Match Report

A strong squad of 14 waited patiently as I announced the team in Paul Eddleston’s absence. It was a difficult choice to make and it underlines the strength and depth we have at FOBG with another two players back next week, both having played their part in our campaign (or is that campain?) already. Fortunately I didn’t have to make the decision as Edd had already sorted the troops. However he had left me with the unenviable job of collecting match subs, night out money, and I was collecting annual subs and fine money as well as votes, so if I suddenly win players player this year, and it’s a massive trophy, AT THE PRESENTATION EVENING ON 3RD JUNE tickets from Des Fallon £10 buffet and live music, then don’t be surprised!

The game started brightly and we took early control of the centre of the park with both Anthony Dine and Alex Thrall combining well and feeding both Ben Duffy and Paul Burford upfront. Colin Brazier was showing early signs of eagerness, with hard running down the line and making cutting runs deep into the opposition''s half. Ben Tomkins was playing with vigour down the right and proving that hard work, commitment and giving it all was what was needed to win this game.

Passing was crisp and accurate between the midfield and attack and this led to a great chance on the 15 minute mark when both Bens combined well down the right and pulled it back for Antony Dine to smash home from 20 yards only to see the keeper dive spectacularly to his right and pull off a great save. After 20 minutes we broke the deadlock, Joe Lipton threw a long ball into the box for Ben Duffy to neatly side foot in past the goalkeeper from close range. We were in control but needed the killer second to steady the ship. It was not to come, with a combination of good goalkeeping at both ends, Ivor dropped to his right and parried a shot which was resolutely defended by Joe Lipton. It stayed 1-0 at the half.

Time to shake things up, but it was difficult to see who should come off, with three eager players on the line, Oatley, Sheppard and Parsons, made even more difficult as I was the one that had to make the decision. Colin was sacrificed for Joe Oatley and Ben Tomkins was moved across to wreak havoc on their number two. With 20 minutes remaining the muddy conditions were taking their toll on the team, however the resolute defending continued with both Steve Viner and Todd Arnold cool, calm and in control at the back. Jack Harding was also focused throughout this game and handling all the number 10 could give. It looked unlikely that Lee or myself would get on as the game was so close, but Paul B took the ball just inside the Beaverwood half, sprinted past a defender''s lunge and took it past the oncoming keeper, to give us the breather we deserved. Within another 2 minutes it was 3 with Paul again coolly finishing and so myself and Lee replaced Steve and Joe L. to see out the last 15 minutes. Paul Burford took a run down the left wing and slipped in a cross for Ben Duffy to meet at the near post and glance the 4th goal in to make it look a very comfortable result in the end. Everyone worked hard, did not panic, and kept trying to play football. A good, if unspectacular performance.

We need a spectacular performance this week, Long Lane twice, Saturday and Wednesday 26th let Edd or me know if you are not available for the Wednesday game at home 6.15 KO.