SBV 5 V Fairfax 1
Bernard Matthews was seen for this game as at the commencement of this contest SBV could be described as headless chickens but as time and the game progressed it was Beautiful.
It is a wonderment that each week we do not know which SBV team will start. As the last few weeks have seen us start well and progress from there and some teams it takes a small kick in the nether regions to get SBV playing as they can.
It is clear from the score line suggest SBV had much of the ascendency but Fairfax could wonder why they did not concede more. But SBVs first twenty five minutes were a series of misplaced passes, flicks and poor decision making which characterises the opening statement.
Now the game
First Half
No one could ague SBV had a strong squad with no less than 3 players and a recovering invalid on the bench. However those that started were more than capable of making a positive start. Alas this was not the case. SBV had a lot of the ball but failed in their quest owing to some poor passing. Often this was rushed and in some cases too fancy. Whereas the simple ball would have sufficed often to the nearest SBV player who was seen on most occasions to be available. Often caught in possession trying too hard to find the Hollywood ball ( a fact which has been noted as I received an e mail from my friend Angelina Jolie asking for directions also). Benfleet perhaps overplayed situations and for a record crowd at one point exceeded 10 and a pushchair ( get well soon Darren - No Darren was not in the Pushchair but the shouts of frustration from the sidelines caused the passenger to cry, indeed if one looked closely there were a few men on the sideline who were crying also ). They say patience is a virtue but patience would never lost her virtue with what was displayed.
Twenty Five gone and changes were made. This immediately made an impact and from the first attack after these changes ( Perry keeps on taking credit for these) A cross from the right from TP created an opportunity after finally a set of passes gave SBV the space to do so went to the far post and coming in late ( A fact that Mrs H is always is complaining about) was our unnamed player to score the first of his 3 with his head. 1 -0 to SBV surely the tide had changed?.
Yes, we then saw further SBV attacks and in the attack which followed again saw TP crossing to the far post but this time low and hard. This found useless Matt now in his usual pshodenim unmarked for a tap in. NO!!!! as you have all guessed this opportunity went begging our chance to extend the lead was lost. As useless air shot was there to be admired.
Further attacks, another opportunity from this time from emotional Ben who said later said this was not one of his better games whist he slit his wrist and generally was suicidal. Such chances were often more difficult to miss but somehow SBV re enacted the game versus Old Southendians.
Then with 35 Minutes gone Ben gave a foul just outside the SBV box. Keith knowing that this would be thunderous attempted was seen shouting for the wall to be in position, he shouted and shouted and then he used some words which I have not heard before. Eventually the wall came together and Keith felt safe as he hid behind it.
Fairfax seeing this opportunity fired the shot which found the far corner. This was their first attempt and SBV found themselves to be 1-1. At this point Perry's groin was heard to hit the floor, which for those in the know acknowledge that such assets should not be abused in this way.
Time progressed and Benfleet started to get that twitchy feeling, but all was to turn. Again SBV attacked but this time Tony Perry latched on to an opportunity and played it square this time our unnamed player was available again to head the ball home 2-1 Benfleet
Whistle soon blew, half time 2-1
Some expletives and colourful expiations ensued as we debriefed the half, Morgan expressed his performance was doggy do's. changes made onto the 2nd half
Second Half
Out came Benfleet and it must be said it was better. Passing became more simple and our choices more correct. Benfleet early pressure then told as Mills
Clearly buoyed form last weeks shinner found himself 25 yards out and with his right swinger poised and ready at this point it was noticeable the ball bobbled at exactly the right time to cause the ball to again connect with Cliffs swinging shin and perfectly arrowed in to the top corner. Obviously delighted cliff celebrated with gusto and later bought some drinks which like his goals are as rare as a Doe Doe being found on Southend's Pier. But not as rare as hardings goals which apparently some say are myths only.
This quickly followed after the retake of a similar opportunity for the said Cliff who this time connected with his foot in full flow, Normality returned the ball went high and wide. This was quickly followed by one rare Fairfax attack which saw a neat close range shot brilliantly saved by Keith. This acted as a slap in the face and seemed to awaken the inner spirit of Benfleet but could also be seen to reduce Fairfax resolve which saw them physically wane whereas Benfleet became stronger. TP scored with a good effort which was later followed by again several missed opportunities. In one such attack the un named player scored his third Goal but true to form missed loads.
SBV made some late changes and the Hipster Harding and Bubbs came onto the field. This duo combined soon afterwards where Harding receiving a long pass played it nicely and simply back for Harry to shoot but alas this opportunity went begging but demonstrated what could be achieved by simplicity . More opportunities were created where if more patience was shown goals would have ensued. More importantly Harding was clear many times in the Box but the final ball was often poor ( is this a conspiracy)……
Game closed SBV winners by 5-1 but should have been double figures. But 3 points and up to third with a game in hand
The team retired to the bar where they all talked a great game including the useless hatrick scorer.
