Without a game for weeks, Iden’s season needed reigniting against Robertsbridge but, on the eve of some important cup games, manager Chip Winton was left with a depleted squad. No-shows, work commitments, holidays and departures left Winton with no option but to play himself, put his first-choice keeper Shane Ridgers on the park and play Tim Oakman in goal. And guess what: his cunning plan worked.
Bottom of the league Robertsbridge started well, missing a gilt-edged chance from six yards following a poor back pass from Darren Warne. The heavy pitch didn’t suit either side, especially Ridgers who, playing centre midfield, was issued with a yellow card on his third reckless challenge. But Iden took the lead with Chris Gould whipping in a delicious corner that was met by Rob Levett who flicked towards goal for Warne to turn home. 1-0 Iden.
Robertsbridge had some good passages of play but were prevented from scoring either because their final ball let them down or Iden’s goalie Oakman made a great save. Then Levett and Gould concocted Iden’s second goal – a fantastic free kick fired in the top corner from Gould after Levett was upended. Robertsbridge managed to pull back a goal but the half-time score was 2-1 to Iden.
In the second half the home side battled hard and kept creating chances. Maybe shooting practice is needed for Winton’s men as time after time the front guys tried walking the ball into the net. Then with 25 minutes left to play Warne, who had performed so well, fell clutching his good knee, causing the manager to bring on veteran Tiltman. A reshuffle to accommodate the substitution worked, even though in the final moment of the match the Robertsbridge skipper thought he had made sure of a goal by tapping home. Fortunately for Iden the player was offside and the goal was disallowed!
With Jake Bryant a midfield colossus, and great performances by Rob Wilson and Sam Cooper, Winton knows he can rely on his goalkeepers as well as letting veterans on to the park.
Iden team: Oakman, Warne (Tiltman), Willis, Wilson, Ridgers, Winton, Levett, Gould, Bryant, Heffernan, Cooper.
A semi-final against Battle at Iden is up next with Justin Wall, Liam Cobley, Tom Harris and Frank Walker all available for selection.
Photo: Charmaine Ridgers