BBOB travelled to Bognor Regis in the Sussex County FA Intermediate Cup first round and sadly this is as far they will go in the competition. This was a hard fought defeat against a strong Predators FC team, who are currently top of the West Sussex Premier division. The BBOB match day squad was, once again, thin on the ground. There was a debut start for youngster Will Maskell up front; Dan Buchanan made his first start of the season at centre back in place of the absent Dan Edwards.
Both teams had to contend with a poorly kept and hazardous pitch, which was very hard, bumpy and had no clear lines.
Predators FC started the game the strongest and remained this way for most of the game but BBOB were resilient throughout, defending well for the most part. They rode their luck early on when a clear chance was somehow placed over the bar by a Predator’s forward from close range, not long after this Predators missed a similar chance, this time the ball was fired wide. BBOB managed to ride this storm and created a good chance themselves, midfielder Howard Lloyd found the right back Paul Barton in space on the edge of the area, he controlled the ball well but twisted his ankle on the shockingly kept pitch in the process. However, his inch perfect cross found both BBOB strikers Matt Barton & Will Maskell in front of goal but somehow neither player could deliver the final touch and the opposition keeper was able to smother the ball.
On 22 minutes Predators took the lead after a good through ball found a striker in space and this time he was able to bury his chance beyond the BBOB keeper Craig Watson. BBOB continued to battle well and keep the opposition at bay until half time.
BBOB started the second half in much better fashion but displayed no cutting edge in forward positions. Right midfielder Tom Fearn had a half chance just inside the Predators box but sliced his effort high and wide. BBOB continued to press and some long ball play into the box almost fell to their advantage, unfortunately the Predators defence were able to clear their lines.
BBOB began to tire, changes were made to accommodate injuries, Ben Laingchild replaced Fletcher Elliott in midfield and player-manager Steve Maskell replaced Ryan Satterly at left back. Right back Paul Barton soldiered on despite carrying an ankle injury for most of the game!
BBOB continued to defend well and reduced Predators to set piece chances and the odd shot from distance; Predators remained in control of the game but couldn't create clear chances to put the result beyond doubt.
BBOB keeper Craig Watson caused a stir when he carried the ball outside the BBOB box by a country mile to give away a free kick. The referee decided he wouldn't punish him any further as the pitch was so poorly marked out!! Lucky Craig!!! Following this Craig made two very good reflex saves from close range.
In the 93 minute of the game, as BBOB pumped the ball forward to try and create an equaliser, Predators braked and a perfect cross found the outstretched knee of a forward who placed the ball beyond the BBOB keeper to seal their victory!
Not a great performance from BBOB but the effort and attitude was there against tough opponents!
Match report by Paul Barton
