Man of the Match- Kevin Davis
Goal of the Match- Tom Protts long range effort leaving everyone doubting whether he actually meant it.
Save of the Match- Dan vs Justin one vs one, there was only going to be one winner.
Moment of the Match- Kev somehow getting himself in the way of the Maroon player with a superb goaline clearance.
After a 3 week break to get back to the drawing board, Bexley resumed league duties against new comers Maroon FC in scintillating heat at Hall place. Eventually a full squad and subs were available at Pete’s disposable, and probably the most humiliating moment of Adam Guildford’s career; not only dropped but losing the captains armband to Lee!
Bexley kicked off looking for better shape, organisation and spirit from the last hammering to New Life. The worst was feared early on as Aaron conceded a handball free kick which clearly was not deliberate. Defence caught square, goalkeeper on his line, free man at the far post saved by Dan but the rebound bundled in.
Bexley got a grip and absorbed the pressure. Pushing forward James Hall had a few long range efforts sliced high and wide. These efforts were one of few attempts Bexley had on goal, none of them meaningful. The home side were more than a match for their opponents in the middle of the park, but Maroon clearly had the advantage with pace on the wings getting in behind both full backs creating chances. However, aerially Bexley coped well with set pieces and long balls.
Maroon were threatening as Justin burst through on goal but Dan managed to get the ball up and over the bar. This missed opportunity would prove critical as Bexley levelled 5 minutes from half time. Tom Prott had ventured up the field from left back and hit a speculative effort from seemingly an impossible position wide left outside the 18 yard box, but it beat the keeper into the top of the net for his first goal for Bexley. (FLOOK).
Against the run of play it may have been, Bexley could and should have been ahead minutes later. A ball worked and centred by Elton, Dan with the goal at his mercy missed the target. Half time=rehydration
Second half Aaron with withdrawn and Adam snatched the armband back off Lee. Much of the second period was played in Bexley territory. However, Bexley had a decent opportunity early on as Mark crossed for Laurie who was unfortunate to have the ball stuck under his feet preventing a strike on goal. 5 minutes after this Dan played a high ball into the box to Elton who just missed the target, and Elton himself had another long range effort, not matching Mr Prott’s earlier precisions.
With burning pace Maroon were looking threatening without hitting the target. A few long range efforts squandered, was followed by a remarkable piece of luck for Dan when he mishit a kick and let a ball squirm through his body only to go harmlessly round the post. Sean also rescued his keeper when he was beaten to a ball on the edge of his box. A second one vs one with Justin later went the way of the bright orange keeper. Despite moments of panic, Lee and Sean defending much better than previous weeks, this would be a good point if Bexley could hold on. They were riding their luck, a bad miss for Maroon as they opened Bexley up and except for the large surface area of Kev’s stomach; an open goal was gaping but Kev had got back well to block the shot. Amongst this, Matt and Kenan late to the game, had entered the fray to try to help the team to victory.
Bexley could have nicked it. Dan playing a one two with Elton, in on the goalkeeper but dragged his shot wide. Two minutes from time, the hammer blow. The goal scorer got in behind Tom with the cover defender tumbling to the floor, and through the eye of a needle found a gap at the near post which in turn frustratingly helped the ball across and over the goal line into the opposite corner.
A disappointing result but management noted a better attitude from the team with some noticeable defensive improvement, but the attention will surely switch to the lack of impression on the opposite goal. Having said this, improving team performance and a weaker opponent next week, we can start picking up victories very soon.
Lee as captain did the second ratings today
