And so fate had it that the game of the season was upon us. The one to rule them all with greatness at our doorstep. BE vs Herne Bay. The team that broke our hearts preventing play-offs last year and now Third in the league fighting with BE for that championship spot. Scene set, the game commenced. Blackheath started strongly with precision passing, high pressing and a good tempo. Strong runs by Slack, Marly, and Prem allowed us to begin penetrating Herne Bay’s 23 with BE knocking on their door.
Finally the deadlock broken, with an exquisite move ending with a finish from Danyon Bateman
Herne Bay finished the 1st half strongly pressing high, which was negated by aerial upon aerial from Rob Hughes, finding those pockets each time and allowing us to continue our attack.
Second half and the game became more even. Herne Bay upped their tempo causing gaps between BE’s defence and midfield but they continued to hold strong. BE continued in the same form of attacking, which paid dividend through a flurry of short corners and one which finally converted from a drag flick by Rob Hughes, saved from the Herne Bay Keeper and followed by a tap in from Andy Slack
Blackheath 2-0 up. Excitement ran through the team as they knew the game was in their grasp. However a momentary lapse and Herne Bay scored. we were at 2-1.
Belief was still there and on another counter, Marly with some individual magic turned the defender and ran at pace, passing the ball to josh for a one-on-one and should’ve been 3-1, keeper smothered the ball well and stopped Josh from slotting the ball in the back of the net.
End result 2-1, with Blackheath 5 points clear and the championship in our hands.
Onwards.
MOM Dr Slack
DOD 'Green card' Gurpreet
Massive thank you to all those who came down the the Meadow and supported the team.