BBOB went into their second league game of the season with caution, Royal Hove were top of the league after four games, dropping only two points. This game was BBOB biggest test of the season. BBOB started slowly and allowed Royal Hove plenty of early possession, although they were unable to create any chances, apart from one shot which hit the bar. As the game progressed BBOB created their own chances and on the half hour they took the lead. Paul Barton's perfectly under-hit free kick from the half way line found Lee (Chief) Madigan on the edge of the penalty area, he found Dan Buchanan in space, and he buried his chance from 12 yards into the roof of the net. After this BBOB settled into the game and it wasn't long until they doubled their lead, in the 38th minute, Howard Lloyd found Lee Madigan in space, where he rounded the keeper to make it two nil.
Right winger Ed Wyeth was replaced at half time by James Sansom-Constantini. Royal Hove, as expected, started the second half the liveliest and in the early exchanges they had a flurry of corners and free kicks which made life a little bit difficult for the BBOB defence. But there was no way through for Royal Hove as BBOB dealt with their pressure very well. In the 60th minute Lee Madigan found himself on goal again, this time he shot just wide. In the 60th minute central midfielder Chris Thomas was replaced by Josh Staniforth and BBOB continued to battle and compete well. A free kick was given away on the edge of the BBOB area in the 70th minute, but Royal Hove failed convert. The free kick was played to the far post and the Royal Hove forward headed narrowly wide.
In the 75th minute manager Steve Maskell made his final substitution, with left back Keith Churchward replacing Dan Buchanan allowing Ryan Satterley back into his more familiar left midfield role. BBOB kept Royal Hove at bay until the 90th minute, when some good play by the left winger found the centre forward in space, his first timed shot back across goal beat the outstretched BBOB keeper Craig Watson.
There was still time for Howard Lloyd to extend the BBOB lead in stoppage time, after some good work by centre forward Matt Barton, his pass found Lloyd in space and from eight yards his shot was hit straight at the opposition keeper! Shortly afterwards the final whistle was blown. A well fought and deserved win for BBOB. A great defensive display throughout the whole team.
Match report by Paul Barton
