Facing a free scoring table topping Bubbenhall this was never going to be easy for an The Engine side that were not yet fully in their stride.
A strong starting line for the The Engine started well, matching Bubbenhall in every area of the pitch, although they were clearly a dangerous side.
Early exchanges came to nothing, Bubbenhall had an early penalty appeal turned down.
Jimmy tried to lob the keeper from the corner of the box after a good break away from The Engine but the keeper just got fingers tips to it to deny the opeing goal. The Engine began to apply the pressure for a short spell with Steve Shirley delivering a trademark quality ball in to to six yard box, Jimmy couldn't belive he failed to connect with it.
Bubbenhall who forwards were quick and running the channels well applied some pressure and a fierous shot from the edge of the box was parried to saftey by Sparrow in the Engie goal.
A slght miss reading of the flight of the ball gave he Bubennhall strker a yard of space he drove into the box and despite determined chasing from Burbs fired his shot low into the net. 1-0 Bubbenhall.
Engine continued to press and won a couple of corners, a well floated ball in from Ash was headed goalward by Al only to be deflected of the defender for another corner. The corner again came in and fell to Ren who was under pressure and looked to get the ball to Jimmy the chance was gone as Bubbenhalls defence closed him down.
Engine continued to attack and a great ball through saw Ash the keeper and the Bubbenhall centre half all going for the same ball, a combination of the keeper and a very firm challange saw Ash floored... A small melly ensued with players from the Bubbenhall bench venturing on to the pitch!
Second half.
Engine now had the wind and the slope in there favour but would it be to our advantage?
Engine started well again applied pressure to Bubbenhall in and around the box with a sucession of corners being taken which we inches from being converted into goals on several occassions.
Bubbenhall were looking to hit Engine on the break and solid defending from Biffa, Burbs, Rich and Si V kept them resitricted to shooting from outside the box.
The wind was helping The Engine hit Jimmy from all areas of the pitch and he was working hard to get a break, nothing was breaking for him, when he got clear of his man but was pushed from behind 'penalty' surley but no ref waved play on.
Bubbenhall the counterd but this time got a yard of space and their centre forward smashed home the winner.
Engine continued to press but a solid display by Bubbenhalls back four kept Engine frustrated.
Jon Sparrow pulled of a 'worldy' when it looked like he'd been lobbed he some how managed to leap like a salmon to tip it over the bar to keep the score to 2-0.
Full Time 2-0 Bubbenhall.
A good game and plenty of pride can be taken from a more than competative performace.
