sign a couple of forwards and we have one or two turning up at training so we can have a look at them."
But the Chips haven't entirely given up on their hopes of a top six finish in the Ryman South.
"Until it's mathematically impossible we will still be aiming for the play-offs but it is looking very doubtful now," the assistant manager explained. "We have quite a hard run-in at the end of the season, with the likes of Whitehawk and Bognor, but we have Sittingbourne on Saturday so hopefully we can use the result against Whyteleafe as a springboard."
Chipstead: Northwood, Newman, J Brown, York, Watkins, Bedford, Goodchild, Battams, Quartey, Thompson, O'Shea. Subs: Wilkes, A Brown, M Cassius, Grizzle.
* * *
CHIPSTEAD 1-0 WHYTELEAFE
Squad depth costs Chips at Worthing
Tuesday 21st February
Worthing 2 - 0 Chipstead
ASSISTANT boss Mick Read believes Chipstead's progression towards being play-off candidates is earning them respect.
But he said their lack of squad depth was exposed at Worthing - who widened the gap to the top six to 10 points on Tuesday with a 2-0 win courtesy of goals by Steve Davies and Jamie Brotherton.
Chips travelled without suspended midfielder Jason Goodchild and Bruce Hogg, who had work commitments.
After a 1-1 draw at Corinthian Casuals last Saturday, Read hopes for a better return against bogey side Eastbourne Town at home this weekend.
"We don't have a deep squad and we really missed Jason Goodchild and Bruce Hogg, who are two senior players," he said.
"That was a big loss to us and makes a big difference.
"Then again we had enough chances to win and had a stonewall penalty turned down.
"Their centre-back handled the ball in the middle of the area and even their supporters couldn't understand how it wasn't given."
A young midfield was supplemented by Russell Bedford, a utility player who usually plays at right-back. In the second half he switched from the right to a central position, with Alex Wilkes sent on for Tom Battams.
Then soon after that strikers Martin L Grant and Marcus Elliott were sent on for Marcus Cassius and Julien Thompson to freshen the attack.
Read believes Chips have made huge progress in his and Mark Tompkins' three years - when the first brief was to stay up.
"Last season we finished 10th, now we're in seventh position and we would be disappointed if we finished lower than that.
"Tuesday night was quite gratifying because they now see us as a near top of the table clash, which is a feather in our caps from where we were. Teams have more respect for us now.
"We need to get a couple of results going. We wanted to take more points from the last couple of games. We're not flying at the moment, like we were a couple of months ago."
Bedford, 25, was the oldest in a midfield where the other three were in their early 20s. Hogg and Goodchild - absent for picking up 10 bookings - will return against 14th-placed Eastbourne.
Chipstead felt they dropped two points at Corinthian Casuals.
Both teams tried to pass, which saw some good football in parts.
One or two chances were created in the first half, most coming from the wingers, who looked to make the most of the slippery surface by threading balls across the box for team-mates to slide onto.
Chips keeper Steve Northwood did well to keep the Casuals at bay and it was goalless at the break.
The visitors conceded a goal within a few minutes of the restart.
Casuals earned a corner which was whipped in, missed every player in the box and nestled in the net at the far post.
The goal seemed to lift the away team, who tried their best to break through Casuals' defence, but each attempt was blocked or narrowly missed the target.
After half an hour of constant pressure Chips finally got the goal they deserved through full-back Hogg.
A Chipstead free-kick on the halfway line was played quickly by Rob Watkins to Hogg.
He ran towards the edge of the box, before flicking the ball up from under his feet and hitting it on the half-volley, sending it flying into the bottom corner.
With the clock ticking away, Casuals seemed happy to hold out for the draw, but Chipstead pushed on for the winner.
Chipstead: Martin Grant, O Davis, Watkins, York, J Brown, Bedford, A Brown, Battams (Wilkes), O'Shea, Cassius (Martin L Grant), Thompson (Elliott). Unused sub: Northwood.
* * *
Saturday 21st January
Goal-shy Chipstead find their scoring boots against Walton
Walton & Hersham 1-4 Chipstead
AFTER a drought of goals, Chipstead grabbed four in the first half on Saturday, but manager Mark Tompkins was still hoping to see his side score a few more.
The Chips had opponents Walton & Hersham to thank for their first goal on Saturday when after a dangerous cross by Alex Wilkes, Dan Sintim headed the ball into his own net.
It was 2-0 just after the half hour mark when a loose ball in the box fell to poacher Marcus Cassius, who had time and space to pick his spot.
With minutes to go before the break, left-back Bruce Hogg saw a free-kick fly in for 3-0 before Cassius got a touch to make it four.
The home-side grabbed a goal soon after through a Greg Andrews header.
But Tompkins was hoping for more goals.
"I think we took our foot off the gas in the second half, but all credit to the team because they were superb in the first half," he said. "It was 4-1 at half-time so I was hoping for some more goals in the second half but they didn't come.
"I would have taken 4-1 before the game though because Walton & Hersham have been in great form."
The Chips are chasing a play-off spot this season and Tompkins admits Saturday's home match against Hythe Town, who at eighth are just one place below Chipstead in the table, is vital.
"We have a very hard run in at the end of the season playing a lot of the top sides who will be looking for points to win the title, so it is important we get as many points as we can now," the manager said. "Hythe play a very direct style so we will be changing things around a bit on Saturday, but I'm confident we can get a result against them."
Report coutesy of the Surrey Mirror
* * *
Saturday14th January 2012
CHIPSTEAD 1-0 CRAWLEY DOWN
MARK Tompkins is demanding more goals from his strikers as Chipstead failed to score more than one goal for the fifth consecutive game.
Only once since the end of November have the play-off chasing Chips put two past a team, a 2-1 win at Faversham Town, and manager Tompkins is eager to see his side score more.
"I spoke to the boys on Thursday night about movement in the box and crossing over and that is what Marcus Elliott and Marcus Cassius did for the goal," Tompkins said of Cassius' 57th minute winner against Crawley Down on Saturday.
"If we have any ambition about the play-offs then our forwards are going to have to start hitting the back of the net more and troubling keepers more.
"If you work keepers you have more chance of scoring. Defensively we are good, in midfield we are good, we just have to start scoring more."
Tompkins was pleased with the performance his side put is the previous Tuesday in a 1-0 defeat to Ryman Premier side Met Police, and believes they carried that into the evenly matched game against in-form side Crawley Down.
"Crawley Down are a fast improving side, so that was a good win for us," Tompkins pondered after the match, sipping a pint to keep him warm on a very cold evening at High Road.
"I thought we dominated quite a lot of the game, they had they're moments but I didn't think they ever looked like scoring, despite the fact they got six last week [against Walton Casuals].
"So defensively I was pleased; I thought Matt York and Rob Watkins were superb. It was a good team effort and it felt like we brought the performance from Tuesday night's game [against Met Police] into the Crawley Down match."
Despite ending the Anvils' unbeaten run, which stretched back to November, it was a close game at High Road, and without the lively Cassius capitalising on a mistake by Down defender Hassan Nyang, the game could have easily gone to a goalless draw.
But Tompkins was always confident his side were going to score, despite a glaring miss by Russell Bedford among others.
