Once again the sun was beating down, the only difference was, this was the real thing. As opening day away trips go, OG’s is probably right up there as one of the toughest and the home side showed their level early as they looked after the ball impeccably in the opening exchanges as BE kept it tight and shut out any advances. On the 18 minute mark the 1st chance would fall to BE as Steve Roche had a good shot saved from the 45 at the top D right hand side, that was quickly followed by a Forshaw ball across to an unlucky Ludo Jones at the far post who didn’t quite get enough on it. Pressure was all OG’s but BE had forced the 2 best opportunities.

The 24 minute mark saw OG’s take the lead as a dispossession in the middle of the park allowed the home side to jump forward and finish a move with a turn and shot, 16 yards out. BE showed a great response almost immediately getting up the pitch to win a corner, which Roche put away the rebound.

Half time came and went as much needed O2 was consumed and we were back up and running. Similar to the 1st half, BE happy to soak up the pressure and break as fast as they could. A delicious Marcus Wilson ball to David Lawrence had the eyes light up and it was just a slight miss trap that meant the opportunity went begging for a 1 v 1 with the keeper. Then, with 12 minutes to play, BE’s big chance came and went. The first corner went slightly wrong but resulted in 3 of our men in front of the keeper, but we couldn’t convert before he sat on it and was reawarded, then a raised ball off a defender made it 3, then another foot off a bounce left and finally a 4th corner that hit a defenders foot but a free went against us for dangerous play, big chance missed.

As time ebbed away, the chance of a result was getting more and more possible until a hopeful ball into the circle, nicked an OG’s stick and the resistance was broken. BE had no choice but to go for the equaliser and doing so conceded a 3rd on the break that was possibly a little harsh on the boys. 3 very good open play chances and 6 corners across the game, a resolute and organised performance in defence and a fantastic spirit meant that we were unlucky not to take something from the day.

A superb start and really impressive how the side stick to their guns and executed a plan.

Man of the match: Blue Collard
DOD: Will Leverton