Man of the Match- Kevin Davis
Goal of the Match-Fortunate deflection wins the game
Save of the Match-Neither keeper made a save, Sean’s near post block was crucial
Moment of the Match-Macbeth comes to South East London, as a Scotsman rather pathetically weeps in pain at being kicked
In one of the most uneventful games this season, Bexley faced Greenwich Mariners after a goalless draw in pre-season. Having returned to winning ways the week previous, Bexley were looking to build some momentum as we enter the second third of the season.
There were few clear cut opportunities in a fairly even first half. Bexley’s one and only shot on target came on eight minutes when a corner fell to Aaron’s feet straight at the keeper then scrambled away. Twelve minutes elapsed without much goal mouth action despite several long throws from Greenwich. James knocked a free kick into the box and no player put a name on it as it sailed harmlessly out for a goal kick. Two minutes later down the Bexley left a man beat Tom (who was lucky not to concede a penalty) and crossed a dangerous ball cleared by Kev. Greenwich then had a long throw which lee cleared for a corner which resulted in Matt scrambling it away. James Hall had a few long range efforts, the closest was narrowly over. As half time approached they were in again down the left but Tom recovered well. On 40 minutes a speculative effort from Greenwich went a few yards wide.
Half time Bexley were confident of a win despite not making much of an impression on the opposition goal. Defensively, the home side looked well in control.
Ten minutes into the second half Sean battled well in midfield to win a header for Matt, who saw the keeper off his line but hit the ball wide. Greenwich had a few speculative efforts on goal no leading to anything as the defence dealt well with the long throws and corners. Sean was booked for blocking a free kick, and the Scottish forward could have started his own west end drama show with the theatrics when Kev kicked him. Kev himself did a good impression of Elton several times in that second half weeping to the referee, then recovering remarkably quickly when the ball came near him. Tom wobbled off injury and Kenan came on midway through the second half. Twenty minutes from time, Greenwich somewhat fortuitously took the lead as another speculative effort deflected and spun of the covering Sean wrong footing Dan and finding the corner.
Despite being a goal down, Bexley still couldn’t make an impression in the final third, spending more time defending than attacking. Sean made a crucial block late on as the Greenwich player had a clear shot at the near post which could have doubled their lead. Desperate efforts to score as Bexley won two corners in the last minute, but the referee strangely called full time as the second came in.
A tough pill to swallow as the game was very even, however you don’t deserve win with one shot on target. However, Greenwich only hit the target with their goal, but this doesn’t take away from the disappointment in making their keeper virtually redundant. Defensive effort must be praised, as well as Sean and James tracking back. The manager was pleased with he first half, but thinks we lost the game through tiring and losing concentration, as well as losing the midfield battle and players playing out of position losing our shape.
