BBOB increased their winning run to four games in this fiercely fought contest against a determined Rottingdean Village team!
BBOB started the game with their third different goalkeeper of the season, Tom Bunting replacing last week's keeper Ryan Satterly, who resumed his usual role at left back! Adam Leaver returned to the centre of defence, Michael (Titch) McMahon also returned to his usual role at the heart of the midfield. There was also a BBOB debut for centre forward John Tibbs.
Rottingdean, the only team to have beaten BBOB this season (opening game of the season), started the game with the most confidence and put BBOB under immediate pressure at the back. But the BBOB defence sat deeper than usual and were equal to anything that came their way! Despite their early pressure only a couple of long range efforts on the BBOB goal threatened to break the deadlock.
BBOB forced some early chances too, after some good possession football, but were unable to create any clear cut chances. In the 30th minute and against the run of play BBOB took the lead. A Rottingdean corner was cleverly cleared by right back Paul Barton to John Tibbs on the half way line and he found his strike partner Lee (Chief) Madigan in space and through on goal. Chief placed the ball beyond the Rottingdean keeper as he raced off his line.
Shortly after this Rottingdean created a good chance inside the BBOB box and as keeper Tom Bunting cleared the ball with a kick he collided with a Rottingdean forward, both players remained down for some time and after treatment were able to continue. Unfortunately the BBOB keeper could only make it until half time and was replaced by last week's keeper Ryan Satterly.
The second half started with Gavyn Mewett replacing Ryan Satterly at left back. BBOB started the half the strongest and immediately forced the Rottingdean keeper into action. A good chance fell Jamie Eade's way but his shot was well saved. John Tibbs also had a close range effort saved. A free kick was placed just wide by midfielder Howard Lloyd. BBOB had taken control of the game and got their reward in the 70th minute when a John Tibbs shot was judged to have been handled by a Rottingdean defender and a penalty was awarded. Chief made no mistake from the spot, placing his shot beyond the reach of the Rottingdean goalkeeper.
Five minutes later BBOB had a goal disallowed after right midfielder Tom Marshall was put through on goal and buried his chance but was somehow flagged offside by the Rottingdean 'linesman'. The lineman's flag had been a constant nuisance to the BBOB attack throughout the game and particularly in the second half as the game wasn't going Rottingdean's way!
With five minutes to go Rottingdean had a player sent off for a second yellow card, three minutes later, a long ball from deep inside the Rottingdean half found a Rottingdean forward in space and his first time effort was hit beyond the diving BBOB keeper into the net. This was a minor setback for BBOB, particularly the BBOB back four who had played so well throughout the game, but they managed to prevail and win the game. At the final whistle another Rottingdean player was sent off for kicking the ball towards the referee!
This was a tough and physical game for BBOB, but they were more than able to deal with anything that was thrown at them. They showed real character and rolled with the punches right until the final whistle and beyond! A big thank you goes out to the BBOB second team for assisting the first team after the whistle (and Ryan's Mum!!).
Report by Paul (Six games to go!) Barton
