Bexley returned to winning ways after a slog against YMCA Elite at the Meridian Sports Ground. A bare 11 was put together but this week Bexley were blessed in having a decent back four and midfield which would ultimately prove to much for their opponents, despite a late come back from the home side.
Story of the day would be Kev playing out of position at left back and boy did it show. Stand in manager Dan takes full responsibility for his brother’s performance, although he did propose a switch to centre back but kev waddled on. After Louis marked his territory in midfield by forcing the keeper to make an early save; he then delivered a wicked ball into the box, which Kev somehow managed to hit the keeper from a yard with a diving header. Laurie would also have a more difficult chance which came to nothing.
The game then levelled out into a bit of a midfield battle as YMCA forced their way back in, forcing the keeper to tip over the bar. With it being several weeks since the Bexley back four had played together, there was an apparent lack of communication going on causing some unnecessary last ditch defending. Back up the other end Mark and Kev would both put quality balls into the box which were not attacked.
It was then Dan (inspired by Jose Mourinho) pulled Mark over for a little chat. The left midfielder was encouraged to pull inside and have a shot at the next opportunity and Baulsom duly delivered. James won the header in midfield leaving YMCA overloaded, Matt drew the defender leaving Mark free on the left of the box who made a slight diagonal run inside and to the astonishment of even his own father; scored off the post with his left foot. His celebration said it all, sprinting over to the manger for the day to thank him for his wisdom.
Eight minutes later, Bexley doubled their lead. Louis delivered the corner which rebounded off the keeper. Laurence with immense skill managed to hook the ball with the outside of his right foot having been facing with his back to goal. Thiery Henry esk (sorry Elton).
The pendulum then swung YMCA’s way and they were unfortunate not to get a goal before half time. A 20 yard free kick whistled over before Bexley were grateful to their keeper for smothering a one vs one. Brad Friedel would have been proud.
Content was the mood at half time. Bexley had been the better side without actually playing very well, but YMCA had looked threatening. Dan continued to inspire the team by calling for more talking at the back and more use of the width. Meanwhile, Pete put his shin pads on.
Eight minutes into the second period a crucial moment occurred. YMCA appeared to be pinned on the by-line, but the defensive decision making to dive in on two occasions was questionable. Rob then had a flash back to two weeks ago and made a fine save at the expense of a penalty. The spot kick failed to find the corner but was struck hard and high, which the keeper did well to claw away. This was followed by an equally as important save down low after a long range effort.
Bexley would then have a series of chances to close out the game which they did not take. Laurence delivered a very tempting ball into the box which was again left unattended. James and Laurie had long range efforts followed by Laurence being thwarted by the keeper one vs one. Matt, offside but allowed through would suffer a similar fate.
On another day this could have been crucial. Bexley were given a warning when YMCA had a goal ruled out for offside. Pete perfectly demonstrating that the player had come from an offside position to play the ball.
Kev would then lose his way. A corner from the left was low but went through a handful of players. Having failed to score from that position in the first half, Kev this time found the net with no problems. After blaming his team mates, he then realised that there was no way out of this one. I have since received an official apology from the left back.
Kev can also be grateful to Louis for relieving him of a nervous last 5 minutes. Bexley earned a free kick, and Louis nestled the ball into the top corner with an unstoppable strike to secure a 3-1 win.
Valley Park have now played their game in hand and have re-taken top spot. Bexley are a net 3rd with Kawooya to play in the cup next week.
Pete can get an unofficial 9/10 for some impressive assistant refereeing despite changing his mind at another decision today. Fortunately for the opponents this did not lead to a red card.
Dan can have an unofficial 9/10 for inspiring Mark to score a goal. (still no assists).
