BBOB started the new season with a very positive performance despite the final score line of 3-6. BBOB started slow and gave away an early goal, a free kick on the edge of the BBOB area led to a close range finish from an opposition forward. After this early setback BBOB began to compete with AFC Brighton & Hove, and a couple of good moves almost led to a quick equaliser, Rich Houghton had a shot saved and Keith Churchward's far post header from a BBOB corner was also well saved by the opposing keeper (followed by the referee giving a goal kick!!?).
Despite this BBOB went 2 nil down in the 23rd minute when a quick break from AFC Brighton & Hove caught the BBOB backline out, AFC's No. 9 raced towards the BBOB box, went round Centre half Paul Barton and buried his shot across BBOB goalkeeper Ricci Corsano. BBOB then responded perfectly by immediately winning another corner, AFC failed to clear the corner and the ball fell perfectly to Craig Watson who struck the ball into the back of the net from 6 yards out. 1-2.
After weathering some pressure from AFC, including some fine saves from Corsano, BBOB equalised in the 37 minute, a good move down the right hand side led to the ball breaking to Chris Thomas who planted his shot past the opposing goalkeeper with ease.
Again AFC Brighton & Hove attacked well and kept BBOB pegged back in their own half, although just before half time a long ball from goalkeeper Corsano caught AFC's defence sleeping and midfielder Chris Thomas was again allowed to pounce, this time placing his shot past the keeper at his near post. 3-2 at half-time.
For next 37 mins BBOB were under constant pressure from AFC Brighton & Hove until finally in 82nd minute AFC Brighton & Hove equalised, the goal coming from a headed goal from a corner. Almost immediately after this BBOB conceded another corner and AFC Brighton & Hove took the lead again from a headed goal from a corner. At this point Gary Watson had to leave the pitch after picking up an injury leaving BBOB 'on the ropes' with just ten men.
Further pressure from AFC Brighton & Hove lead to a penalty decision being made by the ref for hand ball on the line by Ryan Satterley, it seemed a bit harsh but the ball did appear to hit his arm. AFC Brighton & Hove scored from the penalty to extend their lead to 5-3 in the 92nd minute. Somehow the ref played an additional 9 minutes in this game, which resulted in another harsh penalty decision made in AFC's favour, this time for a foul by Keith Churchward which seemed to be on the edge of the box. Corsano saved the resulting penalty.
Not happy with their two goal lead AFC Brighton & Hove were able to score one more, this time a long distance effort from AFC's diminutive captain somehow found the top corner of the BBOB goal.
The referee finally blew the final whistle shortly afterwards leaving BBOB shell-shocked. This was a well fought defeat for BBOB which showed a lot of positives, especially with players returning next week to the squad. There were three BBOB players making their debuts, Lee O'Hare at centre back, Fletcher Elliott at right midfield and substitute Steve Fill.
Match side reporter Paul Barton