"First half we had a couple of really good chances, and Russ, well I have no idea what he was doing with his one," the manager laughed of the midfielder's miss. "But I said at half-time I thought it would be a 1-0 win for someone and out of the two sides I felt it was us that edged it. I thought we always looked like the mostly likely to score."
And the manager believes the three points gained against the Anvils were vital, as it closes the gap on sixth place, the final play-off spot, to seven points, although Chipstead have a game in hand.
"It was definitely important to get the points in games like this," Tompkins explained. "There was a little gap opening up so we need to stay in touch with the play-offs and that involves beating teams like Crawley Down, no disrespect to them.
"They have been on a great run so that was a big win for us. When teams are winning it is hard to turn around that momentum."
Crawley Down have been scoring with ease of late, hitting home six goals against Walton Casuals the week before, but looked unlikely to score on Saturday. But Guirey believes it was just a glitch in form from his strikers.
"Luke Blewden had two really good chances and should have done better, especially with the form he has been in, but he knows it," the manager said.
And Guirey played down a confrontation after the game-costing mistake by Nyang than saw Down keeper Mark Zawadski have to be pulled away from the defender by captain Ash Jones.
"I've sort that one out, they're not fighting it out, but tempers ran a bit high," Guirey said of the incident that saw the players square up to each other.
"I thought Hassan Nyang was outstanding apart from the goal, but you make a mistake in this division and you are punished."
In a very even first half, Luke Blewden was the first to set his sight on goal, but after beating the Chips offside trap, he shot high and wide. Not long after the play was at the other end as Cassius saw a chance fly off-target.
Crawley Down were reduced to 10 men for a prolonged time after captain Ash Jones was unable to stop his nose bleeding following a stray elbow, however still neither side could force a goal.
Chipstead's Jason Thompson and Anvil Anthony Storey both had chances before the break but neither got their shot on target.
Chipstead had a bright period at the start of the second half with a glancing header from Marcus Elliott skimming the woodwork. Neither side looked like scoring but after Nyang decided to leave a cross from the right, Cassius took the gift gleefully for a 1-0 lead.
Down pressed Chipstead for the remainder of the game, playing some of their best football, however the lacked sting in their final ball.
Despite chances for Blewden and substitute Gaby Odunaike, the Anvils could not find at equaliser.
Chipstead: Northwood, Davies, Hogg, York, Watkins, Bedford, Battams, Goodchild, Elliott (Grizzle), Cassius (M L Grant), O'Shea. Unused subs: Wilks, M R Grant, Brown.
* * *
MATCH REPORT
Tuesday 10th January
Surrey Senior Cup 3rd Round
CHIPSTEAD 0 - 1 MET POLICE
MARK Tompkins says his side need to start a winning run as they concentrate on the Ryman League Division One South after Tuesday's Surrey Senior Cup exit.
Chipstead face a rejuvenated Crawley Down on Saturday as they seek to close the eight point gap from seventh to sixth place.
"It will be a tough old game," said Tompkins. "We beat them 3-1 early in the season, but even then it was a hard-fought result."
That was at the end of September, but the Anvils will be a much-changed side when they visit High Road and have not lost a game since November.
"If we take Tuesday's performance into Saturday we should do well.
"We need to go on a winning run now and aim to beat Crawley Down and Walton & Hersham. We need to take wins not draws.
"We have competed well in every game apart from Eastbourne away and Billericay at home, which is pleasing for a club like Chipstead."
Marcus Elliott and Andy Dalhouse could be in contention to return up front, where they have stiff competition in the shape of Marcus Cassius, on loan from Kent club Erith.
"He won the Kent League golden boot two seasons ago," said Tompkins.
The striker had a couple of good chances against Met Police, who won through "a bit of a sloppy goal," said Tompkins.
"They are flying high in the Ryman Premier and when I saw their lineup I knew we were in for a tough game," he said.
The Police won a header from a free-kick and Chipstead failed to pick up the runner, who scored midway through the second half.
That was a half in which Owen Davies put a header wide, while Tompkins was happy that Chipstead restricted the visitors to just a few chances.
Chipstead: Northwood, Davies, York, Hogg, Brown, Bedford, Battams, Goodchild, O'Shea, Grizzle, Cassius.
Report courtesy of the Surrey Mirror
* * *
MATCH REPORT
Monday 2nd January 2012
CHIPSTEAD 1 - 0 WALTON CASUALS
A GOAL up and the opposition reduced to nine men for over half the match, the crowd at High Road sensed a glut of goals but it was not to be for Chipstead.
The Chips took the lead in the eighth minute through new signing Marcus Cassius, and boss Mark Tompkins insists he would have preferred if Walton Casuals had not had both Glenn Stanley and Craig Lewington dismissed.
"We are a little bit frustrated but when teams go down to nine or 10 men it can change things. We would have preferred it if they had stayed at 11 men because we were playing well against 11," Tompkins stated after the game. "We have got a clean sheet though and three points on the game right after New Year's so we will take that. But the strikers should be annoyed at themselves.
"We said to them that the opposition were down to nine men and asked them how many shots they had, and it was a lot.
"We didn't work their keeper enough so the strikers have to look in the mirror a bit, because they are here to score goals.
"We just wanted the team to keep our discipline once the sendings off happened because we didn't want to give the referee reasons for evening it up which sometimes they do. We kept our discipline well."
After being held to a draw by Merstham on Friday, Chipstead were fast out the blocks against Walton Casuals, forcing a number of early corners.
The Chips early pressure paid off after just eight minutes when after a cross from the right the ball fell for Cassius to strike home from close range.
Chipstead continued to press and it seemed like the game had many more goals in it.
Cassius, in particular, was unlucky not to double the lead but Casuals keeper Gareth Williams was in fantastic form.
It the Chips looked likely to score again against 11 men you really fancied them against 10 when Stanley was sent off just after the 20-minute mark for an off-the-ball kick that left the referee with no hesitation.
Minutes later Casuals showed a lack of discipline again when, after a foul, captain Lewington took exception to the referee, and was booked twice for dissent, continuing to swear at the officials as he left the pitch.
Chipstead had taken the lead against 11 men but looked oddly deflated against nine.
Tompkins rung the changes at half-time, taking off right-back Owen Davies, going three at the back and bringing on striker Martin Grant.
Chipstead continued to press the Casuals' goal, but failed to get a breakthrough. Jason Goodchild had a great chance but his punt was blocked in the crowded box by a green shirt.
It seemed impossible the Chips wouldn't add to their lead, but nine-man Casuals were up for the fight, even managing the odd chance of their own with Dan Fernandes in particular seeing a shot float just over the crossbar.
On 73 minutes, probably exasperated by the strikers' failed efforts, Bruce Hogg brought the crowd to life with a superb shot from distance that was destined for the top corner had keeper Williams not dived superbly to tip it out.
Tompkins brought on Marcus Elliott to see if he had any better luck late in the game, but it was not to be for the Chips who had to make do with a rather deflating 1-0 scoreline.
Chipstead: Northwood, Davies (Grant), Hogg, York, Watkins, Bedford, Goodchild (Hemmings), Battams, Thompson, Cassius (Elliott), O'Shea.
