Historically, Bexley have rarely made it past the early stages of the Plumstead Challenge Cup due to regularly facing oppositions from the higher divisions. This weeks opposition were no exception; 2 divisions and 14 places higher at kick off. Over the ninety minutes, the difference in quality showed and the best team did win, but the circumstances leading to both goals left Bexley feeling frustrated.
Bexley were worked hard in defence for much of the game, Dan producing a string of saves including one vs one early on when an attacker got in behind Kev, not to mention instinctively pushing Lee’s mishit clearance behind. Bexley also lost James Hall to injury in the first half having taken a kick on the shin; but Bexley’s medical team have confirmed the injury has been overcome by a single “man up” pill.
A hammer blow for Bexley approaching half time. A free kick conceding on the edge of the box was delivered high into the sun deceiving Dan and striking the post to fall for an easy tap in. Mark will be disappointed he didn’t jump higher in the wall. Bexley’s woes were almost doubled when the ball was in the net again but the back host header was rightly ruled out has the attacker used the defender to climb and gain an unfair advantage.
“Feed the monkey” was Pete’s cry at half time as bananas were distributed throughout the team. After being on the back foot for most of the game, the score was only 1-0.
The second half bought no change though, as Dan was forced into further saves to keep the score at 1-0. Up the other end, the Clifton keeper was competently dealing with throw ins and corners but being forced into very little shot stopping activity, with only one notable shot on target produced by ?Laurence.
Then Clifton doubled their lead with another goalkeeping error. Dan coming out of the box is risky on most occasions; but a high bouncing ball on windy day was always going to end in catastrophe as Dan made an absolutely dreadful error; misinterpreting the bounce in the same way Arsenal fans arsenal assume being top after 8 games is “success”. The striker couldn’t believe his luck and converted the easiest goal of his life thanks to shocking goalkeeping. Mark will be disappointed he was so far out of position he was unable to get back to put a challenge in.
In the dying minutes, Elton was played in by Laurence and scored across the keeper. The number 14s first goal since the opening day only served as a consolation for Bexley.
