I turned up for the Amber's first home league match of the season eager to see who had left the club and check out any new signings. I purchased the glossy 50p programme and soon discovered to my horror that only 6 members of last season's squad had been retained. Gone were the star striker, the heroic keeper, the rock solid centre-back/captain, and the exciting young Brazilian winger. At least Matt Barlow remained, a hard working, midfield stalwart, along with Micky Rogan - a robust fullback-cum-midfielder and Paul Flowers - a classy fullback who is far too good for a club like us. Mark Freeman our free-scoring striker had returned from a season out injured and Kurt Davidson, the gaffer, was playing at the centre of defence. In all 6(six) players made their home league debuts that day on a pitch that Mark Freeman had refused to play on two weeks earlier. I took my place in the stand and drank in the atmosphere provided by an enthusiastic crowd of around two hundred.

The first half was a scrappy affair with Cheshunt defending resiliently, only managing to attack on the break. The only time we really looked like scoring was when new boy Mario Yiannacou beat several men on a fine run that didn't get the finish it deserved. It didn't get any better after the interval as neither side played with enough commitment to win a game scattered with bookings. New keeper Trevor Lake pulled off some fine saves and also received a nasty knock when fooling around outside his box in a Grobbelaar like fashion. Finally a goal came, and when it did it was a beautiful, flowing move culminating in a great finish from new striker Paul Fraser on the volley from twenty yards after good work from Barlow. Egham, who like us had had a poor start to the season were stunned into action and pressed forward. However, the Cheshunt back four held strong for our first win of the season. Paul Flowers was by far the best player on the pitch, marshalling the back line and supporting the attack well. He was unbeatable in the air and started some good moves with his accurate passing. Of the new signings Mario Yiannacou impressed the most with some good work down the right while Paul Fraser, the goal-scorer always looked dangerous.

Tue 12th Sept. Bedford Town, Home, League.

This was a historic match as we met Bedford for the first time since 1950 and the match programme contained a reprint of the old programme from that game. A sizeable crowd turned out, although most of them were Bedford fans braving the elements on a cold, wet, autumn's evening. Another historic moment was the announcement of the Cheshunt line-up, for it was exactly as printed in the programme for the first time in years.

The game began slowly with no clear-cut chances for either team although Bedford seemed to be having the better of the early exchanges. On the half hour Cheshunt suffered a blow when the impressive Paul Flowers collided with a Bedford striker and picked up a knock. He battled on bravely but had to give up the struggle 5 minutes later. Bedford were asserting their authority on the game and managing to exploit the weakness in the Cheshunt defence but squandering many opportunities when Cheshunt broke forward and Freeman beat the offside trap to fire a well aimed shot to the keepers right. This produced a fine save but 30 seconds later Freeman was put through again only to be tripped. Matt Barlow duly tucked away the penalty. 1-0.

The Ambers were ahead against the run of play and that's the way it stayed until half-time. Just before the break, Gary Osborne came on for Leslie who seemed to have picked up a knock. The second half began with Cheshunt firmly in the driving seat. They always looked like doubling the lead and on 75 minutes they broke forward, Barlow fed Fraser who lobbed the out-coming keeper. 2-0. Five minutes later Fraser gained possession in the box and a delicate back-heel found Freeman in space, who finished with devastating accuracy. 3-0. With the result in no doubt, Cheshunt became slack and with five minutes to play, Barlow conceded a penalty. There was some debate about the position of the penalty spot which was lost in the mud. However, when the kick was eventually taken it was struck well and keeper Trevor Wood seemed beaten but he kept his cool and produced an amazing save. Bedford's humiliation was complete and Cheshunt were back alongside the title contenders due to their excellent home form at the fortress that is The Stadium.

There was good news for Amber's fans after the game as Flowers' injury doesn't seem too bad.

Sat 23rd Sept. Dorking, Home, League.

Cheshunt came into their third home, league game of the season on an unbeaten run of four. This run always looked likely to continue as Dorking had had a rather slow start to the season while Cheshunt seem unbeatable at home. There was a boost for the home fans (about 20 of us) when it was announced that Elliott Davidson was back after a few games out. It was a warm but overcast afternoon.

