A lob is defined as “throw or hit (a ball or missile) in a high arc:” (Oxford Dictionaries 2013).
Bexley entered league game six looking to end a short winless runtr. Hayden providing different scenery and probably one of the best pitches Bexley have ever played on. Pete had a bit of a shake up, playing Rob alongside Kev in the centre of defence, with Sam at left back.
Game on! Somehow Mark held onto the armband for another week. Bexley held the environmental advantage in the first half. First opportunity on goal fell Bexley’s way as Elton cut in from the right; but took one touch too many allowing the keeper to save. Elton’s next chance came from Dan’s, but this time he just missed the target. A theme was developing as Elton’s third chance, again from Dan’s pinpoint kick, was hit over. Third time lucky as Elton finally did something productive up front. The centre back was now firmly in his back pocket as he was through on goal again from another of Dan’s wind assisted kicks. The keeper took Elton down, whose journey to the ground was learnt in the Baulsom School of Diving.
James Hall was quoted in the changing room pre-match as saying “I’ve got a 100% record from penalties; I’ve saved the only one I ever had in goal and I’ve never missed one.” Perfect timing as James almost cleared the changing rooms behind the goal with this penalty, and the game remained goalless. Up the other end chances were limited for Hayden although Bexley were riding their luck at set pieces. Players were left free all to often; and Dan was forced into his first save of the game although Sam had it covered on the post. A tame low effort after a terrible throw in decision by Harry the referee was all Hayden had to offer in front of goal in the first half.
Bexley had further efforts on goal as Matty struck over and Kev who failed to make contact after a good delivery from Mark. The score line completely flattered Hayden, Matty and Steve had the measure of midfield and James was also delivering good balls in from the wide positions. The pressure finally told and it was a relatively simple goal. Dan to John who attacked the space and played in Laurence. Hind shot low and hard to score in consecutive games.
Half time bought mixed feelings. Complete domination but only one goal. Sam had been beaten up by a football as Adam came on his place.
Bexley were asleep at the kick off and an attempted lob (as defined above) was saved by Dan. Hayden began to take control of the game, but Bexley doubled their lead against the run of play. Steve received the ball right of centre and his shot at goal fortunately met the head of Laurence and in for a 2-0 lead.
However, Bexley were very much on the back foot and were making uncharacteristic sloppy errors at the back. Hayden’s first goal came from the right when the winger got in behind John and centred to a team mate in space who had the easy task of scoring. The bright sun, uphill terrain, and wind were not helping Bexley. The fluency and domination was very much extinguished. Defenders not taking responsibility and poor communication wasn’t helping; in a fascicle moment when 3 successive defenders let the ball run under their foot with a striker closing in.
Hayden equalised through a mishit cross which curled around keeper with the wind altering its path. They pushed to take the league, and Dan was forced to spring off his line before responding to spread and save after a quick free kick. Despite the pressure, Bexley dug in and worked a goal from nothing. Matty fizzed a ball on from the right, and amazingly Elton came up with and exquisite piece of skill to help the ball through the keepers legs.
Hayden didn’t lie down, the midfield were struggling to track back on the large pitch. Baulsom’s men were on the ropes and conceded a third from a well struck shot into the top corner. Only determined defending from Dan, Rob, and Kev prevented a second goal in 5 minutes after a high arcing shot rattled the bar. Hayden got in again shortly after as Dan blocked at the near post. Resistance was futile as Hayden took the lead in the dying embers of the game. Long ball over the top, Rob got tangled with the wind and the striker scored beyond the on rushing keeper.
The unbeaten record looked to be no more, but Bexley were not finished yet. In an impressive display of character, Bexley rescued a point in the final minutes. The ball was knocked deep across the box, Kev met it with his head and James tapped in.
References
Oxford Dictionaries. (2003). Definition of a Lob. Available: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/lob?q=lob. Last accessed 27th October 2013.
