After a tight win last week we knew we would have to tighten up the ship this week against a well organised confident team that has been very used to winning in recent years. There were a couple of changes from the team that won against Tonbridge Invicta. Craig Bishop came in for Gent Jim, Frazer Lawrence came in at Left back for Gandhi, Uncle Phil made his debut at centre mid and Zac Shing was on the bench hoping to get his first taste of B&A action in the league. Stan Bowles was also returning and took his place on the bench
It was a fairly even first half with both sides having chances. If the Valour front two bothered to look along the line and not wander into off side positions every time they may have gone in at half time in front. As it was Bish and Huffers held the back line perfectly and were first to everything in the air. The best chance of the half fell to 2Gun. Bish took a quick free kick and lofted it perfectly over the full back’s head in to the path of the Praying Mantis who raced clear and clipped it back to Miami to prod home only for the Valour centre back to dive in and make a brilliant last ditch tackle. He was denied the plaudits however as the referee wrongly awarded a goal kick. A rare mistake from the man in the middle.
The second half started the same as the 2nd and the crowd were getting restless as it looked like the two sides would cancel each other out. An inspired substation from the Valour bench led to the opening goal. A good team move across the path ended with their player in acres of space in the 18 yard box and he finished well. The lead only lasted 10 or 12 minutes as the B&A bench pulled out an inspired change of their own brining on the young Zac Shing to make his debut. Within minutes he had latched onto a Mark Baggesen cross at the far stick after a cunning dummy from 2Gun to level the scoring. Valour then seemed to get back on top and there were some nervy moments for the B&A with Frazer and Adam Jefferies both clearing off the line. Frazer was having a flawless performance at left back. Showing great turns of pace to cover up on the rare occasions the valour boys got in behind the back line.
Then came a spell of pressure from the home side and a secession of corners. Two of which Sgt Major Bishop connected with. One header going narrowly wide the other a good save from the Valour keeper. Then it was Latts turn to try and win it. First he was played in direct from a Dan Harrison drop kick but he snatched at the shot and chance went begging. Then he was played in by Baggo (I think??). He got the shot away but it clipped the roof of the crossbar and went over.
The game could have gone either way but it was B&A’s day. Another corner had been cleared and played back in. Bish took it first time on the chest before turning and hitting a deflected shot that struck the crossbar. Uncle Phil was the first to react (which is a miracle really!) and slammed it home with only seconds remaining. The crowd went crazy and there were warm heartfelt hugs all round.
Valour pumped the ball forward in an attempt to have one last chance but the ball went out and the ref blew the final wistle.
