Sat 23rd Feb: Premier Division
Fleet Leisure 2
M.Ward
O.G
|
Bearsted 0
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Played on a difficult drying pitch and not being helped by a strong wind, this game was one of contrasting styles. Fleet Leisure using a more direct approach compared with Bearsted's preference to try to build up their moves. However neither really produced much goalmouth action
as far too often balls were over-hit with potential opportunities being wasted. Indeed chances were few, the closest of which coming when goalkeeper Phil Lewis pulled off a remarkable save from under the bar denying Alex McKay from scoring from close range following a corner from Adam Elwood. Perhaps Bearsted should really have made better use of the wind and slope advantage during the first half and had to settle for notably a well struck shot which past narrowly wide of goal by Robbie Wheeler and an effort by Gary East to which Gary Arterton had to be alert. Generally the game was one where both defences had to be alert with each relying on sound performances by central defenders Robbie Hayward and Mark Handly which each saw their side's going in level at half time.
Unfortunately for Bearsted the breakthrough came immediately after half time, when a hotly contested free kick was awarded against them on the edge of the area. The resultant kick being a somewhat scuffed effort by Mike Ward, which clipped the heel of Steve Smith before entering the net past the wrong-footed Lewis. Although Fleet were now enjoying greater possession after the turn-around, generally many of their crosses failed to fulfil their potential, sailing woefully high and wide over the bar, which in turn kept one of their club's stalwart member's very busy having to retrieve the ball. However, with only 10 minutes left an equaliser seemed inevitable when a low cross by Stuart Brockman found debutant Nick Walshaw who saw his brave downward header somehow bounce up and over the bar from 5 yards. The game was finally sealed soon after when a long throw from the right caused problems for the Bears defence resulting in Steve Smith once more not being able to avoid turning the ball into his own net.
Alan Hefferon - Bearsted FC |
