Man of the Match- MJ
Goal of the Match- Elton’s compose finish, Demba Ba esk
Save of the Match- Point blank from Dan at the death
Moment of the Match- Referee falling over and rolling midway through the second half, clear simulation
On Sunday 11th of December 2011, Bexley Athletic went 2-0 up against New Life after 10 minutes and then capitulated to a 7-2 defeat. At the time, New Life were only a few positions and a few points above Bexley Athletic in Division 3.
On Sunday 13th January 2013, Bexley Athletic faced Sabonah 97 for the second time this season. At kick off, Sabonah were 26 places across 3 divisions above Bexley. Having already equating themselves well in a 3-1 defeat earlier in the season, a 7-2 loss was by no means shameful on Bexley, who for 75 minutes of the match had a real chance of taking something from the game.
CONTRAVERSY on team selection. Kevin Davis at left midfield. Pete probably just wanted him out of defence for this tough match. The first action of the game would be arguably the worst miss ever against Bexley Athletic when a ball centred from the right only needed a tap in, but the striker proved even Lee Baulsom can play in the Premier Division by volleying over from 5 yards.
The game begun to take shape with Sabonah showing a very first touch amongst their possession play. They had a few sighters on goal whilst probing the Bexley defence and would take the lead in fortuitous circumstances. They eventually got in down the Bexley right and with the initial shot saved by Dan the ball hit the covering Rob who in fear of scoring an own goal cleared the ball against the pouncing striker who scrambled the ball over the line for an ugly goal.
Bexley were understandably struggling to out pass their superior opponents. However, there was a clear weak link when the ball was in the air amongst the Sabonah full backs where Elton, James and Mark were getting some joy. Bexley worked themselves into decent positions on several occasions but failed to test the keeper. They were inches away from a goal when Lee headed back across the box but there was no one there to connect. Kev could have even proved his worth at left midfield when a crossed ball fell to him. If only he could use his left foot.
Sabonah were relentless, testing Bexley’s defence to the limit. The big number 10 in particular looked dangerous and when he received the ball 12 yards out and unleashed a shot despite James Brown’s best efforts, Bexley feared a second goal but Dan was already airborne to turn the ball round the post. The resulting corner would be the only moment in the game where Bexley let themselves down. A handful of players turned their back on the game to get a drink and Sabonah capitalised with a short corner worked into the box resulting in a volley blocked and the rebound slotted in with players out of position.
At this point Sabonah were attacking at will amongst some brief Bexley breaks. The inevitable third goal came through the middle as the player chipped the ball over the on rushing goalkeeper. Again in fortuitous circumstances the ball hit the post rolling across the line and over before Dan could get back. Pete’s protests from the sidelines fell on deaf ears with the referee on the basis it was clearly a goal and Pete was lying.
A first half rout was on the cards but Bexley stemmed the tide. Steve and MJ using their expertise to get a foot on the ball, whilst James Brown was playing a solid positioning game, reminiscent of the greatest right back in the premier league at the moment that is Cesar Azpilicueata. Determination would be rewarded with a goal with a set piece launched in by Mark was knocked out to Lee who used his humungous foot to bounce the ball of the defending completely deliberately to set up Elton who in turn opened the goal up and side footed into the corner. This was maintained to half time, owed somewhat to Rob’s 1000th goal line clearance of the season.
As the second half began on another day Bexley could have been coming out 1-0 up if the bounce of the ball had gone their way. A substitution at linesman as Josh clearly struggling with an arm injury was replaced by Pete. Sabonah reasserted control in the second half flooding forward in numbers but Bexley’s discipline was admirable. On the basis of probability, individual errors were inevitable in defence as Sabonah found themselves clean through the middle again. The volley outside of the foot off the post into the corner was unsavable.
Bexley refused to die and replied yet again. A tactical switch swapping Kev and Mark at half time would pay dividends. A long ball down the right was left by Kev who was in the offside position for Elton who not for the first time opened up Sabonah with his pace. His cross found Mark’s thigh who for the second time in two weeks was on scene to score. Bexley were still very much in this contest.
From the resulting kick off, a speculative effort almost left Dan very embarrassed as the ball sailed over the keeper thundering the post. Bexley pressed on but failed to fashion attempts on target despite getting into strong positions. Josh came on the final 10 minutes replacing relative James, now recovered from the arm injury which prevented him from using the flag.
The final minutes Bexley tired and Sabonah stretched the score line to an undeserved margin. A valiant rear guard effort from all kept the scoreline respectable. A soft penalty awarded after Rob’s challenge would constitute to the fifth. The left back would late make up for this with another clearance off the line (?handball) made even more impressive given the ball deflected off Dan. Bexley would then be undone by a perfectly delivered ball in behind Rob complimented with an even more impressive two touch finish. To round it off, Bexley were unfortunate to concede for a fourth time when a point blank save by Dan at a corner would fall for a midfields to rifle back in the corner despite Lee’s best efforts.
A mammoth effort from all of Bexley who gave everything. The score line somewhat flattered Sabonah. A better first touch, ruthless finishing and superior fitness was the difference today but for the second time this season Sabonah admitted Bexley gave them a game. Just over 16 months ago Bexley were uncompetitive and losing by the same score line to teams in Division 3, now they are competing against premier division teams. Taking this form into the league games (when we get them) with some clinical finishing after the impressive build up play...promotion is not beyond Bexley.
