MIGHTY MEADOW MEN MASTER THE MILLERS

Having endured a minor set back the week before, Blackheath welcomed Canterbury to The Meadow for a must win game in Kent Div 2.
Canterbury, whom are within striking distance in the league and more importantly safety only narrowly beat us in Canterbury just before Christmas.

However, an unusually lacklustre warm up from BOE did not set the correct tempo or frame of mind for a very important game in our end of season push.

The first 25 minutes was a very even affair with neither team really showing much desire to take the game by the scruff and fight for a win, the only shining light of BOE was the mature, solid and dynamic performance of our stand in centre back, James 'Snatch' Hatcher who admirably covered for the injured Wildeman.

The final 10 minutes of the first half belonged to Blackheath, a return to the recent form we have showed in beating top of the league Folkestone was back. Direct and calm passing from the back 4 of Gobbler, Ders, Snatch and Smithy managed to settle a nervous game and allow the midfield three of Ginger, Taggart and Joey Essex to really get control of the game.

Alas, the 10 minutes of pressure did not provide a goal. Unfortunate as the running of the recent January transfer window acquisition and birthday boy (40 yrs young) Archie did not give him the reward of a goal it deserved. Wide running and movement from forwards Browner, Diddy, Milky and resident Joe Pirlo really allowed the midfield to move the ball and increase the tempo to a level that Canterbury could not control.

A half time roasting from Skipper Ders to the tune of "we were crap, then we were good. Continue with the good and bury some chances!" Inspirational.

With the second half under way, Blackheath quickly got back into the groove and piled the pressure on Canterbury.Tthe pressure paid off when Browner found space at the top of the D to slot home in what is now a regular occurrence for the Nike Air Max wearing, Electrical car driving real O G. Stay up playa.

As with all things Blackheath, 1 is never enough. Soon after the lead was doubled by birthday boy Archie who finally got the goal his endless running deserved. A messy and chaotic goal mouth scramble saw the ball ricochet of post and nestle just in front of the goal line between the GK stick, GK backside, post and various other body parts. Archie pushed hard and forced the ball over the line. Ugly goal but they all count.

Then, like a flash it was over, whistle blown. Time for beers and a shower with like minded men.....wasn't it? Well, no. What Mark Ainley makes up for in his effervescent umpiring and skills in controlling what can essentially be 22 three year olds screaming at each other on a Saturday afternoon he lacks in telling the time. He inexplicably blew 10 minutes early. But then we've all been guilty of that.

With the game restarted and a 2-0 lead to keep safe, Blackheath began to sit back and soak up what little pressure Canterbury could apply. With Canterbury pushing forward, the space at the back was opened up for Archie to stretch those Birthday (40) legs and poach some goals. Now folks from a Hockey background will know the term 'jug avoidance'. This happens when a player has scored two but doesn't want to score a third for fear of having to buy a Jug of Ale for his team mates. In Archie's case he'd only scored one but was guilty of missing a hatful of others that puts him strongly in the 'jug avoidance' category even if the stats don't add up. We can only guess why he had numerous 1-1's and missed. Extreme Jug Avoidance at its best.

Oh and with almost the last hit of the game Canterbury got a goal back. Poor James Florence in the Mighty 3s goal had barely moved a muscle all game

Game over. Chances to win this by a country mile but finishing not the best today so score shows a tighter game than the one that transpired. The fight to stay up lives on.

MOM: Nick Smith - Yet again. Superb marauding and distribution from RH. A revelation since Christmas.
DOD : Archie - A total of 75 1 on 1's failed to yield a goal.