A much changed starting line up from the previous week, Ashley Lloyd was in at right back for the away day Albion supporter Paul Barton, Keith (my groins hurting) Churchward was at left back with Dan moving to partner Stuart at centre back, Adam (skinny) Craig in midfield for the absent “H” and Ryan in goal for injured Craig.
Despite the changes BBOB started the game strongly in the 2nd minute Skinny put a good cross over from the left wing into the box which Chris connected with but put just over the bar, 6 minutes later and Ash came over from his right back position to take a free kick on the left wing, the ball was put in towards the far post where Ben Scott unfortunately put his shot wide. Royal Hove also had early chances, the best from a free kick on their right wing just put over the bar. Stand in goalkeeper, Ryan, suffered an early muscle pull, before he could be substituted Royal put pressure on him every time he got the ball, realising that he could not kick the ball well. BBOB had another chance on goal, a corner from Ash found Titch but his header went just over the bar. While Royal were waiting to take the goal kick Steve Maskell, player/manger put on the goalies jersey after just 24 minutes. Ryan received treatment on the side of the pitch from his sister and mum, while BBOB continued to pressure the Royal defence.
This pressure paid off in the 28th minute when Skinny put over another cross into the box from the left wing, this found Jamie who had a simple tap in to make 1-0 to BBOB. Further chances fell to Ash, a lob from just outside the area, and Chris Thomas setting up Matt. In the 43rd minute a lob from one of the Royal attackers looked as if it was going to find its way into the top left hand corner of the BBOB goal, only for Steve at the last moment to push the ball up onto the underside of the cross bar, the ball bounced back down and was coolly collected by Steve who cleared it up field.
BBOB started strongly again in the 2nd half, but Royal started to put pressure on the BBOB defence, it look as if an equaliser was on when one of their forwards broke down the middle, although pursued by our defence it looked odds on that he would score, but Steve raced out of his goal, slid across the pitch and cleared the ball with his legs. Shortly afterwards Royal had a succession of corners but the BBOB defended their lines.
With the game entering the 89th minute Titch picked up the ball in midfield, played it through to Ben who blasted it into the back of the net. One minute to last out, but Keith had said the ref had told him there was still 15 minutes to play, had he misheard.
Royal did not give up and equalised in the 93 minute from a header. After 5 minutes of stoppage time the ref said there was still 7 minutes to play, Ryan and Craig on the side-lines thought the match was going to extra time, they had missed the first half goal when Ryan had been substituted and was being treated. BBOB held out for the full twelve minutes of extra time played by the ref to earn a well-deserved win over difficult opposition and a place in the semi-final of the A. W. Bridle KO Cup.
Match report written by assistant to senior match reporter Paul Barton.
