Man of the Match- Matt Bennett
Goal of the Match- Aaron right place right time
Save of the Match- Genuinely don’t know how I learned to kick
Moment of the Match- Baulsoms do the chuckle brothers, hitting the bar from 6 yards and then impersonating Tom Daley
From humiliation to jubilation as Bexley Athletic reversed some of the damage caused by the devastating semi final defeat to Junior Reds Spartans a fortnight ago. The momentum from a concvincing 6-1 away win over New Ethan was bought into this fixture, and after suffering two loses at the hands of their rivals Bexley will feel normal service has been resumed.
Bexley welcomed new signing Rob Percull to the squad. The right back put in a convincing performance the previous week but sadly his home debut would be cut short due to injury. Pete’s squad would be thin on the ground with Adam, James, James, Laurie, Dan, and Dan all missing for various reasons. Andre Villas House would take over the coaching role for the game, with Pete ready as the only sub. Returning was Tom Prott and Aaron winkle playing at left back and left midfield respectively, with Steve Bird into the middle. A crippled James Hall would turn up to spectate.
The opening minutes were scrappy with the ball not leaving the midfield. Both teams were looking for the long ball option, with Bexley superior in the air. Injury would mean Rob would be taken off, giving Villas House a tactical dilemma. He opted to pull Matt Bennett to right back and send Pete on to holding midfield. Tactical genius as Bexley took the lead, Lawrence playing Elton in to score his first goal at home this season finding the corner neatly.
Bexley appeared superior, Junior Reds getting frustrated with Lee and Tom’s dominance at the back. Junior Reds got in behind Bexley once but failed to find the target. Meanwhile, it was remarkable how Bexley did not double their lead as a goal mouth scramble met defender, goalkeeper and bar before being cleared. Bexley put their bodies in front of a similar Junior Reds attack to maintain their clean sheet. Tom’s standard hand ball was gave Bexley one of many opportunities to demonstrate defensive organisation at set pieces.
Half time and positive and constructive advice was given by House, preparing the team for the second half. Junior Reds appeared invigorated but failed to produce. A new source of attack had emerged during the game with many of Dan’s kicks clearing 50 yards. Junior Reds keeper was forced into some rather flappy saves before Bexley doubled their lead from an unlikely source. A ball played into the box was flicked on by Tom then Laurence and bundled in by Aaron marking his return with a goal.
Needless to say it should have been 3-0. Not for the first time this season, Lee Baulsom missed an open goal somehow hitting the bar from six yards. Very embarrassing but he will learn from this by the fact it will be mentioned again... and again. From one Baulsom to another. Bexley should have ended the game with 10 men. Mark’s first simulation outside of the area provoked angry reaction from opponents but somehow conned the inexperience referee into a free kick. He took behaviour to a new level by trying to gain a penalty. The contact was marginal at best, the dive was theatrical and does not represent the views and conduct as Bexley Athletic as a club. Pete will be writing an apology to Gaz within the next week.
A final push on two fronts. Tom Prott desperately trying to find a goal after 16.5 hours again couldn’t find the net. Junior Reds pushed Alan up front in a bid to find a goal but failed to test Dan in 90 minutes. Bexley superior in every area of the pitch, fully deserving their win.
A extremely solid performance, with Tom putting in some strong tackles and Matt showing his right back credentials. Lee’ game will be tarnished by that miss whilst Aaron and Elton will be ecstatic with their goals and Laurence with his assists. Pete, or be it immobile, played some good passes. Bexley hold a true third position and will be looking to maintain this into the climax of the season having displaced Junior Reds today.