Match report courtesy of the Surrey Mirror
* * *
MATCH REPORT
Tuesday 20th December 2011
FAVERSHAM 1 - 2 CHIPSTEAD
Playing four days later is not ideal but it worked for Chipstead as they went into the game with a different shape and saw Chips take all three points in an entertaining game.
Chipstead started off as they finished on Saturday with three at the back but instead of playing three up front chose to pack the midfield with five players and have the wide men attacking down the wings and getting in plenty of crosses. The first half was pretty even with both sides having a couple of half chances but the score was 0-0 at half time.
The second half saw Chipstead in total control with the midfield strong. Darting runs from Jason Goodchild were starting to cause Faversham a few problems. In the 65th minute manager Mark Tompkins introduced young Alex Wilkes wide on the right and his pace soon made the difference. The first goal came when Wilkes cut the ball back from the bye line for Martin Grant to have his shot blocked but the ball found Jason Goodchild following up and hitting the ball first time into the net from 25 yards.
Five minutes later, Wilkes had the ball out wide and hit a 50 yards cross field pass straight to the feet of Callum O'Shea who took one touch to control the ball and then placed a great shot into the top hand corner of the net to make it 2-0. Chips were now in control of the game and should have gone three up when Jordan Browns pace put him in the clear but he just failed to beat the keeper.
Faversham got a goal back in injury time from the penalty spot when Watkins was harshly judged to have handled the ball. One more scare was in the last seconds when Chipstead gave away a foul on the edge of the area but the defence stood strong and dealt with it with ease to win the game 2-1.
* * *
MATCH REPORT
Saturday 17th December 2011
CHIPSTEAD 1-1 FAVERSHAM
Chipstead played Faversham twice within the space of four days and came out on top in the end with four points. The first game played at Chipstead saw Faversham start the game brightly and were much the better team in the first half. They deserved to go in at half time 1-0 up when after 34 minutes Ashley Brown scored with a header direct from a well taken corner.
In the second half Chipstead started to get into the game and caused the Faversham keeper to make a couple of good saves. The management made a couple of changes after 70 minutes and they decided to play three at the back and push an extra forward up front. This started to work and Chipstead were now in control of the game and it was only a matter of time before they scored. This happened in the 85th minute when Martin Grant scored from the edge of the area. The game ended a 1-1 draw but Chips felt it was two points dropped not a point gained.
* * *
MATCH REPORT
Chips fail to get going before double header
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Folkestone 2 - 0 Chipstead
MARK Tompkins rued a game in which his side "never got going" ahead of a strange arrangement of games in which they face the same team twice in four days.
Chips host Faversham on Saturday before the reverse league fixture takes place next Tuesday.
"I don't really agree with doing that because if there is an sort of nastiness it could spill over to the next game.
"I don't know why the league have done the fixture, plus it's Christmas week," said Tompkins. "But I won't be saying that when we get six points!"
Tompkins took advantage of having no midweek fixture to watch Faversham against Walton Casuals, Town winning 1-0 and was by impressed by their front pairing as well as their organisation.
"There's only Bognor, Whitehawk and possibly Dulwich who are the big sides in this division, everyone else can beat each other and that goes right down to Crawley Down," he said.
"We need to go on a bit of a run again," he admitted. "We bounced back with a draw against Whitehawk, but we never got going at Folkestone.
"There's a gap opening above us but the teams below us are getting closer and we don't want to get dragged into ninth, 10th or 11th," said Tompkins, who is intent on improving on last season's record Ryman League mid-table placing.
Both defences, he said, were on top at Folkestone and James Everitt scored from two headers for the hosts.
"Neither keeper was really worked," said Tompkins. "We hit the post a couple of times."
Stuart King hit the post for the hosts while substitute Josh James had a similar effort on 69 minutes for Chips.
Russell Bedford (thigh) and Tom Battams (rib) could be in line for a return and Steve Northwood, the keeper who sat on the bench with a thigh strain) should be fully fit for the weekend.
Chipstead: Grant, Davis, Watkins, York, Hogg, O'Shea, Goodchild, Dolby (James), Brown, Thompson, Elliott. Subs: Northwood, Dalhouse, Wilkes
Report courtesy of the Surrey Mirror
* * *
MATCH REPORT
Saturday 3rd December 2011
Chipstead have now played all the top teams except Folkestone who we play away on Saturday. We played Whitehawk last week and drew 1-1 and I think that they are the best side we have faced in the league this season.
Whitehawk were in total control in the first half, passing the ball around, getting crosses in early and with there two big centre backs dealing with everything in the air with ease I could see us getting beat by a few goals. Saying that,apart from Whitehawk hitting the bar, our new keeper Steve Northwood didn't have to make any saves only dealing with high crosses. Chipstead didn't create anything and we were all happy to go in at half time still level and in the game.
Our manager and coaching staff must of put something in the players half time cuppa as Chipstead came out and showed supporters that they are a good side. We started to win tackles,get the ball to feet and our wide players and generally matched Whitehawk. Our goal came in the 66th minute when Callum O'shea whipped in a good cross from the right which was not dealt with and the ball fell to Jordan Brown. He controlled it and sent over another cross for Julian Thompson to head into the net.
Our lead did not last for long as four minutes later we lost possession twice only for a Whitehawk player to pounce on the wayward pass and square the ball to an unmarked Josh Jones to equalize for Whitehawk. Both teams had chances to win the game but in the end Chipstead were happy with a draw as i am sure Whitehawk will finish in the top two.
* * *
MATCH REPORT
Saturday 26th November 2011
English endures nightmare return
Ryman League Division One South
Whyteleafe 0 - 2 Chipstead
CHIPSTEAD hit back at pre-match taunts with a goal in either half to see off local rivals Whyteleafe at Church Road.
A tense affair, it was two goals from two Callum O'Shea corners that separated the sides. Marcus Elliott opened the scoring just before half-time and Jason Goodchild added a second for the Mark Tompkins' Chips on 70 minutes.
And after the match, Tompkins was keen to rubbish Whyteleafe manager, and former Chipstead boss, Nicky English's claims that his side play long ball football.
"If we have aspirations of being in the top six then we have to come to places like this and get a result which I think is what we have done," Tompkins stated. "Let [English] say what he wants, that we are long ball or whatever, but I'm here to do a job but we gave a solid, professional display.
"Nicky says we are long ball but we have some talented footballers who are technically very good. But it's not easy to pass the ball on pitches like that so you have to have a game plan. If you think you can knock the ball around on a surface like that you are going to get undone."
The win moved Chipstead up to sixth in the Ryman South while Leafe languish just above the drop zone. And Tompkins admits he has an eye on the play-offs.
"We have got to set a target and whether we will achieve top five or not it remains to be seen; there are some clubs with big budgets in that league. A lot bigger than what I've got," he said. "But we have aspirations and we'll try and get as high as we can.
"I think that is nine games unbeaten now, but the run is going to end one day and it is a matter of whether we can bounce back from that, that is what I want to see."
Chipstead started with former Redhill duo Andrew Dalhouse and Elliott up-front, with Julian Thompson and Martin L Grant on the bench.
