After approximately 4 years without a game; it was back to Hall Place for the biggest game of the season so far. Greenwich Mariners: formally long term leaders, formally awarded three wins without playing the game (now just the one), boasting the best defence in the league. For Bexley, injured were: Barney, Elton, Rob Hazlewood, Laurence, and Kieran. Unavailable were Olly and Adam. Suffering from a faulty alarm clock was Laurie. The end result was lining up against one of the best teams in the league with a goalkeeper, 5 defenders, 3 midfielders, 1 striker, and a 53 year old. Kev was sacrificed as a left midfielder, Pete held between the back four and midfield. Cue an intriguing 90 minutes.
Play for a win and risk a loss, or get out with a point? Either way it was agreed was we would have to defend well. Within the first 10 minutes there was a warning. A cross from the left and a free header at the back stick rattling the post as Dan dived in and around the recently cleaned area of dog faeces. Mariners continued with the pressure, direct balls into their big number 10 and overloading the defence with runs. Bexley were Jose Mourinho resilient. Excellent defending from the whole team making it difficult to pick out stand out performances. This was backed up with rock solid organisation at set pieces, limiting the outlets for Mariners. Rob did well to get himself together after being brought to the brink of tears after he gave away a corner.
Up the other end Bexley did enjoy minor spells of possession to gain a much needed breather. However, there was little attacking threat and a looping Lee header from a Ryan free kick was as good as it got. But most importantly the clean sheet was still intact. A seemingly bullet proof back line backed up by the midfield men. But just before the half time whistle came a morale sapping hammer blow. A direct ball into the box, a few short passes, a little bit of skill and some luck as the ball went through the eye of a needle and into the back of the net.
Half time switch as Kev’s frame was put to use; swapping with Matty B to act as the target man. (Pete was still hanging in there).
The switch proved effective as Kev bought Matty, Mark, MJ and Ryan into the game. Belief was re-installed by Mark’s dipping shot being denied by a sensational save, and Rob heading narrowly wide from the resulting corner. The Mariners defence were seemingly rattled by a marginally overweight centre back charging around up top.
Rob then went un-penalised for another hand ball.
As the game approached the final quarter Bexley got what their work rate deserved in controversial circumstances. Ball over to Mark who was flagged offside, Mariner’s failed to play to the whistle allowing the ginger captain to cross for Matty B who showed the composure to deliver for his team. One chance, one goal! Mariner’s manager flagged with passion but the referee stood by his decision.
Could Bexley dare to think they could escape with the maximum 3 points? Mariners were beginning to look nervous at the back. But this proved a step too far but it wasn’t without trying. Ryan struck a well position free kick over, and Kev shovelled the ball into the corner flag.
Mariners ended the game the stronger side and it was again backs to the wall as Bexley understandably begun to fatigue. Pete withdrew suffering from pain having made his fair share of wrecking ball tackles. Crucial late interventions from Rob and Steve, a stretching header from Lee and composed defending from James reduced Mariners to route one attacking. Matty B, Mark and MJ continued to mop up relieving the pressure on the back four. On a rare defensive breach, Dan was forced into what could be one the most important saves in 5 seasons, getting down sharply after the come through a swarm of players. And to sum up the effort; it was a green shirt covering preventing a Mariners following up as the ball squirmed in just beyond the post. A late free kick was dealt with safely as Bexley got themselves over the line.
Its advantage Bexley in the race for the Division One title. Mariners need to win both their games in hand to narrow the gap to 2 points. However, what title was ever won in February.
