Man of the Match- Lee Baulsom
Goal of the Match- Dan’s strike assisted superbly by Laurie
Save of the Match- Elton getting denied by a brilliant spreading save by JB Knights keeper
Moment of the Match- JB Knights completely losing their discipline ultimately resulting in their two week suspension from the league
It was back to school for Bexley Athletic as they faced JB Knights at a chilly and foggy Erith School. The opponents had come of the back of a 10-3 loss to Greenwich Mariners in the previous game and would be mindful of going down to Bexley 5-0 in the previous season. Bexley were starting to get a run of form and believed this game was more than winnable.
Despite the fog the game went ahead, visibility from one end of the pitch to the other was challenging. JB Knights went for the early goal when the ball fell to the player just inside the box who hit a sharp shot straight at Dan. Bexley replied with an early effort of their own as James Hall’s effort went just wide to the left. After his great strike last week, James looked hungry for goals as he attempted to chip the goalkeeper but resulted in an easy catch.
Bexley contained JB Knights very well, a noticeable improvement in communication within the back four. JB Knights could on sparse set pieces, one of which was a free kick hit wide. Bexley were very much on the front foot, and came close to opening the scoring when the ball was one in defence and James at the second attempt got the ball to Dan who volleyed over the bar. Shortly after, Tom Prott showed his goals in training cannot be replicated when a long range shot was hit wide, then a shot from a free kick magically turned into a cross for Laurie to hit over.
Bexley pressed on. Dan won the ball on the left and pulled a good stop out of the JB Knights keeper with the defender clearing up on the goal line. Dan and James combined again when a short clearance from the keeper was flicked to Dan by James who attempts a chip but misses.
On twenty six minutes the break through. Mark running away with assists gets another one, and amazingly it was Lee who found the net then pointed out to his team mates his current go tally. The home side couldn’t appear to deal with Bexley’s pressure, another defensive mistake as Dan chased the ball down to feed Matt who had a shot but straight at the keeper. One goal appeared to have become two when a free kick was delivered in and finished by James but the offside flag denied Bexley. A speculative shot wide and a high looping shot onto the roof of the net was as close as JB Knights came in the first period.
The brief at half time was to keep the concentration. It was clear JB Knights were getting angered by the referee but the away side were only focused on the result. Sean was correct in identifying the next goal would probably decide this game.
Early in the second half Dan won a free kick in a threatening position. This was Sean Jobson’s moment. All the practice in training and warm ups came down to this. He put the ball down, Ronaldo esk run up and remarkably found the target only for the keeper to rather flap it away.
Mark’s game came to an end on 50 minutes as Elton entered the arena, moving James Hall to right midfield. Another attacking free kick for Bexley this time it was James Hall who opted for time wasting as oppose to testing the goal keeper. Second substitution was then used, Matt Bennett off, James Brown on to right back, Steve Bird having a consistent game was moved to midfield.
JB Knights were still having little influence on Bexley goal, and for the second game in succession, Dan was very much redundant in terms of shot stopping. JB Knights frequently looked to the wings for some creative play but they were manned well by Tom, Steve and then James. Elton had a wardrobe disaster and it wasn’t his head band having a fight with his under top on the sidelines.
On the hour a fine team goal from Bexley. Laurie received the ball on his new home that is the left wing, dribbled past two defenders as if they weren’t there, crossed the ball to Dan who this time found the top corner with style.
As the game progressed JB Knights annoyance towards the referee increased as they began to accumulate bookings. Despite the cheap shots of elbows and kicks dished out, Bexley’s disciplinary conduct was top class as they didn’t retaliate, or lose focus on the task at hand. As they wound the game down, there was enough time for Laurie to play in Elton for an attempt on goal, only for the goalkeeper to save well. Sean had another free kick but one attempt on target was clearly enough for him.
Sporting suicide by JB Knights in the closing moments as differing opinions at a decision resulted in decent and a deserved red card for foul and abusive language. Another player kicked the ball away. Mark flagged with elegance and the player was also promptly sent off. The game got going for another minute before time was called and three further red cards were issued. But for Bexley, a 2-0 win, a clean sheet, no cards, no suspensions, ideal result.
A solid defensive display from everyone made plenty of chances and scored two decent goals. No surprise now the strikers have found some form and holding the ball better, the defence have less workload and are conceding fewer goals. Great battling in midfield in an all round organised display. Win moves us up a position to fifth. Next week’s opponents New Eltham are only separated by one goal and beat AFC Greenwich Reserves 5-3 today. No Steve Bird next week, he’s off to Dale farm for a holiday.
Managers thoughts “They all played very well considering the weather was so bad and Dan’s kicking was sometimes appalling (fair point). We need to work on our free kicks as a team (shocker!). Good passing around the pitch. I was impressed that the team remained calm with the other team’s abusive language flying around. Well done be but be warned I’ll be back on the bench next week!”
(Equal record attendance of six spectators today)
