Going in to this game we knew we had to win to stand a chance of securing 2nd place and there was an outside chance we could still win the league if Eden Rangers slipped up against Tunbrdige wells. We also wanted to get one over on Pembury as they beat us at home earlier in the season.
On a hot day with a hard bobbly pitch and slightly different looking back four the mood in the camp was quiet. I think some nerves were creeping in as we are now deeply into the business end of the season.
There was a surprise call up for Lee Gammon after a few weeks out with a mystery injury sparking rumours of a rift in the B&A dressing room. Gammon was quick to quash such rumours stating his absence had been due to a nasty buttock injury sustained while tumbling down some stairs in a near by well known wine bar! Anyway he returned and slotted into the back four alongside Hathers and looked like he'd been playing there all his life.
The game started as it continued. B&A had the vast majority of the ball and the first 45 minutes saw some of the most competent and crisp football we've seen all season. The passing was quick and precise and the communication was for once brilliant, Paul Hathaway providing the most fog horn like voice through out. We defended from the front with Gozzy, Hobbit and Baggo all putting in tireless displays from their attacking roles. Hobbit was whipping in some dangerous crosses and everyone started to feel this may be where the breakthrough comes. Bitch Cowan was in inspired form out on the right and looked dangerous every time he got on the ball. He gave the Pembury left back a busy and most probably unpleasant afternoon.
After a few good chances the goal came. And indeed it was from one of Hobbit's delicious crosses. A great team move sweeping across the pitch culminated in a superbly placed volley from Baggo just out of reach of the keeper and brushing in off the crossbar after he connected perfectly with Hobbit's ball. This should have signalled the flood gates to open and although B&A still had the vast majority of the possession and many many good chances the 2nd goal never came. Fortunately for the visitors the centre back pairing of Huff's and Meat was working a dream. Hathaway controlled the back line fantastically and Gammon looked like he'd never been away, always comfortable on the ball and not afraid to put into the crowds when the need arrived.
Shaggy and Ferg appeared to have galvanized their partnership in the middle of the park. They were instrumental in many of the attacking moves today. Both could have capped their performances with goals but neither managed to find the target. Mark Baggesen also had an inspired performance, playing almost as a wing back at times picking up the extra man he also managed to cause Pembury endless problems down the left flank and put some very nice ball in to the box (Shaggy!!)
A rare clean sheet and a good 3 points, with one league game to go a win will secure 2nd place
