This game featured three BBOB debutants, striker Ben Scott, right winger Jamie Eade and substitute Dan Edwards. There were four players on the bench including a first appearance this season for Ed Wyeth and for Ashley Lloyd, who returned to BBOB after a three year absence.
BBOB started this game well, looking the stronger of the two teams in the early exchanges. They took the lead in the 5th minute, a long throw from centre back Tom Bunting found Matt Barton, after an exchange of passes with Howard Lloyd, his long range deflected effort found the top left hand corner of the Midway goal. BBOB had chances to increase their lead, the best falling to left winger Jac Edwards, who placed a good effort just wide and Howard Lloyd who had two headed chances from two separate corners. As the half progressed Midway began to ease their way into the game, after a few aerial threats, where the BBOB defence held strong they equalised. The BBOB defence failed to fully clear their lines and the ball fell to a Midway forward 12 yards out who made no mistake with his strike. Half time 1-1.
Jac Edwards was replaced by central midfielder Dan Edwards at half time after picking up an injury, BBOB debutant Jamie Eade switched to left midfield and Chris Thomas moved from centre of midfield to the right. BBOB continued with a battling performance against the very physical Midway team, both teams created good chances in the early part of the second half. On the hour mark a BBOB corner found Tom Bunting in space, his hooked shot was well saved by the Midway goalkeeper, shortly after this Midway hit the cross bar. Chris Thomas was replaced on the hour mark by last minute signing Ashley Lloyd.
After a Midway goalkeeping error in the 65th minute BBOB regained the lead, the keeper's misplaced pass found BBOB striker Ben Scott, his shot from 12 yards crossed the line just as Ben hit the ground in agony with cramp! He was replaced immediately by Ed Wyeth, making his first appearance of the season after picking up an injury in the closed season!
The BBOB defence were under constant pressure in the last 20 minutes, Midway hit the post from close range, the ricochet fell to the same player but his shot was well saved by BBOB keeper Craig Watson. Midway continued to press and managed to equalise in the 78th minute after a good move and a close range headed finish! With ten minutes left BBOB centre back Adam Leaver had to leave the field of play with a hamstring injury and BBOB were down to ten men. Midway seemed to take advantage of this and in the 90th minute a well placed cross found a Midway forward in the six yard box who couldn't miss and didn't! Final score BBOB 2 Midway 3.
The result was cruel on BBOB who fought hard throughout and deserved at least a draw. A special mention and thanks should go to Matt Pickles who was an unused substitute on the day and also ran the line in the second half, and we should thank BBOB legend Mickey Maskell as well for his constant words of encouragement from the sidelines!
Match report by Paul Barton