The game started quickly with a flurry of activity at both ends but not much penetration until Kevin Hoddy was put through in the thirteenth minute and slipped the ball casually into the net. The home side grew in confidence after the goal and began to assert their authority on the game for long periods. The neat passing football for which Cheshunt are renowned was much in evidence and Paul Flowers showed some of the form which has put him on the verge of Terry Venables' England squad. It took fifteen minutes for Cheshunt to find the net again but when the goal came it totally eclipsed any of Tony Yeboah's recent efforts. The move began down the left when Freeman picked up the ball on the touchline. He twisted and turned and eventually found room to rifle in a pin point cross which found Barlow free in the box. Barlow struck a volley of which that other famous Matt, Le Tissier, would have been proud. The Ambers continued to press forward but without reward. The next opportunity came on the stroke of half time when Fraser beat the offside trap but his first touch let him down.

The half time raffle could have been replaced by a guess the weight of the Dorking 'keeper competition, with guesses from 20 stone upwards! He was alright with high balls but struggled to get down to the lower ones without causing a mini earthquake. The second half was a scrappy affair hardly worth mentioning. Play was broken up by a succession of rough challenges and there were no chances whatsoever. However, the game did come alive in the ninetieth minute when an anonymous Cheshunt defender was adjudged to have handled on the line (it hit his chest) and was sent off. The outstanding Trevor Lake produced his second penalty save at home this season and justice was done. Our record of not having conceded at The Stadium in the league this season was maintained. A quick mention for the ref who obviously forgot his notebook - I'm sure he booked both Matt Barlow and Micky Rogan twice but allowed them to stay on. Tuesday night's match against Bracknell could now see the Ambers go top!

Sat 14th Oct. Chalfont St. Peter, Home, League.

A Chalfont side low in confidence after a poor start arrived at The Stadium equipped with a gang of abusive, hard core supporters on a typical autumn's day for Cheshunt's sixth consecutive home match in all competitions. Right from the kick-off it was evident that this would be a game dominated by the long ball. Both sides had early chances but it was the 'Saints' who struck first. A long clearance was put over the Cheshunt back line and the opposing strikers rushed on to score. As so often it took a goal to inspire Cheshunt into action. The home side began to pressurise the hapless away defenders and in the 39th minute Cheshunt finally got the break they were looking for. Man of the match Lee Fulling was tripped inside the Chalfont box and in the absence of Matt Barlow he took the kick himself and placed it neatly to the 'keeper's right. This upset the thuggish away fans who began screaming more and more obscene abuse at the valiant Cheshunt players. The liveliness on the terraces peaked just before the break when Paul Flowers was scythed down by an over enthusiastic Chalfont midfielder. This sparked of fighting on the terraces behind the Cheshunt goal. Thankfully Flowers was alright and the violence stopped with the half time whistle.

The away support was quieter after the interval as their team were denied anything to shout about save for a disallowed goal in the 77th minute. One all it stayed and Chalfont will be happier with that result as not many teams come away from The Stadium with anything to show for their visit. Our 100% home record is gone but we are still unbeaten at home and in our last ten matches. We'll hope to extend that run against Tilbury next week.

Sat 21st Oct. Tilbury, Home, League.

Another meagre crowd gathered at The Stadium, Theobald's Lane for a league match against a team nine places but only three points below us in the table. It was a pleasantly warm day and a blue cloudless sky set the scene for a fine game of football. The news in midweek that we had lost out to Middlesborough in the race to sign Juninho did little to spoil the occasion.

