BBOB went into this cup game with quite a few changes from the previous week, Dan Edwards was unlucky to be left out of the first eleven, as Tom Bunting replaced him at centre back, Matt Pickles replaced the absent Dan Buchanan at left midfield, and right winger Ed Wyeth started his first match since his closed season injury! Michael (Titch) McMahon started only his second game of the season at centre midfield partnering Howard Lloyd.
BBOB started the game well taking the lead in the 10th minute after Ed Wyeth shrugged off a challenge from a defender and fired over a cross, the BBOB forwards, the closest being Matt Pickles, could only watch as a defender headed the ball into his own net. Shortly afterwards left winger Matt Pickles, suffering from a hamstring injury, was replaced by Dan Edwards. The View fought back but were unable to score; testing the BBOB defence with a series of long throws from both sides of the pitch.
In the 20th minute BBOB extended their lead after striker Matt Barton found space in front of goal, his well struck shot was saved by the View's keeper only for it fall to fellow BBOB striker Jamie Eade who coolly headed the ball just beyond the keeper (who appeared to get a hand on it!).
BBOB continued to press the View's defence, Tom Bunting moved to left midfield and Dan Edwards returned to a more familiar centre back position. Further chances were created by BBOB, the best fell to Howard Lloyd from a Ryan Satterley corner, his header was placed over the bar, but BBOB were unable to increase their lead before the half time whistle.
In the second half BBOB continued to move the ball around well, despite the heavy pitch, but were unable to convert their chances. Jamie Eade had a couple close range efforts saved and Matt Barton hit the post in the 70th minute from a well struck diagonal shot. With ten minutes remaining, BBOB were caught by a quick counter attack, the ball was lost in The View's penalty area, and the View broke down the BBOB right, a well struck shot was placed beyond the BBOB goalkeeper (Craig Watson). Unfortunately centre back Adam Leaver was helped from the field of play at this point after 'popping' his hamstring (his words), he was replaced by player manager Steve Maskell. Tom Bunting moved to centre back and Steve Maskell played left midfield.
After some initial pressure from The View and a couple of corners it seemed the game was going to go BBOB's way and this was confirmed in the 88th minute when Steve Maskell somehow appeared in a centre forward position after a long kick out by goalkeeper Craig Watson to Jamie Eade. Jamie slotted the ball through to Steve who chipped his shot over the on-rushing opposition goalkeeper and over the goal line!
A solid performance, again chances were missed, and again Howard Lloyd failed to score from close range with his head (one day maybe?). Adam Leaver will be missed in the coming weeks especially as he was the game's man of the match (his words!), lets hope he makes a swift return!
Match report by Paul Barton
