Man of the Match- Laurence Hind
Goal of the Match- Matt Bennett with the winning goal keeping Bexley’s run going
Save of the Match- Important palm away by Dan in the closing minutes to preserve another him and his defence another well earned clean sheet.
Moment of the Match- Nicola being involved when she was very nearly knocked off her camping chair
A third successive shut out, and another win saw Bexley rise to fourth in the table or be it having playing at least one game more than most of the teams around them. With two of these games being in the league, these good defensive displays combined with stronger attacking form has recovered the embarrassing goal difference. At a windy Hall Place, New Eltham looked stronger opponents than JB Knights and Woodside Celtic before them. Bexley would need to raise the bar.
The away side’s first mistake occurred before kick-off. Having won the toss they opted to play against the wind in the second half, clearly intending to take control of the game early on. It was Bexley however who had the first attempt on goal. The returning Laurence Hind combined with James Hall up front with a 1-2, but only resulting in an easy save for the goalkeeper. Following this, Eltham won a free kick in their own half. The ball intended to be put in the box was caught by the wind and Dan was forced to palm it out for a corner. It was clear the wind was going to cause problems in the first half.
In a tight game chances were few and far between. With the elements making it difficult for Bexley to leave their half with any conviction, it was clear a decent defensive display was in order for the first 45 minutes. With 50 year old Pete flying into tackles successfully, and the back four now heading 99% of balls coming towards them, Bexley’s goal looked relatively secure. Dan and Adam both failed to get a goal kick more than 30 yards, so Bexley opted to play out from the back wherever possible, with the midfield being required to drop deep.
Two moments would have given Eltham confidence. A long throw in again caught by the wind went hurling over Dan for Sean to clear off the line. With Tunga’s erratic officiating, it would not be beyond him to award a goal straight from a throw in. Just previous to this, a flat and direct New Eltham corner was flick on and Dan got fingertips on it to get around the post, with a goal kick given. With a clear environmental advantage, New Eltham showed a lack of ideas up front.
Chances for Bexley came late in the first half. Mark was played in by Laurence and appeared to be fouled in the penalty area as he landed like a star fish. Tunga was disinterested; perhaps the theatrics went against Mark. Two minutes before half time, Pete and James did well to keep the ball in play out on the left. James fired a shot from a tight angle which left the goalkeeper scrambling but it sailed just wide.
Half time Bexley were aware the second half the conditions favoured them. Indeed for the first part of the second period, much of the game would be played in the Eltham final third. Having won a free kick just outside the area there were many contenders for the free kick. Adam eventually pulled rank over Sean and James but couldn’t find the target. With Matt having come on as a substitute for Pete, there was a slight worry when Dan House was wobbling with an ailing hamstring, but he battled on. He and Sean did appear to have the edge over their centre midfield counterparts.
Matt Bennett still looking for his first goal of the season received a ball from a throw in and shot towards goal but wide. Kev, looking for his first goal in a hundred years, and losing miserably in his personal competition with Lee had a woeful attempt at a header from a corner which fell into the keeper’s hand. Bexley continued to press, with James flicking the ball into Mark who headed towards goal again easily saved by the keeper. A breath respite for Eltham as they ventured out their half. The rather vocal number eight hit a turning shot straight at Dan. On Sixty eight minutes James came close again as the keeper spilt his shot and Laurence was on the rebound wide.
With Bexley having the better of the second half, but at the same time having to defend Eltham’s counter attacks this game was still in the balance and could go either way. Tom (hung over like a donkey) was substituted after battling through sixty five minutes with controlled play. Dan Haley went up front as James Hall returned to left back.
Bexley’s goal came twenty minutes from time. Kev chased a ball down which looked like a goal kick but resulted in a corner. Mark’s corner caused problems and was bundled in by Matt Bennett for his first goal of the season. The balance of the game would now shift. After telling Tunga what they thought of his decision to award a corner, Elttam would now be more aggressive in attack. The many times the back four ended up one Vs one they appeared to come off better. With the midfield tracking back to help out and breaking when necessary, long throws and corners looked like Eltham’s only way in. However, Bexley dominated in the air too.
With Bexley looking for the whistle a last minute scare. A long range effort from Eltham, the number eight was in a clear offside position and active with play as Dan was forced to palm the ball away off his feet. The next attack was quickly ruled out for a push on Sean as Bexley claimed another well deserved win.
That’s four games unbeaten for Bexley, scoring eleven and conceding one. A good run of form to take into the next game against AFC Greenwich Reserves who we beat 5-4 in the opening game of the season. The manager’s thoughts “Good midfield, especially his own crunching tackles. Laurence was superb up front.”
