In their first match in the invitational cup, S.Batten was left a little frustrated and dissapointed in a dissapointing performance compared to recent performances. Being drawn in Group B with the likes of AFC Chichester, Westbourne, Avisford, Sporting club Aldwick and Elmer, Utd were hoping to get off to a positive start against a Bognor Railway Club.
The First opening minutes, FNK started on the front foot, ending up with Weller taking a shot just inside the box but never troubling the home keeper. BRC then took control, with some nice passing move's they started to pull the midfield around but without threatening. There was almost an embarrasing moment for UTD keeper Jackson when a hopeful punt forward looked an easy catch, it bounced infront of the keeper, went over his head but thankfully he managed to claw the ball of the line and it was confirmed by Goal line technology that the whole ball didn't cross the line. Then BRC hit the woodwork, they floated in a corner, once headed clear to the edge of the box, and an unmarked player took a touch and smashed a shot against the post. Then shortly after, the UTD defence was breached with a slick passing move which ended with a smart finish just inside the box.
The Oranges then gathered some composure and with some nice play down the left, almost drew level with Hoops curling a shot from the edge of the area onto the bar. Shortly after BRC keeper was called into action, with noller finding himself just on the edge of the box, missed his first shot with his left, then of balance poked the ball with his right heading towards the top left corner, only for the keeper to pull off a stunning save. Again, BRC attacked with pace and power, with Jackson pulling off a string of impressive saves. Unfortunatley a few minutes before half time BRC doubled their lead, again a clearence from a corner wasn't dealt with and ended up with the ball in the back of the net.
S.Batten made a change at half time taking off Mills and bringing on another forward in Merritt, and with a better start to the second half UTD found themselves three down, with a cross from the right hand side, and a header back across into the far corner of the net.
However, FNK refused to give up, and after two changes with Tighe and Banks replacing Weller and A.Batten, UTD forced a corner, Noller with another excellent delivery, found Merritt at the near post and he flicked the ball into the far corner. With new found confidence, UTD went on the attack with noller and merritt linking up well and ended with noller having a looping shot from the edge of the area, dipping under the bar the back pedaling keeper tipped the ball over the bar.
Again Jackson pulled of a series of saves, but for all his efforts again UTD conceded from another cross and header combination. As the game opened up in the latter stages, the oranges midfield had more joy on the ball with E.Owens, Tighe and banks helping to feed Mayell and Hoops on the wings and the two front men. Unfortunatley, for all their efforts the players and manager were left frustrated overall but can look forward to the test of AFC Chichester next sunday.
