Back to league action this week, with the Boro at home to Bagshot who were also newly promoted having won Division 1 last season. We've come to expect tough games already in this division, but no one was expecting just how tough tackling our opposition would be.
The opening exchanges between the teams were fairly tight, with no real chances being created by either side. Tackles in the middle of the park had been going in hard within the first few minutes, and it wasnt long before the Ref was called into action for the first, and certainly not the last time.
As Simon went to clear the ball under pressure, the Bagshot stiker came charging in with a horrific studs up challenge which connected way above his knee. It had to be a red card, late and very dangerous, but the Ref bottled and only produced a yellow. As the first half progressed the Ref's indecision really got to the Bagshot players, who became more frustrated and lost their control.
Boro tried to make the most of Bagshot's lack of discipline, but not enough of the team stood up to be counted and this meant we had a disappointing first 45 mins. Not long before half time the Bagshot no. 7 picked the ball up 30 yards from goal and under no pressure at all, took his time to curl the ball perfectly into the top corner. It was no less than they deserved. 1:0 Bagshot.
Second half the Boro started much better knowing we had to really step our game up if we were to get anything out of the match. Not long into the half their no. 7 lost his head picking up two silly yellow cards in the space of 5 minutes. A poor tackle on Kendall brought about his red card and Bagshot were down to 10. This was the incentive Boro needed and allowed us to really take the game to the opposition.
Good work from Martyn down the left and a neat ball into Pricey allowed him to get a good shot away that rebounded off the post, following up well was Paddy who cooly tapped in from short range. 1:1.
Unfortunately we had it all to do again 5 minutes later as Bagshot got their lead back with a good effort from the edge of the area beating Darran low into the corner. 2:1 Bagshot.
The Boro came again though, a long ball up from Neil had the Bagshot defence on the back foot and as the keeper rushed out to collect, the centre back headed over him for Rich to chase down and tap in. A gift, but well deserved. 2:2.
We nearly threw the game away again a few minutes later, losing the ball in midfield the striker squared across goal for the Bagshot winger to tap in from 5 yards out, but an excellent point blank save from Darran kept the ball out. As the winger followed up from the rebound, Burty was able to clear off the line with Darran beaten. Lucky Boro and we needed it!
Both teams chased the winner in a very open last 15 minutes, but neither could find the back of the net. Bagshot's frustrations were compounded when their left back was sent off to reduce them to 9 players. By the end of the 90 minutes, both teams would have been happy with the draw, but knew either could have stolen the 3 points.
Final Score - 2:2
