The second clash of the titans this season and the first time the two sides have met since the unpleasant scenes at the final whistle last time around. The injury list is still growing down in Sussex with hunky front man 2Gun Willy joining list of lepers. So it was untimely news when the phone rang and Luke Leppard delivered the news that he would be signing for St Lawrence in a big money move. With options limited Bert Freeman was tucked in to the number 9 shirt and asked to partner Captain Mannering in attack. There was some good news from the treatment room however with Zac Effron making his first start since his nasty injury against Southborough back in October.
It was an open game from the start and both sides sensed there were goals to be had. Indeed it was the visitors who had the first chance. Their diminutive left winger broker free down the left using his pace to pull away but his cross was poked narrowly wide. There were some half chances for B&A before Southborough turned the screws again, this time it was left to Dan Harrison in the Blackham sticks to pull off a string of fine saves to keep the game level.
On the 20 minute mark and after a short spell of pressure the deadlock was broken. Zac Effron broke free down the wing and crossed in for Hobbit to rifle home. It should have been two moments later, Effron sprung the offside trap but couldn’t quite round the keeper and finish. And so it was heart breaking for the home fans when the current league champs levelled just before the break. A hopeful effort from distance was lost in the sun and came back off the bar for the Southborough chancer to bundle over the line.
Spirits were high at half time despite the set back but everyone knew a massive 45 was needed. And unlike some many B&A games in the past rather than conceding early in the second half they went out and got their noses back in front. This time Bert pouncing on a loose back-pass from the Southborough left back and slotting it neatly in the corner. Again when Southborough tried to hit back they found a brick wall of Bish and Bowlsey and on the odd occasion this wall was breached Dan was in fine form and had all the angles covered. B&A were now in control of the game and pouring forward and finding space. Bert pulled out wide and fired in a cross that the keeper clawed at but it only fell to the feet of the formidable Fern Higgins who returned the ball with interest resulting in a lovely little bulge in the back of the net. Game set match.
With the game safe and the home side in control on came the subs. Robbie G, Hugo and Adam H came on to see the game out. Hugo also managed to put a nice glacier cherry on the top sweeping home a Fern Higgins centre.
There was even time for some late drama, I’m not sure whether Spudulike had questioned the guy’s man hood or said something derogatory about his mother but he seemed riled enough to try and convert Thumbelina over the goal posts. Either way it earned him an early bath and ensured some first class whinging from the angry mob.
The County Cup dream lives on and we all look forward to the draw for the next round.
COME ON MARGATE AWAY
