Tooting Bec FC Match Report

The FA Vase saw Lingfield visit Tooting Bec of the Southern Counties East First Division where they lie in 4th place. The Lingers made a rapid start with Dickinson drawing a good save from their keeper after just 2 mins. Tooting Bec had a couple of attacks themselves before Gates required their keeper to make another save to block his shot. A well delivered corner was met by Richardson and came down on the crossbar before being cleared. A shot wide of the goal by Davies on 17 mins had the feeling it was only a matter of time before a goal for us would come. However, Tooting Bec then had a shot that was cleared by Hodge and from the resulting corner, Webb-Olley made an excellent save at the foot of the post.

Some of our fluency from the start of match had gone and Tooting Bec were now having a good spell without hitting the target. As the half was coming to an end a great run by Simpson saw him finish across the keeper and his shot settle in the bottom corner. A lead for us on 38 mins. The lads kept up the momentum and on 44 mins a shot from Gates was saved but fell to Davies who tucked in the second goal. A deserved 2-0 lead at halftime.

The second half started well and on 52 mins the skipper Wilford broke clear to add the third goal. With the team playing well and a trip to Crowborough Athletic on Monday, Wilford and Davies were replaced by Asante and Brown. There was some good attacking play now and any threat from Tooting Bec was being blocked by the defence marshalled by Branton. Wetton came on for Gates. The ball came to Dickinson who shot from midway in their half and claimed the fourth goal on 77 mins via a deflection. A minute later a shot from Brown rebounded to Asante who couldn’t steer it in.

Tooting Bec were energised by a change up front but their No 18 couldn’t hit the target. Asante was put through on goal but the keeper came out to block. A rare error from Branton saw him lose possession to the No 18 who then blazed way over the bar. The Lingers were on the attack straight after and Dickinson brought a good save from their keeper. Hodge set up Asante but his shot went wide for our final chance. Tooting Bec had one final shot that was easily saved and our clean sheet was intact as it finished 4-0. A good win at last and the reward of a trip to the seaside for some Whitstable oysters in the next round.