The first half was played how football should be played. Both teams passed the ball around in a beautiful flowing style and I began to wonder if Juninho would have got in the side anyway. The ball was played on the ground and was moved freely from end to end in a game of dazzling runs and thrilling moves. Tilbury struck first with a goal that wasn't quite the standard of the rest of the play. A good passing move led up to a corner on the left for the visitors. It was curled in to the danger area just out of the reach of Trevor Lake in the Amber's goal. The Tilbury number ten found it at his feet and it was scrambled home. That was in the twelfth minute and it took only six minutes for Cheshunt to reply. Julian Charles beat two men down the left and played a low ball into the Tilbury box. It was helped on by Cotterell and slammed home by Kevin Hoddy who'd looked dangerous all game. For the next twenty-five minutes until the break Cheshunt dominated, led by Hoddy and Rogan in midfield. Both were on top of their game and were at the heart of any passing movements. On the 30th minute Rogan picked up possession on the left and cut inside. He carried the ball forward before unleashing a breath-taking 25 yard curling shot which struck the underside of the bar. The crowd rose as one believing they had witnessed the goal of the season but the ball had other ideas. It rebounded off the bar down on to the goal line where the relieved Tilbury 'keeper was able to scramble it away. The action never stopped and two minutes before the break Tilbury struck a perfectly flighted free-kick just over the bar.

Eventually it had to end and the referee blew up to give himself, the players and the fans a much needed rest. Sadly the second half was a non-event compared to the first as neither team seemed to have the energy to threaten scoring. Tilbury perhaps shaded the it on the balance of play and Cheshunt had claims for a penalty near the end but apart from that it was a disappointing anticlimax.

Tue 24th Oct. Ware, Home, Herts Senior Cup Rd. 1.

Many matches around the country were called off or abandoned today but the hardy Cheshunt players braved the elements for the first derby game of the season. Local rivals Ware were the visitors for round one of the Hertfordshire Senior Challenge Cup, in which Cheshunt did so well last season. There was a surprisingly good crowd considering the howling gale that raged over the ground and the torrent of horizontal rain and soggy leaves that engulfed all before them. Ware were level on points with us in the league so it looked like an even contest but Cheshunt were unable to field Barlow, Flowers, Reid and Lake (our four best players) which is like taking Keane, Irwin, Pallister and Schmeichel out of the Man Utd team. Sixteen year old Alfie Norman was given his debut in goal and, for the record, Cheshunt made seven changes to the line-up printed in the programme.

Given the conditions it was never going to be a classic and the ball spent a fair amount of time in the air. Play was generally scrappy but there was a fair amount of goalmouth action right from the start when Julian Charles - who was to have an eventful game - missed a sitter. As usual of late the Ambers went behind around the ten minute mark. It was a bad goal for Norman to concede as it beat him from 25 yards, he stood motionless as it sailed in to the top corner. The conditions made it hard for the young 'keeper as he had the wind against him and the ball frequently didn't bounce on the sodden surface. Cheshunt tried to counter and only three minutes later a chance went begging. On twenty-three minutes Charles redeemed himself for his earlier miss as he went on a fine solo run and finally got his name on the score sheet. However Cheshunt weren't level for very long as Norman dropped a corner which was scrambled in after thirty-three minutes. That concluded the action for the first half so the tie was nicely poised for an exciting second half.

In the second period Cheshunt were no longer against the wind but unfortunately they found themselves playing against the referee as well as eleven Ware players (including the division's top scorer of last season, Damon Miles). The first chance after the break came when Cheshunt won a corner and had an effort cleared off the line. With the wind behind them Cheshunt controlled the game and Norman wasn't called on to make another save. The home side continued to push for an equaliser but luck was not on their side and many opportunities were wasted. In the 72nd minute Charles and a Ware defender tussled for the ball just outside the Ware box and the defender want down after an innocuous challenge. For some reason the referee wanted to speak to Charles and a minute later the Cheshunt striker was sent-off for his first foul of the match (if you could call it a foul). Cheshunt never really recovered from this injustice and although they threw everyone forward, they couldn't equalise. They are out of the Herts Senior Cup - Ware + Ref 2-1 Cheshunt.

Sat 4th Nov. Collier Row, Home, League.