"All the big clubs have four good strikers so why not us?" Tompkins explained. "I'm lucky in that I have a good bunch of boys so they do moan when they aren't starting but they get on with it.
"Dalhouse did well but he knows he needs to get fitter. The fitter we get Andrew Dalhouse the better player he will be.
"And Marcus Elliott, well he definitely puts a shift in. At this level when you have a player like Marcus chasing centre-halves down they can't deal with it."
Leafe boss English was disappointed not to get one over on his old side on Saturday, however he stands by his claim the High Road side play long ball football.
"Chipstead are a good side and they play to their strengths and were worthy of beating us," English admitted. "But there wasn't a lot in the game. In open play there wasn't a goal scored; we have suffered from giving them too many corners.
"In the second half, we ran out of ideas. It was a poor game, an awful game. It was a contrast in styles; we were trying to pass but they were hitting it long."
However the man who guided Chipstead to promotion to the Ryman League believes his former side will finish in the top half of the table this season.
"I haven't played against that style a lot; I thought they would knock it about a bit more than they did," English said. "I don't think they are a good footballing side but, hey, it works for them and I think they are a safe bet for ninth upwards."
Leafe had captain Fred Fleming sent off late in the game for a second yellow after an off the ball kick was spotted by the linesman, however the game was all but over by this point.
The teams are set to lock horns against on February 11, and English is relishing the chance of coming up against Mark Tompkins and his Chipstead team again.
"I enjoy winding him up because he always bites," English added mischievously.
Chipstead: Northwood, Bedford, Hogg, York, Watkins, O'Shea, Goodchild, Dolby, Dalhouse (Best), Elliott, Brown (Thompson).
Report courtesy of the Surrey Mirror
* * *
MONDAY 28th NOVEMBER
With three clean sheets in the last three games against Worthing, Mole Valley and Saturdays game at Whyteleafe Chips move up to sixth in the league. I know our manager Tommo is more pleased with 1-0 victories than 6-3 results and I tend to agree with him. Last Tuesday we just scrapped through 1-0 against Mole Valley in the Surrey Senior Cup with a penalty which was a 50/50 decision.
Mole Valley are bottom of the the Combined Counties League which is one lower than our Ryman South League. As always the underdogs seem to play above themselves and certainly Mole Valley showed plenty of sprit. We were never in any danger of losing as our keeper Martin Grant touched the ball twice in the second half and only had one corner to deal with in the whole match. My worry was that I couldn't see us scoring and we could have gone out on penalties, but in the end we had a little bit of luck and won the game to progress into the next round.
Saturdays game against Whyteleafe was never going to be a classic due mainly to the bumpy pitch. The first 30 minutes was pretty even with not much football being played, but gradually Chips started to put pressure on the Whyteleafe goal. After half a dozen corners all taken by Calum O'shea Chips finally found the net in the 44th minute when the Whyteleafe goalkeeper missed the ball and it fell nicely for Marcus Elliott to tap the ball in from a yard out. The second half was a different story with Chipstead in control with Bruce Hogg and Jordan Brown both showing their quality down the left side and causing the Leafe problems with their overlapping runs. It was from another corner taken by Calum O'Shea that Chipstead made the game safe when skipper Jason Goodchild headed in from close range. Chips should off scored a third when Julian Thompson ran onto a pass from Jason Dolby, beat his defender but sadly put the ball high and wide. Whyteleafe tried to rally but the Chips defence stood firm and they saw the game out comfortably to gain three more points.
A good display in the end with Chipstead, given debuts to new signings, goalkeeper Steve Northwood from Heybridge Swifts and Jason Dolby from Cray.
We now have three difficult games starting on Tuesday with the long midweek trip to the seaside at Eastbourne Town followed by a home game against Whitehawk who are currently second in the league and then a trip to Folkestone, who are fourth.
The reserves lost 2-1 at home to top of the league Uxbridge on Saturday, but the under 18's beat a strong Lewes team 4-3 away in the Ryman Youth Cup.
* * *
Jordan Brown's header towards the Mole Valley goal was handled on the line.
MATCH REPORT
MOLE VALLEY SCR 0-1 CHIPSTEAD
Surrey Senior Cup Second round
MARK Tompkins felt his Chips looked a little jaded on Tuesday, as they progressed to host Met Police in the Surrey Senior Cup.
A late penalty, giving midfielder Jason Goodchild a seventh goal of the season, proved the difference against Mole Valley.
"I played a few of the squad boys, but fair play to the opposition, they are bottom of the league and gave it a right go.
"The pitch wasn't the greatest - all bibbly bobbly - and there was no atmosphere."
The tie was settled when Goodchild tucked in the spot kick with a few minutes left.
"It was a cross from Callum O'Shea, Jordan Brown headed it towards goal and a defender on the post handled the ball," said Tompkins, wondering how the opposition tweeted that the goal was "controversial". "The player got sent off and it looked like a blatant penalty.
"We had enough chances. They had one corner the entire game and Martin Grant had on shot to save and it was comfortable."
Victory followed a draining but rewarding effort to beat Worthing at home, a side sitting just above Chipstead outside the play-off spots in the Ryman League Division One South.
"After Saturday's game I thought we looked a bit jaded," Tompkins admitted. "On Saturday we could have won by two or three as well. Their goalkeeper had a bit of a blinder, especially in the first half.
"We scored a magnificent goal. Callum O'Shea put in some magical play, putting the ball in from the left right into the corner."
That was the only goal, coming on 12 minutes, leaving Chipstead flying high in seventh place in the division after six wins and two draws in the past nine games.
Tompkins reflected: "We've played all the top teams now and we don't fear anybody. You've got the Maidstones, Whitehawks and Bognors and I don't know what their budgets are but they are a lot more than mine. If we can beat a team like Worthing comfortably, like we did, then we're doing all right."
Old foes Whyteleafe - before a trip to Eastbourne on Tuesday - stand in his path next.
Although a 4-1 defeat came before Tompkins temporarily stepped down last season, the High Road chief insisted that was for personal reasons. He returned two game later.
"Over the years, the games between us have been close, apart from when they beat us 4-1," said Tompkins. "The clubs have lots of connections, but we need to get three points."
And he countered English's claims that it was the current Leafe boss who broke records at Chipstead, not Tompkins.
Tompkins' recent boasts about best starts to the season refer to the Ryman League. "He got Chipstead up and did well in their first season," said Tompkins, who voiced respect for his opponent. "He's doing well at Whyteleafe. I don't think they've got any money, so to compete in the Ryman League with no money, he's doing well."
Chipstead: M Grant, Davis, York, Watkins, Brown, Bedford, Grizzle, Goodchild, O'Shea, M Grant, Elliott.
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Martin Grant
MATCH REPORT
CHIPSTEAD 1-0 WORTHING
Saturday we entertained Worthing FC who I think will finish in the top six. I decided to go and watch our pre match warm up which we do at the top of our ground in the training area. I went and had a chat to our manager Tommo who was watching the coaches put the lads through there paces.(in my day it was running on the spot for ten seconds in the changing room). He told me the lads were all fired up for the game and added that he was confident of a good result today.
