Consolation Shield: We Hate Ben 1-2 Commodore

We Hate Ben made a disappointing exit from the Consolation Cup in the first round, despite an encouraging performance and new formation. Goalkeeper Tim Dulson missed the match, with Thomas Svendsen standing-in. New signing Chris Davies made his debut, while Phil Bridgman started up front and player-manager Chris Webster played as a sweeper. The team lined up in a 5-4-1 formation.

The two teams started by getting to know each other in midfield, some strong tackling and neat passing being a key feature of the opening exchanges. Commodore began the more dangerous but WHB were looking to build on the hold-up play of Phil Bridgman, using captain Rhys Jones and Jordan Watkins as support. The work-rate of Dan Fellows and Alex Muscroft ensured a battle for midfield supremacy, while debutant Chris Davies and partner Harry Oliver repelled much, with Webster trying to tidy up behind them. James Phillps and Joey Scutt, who made his first appearance of the season, were solid enough and dealt with the danger from the wings. WHB eventually broke the deadlock when Jordan Watkins was put through with a lobbed ball down the left, having spotted the on-rushing goalkeeper he managed to lift the ball over him and into the net, putting WHB 1-0 up before the break.

The second-half saw Ryan Muir coming on for the goalscorer Watkins, and Jack Ingham after him. Commodore started to push for an equaliser but the defence held firm and Svendsen made some great stops. Bridgman came off eventually and the lack of presence up-front started to tell as Commodore saw more of the ball. They eventually got their reward from a headed effort after a corner as WHB again struggled to deal with a set-play. WHB started to tire but the likes of Harry Oliver put in a strong performance, attempting to drive forward from defence - and was awarded with the man of the match for his display while Muir was always looking to slip in the odd through-ball with Rhys Jones and Ingham willing runners. Danny Shaw replaced Joey Scutt while Svendsen kept collecting efforts and the pressure was piled on and made a brilliant save to stop a strike destined the for the top-left corner. Cramp struck Muscroft and substitute Will McIlhiney suffered a knock and the pair were forced to come off, James Naik and Michael Jones coming on. A contentious corner decision was given by the referee late on and Commodore struck again with a header to take the lead, again after a poor effort at the set-piece. Striker Jay Walker came on and worked an opportunity for himself only to shoot straight at the goalkeeper with only minutes remaining, but Commodore managed to finish the game in front and qualified for the next round while WHB lose their fourth straight match. Despite the result WHB did manage a good performance that will hopefully see them pick up some points in the league and move away from the bottom.

Team (5-4-1)

Svendsen - Phillips, Davies, Webster, Oliver, Scutt - R. Jones (C), Muscroft, Fellows, Watkins - Bridgman.

Subs: Muir, Ingham, Shaw, McIlhiney, Naik, Walker, M. Jones, Norbury (all used).

Goal: Watkins
Man of the match: Oliver