This was our first appearance in the Kent Cup since we lost 12-0 back in the early 90's so we were determined to give a good account of ourselves. Despite a few squad members not fancying the long trip to Eccles just the other side of Maidstone and coming up with some interesting excuses why they couldn't play we made the trip with 12 players.
Our opponents we're flying high in the Maidstone Premier league and had knocked a Kent county side in Rusthall 2nd's out of the charity cup the week before so we knew they would be no mugs. The first half was tight with fairly even possession, the home side probably had the better of the chances in the first 35 minutes. Mr Ed was standing tall at the back against a very physical and competitive centre forward and the boys up top were chasing everything down and working there nuts off. After a couple of scares Eccles finally broke the deadlock with a headed goal that reeked of offside, 2Gun Willy running the line claimed the sun was in his eyes. Either way we felt hard done by to be 1-0 down at half time. The 2nd half bought new hope with some well worked chances for the B&A boys but no one could find a finishing touch. Even their stylish left back Adam Harrison had a sniff of goal but it just wouldn't sit down in time for him to get a shot off. A cruel twist saw the home side double their advantage against the run of play. A routine corner but no one took it upon themselves to mark the near post, a back stick header was then looped over Brown Bears head and dropped in at the near post. This took the wind out of everyone's sails a bit but the boys kept pushing on. This was possibly the best side we'd faced this season but we gave as good as we got and played some good football at times. Gozzy was slipped in by Thom thumb and would no doubt have scored if he had not been flagged offside. With a few minutes remaining they made it 3-0 with a neat strike from 12 yards out just squeezing in past Brown Bears outstretched paw. 3-0 really did flatter them somewhat and I don’t think they would mind me saying so. They knew they had been in a competitive game this afternoon. It was Gentleman Jim's 1st 90 minutes for over a year and he didn't disgrace himself despite the score line. We were also complemented in the pub afterwards by a number of their players and supporters on how well we played and our work ethic through the team especially our front two, so there were plenty of positives to take from the game
We were also well supported by our travelling barmy army and must say a big thanks to them for making the long trip. Mr Nowell, Mr Freeman, Hound and Co and of course our management team of Niceguy and Pat. Well done guys, we're lucky to have you lot.
