Tuesday, 19 February 2013

Elephant & Castle vs BBFC

After the news last week that Punch have dropped out of the league this season, it was vitally important that we went into a very tricky tie against Elephant & Castle and got a result. This surprising revelation has given us a real chance not only to win promotion but also potentially win the league title from under the noses of Wickhambrook. Let's not pass it up!

The pitch at Gt Barton was boggy and tough to play on so it was hard for either side to get their foot on the ball and play attractive football and it was from a series of corners that we opened the scoring after a short one-two and a good delivery from Carter that eventually went in off Phil's left testi.

The first half was often reduced to niggly fouls and hoofed clearances but it was testament to our desire to win the game that we won nearly all the 50-50 balls with the Wagers in the centre shielding our back four well and Graham and Baz winning everything in the air. Even a bizzare error from Batesy and Driver resulting in a dangerous freekick saw a real desire to charge the ball as Leighton took the brunt of the shot on his arse.

Shortly after though, E&C drew level against the run of play with a precise/flukey freekick but a firm drive from Rees from the edge of the area saw the Boy back in front. If the referee had seen a number of infringements in the box, or a blantent penalty when Leighton was clean through then the match might have been more comfortable by half time.

The second half saw much of the same scrappy play and full-blooded commitment as our defence repelled the E&C attacks without looking like conceding and looking dangerous on the break at the other end. Phil had been a real outlet all game when running at the back-four and it was from his play that Chris was able to pick the ball up from 25 yards and chip the keeper and covering defender for the game's best goal. Even though a reply from The Trunk saw our lead cut again, Phil managed to wriggle free of the defence to slot in his second and put the game to bed.

We knew this week that with the pitch and the type of game it was going to be won by the team who put in the most effort and wanted it most. It was not a game for pretty football, but one for getting a positive result. Job done.

This week we have to make sure we do not underestimate Wortham and go there with the same commitment in order to get the win - every game from now on is like a cup final (to use the cliche) so we don't want to be looking back come the end of the season and thinking "that's where we slipped up" or "could we have done more there". Up the Boy!

Charlie Neigh-ton
Containing up to 100% horsemeat since 1986

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