Blackham And Ashurst Sarac 4 vs 1 Southborough

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The second clash of the titans this season and the first time the two sides have met since the unpleasant scenes at the final whistle last time around.&nbsp; The injury list is still growing down in Sussex with hunky front man 2Gun Willy joining list of lepers.&nbsp; So it was untimely news when the phone rang and Luke Leppard delivered the news that he would be signing for St Lawrence in a big money move.&nbsp; With options limited Bert Freeman was tucked in to the number 9 shirt and asked to partner Captain Mannering in attack.&nbsp; There was some good news from the treatment room however with Zac Effron making his first start since his nasty injury against Southborough back in October.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">It was an open game from the start and both sides sensed there were goals to be had.&nbsp; Indeed it was the visitors who had the first chance.&nbsp; Their diminutive left winger broker free down the left using his pace to pull away but his cross was poked narrowly wide.&nbsp; There were some half chances for B&A before Southborough turned the screws again, this time it was left to Dan Harrison in the Blackham sticks to pull off a string of fine saves to keep the game level.&nbsp;

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">On the 20 minute mark and after a short spell of pressure the deadlock was broken.&nbsp; Zac Effron broke free down the wing and crossed in for Hobbit to rifle home.&nbsp; It should have been two moments later, Effron sprung the offside trap but couldn&rsquo;t quite round the keeper and finish.&nbsp; And so it was heart breaking for the home fans when the current league champs levelled just before the break.&nbsp; A hopeful effort from distance was lost in the sun and came back off the bar for the Southborough chancer to bundle over the line.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Spirits were high at half time despite the set back but everyone knew a massive 45 was needed.&nbsp; And unlike some many B&A games in the past rather than conceding early in the second half they went out and got their noses back in front.&nbsp; This time Bert pouncing on a loose back-pass from the Southborough left back and slotting it neatly in the corner.&nbsp; Again when Southborough tried to hit back they found a brick wall of Bish and Bowlsey and on the odd occasion this wall was breached Dan was in fine form and had all the angles covered.&nbsp;&nbsp; B&A were now in control of the game and pouring forward and finding space.&nbsp; Bert pulled out wide and fired in a cross that the keeper clawed at but it only fell to the feet of the formidable Fern Higgins who returned the ball with interest resulting in a lovely little bulge in the back of the net.&nbsp; Game set match.&nbsp;

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">With the game safe and the home side in control on came the subs.&nbsp; Robbie G, Hugo and Adam H came on to see the game out.&nbsp; Hugo also managed to put a nice glacier cherry on the top sweeping home a Fern Higgins centre.&nbsp;

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">There was even time for some late drama, I&rsquo;m not sure whether Spudulike had questioned the guy&rsquo;s man hood or said something derogatory about his mother but he seemed riled enough to try and convert Thumbelina over the goal posts. &nbsp;&nbsp;Either way it earned him an early bath and ensured some first class whinging from the angry mob.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The County Cup dream lives on and we all look forward to the draw for the next round.&nbsp;

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">COME ON MARGATE AWAY &nbsp;&nbsp;