Fifty Six days after the final game of the 2010/2011 started, the first pre-season friendly for the next campaign got under way. Some players had departed, and some new additions had been made.
A word must be said on Elgin Halil, a member of the inaugural Welling Youth Team who had opted to leave and focus on 7 aside football. The club are also grateful to Dennis for his Linesman duties (more so today after seeing Pete’s attempt). Laurence Hind, Dan House also left whilst James Brown and Luke House will probably remain as part time players.
The new signings! Snapped up by Laurie, Elton Lewis brings pace and expert finishing to our attack, whilst Dan also strengthens the forward line. Brought in by Dan, Tom Prott brings flexibility and a natural left footed footballer, who can play left back or left midfield. Also Sean Jobson, a big defender with strength and confidence on the pitch. Robbie Foreman took a step down from G&S Rovers to play a lowly division 3 friendly today. Nicola Davey should also be welcomed into her new post of Assistant Manager to Pete alongside Jose Mourinho (Kev) who looks to be a long term injury and will therefore focus on contributing from the sidelines.
With Adam Guildford away losing at tennis, Steve Bird took the captains armband putting his alcohol induced poorly stomach to one side. Role on-Role off subs would give everyone a substantial run out on a pitch full of fresh green grass. Bexley spread the ball around well in the early phases, Elton in particular looked a threat up front with his pace. The opening encounters produced threats on goal which the Greenwich keeper coped with, and a narrow shot wide from Matt Bennett. The usual threat on the Bexley goal was blocked down the middle by a very organised Lee and Sean with Robbie bringing calm and knowhow to right back, and Tom keeping the left channel free from danger.
The first threat on the Bexley go was well closed down as a group by the defence leaving a speculative shot to bounce off Lee harmlessly behind for a corner. A minor flap at the corner was irrelevant due to the ball going out for a goal kick. Shortly after Greenwich were in on goal with a striker out pacing the defence after being played through. Dan stood up, and then made a fine save closing down the angle.
Early sub James Hall came on for Tom to play right midfield and showed the attacking potential from last season however Bexley were playing very narrow opting to use Laurie and Steve as a mean of attack leaving Mark and James rather isolated on the wings. Bexley’s next threat on goal fell to the new strike force. Elton clean through forced a save for the keeper, the rebound fell to Matt who struck but the ball was blocked and squirmed agonisingly short of the line. Mark then played a fantastic ball through the middle to Elton who just couldn’t apply the finishing touch.
In an even but attacking game, Greenwich were threatening to score. Aaron’s need to keep diving in to win the ball was punished on occasions even though never resulting in a clear opportunity bar one moment, when the left back made up for his error with an excellent recovering tackle. For the most part Sean and Lee bossed when the ball was in the air. Having said this, towards the end of the half a looping free header from Greenwich beat Dan but also beat the crossbar. Just prior to the whistle, Bexley had a free kick just outside the box giving James an opportunity to apply all the practice from training, unfortunately he hit the wall. From the resulting corner a free header from Laurie with hit high and wide, an opportunity he will be scoring for fun in a month’s time.
Half time and Kev sprung into action encouraging getting the wingers into the game more. Distribution from the back needed to be quicker and Aaron would come off for Matt who had served his time on the bench.
Second half started with more positive stuff but a let off for Bexley. A fast attack through the middle left gaps and an opportunity fifteen yards out seemingly heading for the bottom left corner but Dan got down to push it round the post, gaining well deserved applause from the spectators behind the goal. Tom had moved to left midfield and Bexley were using the wings better, or be it the final ball not quite providing clear cut opportunities. The second half was more of a midfield battle with possession relatively shared. Greenwich had a shot rifled into the side netting and James had a bizarre effort which hit the cross bar no less than four times then falling harmlessly into the keeper’s arms. Elton’s chasing down of the ball was commendable but as hard as Bexley tried they couldn’t find the goal they deserved.
As the half progressed the expected fatigue set in and mistakes crept in. Starting from the back when Dan got it all wrong when claiming a ball and collided with Lee only for Sean save his keeper by clearing the ball from the danger area. Dan paid Sean back as when the big centre back for lagging whilst chasing a ball just outside the box on the left, Dan sprung out his goal and charged like a determined chicken to clear the ball. Greenwich were opening Bexley up as the defence struggled to track back as the pace of the game slowed dramatically. Bexley’s effort did not decrease Laurie and Tom defended well down the left, with Robbie and Aaron doing similar on the right. Sean and Lee look to have a promising partnership whilst Steve ran the midfield.
Before full time, there were two close opportunities for both teams. Greenwich opened up Bexley and smartly played the ball across. Lee made a tremendous block a yard out and Aaron was on scene to clear the ball away. Up the other end, Mark’s corner found the near post with a “Zola esk” flick from Elton forced an amazing save from the Greenwich goalkeeper. Player manager Peter Baulsom had come on for Steve Bird and got involved with an impressive amount of touches and passes in the final moments, but also managed to fall over.
Full time a goalless draw but by no means boring. Very constructive run out showing a team with potential. However, to utilise this potential we need to come training to work on our weaker areas, and learn more about each other as players whilst doing the all important fitness. We could have a good team with a touch more commitment from everyone which will provide an enjoyable season.
Ratings by Assistant Manager Kevin Davis (sick note)