He was certainly correct as the team started of very brightly and should of been two up in the first ten minutes. Only two very good saves from the Worthing keeper Mansfield prevented us from scoring,but he had no chance in the 12th minute when Callam Oshea cut inside from the byline and hit an unstoppable shot from 30 yards,out that flew into the top left hand corner. This is only what Chipstead deserved as we looked sharp,fit and confident. I knew Worthing would try and get back into the game and it took a smart one handed save from Martin Grant to keep the score 1-0 to us at half time.
The second half saw Worthing put pressure on us,but the back four stood firm and as the game progressed Chipstead grew stronger and in the end deserved to win the match which moved them up one place to seventh in the Ryman's South. Why didn't we play like that at Ramsgate on Wednesday night. Maybe it was the long journey,the traffic problems getting into Ramsgate, and the fact five of the lads who arrived in one car didn't get there until 15 minutes before kick off. We have two long midweek trips coming up soon so lets hope we don't encounter the same problems.
On the injury front Tom Battams is a couple of weeks away from being fit,and forward Julian Thompson will be back in three weeks. Also defender Bruce Hogg should be back from his business trip in time for the local derby at Whyteleafe where we will come up against our old manager Nicky English.This will be a tough game as Whyteleafe have a few old Chipstead players in there team and are also unbeaten in there last four matches.
* * *
MATCH REPORT
RAMSGATE 2-1 CHIPSTEAD
Keeper's dismissal turns cup tie against Chipstead
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Chipstead 2-1 loss at Ramsgate in the Alan Boon League Cup on Wednesday night was a tale of two Martin Grants, one scoring and the other being sent off.
Martin Grant the striker scored early in the third round game, when keeper Danny Twyman let a fairly straightforward catch go through his hands.
The lead was maintained until the interval, but the crux of the match came when keeper Martin Grant was sent off.
A Rams striker was through on the left edge of Grant's area and the keeper did not win the ball, which was knocked past him, and brought down the striker.
"The linesman gave it, but it was a bit harsh," said Chips boss Mark Tompkins. "He said he was the last man but he was going away from goal.
"It was definitely a penalty but that really swung the game. We were 1-0 up at the time and we had to put a defender in goal and they got on top."
Owen Davis, the right back, was the player to go between the sticks.
Mark Lovell, one of two home substitutes to add to their attack, notched the penalty and then skipper Liam Quinn found the top of the far corner from the left side of the area.
"Davis was playing well at right-back," lamented Tompkins. "We went three at the back and the player who scored was in the position that would have been picked up by him.
"The goal was a good one but I think a regular keeper would have saved it."
While Tompkins maintains that the cups are important to keep a season alive, his priority remains a strong showing in the Ryman League Division One South, in which the Chips lie eighth.
"We want to do well in the cups, but at least it was a cup game and not a league game," concluded Tompkins, who will have to find a new keeper when Grant's three-game suspension kicks in.
Chipstead host Worthing, a place above them in the league, at High Road on Saturday, before travelling to Mole Valley SCR (at Cobham FC) in the Surrey Senior Cup next Tuesday. The winners would host Met Police or Farnham in the third round.
Report couretesy of the Surrey Mirror
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MATCH REPORT
Elliott strikes again as Chips look up
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 12th November 2011
CHIPSTEAD 4 - 1 WHITSTABLE TOWN
MARCUS Elliott struck his fourth goal in three games as Chipstead rose to eighth with better statistics than ever at this stage of a Ryman League season.
Boss Mark Tompkins said: "Apparently it is the most goals we've scored at this stage of a season, the best defensive record. We've got a goal difference of plus 11 and I don't think we've ever had that."
Visitors Whitstable, beaten by Chips in the Alan Boon League Cup a few weeks ago, had a goal ruled out in the first half.
But in the second the Kent side had little answer to their High Road hosts.
Elliott struck the first, converting good work by left-back Jordan Brown who passed a couple of opponents on his way to putting in a cross.
Former Walton Casuals hot-shot Martin Grant scored the second, having replaced Elliott's former Redhill strike partner Andrew Dalhouse.
In his first appearance after six weeks out with injury, Grant netted with a standing overhead kick.
John Paul Collier rattled a goal into the top of the net for Whits before Wayne Grizzle headed home. Callum O'Shea completed the scoring with a free-kick.
Chips travelled to Ramsgate yesterday (Wednesday) in the League Cup, a competition Tompkins is keen to keep alive, just like the Surrey Senior Cup in which his side travel to Mole Valley SCR (at Cobham) next Tuesday.
But first comes a big test on Saturday at home Worthing, who lie a place above Chips and are also chasing the play-offs.
The sides each have 24 points and while all the top four sides have all reached at least 31 Folkestone, in fifth, have 27.
"That won't be easy," said Tompkins, whose side are unbeaten in seven league games. "They are a good side with games in hand and it's a six-pointer.
"We can't afford to lose it and it would be lovely to win to keep the run going.
"Luckily we've got a fairly strong squad and we will use it in the cup games. I like the cups - they keeps the season going - but I'm also hoping we'll push for a play-off place."
Midfielder AJ Morrison came off against Whitstable early in the first half with a groin injury and could be a doubt for the weekend. Forming an understanding with new central midfielder George Amaechi will therefore have to wait.
Chipstead: Martin Grant, Davis, York, Watkin, J Brown, O'Shea, Goodchild, Amaechi, Morrison, Dalhouse (Martin L Grant), Elliott.
Report courtesy of the Surrey Mirror
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MATCH REPORT Tuesday 19th October
League Cup
WHITSTABLE TOWN 0-0 CHIPSTEAD
Chipstead win 4-2 on penalties
CUPS are important to Mark Tompkins, who felt his Chipstead side should have prevailed at Whitstable in the League Cup without the need for penalties.
The High Road boss was not tempted to field an under-strength team ahead of the home clash with Margate in the FA Trophy First Qualifying Round on Saturday.
"I went full strength and take every game as it comes," he said of the long Tuesday night trip to Kent.
"I'm not like some managers who put out a weakened team.
"It's a cup that we take seriously. Cup games during the week keep the season alive."
The only new member of the team was Mo Cho, a central midfielder from Streatham who has ambitions of representing Great Britain in taekwondo in next year's London Olympic Games.
The league cup rules meant penalties were used without the need for extra-time.
"It was a comfortable 0-0. I don't think Martin Grant in goal had a save to make - it was poor finishing from us. We put a lot of crosses into the box and couldn't score."
Jason Goodchild, Matt York, Russell Bedford and Julian Thompson were the penalty takers against a side whose manager left his post on Sunday.
Chips go straight into another cup game, one Tompkins is relishing after losing in the FA Cup to Billericay, also from a level higher than the Ryman League Division One South hosts.
"We didn't do ourselves justice against Billericay. We'll take note from that and have a right go. We've got nothing to lose. We've had a look at them. We know they've got some good players but we can give most sides a game."
Chipstead are now unbeaten in four games, a draw at Hyde being less than Tompkins reckoned his team were worth.
"We hit the bar and post and had one-on-ones with the keeper and had a blatant penalty turned down in the second half," he said of the injury-time incident.
