Blackheath 2nd XI 2-2 Burnt Ash 2nd XI

After a convincing victory against Mid Sussex 1s in their first game of the pre-season, Blackheath travelled to Burnt Ash for what they knew would be a tough game. There was a welcome return to the side for talisman Andrew Slack, 'Mr Consistency' Tristan Lacon-Allin & the tardiest man of all time Gurpreet Purewal, all of whom gave a boost to an already strong-looking side.

However, the opening 15 minutes of the game were poor from BOE and, as Coach Edd Thorogood put it, were somewhat reminiscent of a children's party when 'cake time' had been called. An effective long-ball game from Burnt Ash saw Ian McLean & James Clarke constantly having to fend off waves of attack, and inevitably, the deadlock was broken by the home side after a well-worked short corner. But, rather than let their heads drop, tactical changes from Thorogood and some better organisation breathed life into the flagging midfield. Joe Allen's tight marking began to frustrate Burnt Ash's playmaker, allowing Andrew Slack and Chris Fowler to venture further forward. Soon, BOE were creating chances. A mazy run almost ended with a goal for Lewys Taylor, and Nick Surry's first-time effort was well saved by the home keeper. The score remained 1-0 until half time, but the 2s felt like they were in the ascendency. The break gave them a chance to amend their tactics, and buoyed by some positive words, BOE were ready to turn the game around.

But, in a moment of uncharacteristic sloppiness, a defensive error by Purewal gave Burnt Ash a one-on-one. Nathan Bullens did well to get a touch but the ball managed to creep home as Purewal attempted to make amends on the goal line. The game could quite easily have slipped away at this point, but by carrying on as they had at the end of the first half, BOE began creating opportunities in front of goal, and had soon pulled one back; a well worked short corner routine saw Captain Prem Marwaha set Slacky up for his first goal of the season. All of a sudden the game was firmly in Blackheath's control, allowing full backs Bertie Page and Man of the Match Tristan Lacon-Allin to venture forward time and time again. Occasional counter attacks from Burnt Ash were well dealt with by Bullens, but it was BOE who would strike next. A trademark run from Slacky eliminated 4 opposing defenders, before he calmly set Joe Allen up to tap in at the far post. This was no less than BOE deserved, and after another couple of good chances created for Milky & Clarke, the 2s could genuinely feel aggrieved at not coming away with a victory.

Final Score: Burnt Ash 2nd XI 2-2 Blackheath 2nd XI

MOTM- Tristan Lacon-Allin
DOTD- Gurpreet Purewal