With 1 win and 1 loss tallied so far this season, Central entertained a vastly improved Baddow Parish side with a similar 50/50 record going into the game. After a cancellation and a gritty 2-2 friendly, Central were chomping at the bit to start putting points on the board once again. This particular fixture has always provided goals in the past, and this one was no exception.
After a delay due to referee lie-in, it was clear that the weather would play a part in the game’s final outcome as rain and strong winds interrupted periods of dazzling sunshine on a typical English day for football. Central fielded a strong line-up packed to the gills with first team regulars, and as the teams lined up to start the game it was clear that CBC could gain an advantage from being bigger, stronger and more experienced than a young, skilful Baddow side.
They got off to a poor start however, when a tame effort slipped through ‘keeper Josh Hills hands to put Baddow in front within 10 minutes. The lead didn’t last long, as Central showed the strength of character that is becoming a trademark of this team, and got a goal back almost immediately. Tim Acton took advantage of the extremely high line played by the inexperienced Baddow boys to sprint through 1-on-1, and showing great awareness to square it to leading goal machine Neil Parrish to score. Baddow fought back, trying to control midfield with intricate passing and a deep number 10, but great break up play by Phil Twite and Tom Spurgeon dealt with any threats with ease. They could not stop the Baddow second however, as that pesky number 10 rifled an unstoppable shot from just outside the box that clipped the bar and nestled in the top corner to put the away team ahead for the second time. This stroke of misfortune fired up CBCFC and once again they equalized in a matter of minutes, as Tim Acton broke the offside trap once again, latching onto a wicked through ball from Jamie Parrish, and finished with pure Brazilian class, lifting it over the onrushing keeper. Central remained in control till halftime, on the back of strong tackles and monstrous headers from Andrew and Michael Rowlands and Chris Nash (reunited in the favoured 3-at-the-back this year) and constant hassle from both strikers.
Halftime: CBCFC 2 – 2 Baddow Parish
A change of tactic from Baddow in the second half saw a shift of focus from the centre of the park to the wings, spreading play at every opportunity and driving through their quick wingers. This gave them no joy, as Josh Glennie and Ed Montgomery showed the great form they’ve been showing since the start of the year, giving them no space to play and constantly pinning them back by attacking whenever they could. As a result, the centre of the park opened up allowing creative forces Jamie Parrish and Tom Spurgeon to control the pace of the game and pick apart that high line. This hard work on the flanks and solidarity at the back allowed Central to control the second half and they got their just rewards when a goalmouth scramble from a corner fell to the head of Neil to bag his second and send the crowd (well, Matt Rice) wild! The Baddow heads dropped, and it was plain sailing from then on as Neil rounded off a true striker’s performance with his third and final goal to seal his hat-trick and put the game to bed.
Fulltime: CBCFC 4 - 2 Baddow Parish
A good win, and strong performances all over the park. Central are now 4 points off the top with only 2 games in hand, meaning the top of the league is not out the question. Baddow have already beaten Bethel and CGC, who we have yet to play, so no doubt many teams around the league are wondering: Just how good can Central Baptist be this season?
