This game was the proverbial tale of two halves, BBOB dominated the first and had enough chances to win three games but somehow the game was lost! Southwick made changes at half time and BBOB failed to deal with these! Countless chances were created in the first half, but BBOB rarely found the target or threatened the Southwick Keeper. The Southwick defence held up strong and frustrated BBOB with last-ditch tackling and clearances! BBOB took the lead in the 17th minute, when a Chris Thomas clearance, found Matt Barton in the Southwick Rangers area, he flicked the ball just beyond the Southwick Keeper. BBOB appeared very confident at this point that their lead would increase but despite plenty of opportunities no further goals were gained.
Southwick had one good chance to score in the first half, from a free kick, the ball fell into the six yard box but BBOB goalkeeper was able to stop the ball just on the goal line! Half time 1-0.
The second half, as already stated, was completely different, a formation change by Southwick seemed to scupper the BBOB defence, five minutes into the second half a long ball through the middle bounced high and caught the BBOB keeper out. The ball fell to a Southwick forward who was able to capitalise on a rare Craig Watson error and equalise from close range. This gave Southwick Rangers confidence and they continued to apply pressure on the BBOB defence with a series of long balls and throws, the BBOB defence appeared to struggle with this! Southwick's second goal came from another ball over the top; unfortunately the BBOB centre back was just beaten to the ball by the Southwick forward who instantly fired his shot past the on-rushing Craig Watson.
BBOB did press for an equaliser and changes were made, right midfielder Matt Pickles, making his first team debut, was replaced by James Sansom-Constantini and striker Ben Scott was replaced shortly after this by Sam Bullen. BBOB were unable to control the game anymore and very few chances fell their way, the best possibly falling to substitute Sam Bullen from a corner, his downward header was well saved by the keeper. In the last minute, as BBOB searched for the equaliser and pushed players forward, the defence were caught and the offside trap was beaten, the Southwick forwards appeared to be queuing up as the decisive goal was dispatched which fired in off the helpless Craig Watson!
Despite the outcome of this game there were some positives, there were good first team debuts from wingers Stuart Burgess & Matt Pickles, despite the lack of goals the way BBOB played in the first half was impressive. They were strong performances from both full backs Ashley Lloyd and Dan Buchanan. The Squad is looking good we just need to get everyone available most weeks!! Maybe next month?
Match report by Paul Barton
