BBOB suffered a rare defeat in the semi-final of the Hove & Worthing Cup and for the first time this season failed to get on the score sheet! AFC Brighton & Hove, from the next division up, proved to be very tough opponents and their game plan of stopping BBOB's passing game at all costs, worked to their advantage! AFC's aggressive approach to the game worked straight away, BBOB were barely able to get out of their half for the first fifteen minutes! A string of long throws and corners put BBOB under constant pressure and an inconsistent performance from the referee throughout this game didn't help either! Despite the pressure on the BBOB defence AFC were unable to create many good chances and the BBOB defence stood up well to the challenge, welcoming back centre half Adam Leaver to partner the impressive Sam Hamberger.
BBOB also welcomed back midfielder Michael (Titch) McMahon into the action after a two year absence through injury; he started the game at right midfield, his favourite position!!
The best AFC chance came from a close range header from a corner, which was tipped over the bar by keeper Craig Watson. Not long after this the same AFC player was able to find the back of the net, again with a header from a corner, to give AFC the lead. Almost immediately a well worked move through the BBOB midfield found its way to Matt Barton, but under pressure from the keeper he was unable to find the net, sending his shot wide of the post. Half time 1-0 to AFC.
At half time forward Joe Thomas (suffering from an injury) was replaced by Ben Wheatland. BBOB found it hard to impose themselves in their usual way; AFC continued to press the BBOB defence, who were somehow finding it difficult to clear their lines! AFC were unable to convert a couple of close range efforts, with one shot fired narrowly wide at the far post. In the 67th minute AFC's centre forward extended his team's lead with a superbly taken volley from a well uted cross by the right winger. BBOB goalkeeper Craig Watson could do nothing but watch as the re-directed effort sailed past him into the bottom right hand corner of the net.
BBOB refused to give up, and at times were able to put together some good football, but were unable to trouble the opposition keeper. With ten minutes remaining BBOB manager Steve Maskell changed the formation to 3-5-2, with Michael McMahon moving into the centre of midfield. This appeared to improve the BBOB forward play and suddenly chances were being created, the best falling to forward Matt Barton, his close range effort was fired just past the post!
Despite this AFC finished the game fairly comfortable and will be looking forward to a Cup Final match later in the season. BBOB will now concentrate on the league and a very realistic chance of promotion later in the season!
Match report by Paul Barton
