CARDS GALORE IN DRAMATIC DRAW

B&E knew they were in for a tough day when travelling to recently relegated Gillingham Anchorians, but after last weekend's result against a strong university of Kent the boys were confident they could come away with 3 points.

What seems to be a theme of the season is a very Crystal Palace-esque start to each game, conceding early via an errant Rikesh 'naughty slap' Patel pass to there attacking midfielder Gillingham broke away with a 3 on 2 and put their first in the back of the net.

B&E regrouped, but the composure only lasted for another 5 minutes when another counter attack lead to a penalty corner. Gillingham rifled the ball into the netting - it appeared to be a first shot on goal well over back board height, B&E looked to the umpire... but the goal was given. 2-0 Gillingham. That decision was not the first nor the last of a long line of poor decisions that marred the game for both sides. The first half ended with a string of end to end attacks as B&E sought a way back into the game.

The second half saw a better effort from B&E as they started to create chances with Marly attacking the baseline and penetrating the opposition's D and winning penalty corners. Up steps Mike Benson, who had narrowly put one wide in the first half (clearly he was just getting his eye in), as this one (although sheepishly) rolled to the bottom right for a deflection from Marley 2-1. The game started to ramp up with more cards being shown than a Clintons displays in December, I would need to write a novel of which to discuss each individually. I shall leave it you your imagination.

15 minutes to go a clatter in the middle of the park sees Fowler hobble off, with Rich Mills out earlier in the game, B&E were down to one defensive sub. Up steps Robbie Hughes with a peachy overhead ball from just outside our own 25 to Ben Heggarty on the top of the oppo's D, a clever first touch causes the keeper to make a late challenge and sit on the ball - short corner won. Mike Benson fully warmed up from his earlier attempts, rockets the ball past the keeper and into the net. 2-2.

B&E started to come forward with wave after wave of attacks, but couldn't seem the nick the win out of nowhere. Down the other end Gilligham launched another counter and worked a 3 on 2. Nathan comes out of goal to send the man wide only for him to slip the ball to a team mate to slap into the open goal. Hughes makes it back to save off the line, unfortunately the ball is slightly off the ground using his shin pad instead of his stick and it's a penalty stroke with next to no time left on the clock.

I think the last touch of the game being this sums up the result, the Gillingham forward steps up and spoons the ball wide.