BBOB started strongly in this game and picked up another well-deserved three points, they took an early lead when a completely unchallenged Jac Edwards headed in a James Sansom-Constantini corner. Ten minutes later Edwards made it two nil with a well taken left foot finish after Southwick failed to clear a long ball from the BBOB midfield played on by Ben. Apart from some neat possession play in the middle of the park and the occasional corner Southwick gave the BBOB defence no real concerns. In the 24th minute Dan Buchanan extended the BBOB lead, after a high ball into the box from right back Paul Barton, Buchanan controlled the ball, beat his man and made no mistake from 12 yards out. BBOB could have increased this lead many times before half time but failed to do so, twice centre forward Ben Wheatland came close with headed chances and Midfielder Howard Lloyd struck a good chance just wide of the post when it looked easier to hit the target. Half time 3-0.
Lee Madigan (Chief) replaced Ben Wheatland at half time and right midfielder James Sansom-Constantini was replaced by Ed Wyeth. BBOB started the second half well but on occasions the Southwick midfield was able to break and create chances from distance. In the 53rd minute the all important fourth goal was clinched, putting the game out of Southwick's reach. A BBOB cross was intercepted by the Southwick defence, the ball fell to Paul Barton 25 yards out, and his perfectly hit side footed shot sailed over the Southwick goalkeeper (who only stood 5 foot tall) into the roof of the net. Jac Edwards almost completed a hat trick with a fierce strike in the 56th minute, the diminutive keeper palmed his shot onto the bar and the Southwick defence were able to clear the danger.
Shortly after this Joe Thomas had a chance to make it five; his shot was well saved by the Southwick keeper. Joe made amends in the 69th minute when a cross from the left found Chief on goal his shot was fumbled by the keeper and Joe made sure of the goal from close range to get his first BBOB (first team) goal! BBOB didn't sit back on this lead and continued to pressurise the Southwick defence, Howard Lloyd found himself on goal with the keeper to beat but again the keeper made a good save.
Matt Barton, returning from injury, replaced Joe Thomas in the 70th minute to get his first run out since the 5th November. Shortly afterwards the Southwick goalkeeper played a ball short from defence and Matt Barton pounced, striking the ball with his right foot into an empty net whilst under pressure from the Southwick centre back. Arguably the best goal of the afternoon came when the ball was played out from the back to Chief; his perfectly weighted diagonal cross field ball was volleyed first time by Matt Barton back across the keeper into the roof of the net.
Seven goals up and the BBOB defence found themselves asleep, a long ball over the top from the Southwick defence found a forward in space, his pace took him beyond the BBOB back four and a well taken shot beat goalkeeper Craig Watson, who got a touch on the ball but not enough to keep it out.
BBOB responded well and increased their lead to 8-1 with another good move down the right involving Chief and Ed Wyeth, this time Wyeth cut inside and his shot was smashed past the Southwick keeper from close range. Both players were involved in the ninth goal, Chief played the ball to right winger Ed Wyeth in the Southwick penalty box, his well struck shot was parried by the keeper, Ed won the ball back and hit it between the keeper and the goal to the far post where Matt Barton pounced and rolled the ball towards an empty net and completed a 12 minute hat trick.
The Southwick keeper had produced a collection of close range saves all afternoon and the woodwork prevented BBOB any further goals! Surely nine was enough? The referee appeared to play eight minutes additional time, perhaps he wanted BBOB to get to double figures?
This was a particularly satisfying result in light of the news that last season's player's player and regular midfielder Chris Thomas suffered a broken ankle in last week's match and will be out for some time! (Good luck with the recovery Chris, we are going the miss your energy on the pitch!)
Match report by Paul Barton
