BBOB made it three wins out of three with their first league game of the season against early league pace setters ATS Southern. Manager Steve Maskell gave starting debuts to James Sansom-Constantini (Central Midfield) & Dan Buchanan (Centre-forward). The game started slowly for BBOB and ATS were on top during the early exchanges, although a succession of ATS corners and free kicks were dealt with by the BBOB defence. In the tenth minute goalkeeper Craig Watson made a fine save from a close range effort which was destined for the top corner, after this BBOB created plenty of their own chances. Centre forward Matt Barton has a a close range shot saved, the rebound fell to left winger Ryan Satterley, his effort was fired straight back at the opposition keeper!
From a quick break out of the BBOB defence, and a good passing move, Matt Barton fired another shot narrowly wide, debutant James Sansom-Constantini created a good chance for himself on the edge of the area, but also fired wide. Ryan Satterley fired another effort over the bar before finally scoring the opening BBOB goal in the 40th minute, his goal coming straight from a well taken corner to the near post! Half time 1-0. Another BBOB debutant Ed Wyeth replaced forward Dan Buchanan at half time.
The second half started just as the first did, with ATS Southern attacking the BBOB goal, in this spell they hit the post, and right back Paul Barton cleared a shot off the line whilst defending the near post from an ATS corner. ATS could have had a penalty in the 65th minute as centre back Adam Leaver was judged to have fouled one of the ATS forwards, thankfully the referee said the challenge was made just outside the box. BBOB cleared the free kick and never looked back after this, some good forward play from the midfield and forward Ed Wyeth found Matt Barton on goal he slotted the ball into the ATS goal after riding a challenge from the opposition goalkeeper!
ATS were now chasing the game and played a lot of long ball into the BBOB half, leaving plenty of room for BBOB to counter attack. In the 75th minute Josh Staniforth playing at right wing was replaced by player-manager Steve Maskell and soon afterwards Ben Wheatland replaced Keith Churchward. In the 85th minute and after numerous chances BBOB made it 3-0, central midfielder Howard Lloyd found James Sansom-Constantini in space and one on one with the keeper, James slotted the ball calmly into the goal. In the 90th minute Howard Lloyd capped off a fine team performance with the fourth BBOB goal, keeper Craig Watson sent a perfectly weighted ball over the ATS back line, to find Howard through on goal, he placed his shot calmly over the keepers head into the roof of the net.
A very strong performance by BBOB with three promising debut performances and a rare clean sheet. The score line was possibly a bit harsh on ATS Southern but it was definitely the right result!
Match report by Paul Barton
