BENSON AT THE DEBUT DOUBLE AS BOE START WITH A BANG

So here it is…the season opener! With the arrival of two South Africans, Mike Benson and Tanner Bottomley and a stable pre-season behind us, the BOE 2nd XI looked strong and raring to go for the early push back.

An opening goal from OB’s wasn’t the flying start the BOE strived for but hope was on the horizon, with a short corner opportunity. Leaving the keeper rooted to the spot, Mike Benson fires one home into the top left corner! 1-1, BOE are back in it. As the heavens opened and torrential rain lashed down, the boys kept calm and transferred the ball well, keeping possession.

Second half, rain, rain and more rain! It was lashing it down, heavier than a night at the Railway. This didn’t hinder the performance from the lads with good transitional play between Tanner and Prem, striding up the pitch to win another short.

Another short corner won by BOE, can Benson convert again? A Benson blinder screams past the keeper, leaving him stunned like a rabbit in headlights, two conversions from two short corners, the team’s confidence growing with each passing minute. 2-1.

As OB’s attack, the brick wall like defence stops them with crucial tackles from youngsters Gabe and Irvine. The defensive press working well, with Nathan positioning players like a master of puppets, BOE are working together like a well-oiled machine. As BOE counter, chances fail to get converted during open play. That wasn’t the end for BOE as a third short corner is won, no Mike Benson on to convert…no worries! James Clarke steps up, boom. 3-1.

Overall a great performance from the boys, bring on Folkestone away next Saturday, can we make it two in a row?

Man of the match: Mike Benson
Dick of the Day: Ben Ireland