The 1st XI arrived at College Meadow for their first home appearance of the season. With pre-season games having all been played at away venues, it was a welcome return.
The team were greeted with harsh weather, but with an opportunity to grab 3 points and push towards the goal of promotion.
As the game started, the rain continued, allowing the surface to suit the high ball speed all the way through the team. Pressure grew, but opportunities came and went. Chris Harden saw dragflicks saved off the line from both the West Hampstead goalkeeper and defenders. BEHC looked comfortable in possession and were causing problems, but James Craigmyle came to the rescue twice in the first half to deny breakaway attacks from the away side.
The second half began much the same, with the emphasis placed on creating opportunities, and controlling the game. Again, opportunities came and went. Unfortunately, West Hampstead pounced on a turnover just outside of the 25, and played a neat move that ended with a tap in at the back post. 0-1.
Despite efforts to get back into the game, a small number of opportunities emerged in the last 8 minutes, and the hammer blow of conceding late on was eventually too much for BEHC to come back from.
Whilst being another dominant performance from BEHC, the feeling was much like that of the Wycombe draw last week. Plenty of positives to build on, and the boys will be looking to collect their first 3 points of the season on the long away leg to Trojans on Saturday.
MOTM: Charlie Speller
DOTD: Josh Self