Today Cheshunt entertained Collier Row, the division two new boys who had made a big impact and had only lost once this season. Row brought with them a ruthless defence and the most potent strike force in the division. Cheshunt came into the game looking to keep up the pressure on the leaders with nothing short of a win. Flowers, Lake and Barlow were all back in the side so there was a lot of optimism on the terraces. Collier Row started positively and their undoubted class began to tell. However it took until the twenty second minute for them to get their first scoring opportunity. There was a scramble in and around the Cheshunt six yard box which resulted in a penalty for reasons best known to the referee. The remarkable Trevor Lake produced another of his now customary penalty saves and justice was done. Only seconds later Danny Hazel missed a sitter to put the Row ahead. Then the home side began to make their mark on the game. In the twenty eighth minute, new boy Hainsley Hinds fired a beautiful long range chip onto the bar and soon after Freeman saw a majestic volley fly just wide of the mark. Now it so often happens that when you are enjoying a good period you lose the ball and the other team snatch a goal. This was the case here as Collier Row broke upfield and number eight Mark Lord struck it home with a great deal of help from Lady Luck. It was one-nil to Row and it stayed so until half time.

The second half began terribly for Cheshunt. The ball was in the Ambers' net soon after the restart from a Collier Row lob. The game now looked beyond the hapless home side but to their credit they battled on regardless. In the fifty-fifth minute, Julian Charles, who had been below par, wove some of his magic and was unlucky not to score. A treble substitution with twenty minutes to go couldn't save Cheshunt and 'keeper Trevor Wood had to make a fine save to keep the deficit at two. All in all it was a very unrewarding day for the Ambers.

Sat 18th Nov. Bedford Town, Home, F.A. Vase 2nd Rnd.

A chilly November day saw a classic Vase tie at The Stadium. Fate had paired us with rivals Bedford in this prestigious competition and both teams had dreams of a Wembley final come next spring. We had already beaten Bedford 3-0 in the league this season and were hoping to do the trick again in the second round proper of the F.A.Carlesberg Vase. An icy wind swirled about the stadium as the teams ran out. The return of Bruce Reid meant that Cheshunt were back to full strength but the sleeping giants of Bedford were a different proposition from their last visit to The Stadium. The hoards of Bedford supporters outnumbered the home fans by about four to one. So the scene was set for a thrilling encounter.

Both teams started nervously, testing the other while not giving anything away. Bedford got the better of the early encounters and had most of the play. It was evident that it was going to be a backs to the wall performance from the Ambers. Just after the quarter of an hour mark the first real chance fell to Bedford. A looping header crashed off the underside of the bar and was scrambled clear by a relieved Cheshunt defence. Soon after that scare Cheshunt scrambled their first shot but it didn't trouble the Bedford 'keeper. On the half hour Bedford had a loud shout for a penalty which was turned down by referee S. Rubery. Then, they hit the bar again, in first half injury time with another header. Bedford had dominated an eventful first half and deserved a lead but such is the beauty of the Vase that they went in behind for Paul Smith scrambled in a goal form a corner deep into injury time and for the first time the Bedford fans were silenced.

It was blatantly obvious that Cheshunt were going to defend for their lives in the second half in order to try and preserve their lead. It was a policy which looked like working as Bedford could find no way through the Ambers' defence. In the sixtieth minute the home side were laughing as a long ball was played forward to Freeman who embarked on a mazy run and was tripped in the box to win a penalty. Matt 'God' Barlow stepped up to score and Cheshunt were surely on their way to round three. However no-one could have predicted what would happen next as Bedford rallied to get back into the game. It was one way traffic from then on and Bedford were rewarded for their efforts in the seventy first minute when Trevor Lake was beaten by a volley from outside the box. The crowd sensed a comeback and only four minutes later the scores were level. Bedford kept piling on the pressure but Cheshunt resisted and seemed to be holding out for a replay. The game moved into injury time and the crowd held their breath as Bedford pressed for a winner. I can't remember the goal but I'm sure it was incredibly fortunate. Bedford completed an excellent comeback and their fans went home happy but one thing everyone could agree on was that we had just witnessed a truly classic vase tie.

Sat 25th Nov. Canvey Island, Home, League.

Cheshunt entertained F.A. Cup heroes Canvey Island only four days after they went out of the cup in a replay against Endsliegh League Division Two side Brighton and Hove Albion. However they were obviously drained by that experience as they never looked like doing anything today. Infact nothing happened today. 0-0.

Sat 23rd Dec. Banstead, Home, League.

