Bexley’s hopes of achieving second spot in their debut season in Division 2 took a severe blow yesterday when they twice let slip a lead as Sparrows Lane did the double over the promotion challengers. Barca took full advantage as they dispatched Junior Reds 4-0 moving a point ahead with a game in hand.
On a very hot morning Bexley were close to full strengths but three Tough Mudders were struggling from Saturday’s antics. With no referee, both teams would have to share refereeing duties. The game was open and flowing in the first half with Bexley superior without really working the goalkeeper in the early stages. Matty, Laurence, Elton, and James gave the defence plenty of work early on.
The opening goal would come from an unlikely position. Bexley won a corner, which was hit by Louis out swinging, seemingly going on target and helped on its way by a Sparrows defender. This goal was backed up by Bexley continuing to press up front, but the final ball was couldn’t find its target. However, the build up play was impressive, Elton in particular was beating defenders for fun with his pace. Laurence then had the chance to double Bexley’s lead but mis-hit a close range volley. Lee also had a good chance with a header from a corner. Shortly after, Elton was denied a fine individual goal after he beat two defenders and struck a shot left footed. Only some equally good goalkeeping kept the score at 1-0.
It took the majority of the first half, but Sparrows Lane eventually got into the game and pressed the Bexley defence. For the most part this caused little problems, with some very hopeful long range efforts floating wide, but when Matt and James both went to the same man, this opened up space in the middle for a shot to be fired forcing Dan to save down low.
The second half would prove to be more dramatic. Sparrows Lane came out of the blocks all guns blazing. A succession of corners landed within striking distance for Dan to deal with, perhaps contributing to the equalising goal. Another corner, similar position but much longer as everyone seemed to switch off. Sparrows were fortunate that the ball squeezed between James and the far post.
With the game more of an even contest it was Bexley who snatched back the advantage. A bit of a scramble in the area led to Matt pouncing to shoot low and hard at the near post. Sparrow striker then embarked in his first bit of gamesmanship of the day, shoving Steve to the ground before slotting the ball away, quickly ruled out by Purcell. With the opposition pressing for an equaliser, Bexley were grateful to some brilliant defensive blocks and one notable covering tacking from Mark. A stone wall penalty was then awarded to Bexley as Sparrows handled in the area. This was dispatched competently by James Hall.
With the game seemingly under control, Bexley went to pieces. The organisation throughout the team was lost under some fairly unimpressive attacking play from Sparrows. Elton failed to convert from close range after good play from Louis on the right and all of a sudden Bexley could not hold possession. This was then compounded by an act of simulaton by the same Sparrows attacker. Played in down the right he was one vs one with Dan. His second touch was awful as he lost control of the ball, Dan was committed to the dive but contact with the player was minimal. A long jump and role worthy of Super Saturday at the London 2012 Olympics plus desperate appeals from the away side unfortunately convinced the inexperienced Purcell to give a penalty. This was converted, pulling the score back to 3-2.
Bexley’s confidence was now nonexistent, Elton’s head had clearly dropped having beaten players for fun through most of the game. A further Sparrows penalty appeal for turned down, but the inevitable occurred in the most disappointing way. The goal scorer actually received the ball midway into the Bexley half, the shot occurred at the penalty spot. What happened in between was Bexley’s usually disciplined defending becoming intimidated and reckless as Kev dived in on the edge of the box, and several others failing to stand the player up as he found the top corner.
Bexley caused chaos as set pieces as they went looking for a fourth. However, it went from bad to worse as Sparrows got in again and took the lead with a low shot from a tight angle off the post, one Dan should have got a better hand to. Four minutes remained, and the end to this encounter resulted in Kevs header from a free kick looping onto the bar and behind as the final whistle went.
A lesson to be learned from the game...A win should not be taken for granted with a two goal lead.
The team are also looking to invest in some refereeing lessons for Rob
