CUP FEVER SWEEPS THE MEADOW ONCE MORE

In a pulsating game, BEHC came out on top on a sunny yet chilly afternoon. With little info on the opposition, the boys knew they had to be at their best, and that they were. Right from the off the teams touch was sharp, organisation evident and a clear game plan put in place by Player/Coach Chris Harden.

Early exchanges saw both sides have corners and test the keeper at both ends but it was BEHC that were gaining the best moves and some nice chances were presenting themselves. A superb tackle and full length of the pitch dash by Luke Bowman ended in a strike from Chris Harden that was saved but dangerous and from the resulting corner Chris had too much power for the EG keeper.

The rest of the half was attritional, both sides displaying impeccable marking and distribution in defence and shutting down each others forwards. The game was on a knife edge, but little did we know what would happen after half time.

BEHC came out of the block firing and it wasn't long before the advantage was doubled, Josh Self on his nose to convert a superb cut back from Lax Karan. 2-0 but not done. Following a string of superb saves, EG got back in with a corner and then soon after an unfortunate rebound left a tap in for 2-2, unfair on BEHC but befitting the standard of game. The game was locked only for a moment as Chris Harden swiveled in the D and Joe Allen deflected in at the near post with an inch of space available. For a brief moment the game was in the balance as James Craigmyle saved with his feet and then his head to keep the EG boys out.

It was then over to the defence as Alex M-J and Ed Forshaw, with the help of Luke Bowman and Tunc Ilgin keeping the door shut, picking off the attacks and displaying fine calmness on the ball. BE would launch attack after attack and Dave Lawrence nearly put the game to bed at the far post, diving for a Charlie Speller cross after the pair had sprinted full length of the pitch to counter the visitors.

The final seconds ticked away and BEHC won a corner, the first one saved by a foot and the second rifled in by Chris Harden to put the game to bed and stretch the cup run out to the 3rd round...….

A superb game, a great watch but exceptionally pleasing to see the control and discipline by the BE boys that was missing from their counter parts. Lets hope the boys take this forward for the remaining league campaign and push themselves up the table.

Bravo!