"It was a long clearance, Marcus Elliott gambled, got into the area and was taken out from behind," said Tompkins. Richard Sinden gave the hosts the lead on 76 minutes, then Rob Watkins levelled in the last minute.
Chipstead: M Grant, Best, York, Watkins, Hogg, Bedford, Goodchild, Cho, Brown, Dalehouse, Elliott
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MATCH REPORT
Saturday 8th October
Ware 0-1 Chipstead
A SIXTH minute goal by debutant Marcus Elliott saw Chipstead win at Ware in the FA Trophy.
The striker, who signed from Erith Town, linked up with former Redhill team-mate Andrew Dalhouse up front for Mark Tompkins' side.
And Tompkins admits he has had his eye on Elliott for a while.
"I'd been to watch Marcus Elliott at Erith & Belvedere when they played Erith Town and I liked the look of him then," the Chips boss said. "He became available, and obviously he knows Dalhouse well, and so he was keen to come to Chipstead.
"It's good to have four or five strikers so it was something we were looking for and the pair of them did well up front on Saturday together. Very lively."
However Tompkins was less pleased with the state of the pitch at Ware, believing the conditions gave the home side an advantage.
"It was the worst pitch I've ever seen," he stated.
"It's awful. You could only really play route one football on it. It was quite a comfortable win, they're not a great side, but if it had been at our place it would have been a greater margin."
Chipstead now face Margate in the next round and Tompkins sees the match as a chance to improve his club's finances.
"We got some money from the FA Cup and now we've got some money from this competition," he said. "Beating Margate would be great for the finances, but this is a bit like the Billericay match in that we've won the game we were meant to win in this competition and anymore is a bonus.
"Hopefully we'll do better than we did against Billericay though."
Chipstead might have taken the lead inside the opening 60 seconds were it not for a stroke of luck for the home side. Elliott got in behind the defence but after keeper Rhys Madden got a hand to his low shot, Dave Bastian was able to put the ball behind for a corner.
On six minutes, Elliott beat full-back Antony Lane after an attack down the left and the hard-working striker bundled the ball in from close range.
At the other end, Aime Blessing set Leigh Rose free but the striker's shot was saved by keeper Martin Grant.
On 35 minutes Danny Hayes played a short corner to Tom Querry, the ball was floated into the box but Dan Johnson's header at the back post was angled down at the ground without posing a real threat.
Four minutes before the interval, Dalhouse beat Lane down the left and shot towards goal, but the outstretched foot of Bastian denied him. Both sides made changes in the opening stages of the second period.
Just before the hour mark, Querry cleared the ball off his own line after a goalmouth scramble, before keeper Madden palmed away a rising shot from Elliott mid-way through the half.
Ten minutes from time, Madden made an excellent save to deny Dalhouse after the Chipstead attacker had got the better of Johnson.
But Tompkins' side held onto the one goal lead.
MATCH REPORT
Tuesday 4th October 2011
Tuesday 4th October 2011
CHIPSTEAD 2- 0 WALTON & HERSHAM
CHIPSTEAD bounced back from a lacklustre exit in the FA Cup last Saturday with a league win over Walton on Tuesday.
That will boost Chipstead as they travel by coach to Ware on Saturday, for an FA Trophy preliminary round tie with the carrot of a home game to Margate for the victors.
The midweek game was watched by Gerry Francis, the former Tottenham and Queens Park Rangers manager, whose son Daniel played for the visitors.
Assistant manager at High Road, Mick Read said: "Gerry Francis came up to us afterwards and said we played some good football.
"We were quite pleased with that as he's the former England captain."
Read said he and boss Mark Tompkins were delighted with the way the team had responded after a poor showing against Billericay in the FA Cup second round qualifying tie at home on Saturday, which the hosts lost 3-0.
"On Saturday we felt we didn't play to our potential.
"We just didn't seem to perform. We felt we could have done much better. We didn't have a go like we normally do.
"We are normally up for the battle and we didn't seem to be."
That was with one of the experienced team members, Matt York. The defender then missed the midweek win with a sick bug but should be back to add experience to a young team come the weekend.
On Tuesday the first goal came when Julien Thompson got across the goalkeeper to score from a cross by Alex Wilks midway through the first half.
"It was set up by Josh James in central midfield who was possibly our best player," said Read.
Thompson and former Redhill striker Andrew Dalehouse led the line well until the former had to go off with a hamstring issue at half-time, to be replaced by Grizzle.
Then in the second half Wilks played in a ball to Jordan Brown, who surprised everybody, after taking the ball down well, by passing to Wayne Grizzle rather than shooting. The substitute rattled the ball home.
"How they responded after Tuesday was pleasing."
Another cup tie will be important to put in a good showing.
"We're looking to have a good run in the FA Trophy beacuse we're a club with a limited budget and the prizemoney is quite important.
"It will allow the club to finance itself a bit better and if we win we would face Margate, which woudl be a good test for us," said Read.
Chipstead: Martin Robert Grant, Bedford, Walton, Hogg, Hibbert, Wilks (Best), James (Forshaw), Goodchild, Brown, Dalehouse, Thompson (Grizzle). Unused subs:
* * *
MATCH REPORT
Tuesday 29th September 2011
Crawley Down 1 - 3 Chipstead 3
CHIPSTEAD found themselves a goal behind for the second time in four days on Tuesday night, but unlike against Maidstone United on Saturday, Mark Tompkins' side staged a dramatic comeback.
The Chips lost 1-0 at home to Kent-based United on Saturday, but after going behind to a fifth minute Gabriel Odunaike header at Crawley Down on Tuesday, they turned around the result to finish 3-1.
The Anvils are without a point this season, having been promoted from the Sussex County League last year, but Chipstead boss Tompkins believes his side didn't show them enough respect.
"We weren't at the races, we just didn't turn up," Tompkins said.
"We didn't turn up mentally right, we thought that as they are a side at the bottom of the table all we would have to do is be here and that's not the case.
"I actually think they are a good little side actually, definitely not the worst side we have played this season.
"I should think it won't be long until they start picking some wins up."
It took until the 41st minute for Chipstead to draw level in what had been a fairly even contest. Julian Thompson got the goal with a shot from the left that nestled in the bottom right corner out of the reach of Anvil goalkeeper Mike Hunter.
In the second half both teams had chances to take the lead, most notable a free-kick by Crawley Down's Fraser Logan which pinged dangerously around Rob Webb's penalty area before finally the Chipstead defence cleared.
However it was the Chips who got the breakthrough on 61 minutes through a powerful header by debutant striker Andrew Dalhouse that sailed past the Down keeper.
Dalhouse played against Chipstead for Sussex County League side Redhill in the FA Cup less than two weeks ago, a match that Tompkins had stated after winning how disappointed he was in the Reds and that "there are not a lot of [Redhill] players who would get in our side; I wouldn't go after any of them".
But the Chipstead manager insists he stuck to his word and it was Dalhouse who came to him seeking the move.
"I signed him to wind their manager up," Tompkins joked of his war of words with Reds boss Simon Colbran before and after the Chips' FA Cup win.
"No, really he just became available.
"Dalhouse told me he left on Saturday but it doesn't matter anyway because they are in a different league so we don't need to put in a seven-day transfer request. He came to me though, rang me up, and we wanted a forward.
