After a promising 2nd half performance last week against a strong Valence side, it was vital that the team carried it through to the game against Gore Court.

The 2nd XI started solidly, stringing some nice phases of play together without really threatening GC’s goal. It took a ‘wobbly’ run from Dow to create the first real opportunity, the ball eventually reaching Slacky who popped the ball on to the defenders foot. Short corner awarded. The ball reached Clover at the top and he dragged flicked the ball hard and low to the right where Archie was on hand to tap home. The crowd were stunned; did the 2’s really just score a short? The ever present Mr Cruz couldn’t believe his eyes but the 2’s did score a short without Eddy T. The jubilation was pretty short lived as GC scored their own short corner within 5 minutes to level things up. GC had now settled and they were happy breaking on Blackheath whenever the right opening arose. A defensive mishap presented the ball to a GC attacker in a very promising position, thankfully De Wit was on hand to make a last ditch tackle and save the defences blushes. Whistle blown and a P flick awarded? Erik, not known for his diplomatic ways, contested the decision in the most polite way he knew, not polite by any means but a good effort for Erik. Unfortunately the appeal was to no avail and the GC player converted the flick. Half time 2-1 to GC.

The half time break gave the team enough time to ‘cool off’ and regroup. A quick formation and psychological revamp and the guys were ready to push for that elusive home win.

The team started the 2nd half brightly, venting their frustrations in the best way possible. The back line of Ders, Tawana, De Wit and Dow were pushing further up field as the team pushed for that equalising goal. A glorious opportunity fell to young Colegate in a one on one but the time spent training with the 2s strikers has clearly had a telling affect as he followed in their footsteps and squandered the chance. The constant pressure final told as Slacky scored with a lovely upright reverse hit that went in off the post. With 15 minutes remaining it seemed inevitable that BOE would push on and get the win…..oh if only competitive sports were that simple. After another dubious decision, frustrations got the better of Mr Moore and he was sent to the naughty corner for a 10 minute break. Looking in hindsight, how did Dan not get any DOD nominations?!

A card seemed to give GC a second wind and they dominated proceedings for the next 10 minutes. BOE defended well, soaking up the pressure and hitting GC on the break whenever they could. The binning ended and Moore was waved back on to the field. Within a minute BOE have another short corner; could they really score off 3 shorts in one game? Yes, yes they can! The euphoria of the moment took over somewhat as I have no idea who provided the assist but I confirm that Archie tapped in from close range, again. The final few minutes were a pretty tame affair but no one in the BOE colours cared as they finally had some points at home!

MOTM - Andy Slack