First of all I’d like to say congratulations to Shaggy and Abi, the new Mr and Mrs Lattimer xx
After our first loss of the season it was not the best time to be playing the current Champs who were on another good run with a 100% record in all competitions and only conceding one goal in league so far this season. But never the less we had a good squad available and strong belief we could go there and get a result. After an in-depth team meeting at the bar at Shaggy’s wedding reception and some helpful input from players and former heroes alike we formulated what looked like a foolproof plan. You could tell we'd all been drinking heavily as when I woke up and looked at my tactics napkin it had Baggo playing up front! This week also saw the return of B&A's best dressed man 2005,06,07,08,09 and 2010, pin up hunk Fergy Higgins. And also the return from a nasty two injury of 2Gun Miami Vice Wood.
B&A got off to a strong start and should have been ahead within the first minute, some sloppy play at the back was pounced upon by the sharp looking Baggo but the keeper recovered well to save with his feet. The boys in black and red were playing their nice passing football that has become the norm this season but then some sloppy marking at the back stick let Hadlow take the advantage with their first attack. In all fairness it was a very good finish on the volley. Minutes later it got worse. A lovely threaded ball was put through for Baggo to chase but he pulled up two strides in and went down with the old shrapnel in the hammy that has dogged him since his days in Naam. 2Gun made an early appearance than expected coming on up top with Latts.
It wasn’t long before it was two zip. Again some ball watching at the back resulted in the Hadlow centre forward nipping between Bowlesy and Bayley and finishing superbly. Beating Danny H at full stretch. We all thought he had tipped it round the post at first. In fact despite the score line it turned out to be one of Dan's best performances of the season pulling off a number of good saves and keeping us in it,
Zac Shing was having a good day against tough opposition, he seems to get better and better every week and just plays his game regardless of who the opposition is. He was unlucky not get on the score sheet late, only denied by a smart save from the Hadlow keeper.
It was 3-0 before the break, another clinical finish from a Hadlow front man, not much Dan could do to stop it. B&A had chances and were getting in behind the Hadlow back four. Bert put a cross in to 2Gun who was ready to pounce but had his pocked picked at the last second. Tommy B was having blinder of his own, playing out of position he battled for every ball and as you would expect from Tommy won every header and 50/50 challenge. He even had to improvise a few times to get the ball clear, showing us some text book 'kneeing' techniques and also a lovely last ditch bicycle kick.
An unprovoked and needless challenge from the Hadlow centre mid on Latts nearly turned the game ugly but the lads didn't bite and got on with game. How he stayed on the park is a mystery though. (in my humble opinion)
They scored again late on to make it 4-0. A score line that doesn't reflect the effort put in by the B&A boys and also the classy football they played. Buy Hadlow are a class act and will be tough for anyone to beat. They played good football and were well organised at the back, something we need to get right if we are to progress.
