A NARROW LOSS AGAINST LEAGUE LEADERS SHOWS PROGRESS

After a disappointing performance last week against Staines, the 1st team were in for two training sessions to prepare for a double header against league leaders Oxford on Saturday and Wotten Under-edge in the national trophy quarter final on Sunday.

BOE were wary of the threat the Oxford University boys would present as a fit, well drilled outfit playing regularly together. This said, the BOE boys started at a ferocious pace with Jake Owen finding some space around the baseline to 'drop' some of his silky skills and win a corner.

The corner was duly converted into the keepers bottom left to give BOE a well deserved lead.

Oxford then begun to find their groove and their patterns of play started to come together. Although having large spells of possession the Oxford attacks were blunted by a fantastic effort from the defence. Ben Wyatt, Tom Harden, Rob Hughes, Tristan and Tanner all playing their part to ensure the Oxford attacks were muted.

When the attacks did result in a shot on target, these were often calmly batted away by Nathan in goal. Eventually an Arsenal style goal resulted in Oxford deflecting in from close range after a patient period of build up. The score at the half time break was 1 - 1.

All players were glad to hear the half time whistle to take a well earned break to catch their breath after the fast paced first half.

The second half followed a similar manner to the first, Oxford having the majority of possession but struggling to break down BOE's resilient defensive efforts.

Eventually an Oxford forward found some space in the BOE D and after a coming together with a BOE defender the umpire rather sheepishly awarded a penalty flick.

This was dispatched by Oxford and motivated BOE to up the tempo and put the students under some pressure. The last 10 minutes saw BOE spend most of the time camped in the Oxford half pressing hard and creating chances. Unfortunately none of these were converted and against the league leaders, this cost BOE the chance of taking any of the spoils.

Whilst disappointing to not take any points from the game, the defensive effort from BOE showed significant improvement and we await the game that the defence and attack perform together as it could be something quite special.

BOE then went on for an evening of entertainment in Stroud prior to the cup quarter final the next day. Burgers and bowling were the order of the evening along with some much needed hydration. Competitive juices were flowing and the team was well prepped to for the challenge that faced them on Sunday......