This was a comprehensive victory for BBOB against a Rottingdean team who appeared to resort to 'bullying' tactics once the game seemed to be beyond them. BBOB did not give in to these tactics and finished the game with a very rare clean sheet! Top scorer Chief (Lee Madigan) had to sit this game out with bruised ribs; Craig Watson took his place up front!
An early goal by BBOB set the tone, central midfielder Chris Thomas found Craig Watson in space just inside the Rottingdean box, Craig placed his shot just inside the far post. The game became scrappy after this with very few chances made by either team, in the 15th minute, with Rottingdean just getting the upper hand a quick break down the left found Ryan Satterley, he found centre forward Matt Barton in front of goal, his first shot was saved but he made no mistake with the rebound, placing it calmly into the net.
The game settled down after this but no real chances occurred, Rottingdean won some corners but were unsuccessful in breaking down the strong BBOB defence, which included the central pairing of Josh Staniforth & Sam Hamberger for the first time since the Chailey away game. The central midfield pairing of Howard Lloyd & Chris Thomas also held strong against a battling Rottingdean midfield. Chris Thomas was caught by a strong tackle late in the first half, which eventually led to him being substituted after 15 minutes of the second half; he was replaced by Alexi Shrimpton.
At half time, player-manager, Steve Maskell was replaced at right midfield by Dan Shrubb, who had returned from a broken ankle he sustained earlier in the season playing in the Sunday league. Rottingdean put BBOB under pressure in the first 15 minutes of the second half but failed to create any clear cut chances, they had a succession of free kicks and corners but were unable to capitalise! In the 70th minute BBOB hit Rottingdean on the counter to make the score 3-0, a quick clearance from Paul Barton found Dan Shrubb on the right, his pass found Alexi Shrimpton who's early flick found Craig Watson onside and one on one with the opposition's keeper. Craig took a touch and placed his shot past the keeper into the roof of the net to put the game beyond Rottingdean!
Shortly afterwards Ben Wheatland, who had just replaced Craig Watson up front, almost made it four with a speculative long shot from the right hand side, which just went wide of the far post with the keeper beaten.
Match side reporter Paul Barton.
