CAPTAIN CHRIS MAKES IT A SOUTH PREM AWAY DAY DREAM DEBUT

Saturday 1 October marked the beginning of the 1st teams adventure in South Prem B. Spirits were high after a strong pre season with competition for places higher than ever.

An away trip to Ashford (Middlesex) was what faced 15 BOE chaps, ready to burst into the league. Ashford had similarly been promoted last season from their respective regional league on goal difference. After Ashford's strong recruitment drive, the 1st team knew they would be in for an intense game.

After cruising round the average speed checks on the south west section of the M25 in the pouring rain, the team eventually arrived at the ground only metres from the runway at Heathrow to be met with glorious sunshine.

The game begun at a ferocious pace until eventually some good interchanges between Jake Owen and James Logan lead to the opening goal for BOE, calmly finished by Chris Harden.

Ashford then begun to get a foothold in the game resulting in a number of penalty corners. Ashford's prolific penalty corner taker eventually stuck a rocket into BOE's top left and the game was levelled. BOE continued to hold plenty of possession with the final pass often going astray. BOE failed to capitalise on a number of chances created and Ashford clinically made it 3 - 1 just before half time.

BOE came out fighting in the second half with a good tempo to their play and started again to string some periods of possession together which eventually lead to a penalty corner, which was converted by skipper Chris Harden, to make the score 3 - 2. BOE continued to press on after their second and eventually score a third after wonderful skill and a delightful through ball from upcoming superstar Jake Owen, allowing Chris Harden once again to finish the move off.

With the score at 3 - 3 going into the final moments of the game and both teams looking relatively content to share the spoils, David 'twinkle toes' Lawrence left a couple of defenders for dead to win a penalty corner.

BOE seized the moment with the impressive Sacha sliding in on his nose to deflect into the bottom corner.

BOE solidly held out for the remaining moments of the game and secured an excellent 3 points from a difficult away fixture. Excellent performances from Sacha and James 'Vardy' Logan but a standout performance from Jake Owen pulling the strings throughout.

The 1st team face a difficult fixture against West Hampstead next Saturday at 14.45 who had the better of BOE in pre season.
Get down to fortress BOE if you can to support the lads and see if they can make it 2 from 2.