FIVES DEAL WITH DISAPPOINTMENT

Away at top of the league Deal on a cold Saturday morning was never going to be the most attractive fixture, but it speaks volumes for the team’s strength of spirit that in good time before pushback we had a strong 13 player side raring to go. Our motivation was also helped by the fact that promotion remains a possibility as the season enters the closing stages.

Unfortunately Deal proved too good for us and a 5-1 win in front of an enthusiastic crowd confirmed them as worthy champions of Kent Open Division 2, with a handful of games to go. However, this certainly doesn’t tell the whole story, the score line in no way reflecting the fact that for periods of the game we took the game to the league leaders. Five minutes before half time Paul W scoring a deflected, looping shot that took us into the break at 2-1 and in many ways we felt unlucky to be losing at all. We started the second half upbeat but lapses in concentration in midfield and defence let Deal sneak in and restore their two goal lead early on. From there it was an uphill battle but we still brought a good deal of pressure, including one five minute spell where the Deal defenders began to look decidedly panicky at their lack of ability to clear from countless sixteens due to excellent pressing work from the Blackheath forwards. However, more lapses of concentration were to follow and we would go on to concede a couple more. There was definitely an element of head dropping, especially after their fourth, but on the whole the team kept playing right up to the final whistle with good performances from a number of players, including Deeley at the back, Tom in goal and man of the match Alex Gurr.

The season is most definitely not over for the 5s, if we win our remaining three games and Gravesham and Wellcome slip up, we would secure second and have a shout at achieving back to back promotions. The team spirit remains excellent, demonstrated by the turn out and the way in which we encouraged each other on the pitch and afterwards sat together in the pub, despite the heavy defeat. We remain optimistic: New Beccs are up next.

Thanks to Deal for providing both umpires and congratulations on the league title.

Man of the Match- Alex Gurr