Man of the Match- James Brown
Goal of the Match- Adam’s run from defensive and fine finish making the result safe
Save of the Match- JB Knights string of one vs one interventions
Moment of the Match- Referee having an answer to every JB Knight complaint
After a two week break, Bexley Athletic returned hoping for a strong end to their league campaign. With second place an outside possibility, and the title a very outside possibility there was still plenty to play for. Remarkably, thirteen players turned up for the game which would be sponsored by Sugar Puffs.
4-4-2 was the plan, Elton and Laurence up top, Adam at centre back, Steve Bird centre midfield. A pretty stale first half produced only half chances with Tom almost accidently scoring for the second time this season; instead succeeding in burying the ball in the bushes. JB Knights keeper’s positioning enabled him to win the ball when Bexley were in good positions. A lack of attacking impetuous would restrict Bexley’s goal scoring opportunities in the first half.
Up the other end, Bexley’s back four showed little permeability and the six months out injured by one Adam Guildford was being not apparent. James Brown, as ambitious as Arsenal’s trophy hopes, persisted on runs up his flank but could not display the quality required. The left back would go on to putting in a solid performance. A warning for Bexley when a speculative effort bounced viscously off the uneven turf and flicked round the post by the wrong footed Dan. Referee Steve Perry awarded a goal kick, it is reported he has recently been mentored by Martin Atkinson.
An extremely average first half display from both teams was livened up by a goal for Bexley. Steve Bird took a throw in Rory Delap would have been proud of into the danger area for Laurence to head into the near post under pressure from nearly every player on the pitch. A further period of inactivity followed before JB knights incredibly got another shot on target. The player rolled Tom forcing a routine near post save from Dan, applauded by a man with a walking stick in the east lower stand.
Half time and although the words was positive, it was sensed by some that JB knights were not finished. Sure enough they were up for it in the second half, testing Bexley’s defensive resources to the max. A test passed but the anxiety was building. Not that the home side didn’t have the chance to put the game to bed. Opposing keeper should be credited for thwarting Elton on many occasions. However, Elton and Matt were guilty of shooting when they had team mates in clear goal scoring positions. Costly, this would not prove to be. 55 minutes substitutions made. Dan for Laurie and Rob for Mark. A very energetic performance from the substitute midfielder chasing down every ball. A notable recovering tackle late in the game capped his performance.
Adam commanding from the back could sense this was not a done deal and ordered an increase in motivation. With the midfield getting hold of the ball, Steve played a deep ball into Dan H who drew the keeper and precisely lobbed it over him. 2-0 and apparent breathing space.
Immediate response from JB Knights. For the first time in the game, the defence got it wrong and the player struck a well hit shot across the goalkeeper into the bottom corner, game on again. Bexley were rather dragging themselves over the line, but were unlucky not to find the net on occasions. Elton closest off target shot coming late on shaving the post. Matty B was quoted post match “I did assist about 12 times but no one wanted to score.” However, JB Knights had a golden opportunity to draw level. A cross from the right almost found two unmarked players on the far post who would have had an open goal had they connected.
An ugly win was made to look a bit better when Adam travelled a massive 70 yards to receive the ball from Dan H and hit a high curling ball over the goalkeeper with a superb effort. The difference in quality of the two teams finally showing. JB Knights now deflated as Bexley closed the game out with Tom and Adam showing particular competence on the ball at the back backed up by Lees Arial dominance and James’ work rate, with Steve clearing up any loose balls.
The win unfortunately not enough to keep the title hopes alive, the dip earlier in the season saw to that. Third place looks to be the result, unless Maroon XI remarkably collapse in their final two games. Bexley boast the second best defensive record in the league, and one of three teams on a positive goal difference. Whoever has played in the changing back four this season deserve a pat on the back.
Last game against Maroon who will be approaching us in the same way New Life did. The pressure is fully on them, but pay back is necessary as they beat us with a last minute heart breaker at home.
The gap to cup finalists Junior Reds is now 12 points, what could have been if Bexley would have turned up that day...
