Match day 2 saw Bexley face Friday’s on a Hall Place pitch in need of some rain. After 5-4 thriller last week, Bexley were looking to continue the goal scoring form whilst tightening up at the back. Pete was back from holiday to lead the team. Laurie switched to centre back in place of Lee whilst Barney continued in midfield. Matt and Elton would be Bexley’s ammunition up front.
A rather forgettable first half begun with Olly being fouled within the first 10 seconds which concluded with a theatrical tumble. Bexley were playing into the wind making it difficult for balls into the channels to fall kindly, so the game was largely a midfield battle in the early stages with little goalmouth action at either end. Bexley’s defending was much better this week; as the defence dealt with the high balls well in difficult conditions and the team had good shape when out of possession.
In the final third Bexley were less than impressive in the first period fashioning two significant efforts on target. Fortunately, after Olly’s effort was well saved by the keeper, Elton managed to open the scoring via a misguided effort at the near post. This put Bexley in a strong position going into the second half with the environmental advantage.
The second half was an equally tight affair but Bexley slowly emerged as the better side. After several efforts, Elton doubled Bexley’s advantage with what is becoming a customary cut in from the left channel and low finish. Laurie would be the provider on this occasion. The tempo of the game then slowed as Friday’s realised they were unlikely to get back into the contest. They did up the physicality stakes as Rob Purcell was clattered by a wrecking ball of a player earning yellow card. The Friday’s keeper was fortunate not to be sent off when holding back Elton who was clean through on goal.
Rob Hazlewood was introduced off the bench for Matty B and it wouldn’t take him long to register his first goal for Bexley. Not the prettiest goal you have ever seen, but a goal mouth scramble counts the same as a 30 yard screamer when opening your account for your new club. And Rob would be involved in the fourth goal setting up Barney to score his third goal in two games. Friday’s free kick at the end of the game summed up their morning.
Bexley boast a 100% record and sit second in the table, two goals behind Greenwich Mariners.
