On the back of a surprise 1-0 victory, Bexley Athletic and Valley Park Rangers re-engaged battle after the referee had a brief picnic. Mark and Kev had arrived having landed from their second holiday together, their relationship now stronger than ever. Rob was forced to sit out of the second game with a broken eye lash, and Josh was also given a breather. Both teams were unaware of results elsewhere, but both knew this would be a crucial match. A win for Bexley would do their promotion hopes no harm at all, but Valley Park could reverse the damage of the earlier game with a positive result.
Valley Park again offered little up front and were clearly frustrated. Bexley were enjoying their football and it was showing in their performance. Louis had bought a new dimension to their game in that he could run through the midfield, a talent not seen since Olly left for Uni. This not only gave Bexley a counter attack, but was pushing James, Laurence and Elton to better performances.
The first half was a classic Sunday league midfield battle which Bexley edged. Both sides did not create much, but Bexley’s football was of an all round better standard against a team who were supposedly the best team in the league.
The teams went in a half time, Bexley noticeably tired from the effort they had put in. A second win definitely wasn’t out of the question. Bexley would indeed fashion the better chances of the second half. Kev would have at least hit the target from one yard, but Elton did not know he was there and nodded the ball off his team mates head. Matty tried a first time shot which hit the corner flag and Elton left a defender standing after a long clearance but fired narrowly wide. James Hall would also have an effort over the bar.
Valley Park pushed on in the later stages, the only moment of concern a mix up with Dan and Steve which they failed to take advantage of. Besides this, Bexley were in complete control at the back and it is testament to the entire team effort that a team who has won every game this season, rarely looked like getting a goal and were largely outplayed across the 120 minutes of football.
Valley Park’s misery was compounded by a late dismissal for foul and abusive language, catalysed by Pete’s ineffective assistant refereeing. Consumed with rage, the gangster midfielder outrageously threw a Bexley Athletic bottle at the referee, followed by kicking a loose football. Both missed the target. Louis was given a welle earned rest ten minutes from time, replaced by Josh.
Full time meant the day ended with four points from a possible six, two clean sheets. A bonus, was Barca had somehow lost to Sporting St George 4-1, meaning a very good day was capped by Bexley sitting top of the league.
With Valley Park play Barca next week, a three way race for the title is starting to take shape.
