In this episode of Extra Time, we feature, Warren Bentley
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By the time we had reached this point in the season Warren (“Wazza”) Bentley had opened his account with a second half equaliser at Swindon Supermarine two days earlier than this action from the Yate game at home on 26 August. This augured well for the Whites, as his reputation as a goalscorer went before him. He had been a prolific marksman in his earlier career, although a bad injury whilst at Weymouth meant that he suffered a long spell out of action.
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What a shame that our photographers were not at that game in Swindon, but they were at Portland in the FA Cup in September, and here he is tricking his way past a home defender…….
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…..and here, a week later, taking a tumble in the 2-0 win against Hartley Wintney. In spite of his previous injury, he was still not afraid to get stuck in although, at this early stage, he could have been forgiven if he was a little “ring-rusty”
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The success against The Row, was not however, followed by a second win in a row, as Salisbury really came to grief (although maybe did not grieve too much) as they were hammered out of the Southern League Cup First Round 4-0 at South & West Paulton Rovers on 1 October. Although obviously disappointed to see their side lose (as they always are), maybe not many supporters were too perturbed!
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Warren lurking in case the keeper made a mistake – he did, putting the ball in his own net for the opener against Taunton – Wazza must have frightened Lloyd Irish by just being around! The Whites went on to win the game 2-1.
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In the second round of the Trophy, Kings Langley were dispatched, but there were still no goals added to Warren’s total, although this was not for lack of trying!
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They say “leave the best to last” and his 94th minute winner against Hayes & Yeading in the Trophy replay on 23 November sealed the Whites’ progress in a tight 4-3 win – this finish had a bit of vengeance about it…….
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…..and the celebration a bit of joy about it too!
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This cross shot away at Walton Casuals seven days later just missed the far post with the keeper well beaten, but going back to the “in a row” theme, Wazza did get his second in two games, although his 87th minute strike was no more than a consolation as the Whites went down 2-1.
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When it’s not going for you, it’s not going for you, and Warren thought he had scored at Eastbourne in mid December, only to see his attempt recorded as an own goal as the ball went past the Boro keeper anyway on the stroke of half-time.
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Initial joy, but eventual disappointment, and then the realisation that they all count as the Whites gained a replay from a 2-2 draw in Sussex.
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I’m sure he would have loved to score against Poole, for whom he had had a spell of action, but the win was sealed by a goal in each half – a Bay Downing penalty and a late Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick strike – to give the Whites a 2-1 win. Again, there’s always a consolation for not scoring when the team wins….
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….which they did again against Eastbourne in the 1-0 Trophy replay win courtesy of a Dan Fitchett goal on 86 minutes.
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An easier ride followed at Dorchester on 25 January where Warren got the third in a 5-0 thrashing of the Magpies. They say that 2-0 is a dangerous score, so it was good to see Wazza pop up to put that theory to bed, although, in truth and from memory, it would have been something of a miracle if Dorchester had come back from being 1-0 down, let alone two!
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Two “benched” first teamers share the joy on what was a great Whites’ night – maybe not “benched”, but “rested”, might have been a better term!
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There was not a lot he could do as the Whites succumbed to Met Police at Imber Court in February. It seems like the Whites, as a whole, always struggle there, and particularly so when Met marksman Jack Mazzone finds the Salisbury net.
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A good win was gained against Hendon, but all Warren picked from the 90 minutes of toil was a late yellow card. Mind you there were five of those in total – the visitors winning that competition 3-2. More importantly, though, the Whites won the match 2-0.
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No-one could have foreseen the way the season was to end prematurely and maybe, after this poor example of a local derby at Gosport at the end of February, some would have been relieved had they had prior knowledge! Enough said!
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Warren signed off, as everybody else did, in a 2-2 draw at Harrow Borough on 10 March, and here scored from the spot in time added. A fair result, but one which came with no less than four penalties. Perhaps “statto” Dave Todd will be able to confirm that is a record! Warren has I understand committed to the Whites for next season, and a full rehabilitation will hopefully see him feature more prominently on the goalscoring chart.
All images are reproduced by kind permission of our photographers, Michael Berkeley and Roger Elliott and are copyright, so they should not be reproduced. Please seek agreement should you wish to do so, by contacting our Press Officer Alec Hayter on [email protected] or on 07884 477168 when any requests can be forwarded. The Club would like to thank Michael and Roger for the images, Alec for some of the words, and Ian Pearson for his website expertise, as part of the effort to alleviate football withdrawal symptoms! Roll on next kick off!