"He did well against Crawley down. He held the ball up well and for a forward a debut goal is good."
Then diminutive winger Alex Wilks added the final nail to the Anvils' coffin in the 65th minute with a low header from close range to make it 3-1.
The win moves Chipstead up to 11th in the Ryman League Division One South table.
Next up for Chipstead is an FA Cup Second Round Qualifying tie at home to Ryman League Premier Division Billericay Town.
After beating lower league opposition in Epsom & Ewell and Redhill so far in this year's competition, Tompkins believes as underdogs there will be less pressure for Saturday's tie.
"We are just going to look forward to the FA Cup game now," the manager said.
"Epsom & Ewell and Redhill were games that we had to win because they are lower league, but now against Billericay we will do whatever we can do, but we are the underdogs so there is less pressure.
"Everyone is fit and raring to go; it's the FA Cup, if you're not, there is something wrong with you."
Chipstead: Webb, Benton, Hogg, York, Watkins, Wilks, Battams, Goodchild, Thompson, Dalhouse, Brown. Subs: James, Marshall, Grizzle, Best, Grant.
Report courtesy of the Surrey Mirror
* * *
MATCH REPORTSaturday 26th September 2011
Chipstead 0-1 Maidstone United
By Sacha Mahoor
THIS FA CUP clash was an evenly-fought contest until the 40th minute when Chipstead's Billy Harding was sent off after a mass brawl.
From then on, the match went Maidstone 's way as they used their extra man to pile on the pressure.
Their break-through came just before then interval, when Sam Bewick pounced to open the scoring.
In the second half, the Chips absorbed the pressure and forced themselves back into the game, with Alex Wills the tormentor in chief.
The home side were causing the 11-man visitors problems towards the closing stages but Maidstone held firm to secure victory.
Star man: Sam Bewick ( Maidstone ), Entertainment Rating: 3/5
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MATCH REPORT
Saturday 17th September 2011
FA Cup 1st Quailifying Round
Chipstead 3 - 1 Redhill
MARK Tompkins admitted he was "disappointed" in the Redhill side that Chipstead knocked out of the FA Cup on Saturday, saying that he had expected more from the opposition.
Reds boss Simon Colbran had stated in the pre-match talk that his in-form Lobsters might be favourites for the cup derby, despite being a league below Chipstead, and the comments were still clearly ringing in Tompkins' ears on Saturday afternoon.
"We are over the moon to be through to the next round though I think we made hard work of it. I think that is probably the best Redhill can play, but we can play far, far better than that," Tompkins said after the 3-1 victory.
"We played in their hands a little with the long ball game. I hate long ball, I don't know why people teach it. We like to get the ball down and play a bit.
"I've got to be honest, I was disappointed in Redhill.
"He was shouting off about them being the favourites and so I was expecting more out of his side but they're just a long ball side. We have three or four out as well.
"Good luck to Redhill, and I hope they do well, but after all the talk I was expecting more of them. There are not a lot of their players who would get in our side; I wouldn't go after any of them."
Unfortunately it was the refereeing that ended up the talk of the derby clash, with a number of decisions given by the officials confusing managers and spectators alike.
The first goal was always going to be important and it came from the spot after the referee saw what he deemed was a foul in the Redhill box, despite few shouts from the Chipstead players. Jason Goodchild duly sent keeper Robbie Whittaker the wrong way to give the home-side the lead.
"I'm not sure if the first penalty was a penalty, I could hear [Simon Colbran] shouting it wasn't but we had the same view as him, so if we couldn't see, he couldn't see," Tompkins explained.
"But in the second half we definitely deserved a penalty that wasn't given. On chances created, we should have won the game comfortably.
"I think the referee was a little out of his standard. I kept shouting at him that it is a contact sport; very fussy. I think he looked like he was refereeing a game of draughts or chess."
And Reds' boss Colbran felt the decisions of the Middlesex-based referee cost his side a place in the next round.
"I think the referring decisions absolutely killed us to be honest. The penalty was never a penalty; I don't think a single one of the Chipstead players called for it," Colbran lamented.
"And then there was the free-kick he gave which they scored from; no way a free-kick.
"The third goal he gave a throw in for Chipstead when it obviously came off one of their players and they scored from that move. The decisions first half were disgraceful.
"When you find yourself 2-0 down because of the referee's decisions it is hard to get back in it. But we stuck at it and I didn't think there was a lot in it. I think the referee made the result.
"That's not to take anything away from Chipstead who worked hard and they have pace and they are obviously a fit side. So good luck to them in the next round."
The match started with all the pace of a typical local derby. Action was end to end although Whittaker had the busier first quarter of an hour, not made easier by a boot to the head.
However a challenge on Jordan Brown in a crowded Lobsters' penalty area on 19 minutes saw a penalty awarded.
Goodchild stepped up to the spot for his fifth goal of the season, somewhat a record for the midfielder.
"Five goals I think he has now and he hasn't had five in the last 10 years put together. I don't think he had five shots last season never mind five goals," Chips boss Tompkins exclaimed after the game.
It was 2-0 just before the half hour when the referee awarded Chipstead a free-kick just outside the area.
Bruce Hogg will be proud of his set-piece that went straight in at the left post.
Midfielder Aaron Murphy was substituted at half-time for the experienced defender Tony Brown as the Reds had a reshuffle.
But it was to no avail as the Chips made it 3-0 within a minute of kick off as Kofi Quartey weaved his way through the Redhill defence to finish. Andrew Dalhouse will feel aggrieved not to have got on the scoresheet after his superb free-kick produced an even better save from keeper Rob Webb.
Finally Redhill got a goal back when another dubious penalty was awarded for handball, although it seemed more like ball to hand.
Lobsters captain Andy Adkin stepped up and put the ball straight down the middle for 3-1.
Redhill had a lively finish to the game, but despite chances for Dalhouse and Scott Harris, they could not add any more goals.
Chipstead: Webb, Bedford, Hogg, York, Watkins, Wilks (Sweeny), Goodchild, Marshall, Grant (Oritis), Quartey, Brown. Unused subs: Grant, Battams, James.
Report courtesy of The Surrey Mirror
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MATCH REPORT
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 13th September 2011
Burgess Hill Town 1 - 3 Chipstead
JASON Goodchild has been in such fine form in front of goal this season that Chipstead played the Terrior-like midfielder up front on Tuesday.
The management were rewarded by a fourth goal of the season from a player more renowned for receiving yellow cards than congratulations for goals.
There was also a first for left midfielder Jordan Brown, recruited over the summer, and another for striker Billy Harding, who has prospered on his return from suspension.
Goodchild popped up in the box to score the first. Brown nabbed the second.
Assistant manager Mick Read said: "He held the ball up, took on a couple of players and struck it from 15 yards,".
Then early in the second half Harding picked the ball up on the halfway line and scored at the end of a solo run. "He tired a bit because he hasn't been playing," said Read, who with boss Mark Tompkins, made the decision to replace him with Martin Grant, who had been relegated to the substitutes' bench.
But despite a fine win Chips saw room for improvement.
