02/18/07

2006 / 2007 Season 30/12/2006

The pitch looked great(ish) at the start of the match, and Buxted had their tails up for a bit of revenge over a side that inexplicably stole a point from the lads in the away fixture in November.  Unfortunately this enthusiasm did not translate to performance for much of the first half, with the back line sitting too deep and midfield not dropping back we were down by two sloppy goals within twenty minutes, as the Scaynes Hill strikers were afforded far too much time and space.  Pat put all his usual gusto into his right wing duties, but always looked more comfortable when drifting into the centre of the park, and Jörn was bellowing the team into action from the back line.  What we were in need of was a catalyst to spark the sleeping Frankenstein into life and scare the Scaynes Hill villagers into a panic. This was duely delivered with a Lee Turner classic corner – ie straight into the back of the onion bag to take Buxted in 2 – 1 down at the break and buzzing with confidence.

Coupling this break-through with the introduction of Wes for Craig produced startlingly different results in the second half with Buxted controlling most of the game as the weather closed in.  With everyone carrying an extra six pounds  in damp/muddy kit (Bills excluded from the muddy part!), the boys out battled Scaynes Hill and marched into an impressive 5 – 2 lead, with goals coming from Ben Thomas, Jörn Kröger, and second half sub Wayne Bristow.  Also Hill helped out with a cheeky own goal under pressure from Wes Gilbert.  To be fair it could have been more, but the best Scaynes Hill defender turned out to be a muddy puddle on the goal line, preventing at least two more!!!  With 30 seconds on the clock Buxted dutifully handed over a consolation goal, with Harper getting stuck in the mud and failing to punch clear a flicked on header from a left wing corner.

Commendations go to the ref, for seeing sense and letting the game flow under difficult conditions, and having the nerve to play it out for the full ninety, as well as to dream team star man Wes Gilbert who’s noteable awareness in centre mid changed to game completely.

This win stabalises the side in 7^th spot, with more than one eye on a much higher finish, though we can ill afford to start this poorly against better sides, as goal difference may be paramount com the end of the season…

Dean Morris

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