COACH LEFT PUR-ING AS COUNT-IANS SUMS DON'T ADD UP

After being put through their paces for a few months by new coach Will Nurse, the 1st XI were itching to get the new season started.

The first challenge saw an away trip to Purley Walcountians who finished in a similar position to B&E last season.

Preparation for the game was good apart from James Morrison forgetting his brand new kit only a week after being given it.

B&E started the game with a lot of possession but with a lack of intensity all over the pitch, chances were few and far between.

That was until 16-year-old Josh Self burst into life down the right flank before playing a ball under his arm which was then crossed, above head height, for Andy Slack to smash into the goal.

Another goal followed shortly from Chris Harden as a result of great pressing by Ethan Faulds and Charlie Sid.

Slack then added his second before providing medical assistance to Ben Wyatt who took a nasty gash to the head. A busy first half for Dr Slack!

A loose bit of marking saw Purley pull one back but it did not take long for B&E to score 2 more goals courtesy of Chris Harden (hat-trick) before the half time whistle both superbly assisted by Dave Lawrence.

Coach Will Nurse was pleased to be 5-1 up at half time but asked for the job to be finished professionally.

B&E controlled the ball for most of the second half as Purley begun to tire and shortly after the restart Dave Lawrence bagged himself a couple of goals before another short corner was converted by Chris Harden.

Late on B&E created many chances and the score line could have been significantly worse for Purley as a number of chances went begging.

All that was left to top off a great start to the season was for Dave Lawrence to complete his hatrick rounding 3 defenders on the baseline and nutmegging the keeper.

A great team performance with a lot of control asserted throughout the whole game.

Dave Lawrence claimed the MOTM watch and Morri won't forget his kit again.

Trojans at home is the next challenge for the lads at the fortress. Hope to see you there.

C. Harden

[Goalscorers: Dr Slack x 2, D. Lawrence x 3, [C. Harden x 4].