Bexley Athletic faced Meridan Athletic for the third time this season on a blustery morning at hall place. Like the previous encounters, Meridian would lose out as Bexley stormed to a comfortable victory on this occasion.
Steve would captain in Lee’s absence. Rob decided to man up and not allow a dead leg from preventing him from playing. Josh fought a hang over to make the starting 11, MJ was clearly losing the battle. It was advantage Bexley instantly with the two up top combining. Matt’s flick on set Elton on his way to beat the keeper for his first of the day. Meridian’s confidence had taken a hit, and from this point they never really looked like a team who was going to get anything for the match.
The number nine would have a couple of off target sighters at goal, with the back four standing relatively firm. Bexley were looking to firmly assert themselves with the wind behind them in the first half and duly doubles their lead. Rob’s long ball forward from the left would deceive the Meridian keeper and Matt pounced to net his sixth goal of the season.
Bexley marched on led by committed tackles from Josh Davenport Braes, and with Louis and Mark combining together on the right Bexley looked strong in all areas of the pitch. However, they were almost caught out when a ball between Steve and Louis let in number nine, but he fluffed the finish straight at Dan with the defence sweeping up. This effort would prove crucial with Bexley scoring their third shortly after. Matty was putting in a shift as he charged down a defensive clearance setting up Elton again, who slotted away with ease. The Henry wanabee was clearly keen for his first hat trick as he was then confident enough to strike from the edge of the box, just wide. Just before half time in a sudden strange turn of events, the Meridian centre back would walk through almost the entire Bexley team to rattle the bar.
The second half was a different story. Stupidly shooting direct from kick off summed up Meridian’s attitude in that they had pretty much given up. The wind, and Bexley taking their foot off the gas kept the contest alive, alongside MJ’s double vision. Indeed Bexley would leave their half with the ball on few occasions, with Steve and Kev probably the busiest players on the pitch. Credit must also be given to the referee, managing both Rob and Elton’s angriness throughout the match and keeping his cards in his pocket.
A flurry of Meridian corners produce three chances of significance. The first saved down low by Dan, the second hoofed off the line by Rob, and the third hitting the angle. Not for the first time this season, Bexley showing they can defensively absorb pressure for prolonged periods. Second half controversy involved Louis steeling Steve’s role of the most ridiculous pass back of the day. The right back may have still been concussed from a blow to the face in the first half. Late on Elton thought his movement had worked himself a hat trick as he found the net, but a late whistle ruled his goal out as offside. Complete lack of awareness of his own position cost him there.
Full time 3-0, second in the league, 5 points off top. One game to go, against YMCA Ellite who eliminated us from the cup a few weeks back.
