Combined Counties League Division One
Worcester Park 1 Farleigh Rovers 3
FARLEIGH Rovers reignited their title challenge with a 3-1 win over Worcester Park on Saturday.
Barry Regelous conducted a managerial masterclass from the touchlines to encourage and guide Farleigh home to this vital victory against arch rivals who are also contesting honours this intriguing season.
Schoolteacher Regelous had done his homework thoroughly in the build-up to the game and left no stone unturned in dismantling fellow high-flying hosts whose manager John Di Palma, himself an ex-Crystal Palace prospect like his opposite number, was left to bemoan a depleted side afterwards.
Foxes were simply scintillating and will go close to achieving major honours this term if they can reproduce impressive performances like this vintage one.
All of the visiting players were on the same page from kick-off to final whistle, although they survived a scare after only six minutes when captain Gary Knowelden saw his 30 yard effort rebound to safety off the crossbar.
But Foxes were rewarded for their determined attacking efforts by breaking the deadlock after 42 minutes when in form striker Javaun Henry shot home at the near post from man of the match midfielder Jamie Jagdeo's fine cross from the left.
However, Worcester Park equalised in first-half stoppage-time when James Robertson shot home past impressive stand-in goalkeeper Richie Bull, replacing suspended Andrew Osei, following skipper Knowelden's centre from the left.
Usually the equalising side would build on that achievement after half-time, but Foxes were on a mission and regained their lead on 55 minutes when commanding captain and centre-back Adam Cassim powered home a far post header from influential Jagdeo's left-wing corner.
Success was ensured after 88 minutes when Liam Neaves beat clearly frustrated keeper Jack Savage from the penalty spot after referee Reuben Simon had adjudged that centre-back Dan Dunning had fouled the lively Henry in the area after latching on to head coach and midfielder Tim Moffatt's astute through ball.
Remarkably, Ron Clarkson, 73, celebrated his 56th season as a match official by being named as a late replacement assistant referee.
Farleigh Rovers: Richie Bull, Daniel Canning, Gary Webb (Luke Stevens 68 mins), James Brown, Adam Cassim (capt), Liam Neaves, Dan Drake (Jack Naraine 81 mins), Jamie Jagdeo, Javaun Henry, Tim Moffatt, Ellis Burke. Unused sub: Scott Robson.
