Man of the Match
Adam Guildford
Goal of the Match
Dan Haley’s volley into the left corner giving Bexley some breathing space in the closing minutes
Save of the Match
Despite 7 goals, neither keeper made many saves but Dan stood up well at the near post to the Greenwich number 9 to block with his legs.
Moment of the Match
The referee inexplicably not awarding Mark a goal even though the ball physically touched the net. If only Mark tried put more effort in pre season.
Season 2 opening game. Hall place and a new pitch, had to walk all the way over to pitch 7. New this season; net teams worked well to get the nets attached to the posts using the brand new invention that is Velcro. Also a first, 11 players and 3 subs.
Last season, Bexley conceded within the first 5 minutes in their opening game. This year they went one better and was 2-0 within 15 minutes. Greenwich had kicked off and quickly set up camp in the Bexley final third, testing the Bexley defence sporting a new look of Kev at right back, Lee, Laurie and Tom making his competitive debut at left back.
The Greenwich captain was clearly a strong player, quick and skilful and he set his sights on Tom as a means of creating chances for his team down the Bexley left. After knocking on the door, Greenwich were in as a ball across into the box cleared away but volleyed back at goal. The crowd of players meant Dan saw the ball late and could only palm it into the top of the net. Moments later they were in again, ball through the middle, shocking attempt by Dan to prevent the goal on the edge of the box, they could walk it in.
Some safe handling from the Greenwich keeper reduced Bexley’s opportunities, but after making life hard from themselves they fought back putting pressure on the Greenwich defence. Then breakthrough! A cross cleared played into James Hall by Mark to fire with confidence via a deflection into the net.
Some hairy defending from Bexley was the story of the second half. Tom seemed to have got to grips with his left channel but a lack of organisation meant the back four was getting stretched. For some reason Kev who hasn’t played much since a career threatening knee injury, kept passing to the opposition. Another ball through the middle behind Laurie was pushed away by Dan and swept up by Tom, and numerous opportunities were wasted when they failed to make contact at the final moment. James almost doubled his total with another long range effort but this time over.
A bizarre series of events led to Bexley’s equaliser. A ball played into Dan to right of the goalkeeper which can only be described as fly kicking him to the ground to concede a penalty. Everyone held their breath as Adam resumed his penalty taking duties despite the pleads of James Hall. He coolly sent the keeper the wrong way bringing his team level. Strangely enough, this momentum enabled Bexley to take the lead. Even more pleasing; one striker assisted another. Elton, whose pace had looked impressive all game, got in behind his defender to play a low ball across for Dan to finish despite a gallant effort from the goalkeeper. Very good goal from the two strikers also making their competitive debut.
Bexley’s decision making wasn’t on cue. Holding onto the ball and getting tackled at times when a clearance was necessary and visa versa needlessly giving the ball away when a few extra touches were needed. Similarly Dan’s position was questioned when a shot from 30 yards beat him and rattled the bar. Elton thinking his keeper could kick from one corner to the other like Van der Sar was equally ludicrous. However not as bad as the defending for the third goal. Lee and Laurie won’t want to see this again. Clearly not on the same wavelength one stepped up one didn’t letting the attacker in to slot home. Net team one would not be happy as Kev destroyed it in anger. Communication, leadership, decisiveness clearly a problem in the back four. Half time in an eventful game. 3-3.
Second half Bexley tightened up the defence and showed flashes of why they are favourites to win the league. However, had Greenwich finished some impressive attacking moves, more questions would have been asked. Even more questionable were some of the referee’s decisions, after deciding then changing his mind about a corner in the first half, during a goal mouth scramble it looked as if Mark had scored. The net ball had even touched the net but the official didn’t give it. Chin up Mark. Moments later, Dan had a shot and was challenged after the ball had gone. It seemed the referee decided to even it up by awarding a soft penalty which Adam sensibly put down the middle. Again, no one was worried. Two goal advantage was then set with Dan’s second who was played by in by Mark to volley into the corner giving his team some breathing space. Concentration would now be crucial.
Bexley’s defending was better in the second half. Mark had pointed out it really couldn’t get much worse. Tom had made a steady debut, and had been replaced by the experienced Steve Bird at half time. Elton’s impressive dislplay ended midway through the second half replaced by Matt Bennet, and the walking injury that is Kev was replaced by Aaron later (making some good tackles and decent runs at times). With Sean due to return from injury and James Brown also about Pete had signed well in the transfer window and Bexley had more strength in depth.
Withstanding the Greenwich onslaught Dan did just with an excursion to the edge of his area grabbing the ball at the second attempt. Lee and Laurie’s cohesion seemed stronger and they were protecting the goal better. Dan did have to save with his legs at the near post, and spilt and recovered long range effort. James Hall made an excellent intervention at the far post to prevent a header on an open goal and Lee managed to get back to protect the ball later on in a dangerous situation. James Hall Jonny Wilkinson impression at a free kick only deserves one sentence.
However, catastrophe was never far away. Lee went to sleep at a throw allowing a player to stroll in goal side who passed across through Laurie past Dan leading to a nervous few minutes. The subs on the side held their breath as another long range shot came close, and when the final free kick was played in a lack of bravery in heading the ball led to a needless goal mouth scramble which eventually went out for a goal kick.
Relief at full time. Sport can be cruel. A new team to play like that deserved at least a point. We would be saying that if it were the other way round. Champions do play poorly and win, but that was not the performance of champions. Individually, Kenan played a good game, James Hall was excellent, and a gritty performance from Adam pulling the team through. Well taken goals from Dan good effort from Elton. A change in schedule means we play New Life Utd away next week with the cup game against the Premier Division team the week after. One week for us as a team to sort out our defending or we will get destroyed as they will convert the efforts that Greenwich missed for fun. An extra 10% from everyone and like last season where we took a 2-0 lead against one of these teams we can get a decent result.
Ratings by Pete and Adam (averaged)