"We were 3-0 up and yet really disappointed to let the goal in from a corner. People didn't do the jobs they should have done," admitted Read.
Goodchild eventually picked up a yellow, as did Brown and Russell Bedford, who was switched from midfield to right-back when Chips withdrew Steve Newman.
Defending set pieces will be top of the agenda in training this week ahead of the FA Cup match with Redhill on Saturday, particularly after the High Road side conceded late on Saturday, losing 2-1 to leaders Dulwich Hamlet.
Boss Tompkins reckoned the Chips deserved at least a point from that game.
At least his side had the satisfaction of being the first team to score against Dulwich this season in the league.
But that - which came through Matt York's free-kick after two minutes of the second half - was no consolation to Tompkins.
"We'd done well to get to that position with a good build-up," said Tompkins. "Yorkie gave the keeper the eyes and went the other way."
Unfortunately, just eight minutes later Dulwich levelled, keeper Martin Grant finding a good cross eluded him. The second goal came with three minutes left, Grant palming out into the path of an opponent.
"Dulwich are top of the league and again we controlled big parts of the game.
"We had great opportunities with [striker] Martin Grant and Jordan Brown, who had a great chance late in the game.
Adam Wilks hit the bar before we scored. It was disappointing because when we did score they looked like they had gone. A second goal would have killed them off, but then they scored and they were lifted by it.
"Before they scored we were well in control."
Man of the match was Brown, one of several great individuals, said the manager. "We're a new side and still gelling. It's frustrating because Dulwich have won five out of five and we were better than them."
Robert Webb played in goal for Chips on Tuesday, replacing Grant. Both Martin Grants face battles to keep their places after starting on the bench on Tuesday. Martin Lee Grant is the striker, while Martin R Grant is the keeper.
Chipstead: Webb, Newman (Battams), York, Watkins, Hogg, Wilks, Bedford, Sweeney (Martin Lee Grant), J Brown, B Harding (Oritus), Goodchild. Unused subs: S Marshall.
Report courtesy of the Surrey Mirror
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MATCH REPORT
Saturday 10th September 2011
Chipstead 1-2 Dulwich Hamlet
Saturday's home game at the High Road Chipstead entertained top of the league Dulwich Hamlet, who have yet to concede a goal in the league or the FA Cup.
Mark Tompkins made one change to the side that beat Epsom and Ewell in the cup last Sunday, bringing Kofi Quartey in to partner Martin Grant in attack.
"Chips" Russell Bedford was looking to continue his goal scoring after netting 2 in the last 2 games.
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Dulwich missed the first clear chance of the afternoon on 18 minutes with a superb low cross into the area. From the clearance Chipstead hit the cross bar after Alex Wilks jinked his way through the defence.
HT 0-0
No changes to either side during the break, but after just 2 minutes of play Chipstead were awarded a free kick 20 yards from goal. After a step over dummy Matt York curled the ball towards the right post which eluded everyone including the Dulwich keeper. 1-0 Chipstead.
Dulwich were level with in 8 minutes after a good cross which eluded Chipstead keeper Grant in goal left an easy side foot by the number 10.
Jordan Brown had a glorious chance on 81 minutes only to see his fine solo effort just miss the right top corner.
Dulwich took all 3 points on 87 minutes when Grant miss handled allowing the number 9 to take the applause from the visiting supporters.
1. M Grant 2. R Bedford 3. S Marshall 4. M York 5. R Watkins 6. D Sweeney 7. J Goodchild ( C) 8. A Wilks 9. M Grant 10 K Quartey 11. J Brown. Subs: 12. P Orins: 14: S Newman 15: T Battams 16: C Best 17: R Webb. - Referee MR A Gillett - ATT 112
Match ball sponsored by Young Billy Thompson.
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MATCH REPORT
Sunday 4th September 2011
Epsom & Ewell 1-2 Chipstead
FA Cup Prem Round
TURNING Jason Goodchild into the Chipstead captain seems to have done the power of good.
Not only has the combative midfielder yet to pick up a yellow card, but he has scored three goals - as many as one would expect from him during most whole seasons.
"He's got a bit of a licence to roam," said Tompkins. "We've got a holding midfield player, so we've allowed him to bomb on.
"I've made him captain and he's doing really well."
If that appears to have curbed the midfielder's tendency to pick up yellow cards, it was not deliberate.
"He's a good player," said Tompkins. "If you took the aggressive side out of his game, it's the old cliche, but he wouldn't be the same player.
"Every time he does get a yellow card it's a genuine attempt to win the ball."
Chipstead led after their first real attack on 18 minutes of the game played at Merstham.
A deep cross from the left by Bruce Hogg was turned back by Russell Bedford and Goodchild headed in from inside the six-yard box.
A defender kneed the ball off the line when Epsom went closest to replying on 25 minutes through Freddie Myers.
Epsom full-back Steve Rowe forced Martin Grant into a smart low save before the visitors had a goal disallowed for offside after 39 minutes.
Chipstead began the second half well, but Rowe nearly equalised when a header in from Chris Woodward caused panic in the six-yard area, but the ball was hacked away to safety.
It was pivotal, minutes later Alex Wilks finished off a chance created by Tom Battams.
With the clock on 77 minutes Epsom pulled a goal back. McGregor was fouled on the right hand side and Matt Smith's perfectly flighted free-kick was headed in by Jamie Summers for his third of the season.
"They weren't a bad side," said Tompkins of the Combined Counties League side "and I don't think we played the best we can. Teams below are going to have a right go and we were worthy winners in the end. In the end we could have had a few more.
"I don't think we were really in danger of conceding an equaliser. Even their goal was a bit sloppy from our point of view. Matt York and Robert Watkins, our centre-backs, were really solid, although at 2-1 up with 10 minutes to go we were a bit anxious.
"In the FA Cup it is all about getting the result."
Redhill, from the Sussex County League, again a step below Chipstead. will be their next opponents in the FA Cup and Tompkins is wary that they have spent money on the team. "We won't be taking them lightly," he insisted.
Before that, however, Chipstead face Dulwich and Burgess Hill.
"Dulwich will be a difficult one," said the Chips boss. "But on our day we can beat anybody. We proved at Bognor, although we lost (on the opening day) we had a very good go."
Chipstead: Martin Grant, Newman, York, Watkins, Hogg, Bedford, Goodchild, Battams, Wilks, Coburn, Grant.
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Martin Grant(the 2nd) scored Chips goal v Ramsgate
MATCH REPORT
Chipstead 1-2 Ramsgate
Chipstead flew out if the traps on the first Saturday home game, with a well worked goal from Grant on 2 minutes.
On 8 minutes Ramsgate equalised with a controversial off side goal from a corner, which was over ruled by the ref.
Ht 1-1
Chipstead looked like adding a second early on, hitting the woodwork on 55 minutes.
Looking like a draw both sides freshened from the subs bench looking for the winning goal.
On 80 mins Ramsgate looked certain off a second but for a goalline clearance by Robert Watkins
Ramsgate secured all 3 points with a 90th minute penalty after a foul by the keeper. The spot kick was converted by Sherwood to end the days play
Attendance 86
Man of the match Rob Watkins
Nik Everett
