Man of the Match- Laurie Newnes
Goal of the Match- There was only one goal, luck or judgment, only James Hall knows
Save of the Match- Dan’s early save would prove crucial
Moment of the Match- The referees decision not to award a penalty followed by Jonny Wilkinson’s penalty
Forget Arsenal vs Spurs, Liverpool vs Everton, West Ham vs Milwall, this is Bexley Athletic vs Junior Reds Spartans. In a hard fought match, it would be the home side who would come out on top and earning their fifth win in seven meetings over their close rivals.
Selection headaches would mean Calum, James Brown and Josh would be the unlucky trio to start on the bench. Junior Reds went for the early goal from kick off creating a golden opportunity through the middle which was wasted straight at the keeper. In the opening exchanges, both teams struggled to get the ball down as this would turn into a physical encounter with the referee allowing the game to flow wherever possible. Elton was the only casualty, off injured after ten minutes with having ruptured his ego. Calum would replace him moving James Hall up front. The challenge on the Bexley striker probably should have warranted a red card for denying a clear goal scoring opportunity. Yellow was the verdict.
The game was finely balanced in the first half with Junior Reds looking more likely to score; but could not overhaul the back line. A notable challenge from Rob throwing himself in front of a ferocious shot contributing to the early shut out. Olly, Laurie and Calum were putting in their fair share of challenges in midfield allowing their defence to re-shape.
Bexley’s goal scoring opportunities would be few and far between. James Hall went narrowly wide with a free kick and Matt squandered a decent opportunity from close range. Perhaps against the run of play, Bexley would score in bizarre fashion. Olly won possession and passed it out left to Matt, who centred the ball for James who off balance managed to flick the ball into the bottom left corner, with some assistance from the wind. The number nine almost doubled his tally with a speculative lob only just over. Bexley would lead into the half time interval.
Bexley would start a backs to the wall job of defending in the second half as their opponents overloaded each attack. This was a job well done as Dan was not overly worked in the Bexley goal. The home side almost nicked a second on the counter attack, James unlucky with a lob for the second time in the game. Steve, supported by Mark, was also doing a good a good job of breaking down attacks and running the ball out of defence with supreme skill. The arm chair fans on the sideline even mentioned the word “Ronaldo”.
Bexley were getting pinned back further and further, and were unable to hold the ball up top with Junior Reds the dominant team. Despite defending as a coalition Nick Clegg and David Cameron debating every loose ball at centre back. The away side should have equalised mid way through the second half. Not for the first time in his life, Lee assisted a Junior Reds goal scoring opportunity and it was two vs one on goal. The attacker rather selfishly elected to shoot under pressure from Kev as oppose to squaring to his team mate for a tap in.
Alan forced Dan to palm wide at his near post as Junior Reds continued to press from every angle. The most controversial moment of the match would then occur. Olly was caught on the edge of the box, a shot was fired in which hit Kev’s arm deflecting in. Inexplicably, the referee had already whistled for the penalty before the ball crossed the line. Up they stepped for the strangest penalty you will ever see. A ninety degree, two step run up producing a spectacular side foot over the bar. Junior Reds squandering their third clear cut opportunity.
Fresh legs would be introduced as James Brown replaced Rob who had put in a good display at left back. Josh later came on for Mark and battled hard in the closing minutes as Junior Reds continued to fashion goal scoring opportunities. Bexley weren’t helping themselves with some of their decision making at the back, gifting the ball back to their opponents. With all the corners, free kicks and shots, Bexley’s team defensive effort was that of warriors meaning Dan only had one meaningful save over the bar for the rest of the game. A disciplined defensive to start the new campaign, with the unknown challenge of Merdian Athletic to come next week.
