Man of the Match- Dan House
Goal of the Match- Dan House’s Volley for his second goal, difficult skill uted with fine technique
Save of the Match- Greenwich keeper kept his team in the match, most notable from point blank range at the near post.
Moment of the Match- The stand in referee’s observation of Sean as “Porky Paints”
Mottingham park was found with slight difficulty. Bexley got changed in the world’s smallest changing room looking to extend their run of good form. In a repeat of the opening game of the season which produced an epic nine goal thriller, AFC Greenwich Reserves would stand in the way. However, no referee and no pegs for the goal didn’t bode well for the home side. Bexley’s starting line up consisted largely of the team that featured at home to New Eltham with Elton George Lewis back available, but promptly relegated to the bench for sporting a hat from Mothercare.
Lee finally won a toss and decided to celebrate this by swapping ends. It didn’t take long to see that Bexley were far too strong for Greenwich. A change early change in referee didn’t change this. The early stages saw huge amounts of Bexley possession with Sean and Dan dictating the play from the centre of the park. Any clearance by Greenwich fell straight back to Bexley.
Resistance was futile and Greenwich succumbed to the inevitable. Mark got in behind the Greenwich defence and crossed for Matt who checked his run firing into the bottom corner. After more continuous pressure, and the Greenwich keeper making some decent saves from Bexley, the lead was doubled when Laurence set up Dan to clinically finish. House the 2nd doubled his tally with a brilliant goal. Again it was Mark down the right who played the ball slightly behind Dan, but she showed the flexibility, technique and composure to hit the ball on the volley past the goalkeeper.
Steady defending prevented Greenwich from getting opportunities on goal. Two simple catches, and a smother at a striker’s feet was as busy as Dan got in goal. In comparison to the open game against the same opponents in the reverse fixture, a gelled back four of Tom, Kev, Lee and rotating right backs had formed. This week it was James hall making up the best back four in the league at the moment.
Half time Bexley were wary of staying composed. Greenwich did come out in the second half with more determination, with little penetration. Bexley’s standard of passing football was clearly several levels above their opponents. Bexley scored their fourth and Dan got his hat trick when Laurie played the ball in from the left. Dan never looked like missing.
The fifth goal came from the back four when Kev won a sliding tackle near the edge of his box. The ball was played long, and helped on by Matt beating a handful of defenders for Laurie to run onto and score at the near post. With a quarter of the game to go, Bexley looked relentless. Laurence Hind playing his second appearance of the season, and made his fair share of contributions with skilful turns and creating opportunities for his team mates, was given a well earned rest and the no body that is Elton was entered the fray. Not wanting to call him a reserve, let’s say he’s a “squad player”
Following this, Mark won a header.
Having just come on and looking to prove a point, Elton ran around the pitch with speed. The standard head band providing aerodynamic disadvantage. It wasn’t long before he received the ball from Mark and unleashed what he was later quoted as “unstoppable header” to the far post. Then followed the standard over exaggerated celebration. Would this get the striker back into the starting line up ahead of free scoring Matt Bennett, new signing Laurence, or James Hall.
The goals were not over. As the game drew to a close another goal from a set piece. Mark’s deep corner found Matt Bennett at the far post who headed his third goal in two games.
Greenwich had a few efforts off target in the second half. No saves by Dan speaks volumes about the whole teams defend and ability to hold possession. A few balls that were left to bounce will not overshadow this display. Kev will soon learn he can only do skills on fifa 12 and not in real life, especially not in his own box.
The captain would have the final word on proceedings. Mark assisting five of the eight goals put a corner into the near post this time and Lee surprised himself and the rest of the world when his header went on target it and in the net. Cue the final whistle.
A poor outfit, but you can only beat what’s in front of you. More importantly, the level of improvement. This team were this standard on the opening day and we scraped a win by one goal. This result speaks volumes of the all round team progression. Seems a long time ago we could only manage one shot on target in ninety minutes. Not to mention now three hundred and sixty minutes without conceding a goal. Andre Villas Boas would say the emotional stimulus is right for the motivation of the team.
In his post match interview manager Peter Baulsom said “I am very proud off all the team. They did well today. Good passing from the back to the midfield then forward to the attackers. The ratings justify how well you all played today. Training Tuesday night is clearly paying off, see you all then. I woke up to say this.”