Cheshunt and in particular Matt Barlow have been on impressive form lately so there was a lot of optimism for the Ambers' in their first home game for nearly a month. However Banstead are one of the top sides in the division and a formidable force to reckon with. It was a treacherous pitch and the rain was lashing down, which made it particularly hard for goalkeepers. Paul Flowers was demoted to the subs bench due to a hamstring problem and Mark Freeman was absent. Sadly Matt Barlow was placed in a defensive role in order to counter the potent Banstead attack and was unable to produce any of his magic.

The match started evenly enough with both sides creating several opportunities, mainly in the air as the conditions made the passing game difficult. On play it remained fairly even until half time but in the second half Banstead came out a different team and immediately had a flurry of chances. For the last forty five minutes pressure was piled on the Cheshunt back four - none of whom impressed today - and the away side broke through several times only to be thwarted again and again by man of the match Trevor Lake between the Cheshunt sticks. Indeed Trevor was as usual outstanding and was able to win numerous one on one situations. He really was exceptional and even won over the applause of the Banstead fans as he began to make their strikers look silly. However, Banstead spurred on by their human megaphone in the crowd kept at it and, but for Lake, should have had a hat-full. As it was they scraped home with a goal in the first minute of the second period and another twenty minutes from time. This was after Lee Fulling - Cheshunt's only half decent outfield player on the day - had put the Ambers ahead in the fourth minute after a typical run and left foot shot. A superb goal. However, Cheshunt's recent run has come to an end, so it's off to Ware on Wednesday.

Wed 27th Dec. Ware, Away, League.

The local derby verses Ware was my first away match of the season. The country was in the grip of the coldest spell for decades and few matches had survived the weather. Nonetheless, the first ever evening game at Ware's new Wodson Park stadium went ahead despite Siberian conditions, a snow covered pitch and some rapidly descending fog. The stadium - only one month old - was certainly impressive and symbolises the ambition of Ware. A large covered stand seats 300 and there is further terracing for 600. Added to this is a modern clubhouse, a bar, and good floodlighting. All that remains is to improve the team.

The wintry conditions meant that we would see that traditional festive symbol the orange ball. However, these were in short supply (there was only one) and periods of the game were played without it while it was retrieved. Cheshunt were without Lee Fulling, Paul Cotterell and Mark Freeman but could be consoled by the fact that they wouldn't have to face last season's top scorer Damon Miles.

The match began vigorously as do all derbies and the pattern for the game was set by two early strikes from Julian Charles. The first, on five minutes earned him a booking and the second, in the twenty eighth minute saw him dismissed. He was the only player on the park wearing gloves...... obviously boxing gloves. This loss was no great blow for the Ambers as Charles had once again failed to impress save for one run and cross. Barlow had a thirty yard effort saved as Cheshunt pressurised the Ware goal. In the twenty fourth minute the home side broke two on two and couldn't fail to score, giving a rather deceptive score line. After the dismissal Cheshunt rallied and continued to push forward but it looked as if it wouldn't be their day when Ware survived a frantic goalmouth scramble with several players having a chance to put it away. Until half time you could have been forgiven for thinking that Cheshunt had the extra man because Ware didn't get a look in apart from one break and shot which hit the bar just before the interval.

In the second half Cheshunt's courageous ten men began to tire but continued to battle on. Ware had obviously had a good talking to during the break as they came out a changed side and made their advantage tell. Twenty minutes of fruitless pressure followed during which Ryan Harris was carried off injured. Cheshunt survived thus far and then had their own lucky break. A penalty was awarded, seemingly for handball and Barlow duly struck it home. From then on the visitor's confidence grew as they set their sights on winning the game. Cheshunt began to create things up front again but still had to thank Micky Rogan and Bruce Reid for clearances off the line. Then, with twelve minutes remaining Barlow struck again. The ball came out to him on the edge of the box and he coolly curled it around the 'keeper into the bottom left-hand corner of the goal. Suddenly Cheshunt were laughing, they were going to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. This strike woke Ware up with a jolt and the final period was played out in the Ambers' box. They held out until deep, deep into injury time (where did it all come from????) when they gave away a mindlessly stupid goal to let Ware out of jail. So, the points were shared but Cheshunt were robbed. Ware surely didn't deserve anything from the game but Cheshunt can be pleased with a precious away point, won with only ten men but a lot of spirit.

