THREE FROM TAWANA INSPIRES FIGHT BACK

Match report: Edd Thorogood
A rescheduled 4.30pm push back away is not the most reasonable time for a trip to Maidstone but BOE had to man up and get on with it. The squad looked good and the travelling band of men were in high spirits following last weeks 3-0 win against Sevenoaks. After a solid warm up and a stretch on the delightful adjacent skate park BOE were ready for the off. An early D penetration gave us the first opportunity but the ball just ran loose and a good opening had come to nothing.
This season has been defined by unacceptable small periods of play. More often than not BOE have 5 or 10 minutes sessions in each game where they switch off and lose focus. Today was no different as in a flash a lack of concentration and poor communication saw BOE 2-0 down and chasing the game. We won a penalty corner and after a charge down from the Maidstone defence drag flicker Tawana had his first chance of the day but put his effort wide. That would be followed by another penalty corner which Tawana dragged superbly but the Maidstone keeper made an incredible stick save onto the post. The returning forward Thorogood had another strike on the angle that tested the Maidstone number 1 but the rebound fell safely, Half time, 2-0 but BOE were well in the game and pushing hard.

The second half started at an electric tempo and new boy Rob Henderson was causing trouble down the right hand side. His excellent link up play put in Tom Cleall and from the resulting cross Edd Thorogood couldn't quite get the required connection on his slap and the keeper saved well. BOE continued to pour forward and David Forsyth was afforded a strike at goal but again the Maidstone keeper was in inspired form.

Finally BOE got their break, a neat short corner move saw a foot on the line and rookie centre half Aran Tawana put the penalty flick away. It was all BOE now as Andy Slack and Erik DeWit dominated the midfield but a lucky break against the momentum saw Maidstone win a penalty corner and BOE foot on the line saw Maidstone have a penalty flick of their own to make it 3-1. More fantastic play down the right saw Dow & Henderson combine and the debutant had a great chance from 5 yards but amazingly the ball went wide.

15mins to go and BOE needed something. Another penalty corner was won and Tawana stepped up and got his drag flick spot on as the ball flew into the net and at 3-2 the game was there for the taking. As hoped BOE would continue to power forward and with 5 minutes left another penalty corner was won and the man of the moment Tawana flicked high and into the net, via the back side of the cowering post man. 3-3 and there was still enough time for a winner. Thorogood struck with a shot on the turn but it was saved. Archie had a good reverse effort go just wide and Henderson saw his rebound effort smothered by the Maidstone keeper who was definitely their man of the match.

Whistle blew and it was a good result at a difficult time and place to play. BOE will be happy with the come back but another poor 5 minute period cost them a game that they dominated from start to finish. The 2's will hope to take this momentum to next weeks game vs Marden at College Meadow and hope to push on to the top half of the table.

MOTM - Aran Tawana (hat trick)
DOD - Rob Henderson (debut & open goal)