Hard Graft

We had what must of been a 90 minute window when it stopped raining yesterday evening, making excellent conditions for a close fought game with regular opponents Harretons.

Tys was missing so we rotated goalies , but not sure Tys would have kept out their opener - a deep cross and headed back across the goal, over Rich, hit the post and rolled along the line for a bit before settling just over the line. We always concede first, so no drama there.

Quite quickly back into it, in Chris's absence BOC's flying wingers providing the main goal threat, equaliser was Ben provided a deep cross to the back post and Charlie rolling it in.

1-1 at "half-time" we reckon. A loose concept when you play Harretons, who have a visceral hatred of the fairly inoffensive to most quick half-time turnaround.

Second half, Ben scored, Charlie returning the favour with an assist, what turned out to be the winner and then we soaked up a lot of pressure to hold out.

Special mention to Stu, pulling off some great saves, particularly one header from their slowish striker where Stu had to readjust well to save.

From Rich: “ Hoof did a tackle, landed on the floor and then did a Cossack style dance to try to retrieve the ball!”

Lots of candidates for MotM, not least Ben with a goal and an assist and looking dangerous all game, but pipped by an all action display in midfield from Tom, benefitting perhaps from a slightly unorthodox dry January (1. it could go on to March, 2. Saturdays are exempt - you can drink as much as you like on Saturdays!).

Goalkeepers: Rich (1/3), Stu (1/3), Ilyas (1/3)