The game had turned our way after a double substitution by Big Kurt Davidson on sixty minutes when Davidson (E) and Smith made way for Pescud and a new striker who's name I can't pronounce. Both performed well as we went for the win. If only......

Sat 2nd Jan. Met. Police, Home, League.

Today Cheshunt entertained runaway league leaders Metropolitan Police at The Stadium in their first match of 1996. A win would set Cheshunt back on course for promotion but the Police have only lost once this season.

Cheshunt got off to a flying start when they won a penalty as early as the twelfth minute. Fulling was tripped while in full flight and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Super Mat wasted no time in slotting away his fourteenth of the season and seventh from the spot. However, this lead didn't really reflect the balance of play because the Met Police had been causing Cheshunt many problems with the aerial threat. The fact that to qualify as a member of the police force you need to be over eight foot tall and the fact that nine of the Cheshunt side were under six foot didn't help the Ambers when high balls were put into the box. The Police were well aware of their advantage and were obviously well used to the high ball tactic so it was perhaps inevitable that they would they would soon equalise . On sixteen minutes they made it one all and after a fifteen minute pause in the action they scored again. The smart money was going on Cheshunt to collapse but the mighty Ambers surprised everyone by hitting back within a minute. Lee Fulling rose above a crowd of players to nod home.

Only a minute after that Cheshunt survived a goalmouth scramble but their luck wouldn't hold out forever and the Police won a penalty of their own a few minutes later. The crowd watched with baited breath as Trevor Lake was finally beaten from the spot. The first half was concluded with another Police goal right on the whistle.

Indeed, with the end of the first period came the end of the action as four two it remained. After the frantic first forty five minutes perhaps it was a bit too optimistic to expect more of the same because today, as all too often at the Stadium the second half failed to produce. Cheshunt can be pleased with their performance which showed a lot of grit and determination but they'll need more than that if they're to stay with the leaders.

Sat 20th Jan. Croydon, Home, League.

This was a game that could so easily have gone either way but in the end the result was perhaps unsurprising, the scoreline aside, given the circumstances. Croydon are going well in the league without looking a good team and in fairness, I think today's result doesn't reflect the standard of the two teams. From having watched the Ambers week in week out I can honestly say that we are a considerably better side than Croydon. However, we were always going to struggle today as Matt Barlow and Paul Flowers (God and the Messiah) were serving suspensions.

Barlow would surely have turned this game in our favour but today was not to be a yellow one. If our tenth minute goal had not been disallowed, if their centre forward had been sent off as he surely should, if their first goal had not taken a wicked deflection.... surely we could have salvaged something. As it was a weakened Cheshunt side couldn't cope with Croydon on the day who were flattered by the final scoreline.

It was 0-0 at the interval but when Croydon's first went in (see above) the Cheshunt heads dropped. From then on goals rained at The Stadium and the rain was falling in one direction only. The fortuitous away side ran out ?-0 winners and any remaining hopes of promotion at The Stadium can now be totally dispelled.

Sat 20th Jan - Sat 9th Mar.

I've been extremely busy lately and haven't had time to report on the Ambers. I shall sum up Cheshunt's results in this period in one short paragraph. During this time Cheshunt lost every game they played. Their record for these forty-eight days reads:

P8 W0 D0 L8 F3 A31 Pts 0

This is best described as a mid-season transitional period. As the club has hurtled down the table the good players have begun to leave. Paul Flowers has moved to Barking (bottom of division one), Paul Pescud and John Massey have also departed. However, every cloud has a silver lining and the good news is that Julian Charles has gone. He was quite frankly the worst player I've ever seen.

Tue 12th Mar. Hemel Hempstead, Home, League.

Sadly I wasn't present to witness this historic occasion but I can tell you that The Ambers got their first league point since the 6th of January. The point was won in style with a thrilling 0-0 draw. Still, at least it's an end to the losing streak.