Another spirited display by Bushey Rangers against the league leaders in what was our last home game of the saeason. After a good start where Bushey more than held their own they were unfortunate to go a goal behind when in possession they lost the ball in midfield which resulted in a breakaway by Finchley who scored the opening goal of the game. This was followed closely by the concession of a penalty when a slightly over enthusiastic challenge from Daniel lead to a penalty which was slotted in the bottom rleft hand corner.
To their credit Bushey never let their heads drop and if anything could have scored a goal themselves in the first half when after good work in midfield and upfront, Tom Heekin broke away only to see his shot sail over the bar. Lewis in goals also played very well commanding his 18 yard box with authority as well as making a couple of fine saves.
The second half started where it left off with Bushey pressing forward trying to get back in the game. A good break by Kieran Goom saw him taken down on the left hand side of the penalty area, from the resulting free kick a low drive seen the goalkeeper parry it only for the referee to ask for it to be re-taken as he hadn't blown the whistle. and here it was for the first time this season that a bit of luck went Bushey's way, the resultant free kick seen a good cross by Kieran met by Tom Heekin who powered a header back across the goal into the top left hand corner of the net. This was an excellent finish by a striker who is bang on form at the moment and who's confidence grows every time he steps onto the pitch at the moment. This was his twentieth goal of the season in all competitions.
The game became a bit more stretched after this with both teams trying to get the next goal. Unfortunately for Bushey a good move and clinical final pass paved the way for Finchley to score a third goal which they slotted in the bottom right hand corner. Bushey tried their best but with Kieran, James and Daniel all going off with knocks the team was disrupted and unfortunately chances were few and far between. On the other hand Finchley kept pressing and but for some fine saves by Lewis the game could have been out of reach earlier. In the end a header from a corner gave Finchley their 4th goal, albeit there was a strong challenge on Lewis which went unpunished which on another day would have resulted in a free kick.
So the final score was 1-4 which says a lot about the progress of Bushey throughout the season as they had lost the corresponding away fixture 10-1. This was despite the result an excellent performance from Bushey who are showing huge signs of improvement. They are finally starting to believe in themselves and what they are been asked to do on the pitch. The new players in the squad are contributing so much more and the team finally seems to have some direction which augurs well for the new season. The contribution of the midfield is allowing the team to stay in games right up to the end which is what was sorely missing for the first three quarters of the season. 'BETTER LATE THAN NEVER'
There were some excellent performances in the game. the defence as usual remained strong with Lewis in Goal deserving his man of the match award. His one on one goalkeeping coaching is definitely reaping rewards. There were good performances in midfield again by Jish, James and Daniel with the latter putting himself around the pitch like a man possessed which is exactly what the team needs and is great to see. Upfront Tom and Kieran linked well together and the goal scored by Tom was one of the best headed goals witnessed in any of our matches over the last few seasons.
All in all a spirited performance by Bushey who if they carry this form into next season will have a year to remember.
