BBOB were unlucky not to get all three points in this game, but at the same time could have easily lost the match if it wasn't for two memorable goals both contenders for goals of the season! The BBOB squad was being stretched in this game, as there were plenty of absentees! The reshuffle saw Ryan Satterly deputising in goal for the second week running, Gavyn Mewett slotted in at left back behind the returning Jac Edwards. Dan Buchanan returned to the centre of midfield for the first time this season, Matt Barton partnered John Tibbs up front for the first time and player manager Steve Maskell started at right midfield.
BBOB had the best of the early exchanges; John Tibbs had a good chance to score in the first minute but fired a tame shot wide. Other chances fell to the BBOB forward line but they were unable to trouble the Palmeira keeper too much!
Against the run of play, Palmeira took the lead, the BBOB defence stood still as a Palmeira player ran onto a good pass on the BBOB right and his well struck cross came off BBOB defender Adam Leaver, wrong-footed the BBOB keeper and trickled over the line! Frustratingly this was Racing Palmeira's first attack!
BBOB continued to press and still remained in control of the game, but they were up against a stubborn defence and goalkeeper. Jac Edwards was able to find space on the left on a number of occasions and fire some crosses over but BBOB were unable to get that all important final touch to create a goal! Half time 0-1.
The second half started badly for BBOB, when in the 50th minute they conceded a second goal. This time a back pass was presented to Ryan Satterly in the BBOB goal, he was unable to clear the ball far, scuffing it into the air, and straight onto the head of a Palmeira forward who placed the ball into an empty BBOB net! This was Palmeira's second chance on goal!!
BBOB responded superbly, and refused to be beaten, knowing that they were very unfortunate to be two goals behind! After a string of attacks, involving Jac Edwards, now playing on the right, BBOB finally reduced the deficit! The ball was placed into the Palmeira penalty box, they failed to clear, and Matt Barton, with a superb overhead kick, placed the ball over the keeper and into the net!
Palmeira now started to retreat, and try to hold onto their slim lead! BBOB made changes, Dave Garrett replaced the injured and knackered player manager Steve Maskell and shortly after this Ben Laingchild (making his first BBOB appearance for a number of years!) replaced John Tibbs. BBOB resorted to a long ball tactic now, to try and force a goal and finally it came (five minutes into stoppage time!) when a Palmeira clearance rolled to central midfielder Howard Lloyd 30 yards from goal, without hesitation, he fired a superb and sweet right foot strike into the top right hand corner of the net, with the keeper at full stretch!
A minute later the game was over and BBOB had drawn the match but it felt like a win!
Match side reporter Paul Barton
