Undefeated

As 2019 comes to an end I find myself at the end of another unjust DOTD match report. However, as the most aesthetically looking player, I do find it fitting that the mantle comes to me again to describe to my honest and impartial knowledge on the proceedings that occurred at what can only be described as the ‘Fortress in Mottingham’, whilst also wrapping up another year in Blackheath & Elthamian’s illustrious 158th year.

Matchweek 11.

The game could only be described as what as what we had be accustomed to, an absolute calamity, with lots of highs followed by multiple lows. For those reading this match report and don’t know the end score, firstly get a grip, and secondly it ended 8-7. 15 goals scored on the hallowed turf of Mottingham’s greatest landmark.

The first half started quick with early pressure from Blackheath saw Marley Jones get the ball top D for reverse stick shot which normally would’ve been sent into orbit, but miraculously, nestled into the bottom corner. 1-0. The next two goals came in quick succession with two James Clarke flicks, who finally listened to the most aesthetically looking person and rifled them into the bottom corner. Few minutes later debutant Patrick Ferguson deflected a ball into the top corner. 4-0. Another goal came to Andy Slack whose perseverance in the D granted him a goal as well as another goal by Marley Jones. Although winning 6-0 a goal did come to Crawley before the 1st half whistle due to some poor defensive work. Half time, 6-1.

Notable highlights from the 1st half include, a BIG Chris Fowler air-shot (standard), Marley Jones at the end of a green card (standard) and the boys helping Cal put his toys back into his pram after his disappointment with the squad’s discipline (understandable).

With the scores at 6-1, Blackheath sort after more goals but complacent defending from the team saw Crawley shoot out of the blocks and score two goals in quick succession. 6-3. However, Patrick Ferguson found himself sliding in on the back post to a James Clarke ball across the D to claim his second goal of the day. 7-3. Again, mounting pressure and poor work from the whole team granted Crawley a whisker of hope with the scores reading 7-5, with 10 minutes to go. Another reprieve by Andy Slack making the scores 8-5 would surely put the game to bed, but, another two goals from Crawley saw the final whistle and a big sigh of relief from both home supporters and Blackheath players final score, 8-7.

Notable highlights from the 2nd half include, the most aesthetically pleasing individual trying to make up for a 'mistake' caused by skipper Rob Hughes; but be castrated at the end of the game for it hence said match report (recurrent), James Kelly letting what could be only described as a P-roller into the bottom corner (dumb-founded) and Tunc thinking that the route one ball would finally get to striker Ed Thorogood with neither the execution, nor the receiver in a position for it (no comment).

Motm: Patrick Ferguson, solid game, two goals.
DotD: Most aesthetically looking person, inequitable.

With the end of the year approaching, it seems to have been in all areas a great year for the 2nd team. Going into Christmas 4th in the league with a promotion at the end of the last season, the boys push on for another promotion in back-to-back years. With 22 games played, 16 wins, 3 draws and only 3 losses, the boys are proving to be a force to be reckoned with now in the Kent / Sussex regional league. Resident Archiver Ed Thorogood also informs me that we as a team have not lost a single home game since January 20th 2018 against Gillingham, that’s a record 21 home wins with only 1 draw, a no small feet, but something we wish to carry on as we ironically welcome back Gillingham to the fortress 2 years later in the new year.

Rikesh Patel