After a fortnight off, Bexley Athletic were back in action and travelled to Bexley Business Academy to play Abbey Wood. Many players hadn’t kicked a ball for two weeks, and others were letting in goals for fun, a rusty start was expected against an opposition lingering near the bottom of the table. Steve was an unfortunate victim of crime, with James an unfortunate victim of a back injury. James Brown returned from his travels and an overcast morning was made brighter by Lee’s beard.
Bexley hit the ground running and scored within 5 minutes. Laurence was played in down the left and managed to centre the ball. Elton found himself amongst defenders, and did well to get the volley away and beat the keeper. An excellent start for Bexley.
Abbey Wood responded with a long range effort narrowly wide, but it was Bexley who were very much on the front foot. Mark was working the right wing well with Matt and Laurie in complete control of the midfield. Laurence extended Bexley’s lead from a nicely weighted through pass from Sam. The keeper closed in but Laurence was quick enough to dink it over the keeper.
More chances fell to Elton who ensured the keeper earned his wages producing a string of saves. Kev was inches away from a couple of headers whilst Laurence had further attempts on goal; and was wise not to square to Elton in the 6 yard danger area where EGL struggles so much. At 2-0 down Abbey Wood came their closest to scoring. They ran at the Bexley back four through the middle and hit a low hard shot seemingly destined for the bottom corner, but Dan was down for one handed save and on the rebound. Kev would also like his overhead kick clearance mentioned, but it was completely unnecessary and out done by the legend that is Didier Drogba.
With Bexley continuing to have the upper hand Elton doubled his tally. All game Bexley had been getting balls in the box from wide positions, with Sam and Mark working the flanks very well and Elton drifting into the flanks like the great Daniel Sturridge. Another ball was played into the box which was flicked by Laurie to spank home on the half volley. With Bexley playing some excellent football Abbey Wood were capitulating.
Laurie looked to get in on the goal scoring action himself, and almost did in spectacular fashion. A dipped lobbed volley (over a looping trajectory) had the goalkeeper beaten rattling the crossbar. But on the half time whistle Laurie got himself on the score sheet. Elton turned provider this time, and worked the right channel like Daniel Sturridge before squaring. Laurie entered like a wrecking ball to tap in.
A response was expected from Abbey Wood, and they did make more of a game of it in the second half as Bexley’s defence where required to nullify some early attacking moves. But if they didn’t know they were beaten before, the fifth goal sealed their fate. The Abbey Wood defender assaulted Laurie on the edge of the box and the referee subsequently pointed to the spot. With James Hall having missed his last penalty and out injured, surely James Brown would be given the opportunity to score his first goal for Bexley. But it wasn’t to be, Elton broke the heart of his fellow gooner and sealed his hat-trick.
With the game over as a contest, Bexley took their foot off the gas slightly as chances were mainly limited to set pieces, and speculative shots from range. Adam had come on for Sam on the hour. Abbey Wood kept looking for a goal, and will regret the lack of accuracy when it came to finishing. Kev was doing his best to assist by passing to the opposition in dangerous areas more times than he cares to remember. However, he was grateful to his defensive partner Lee, and James Brown who were always on the cover. Abbey Wood were unlucky to get on the score sheet with a well hit shot shaving the bar.
