BA 3’s 3 Ashford 4’s 2 (Big Amit 2)

What a rotten word Nearly is. We nearly won - we nearly drew - we actually lost 3-2 in the last 20 seconds.

Very disappointing because of the performance of - on paper - a threadbare team deserved something from this game. Playing with 6 lads between 13 and 15 (and only Doggers a team regular last season) and 5 old gits (a bit harsh on Amit I suppose), we approached the game against BA 3’s with some trepidation…also Amit had to play up front due to his foot injury which didn’t seem to make him any slower than he normally is…

Game was very even in the first half before they scored from a short that wasn’t taken outside the D but we kept our heads and deserved the equaliser…a sweeping move started by Jon Hunt on the 25, Gordo swept it up to Alex Betts on their 25 in the inside left position, he put the ball across to Big Amit who unleashed….a viciously topped shot into the corner past a motionless ‘keeper who reminded me of Sherpa on one of his ‘oh dear’ days.  Litttle Stef tried to nick it but you gotta touch it before it goes over the line, Stef!!

Second half the game got even more stretched with BA an old canny side sitting deep, bypassing midfield and playing long balls upto their striker. At times this was problematic but we generally defended well and we had them worried with some nice linking play, David Merchant, Dash Sandu and Phil the Lip stood out.

We took the lead from a defensive mistake and Big Amit lashed it in. The game was fairly even and we had chances and pressure but could not score the 3rd goal that would have won us the game. 10 minutes to go they equalised with a scrappy goal and then the last gasp winner which came through tiredness and lack of concentration.

Positive things about this were the teamwork and attitude and if we can keep this level of performance we will be fine.