MEN'S 1s DEFEAT MID SUSSEX IN A TOUGH PRE-SEASON ENCOUNTER

Match Report: Sam Djavit

Not much more to say, than we rarely got into our top gear of performance, but resolutely found a way to grind out a win. Mid Sussex played with plenty of players behind the ball & defended their circle excellently. BOE had numerous chances and corners but just couldn’t score. It was a war of attrition with BOE caught out at the back whilst pushing for a goal and thus allowing a few dangerous 1 vs 1 against the BOE keeper.

Highlight of the match has to be the third goal. A tackle in the circle from Vice Captain Tom Archer. He carried the ball out of the circle and fed Captain Sam Djavit, who attacked space with his ball carry reminiscent of Fat Ronaldo in his prime. Once Djavit had eliminated his defender, he fed Rob Henderson at Inside right, one touch and he fed Tom Mayfield leading into the circle, Mayfield crossed to Chris Harden to push into an open net. 4 passes, about 7 touches of the ball and 7 seconds and we went from circle to circle to score a goal. A glimpse of our Top Gear and more of this will come I'm sure.

Lowlight of the match was Djavit passing, not for the first time, to their left midfielder to set up Mid Sussex’ only goal. Last week he was Berkamp, this week he was Carlton Palmer. Much deserved DOD and will bring shower gel for the team next week.

MOM was comfortably won by Stephen 'Rochey' Roche, he was just class. Kept it simple when he needed to, turned on some serious flare when it was demanded and worked hard for the team all match. He also bagged a sweet reverse stick goal, which got us up 2-1. He’s a bloody nice bloke too with lovely flowing, healthy hair.

A very tough match vs Sevenoaks 2s away next week, playing against an ex BOE keeper James Marshall, should be a good challenge as their 1s made the leap to the National League last season.