Bexley Athletic won again in a tight encounter with JB Knights. Not the most impressive performance of the season, but the right result was again produced. Todays win puts us joint top with Greenwich Mariners who also boast a 100% record, and 5 points clear of Whitefoot who we beat on match day one in spectacular fashion.
Greenwich Mariners is managed by a member of the league board so will be an organised team throughout the season. They have only conceded two goals in the league and they have one player who has scored 9 goals in 6 appearances across all competitions. No fixtures have been scheduled between the pace setters, but Mariners will be tested by Whitefoot in two weeks time.
Todays game was a tight affair as Bexley were on the receiving end of some heavy tackles. Both teams produced some good build up play with a disappointing end product. The referee wasn’t keen on the contact and continually awarding free kicks disrupted the flow of the game throughout the 90 minutes. Ryan forced a decent save from the JB Knights keeper from a well hit shot just outside the box. The away sides best opportunity came from a similar effort outside the box, forcing Dan into a double save as the player quickly pounced on the rebound.
The opening goal came from the penalty spot. Kev (back in the side after his ankle injury and playing right midfield) got a strong head on the ball which was handled by the defender. Ryan ignored the keepers dancing on the goal line to squeeze the ball into the corner. However, JB Knights were shortly back on level terms as their attacker cut in from the right and struck a shot across goal which was finished off by a team mate who was judged to be onside.
The second half was an intriguing tactical encounter as both teams seemingly had the opportunity to win the game; but weren’t willing to risk conceding. Kev had a golden opportunity to cap his come back with a goal, but managed to slice the ball into the corner flag. Bexley were failing to retain possession when trying to keep the ball short on a poor pitch. Our best opportunities were coming from working the balls into the flanks and choosing the right time to put in the cross.
JB Knights could have won the game if it weren’t for excellent defensive organisation and some poor finishing. Laurie reacted well to clear after a rebound off Dan, and some excellent heading by Rob and composed play by Steve made JB Knights look far less dangerous than they actually were.
As the game went on JB Knights were growing increasingly frustrated with the referee and making unnecessary challenges. The lack of discipline would ultimately be the difference as Matty B was taken down in the box after displaying good strength to hold the ball up. Ryan dispatched this penalty with more breathing space and Bexley saw out the win.
