BBOB suffered their first defeat of the season in this SCFA Junior cup game, this was a closely fought game which lasted 120 minutes, on top of that it was the hottest October day in recorded history!! Framfield began the game the sharpest and appeared to dominate the early midfield exchanges and played a well rehearsed long ball game to their large centre forward. Despite this BBOB defended well, right from the front, the best chances for Framfield came from distance, goalkeeper Craig Watson appeared to deal with these well (after the odd fumble or two!). BBOB resorted to counter attack football, which at times created some half chances, BBOB had their fair share of corners in the first half, left back Keith Churchward twice had a chance to score at the near post but both times he shot wide. Half time 0-0.
The second half started similar to the first with BBOB on the back foot and defending very well to keep Framfield at bay. In the 52nd minute manager Steve Maskell made his first change, replacing left winger Ryan Satterley with Dan Buchanan. This appeared to be a master stroke, as within four minutes Buchanan put BBOB into the lead with a clever one-two with forward Ed Wyeth, after a good BBOB passing move from defence. The game was far from over, Ed Wyeth was replaced up front on the 60th minute by Ben Wheatland, and after defending well against a string of corners and free kicks, BBOB conceded an equaliser in the 74th minute. The goal coming from a corner, which BBOB failed to clear first time resulting in a close range finish from the opposition team player. player-manager Steve Maskell replaced right midfielder James Sansom-Constantini shortly after this.
BBOB held out until the 90th minute, neither team looked likely to score the winner, and extra time had to be played. After a large intake of fluids by both teams, the extra 30 minutes began. Again both teams’ defences were defiant, BBOB centre backs Sam Hamberger & Adam Leaver were on top form, particularly Adam Leaver who seemed to win every challenge that came his way! In the first half of extra time BBOB created a good chance to re-take the lead, but Ben Wheatland failed to convert Matt Barton's fierce cross. In the second half of extra time both teams were tiring and the game seemed to be heading to penalties, although Framfield were pushing BBOB further back, with a few attacks and set pieces, and it was from a quickly taken throw-in that Framfield got their winner. In the 119th minute, the ball was thrown to an advancing player who played the ball to their forwards in the box, with the BBOB defence pushing out of the area, the ball found a Framfield forward unmarked, his header looped over the on-rushing Craig Watson into an empty net. No flag was raised and the goal was awarded.
This was a strong defensive display from BBOB throughout the team and particularly by the two centre halves! A resilient performance which shows how far the team have improved since last season already! Surely BBOB would have won the penalty shoot out and progressed to the next round but now we will never know!!
Match report by Paul Barton
