Man of the Match- Rob
Goal of the Match- Matt’s composed winner from thirty yards
Save of the Match- Dan one vs one at a crucial time early in the second half
Moment of the Match- New Life keeper handing the game to Bexley (happens to the best)
Seven months had passed since New Life destroyed Bexley. Approaching the final hurdle of the season New Life were top of the table, four points ahead of Maroon XI having played a game more. Bexley were looking to secure third place looking for three points from their final three games.
For many reasons, several players were not available for this difficult game. Pete was forced to draft in Rob and Elgin. Steve showed to flexibility of an elastic band to play at centre back, becoming Lee’s seventh partner of the season. Dan would play as a lone striker with Matt and Laurence supporting him.
New Life’s attacking movement and passing could not be overlooked. Having demolished many teams throughout the season, any points from today would have to be well earned. The early exchanges were as expected with Bexley doing the defending and New Life on the front foot. But Bexley worked well as a unit, the back four keeping them under control with the midfield dropping back to help. Dan had opportunity as he was slipped through but couldn’t get a toe on the ball. Standards were soon set as mistakes would be costly. A mix up on the Bexley right between Mark and James allowed the left midfielder to accelerate at goal and role it under Dan for an early blow to Bexley.
Having been knocked down in round one, Bexley got back up to for more of the same. But the defensive effort was massive defensive effort kept the Bexley goal safe. Mid way through the half, a blow for New Life as their goalkeeper appeared to pull a muscle, so an outfield player had to fill in. New Life showed flashes of why they are top of the league, three well hit long range efforts proved to un-dramatic. With Steve an Lee helping each other out, James and Mark, and Rob and Elgin cover each other, and Kenan dropping in when required, New Life’s dominance only presented as a 1-0 lead at half time. By no means a disaster.
Half time messages was to be more calm in possession and test this substitute keeper. But Bexley were forced to spend more time defend, patience would be required. Dan was forced to go down at the feet of New Life attacker early on. Robust did not describe it. If Lee missed the ball, Steve was there, if Steve missed it Lee was there. Rob went in hard when required and James made his fair share of interventions. When James made an error, there was no way past Dan one vs one.
The longer the half went on, the more nervous New Life looked, the more Bexley sensed they could get something from this game. New Life hit the side netting having rounded Dan and almost found the bottom net from a corner. With a clear shot on goal from close range, New Life again missed the target. Kenan’s long range effort in the first half and Matty Bs in the second was Bexley’s attacking efforts.
However, game changing moment. Mark put a corner on the keeper, who quite kindly palmed it into his own net, 1-1! The implications were massive. New Life’s title bid would be critically damaged. The kitchen sink, table, chairs and cooker would all be thrown at Bexley. “Play the New Life way tactic” was installed. Twenty minute of football still to play. Step up in gear for New Life attacking matched by Bexley’s resilience. A green shirt was always between a red shirt and the goal.
Resistance looked to be futile as New Life were in down the left, Dan was forced to commit as he squared the ball for a certain tap in only for James to make the tackle of the season to prevent the goal. Steve bird made a similarly crucial deflection with a New Life diverting the destination of a New Life shot originally for the bottom corner. Kenan and Laurence battling hard for every header but Bexley precious time, but the drama was far from over.
Pete watched on as his team were handed the game on a plate. The stand in keeper came out his box, rarely a sensible decision. To add to this, he opted to pass the ball to Matty B, who couldn’t believe his luck; the ball at his feet with an open goal. Bexley held their breath, but Matt delivered a possible fatal blow to New Life’s title hopes, but more importantly securing third for Lee Baulsom’s green and white army. New Life pushed on, but efforts were either speculative or tame. A welcome full time whistle, from Howard Webb’s look alike.
Third place is Bexley’s. Junior Reds behind in fourth. Maroon XI are four points ahead with a game in hand. New Life are five points ahead having played the same amount of games.
Fixtures until the end of the season
Bexley Athletic Maroon XI New Life
JB Knights (h) Woodside Celtic (a) Greenwich Mariners (h)
Maroon XI (h) Bexley Athletic (a) Bromley Spartans (h)
Charlton & Eltham (a)
To finish above New Life- two wins, new life lose two
To finish above Maroon XI- beat JB Knights and Maroon XI, Maroon lose other games
To win the League- Win both our games, New Life and Maroon XI lose all theirs.
