Welcome Return to Winning Ways

A 10.30am away game is hardly an eagerly anticipated fixture, but BOE went down to Holcombe with a solid game plan and a positive attitude. Issues with availability and suspension meant that a debut was handed to youngster Ben Heggarty, whilst defender Gabriel Downer returned to the side from injury.

The game started brightly, with BOE's high press forcing the Holcombe defence into panicky clearances down the middle of the pitch, which were capably mopped-up by 2nd XI convert Tom Archer and Dr Andy Slack (NB- if anyone requires first class medical advice/quiz answers, Slacky is happy to be of service at any time of the day/night). This solidity in midfield meant that the majority of the opening stages were played in the Holcombe half, with Chris Fowler and Richard 'Usain' Archibald finding plenty of space high up the pitch. This possession led to a few good chances, as Jake Lamplough saw a close-range effort well saved (should have scored), and Fowler failed to get a decisive touch at the back post from an Archer through-ball (definitely should have scored).

At the other end a quick breakaway from the home side split the otherwise solid back four, and meant that James Craigmyle had to produce a fine double-save to keep the game level. However, it wasn't long before BOE produce a fine counterattack of their own. Archie robbed an opposition player on the halfway line and turned on the afterburners, leaving several more in his wake, before finding skipper Prem Marwaha. He in turned dribbled past 3 players before unleashing a shot which Archie selfishly deflected home. 1-0 to the away team, and the Holcombe terraces were silent.

Whilst Tristan Lacon-Allin and debutant Heggarty relentlessly harrassed the opposition midfield, the defence were seemingly unable to lose a 50/50 challenge and the game tipped further in BOE's favour. However, just 5 minutes before the break there was a major setback. Blackheath's own Ledley King- Derwyn Baillie- was forced to substitute himself due to old age, meaning TLA had to fill in at the back, leaving the side with just one substitute. The halftime whistle blew shortly after James Clarke had a trademark drag-flick well saved, with the score still 1-0.

The team-talk was a positive affair, the only change required for the second half being a switch to a 3/4 press to stop Holcombe's crash-balls beating the front line. This turned out to be a master stroke, as Holcombe were unable to make it out of their 25 for large swathes of the second half.
Downer found himself attacking up the left hand side on a number of occasions, whilst Slacky's wizardry on the ball mesmerised the opposition. All the while, Ders marshalled the youthful back four, who visibly grew with confidence as the game went on. On seeing Big Irv brush aside attackers twice his age, one could see that Ders was physically moved with pride. However, things weren't all going BOE's way.

A flurry of short corners brought the count up to 8 for the away side, but with nothing to show for it. As the Sporting Gods are prone to punishing teams who waste chances at 1-0, nerves began to jangle. Combined with a lack of available substitutes meaning legs became heavier, Holcombe counter-attacks then became more frequent.

But today was not going to be 'one of those days'. With less than 10 minutes left in the game, Clarkey finally made a breakthrough from a short corner. Instead of predictably launching the ball into the corner of the goal, the inventive youngster caught the keeper by surprise and fired straight through his unsuspecting legs. 2-0, and the stands started to empty.

Yet, in a cruel twist of fate, those fans that exited in their droves were left kicking themselves as their side pulled a goal back with a minute to play. Were they going to miss out on a sensational comeback?

No. As the title suggests, the mighty 2s held out for the last few seconds, and could look back on a well-earned victory. Conceding late on brought a little frustration after what was essentially a solid all round performance, but as they say, it's the 3 points that count.

Final score:

Holcombe 2A's 1-2 Blackheath 2's

MOTM:
Irv- a mature, dominant performance at centre back. Barely put a foot wrong.

DOTD:
Prem- was still asleep when Slacky arrived to pick him up for the game.