Man of the Match- Elton Lewis
Goal of the Match- Both deserve a mention, good build up from James and Mark for Lee's goal, and a good finnish from Dan for the second
Save of the Match- Spartan's keeper pulled off a great save to deny Lee the goal of his life
Moment of the Match- Bexley winning the match!
First win in 5 games comes courtesy of a brilliant team performance, made even more impressive as it was 10 vs 11 for the full 90 minutes. Amongst the positives are Pete is still alive after 90 minutes of play, Dan is off the mark, and Lee didn’t miss from a yard.
It was a shaky start for Bexley as Kev played Lee into trouble from a short goal kick but Bromley wasted the opportunity. Eight minutes into the game Bexley fashioned their first opportunity. Tom won the ball back and played it to Sean who passed it to Pete. The manager chipped the ball over Dan’s head who tried to lob the keeper but it went over. Eight minutes later, Sean tested the goalkeeper from a free kick who saved and his defence cleared. Just after the twenty minute mark, Pete rolled back the years as he received the ball from Elton after a long goal kick from Dan; the 50 year old veteran had an attempt narrowly over.
On the counter attack, Tom was forced into an important intervention. The resulting corner was flicked on into the danger area. It was blocked and then fell feebly past the post.
On the 27 minute mark Bexley took the lead. James carried the ball with confidence and plays mark in who crossed left footed. Bexley held their breath as Lee (semi challenged) headed the ball in. Bromley were straight up the other end as a dangerous corner was cleared by Tom.
Despite the man disadvantage, Elton and Dan were linking up well. When Elton won the ball and crossed it to Dan who unfortunately found the goalkeeper not the net. Elton (without a goal in 5 years) had his chance when Tom won the ball back yet again and passed it square to the striker who shoots hard, low, and wide. An even better chance for Elton when Pete played him in for a golden opportunity. Elton momentarily forgot the rules of Association Football and handled it before he remarkably scored. Ruled out, hand ball, chin up. Third chance for Elton, clearly feeling the pressure of being outscored by Lee, after a one two with Dan fails to beat the keeper who saves well. Kev made a crucial double block to keep Bexley in the lead going into half time.
Half time Bexley were pleased as they were well in control. Bromley found an extra gear at the start of the second half but never really threatened. A well deserved second was scored by Dan ending his poor form in front of goal, excellently slotting the ball past the keeper down the left. It could have been three, mid way through the second half Elton took the ball down the right wing and crossed to Dan, who shot. The ball rebounded to Mark who headed it, the defender made a meal of the clearance and Dan looked to double his tally but it was blocked.
Then the unthinkable. Would it be too good to be true for Lee to score from 30 yards. Yes. But he went close, only denied by a superb save by the Bromley keeper. Probably Lee’s best game, clearly confident after he played with such a strong defence yesterday.
Cue girlish high pitched screaming from Elton. After briefly rolling around and striking the ground he wobbled up. Nine men was not an option. Twenty minutes from time, the defensive brick wall was broken. A decent ball played between defender and goalkeeper, Dan stayed on his line and was surprised as anyone when the shot got between him and Lee into the net.
Bexley did not crumble, and looked very much in control. Dan forced into minor catches. The clock was ran down well. Elton, clearly hurting after being stood on by the keeper battled on. Sean’s rather childish outburst only deserves one sentence. A second goal conceded would have felt like a defeat and it was prevented with some composed football. Pete ended up on the floor at the final whistle but was pleased with a terrific win.
If we are honest the opposition were poor, but we can only beat what is put in front of us, and we had ten men, with three players carrying injuries. Good play from each individual, as we sprayed the ball like febreeze. Onto the next game, Greenwich Mariners at home who we drew 0-0 with in pre season. The managers thoughts are today there was good teamwork, positive attitude, hard work, but we need to keep our discipline.
