Premier Division
Rusthall 0 Bearsted 0
Saturday, 15 March 2008
With both sides meeting for the second time in as many weeks, this was once more a close contest resulting in a fair result at the end of the day. The first half however saw the main bulk of the chances falling to Bearsted who were enjoying the advantage of the slope and it took two great saves from goalkeeper Phil Hawkins to prevented them from going in front, first when he had to go full stretch turning away a snap shot from Stuart Brockman and then saving a Lee Fincham effort that seemed destined for the top right hand corner of the net. Rusthall also had their moments particularly when Robert Perkins found himself in a great position only to see his effort sail high over the bar. Dave Burren might also have got onto the score sheet had it not been for a fine stop by Jason Reeves who had to be equally a alert from the rebound to prevent the ball entering the net. Generally speaking though it was the away side that looked more in control during this period and might have been seen to be slightly unlucky not to go in ahead at half time.
Immediately following the resumption it was Bearsted who had a great chance to take the lead when a strong run and cross by Brockman found the feet of the incoming Darren Thornycroft whose shot passed narrowly wide of goal. However as the half wore on it was the hosts who came more into the game as on numerous occasions they got around the back causing several problems for the Bears’ defence, which somehow managed to remain resolute. With a somewhat siege situation emerging and the deep crosses of skipper Alan Chapman creating most of the problems, it was Reeves who emerged the hero of the afternoon, as time and again he produced some remarkable saves, the best of which turning over a Burren effort from point blank range that seemed to have won the match, following a series of corners However, it was Reeves’ opposite number who had to be at his best towards the end producing a smart save from Fincham failing to put away a great chance, following a shot from distance by Gary East which hit the bar with Rusthall committed forward search of the winner. With the game moving into time added on, a result for the home side might well have achieved when Marin Millins was put clear only to see his shot once more saved by Reeves, which in turn brought the final whistle ending a well fought contest and allowing both teams to get something out of it.
Team: J.Reeves S.Mcload, J.Brook, (S.Groom), R.Hayward, D.Thoneycroft,
S.Smith, L.Fincham, G.Pritchard, S.Brockman,R.Mcleash, G.East, (S.Benton),
Subs: A.Budden
D.Dyal
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