Premier Division
Bearsted 5 Crockenhill 0
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Bearsted finally sealed their place in the top flight with this emphatic win against a team also not enjoying the best of seasons this year. It was the home side who settled into their stride earlier and immediately began to carve out a series of chances most of which coming as a result of the runs of Stuart Brockman whose pace to the bye-line and subsequent crosses saw Steve Smith going close and a superb close range header by Russell Mcleash just clearing the bar from close range. Although goal scoring opportunities for Crockenhill were limited it was skipper Ron Jeffrey who came closest striking a firm low shot just clearing the right hand post from just outside the area. Following a series of missed opportunities and saves by goalkeeper Chris Scoot, the deadlock was finally broken after 20 minutes when Brockman was put in on goal to fire the ball home from 12 yards. Soon after having survived an effort by Joe Plant, it was the Bears who were to go further in front on 30 minutes when Mcleash latched onto a right wing corner, thrashing the ball home high into the net from 6 yards to send his side in for half time in a comfortable position and well in control.
The pattern continued the same after the break and it was not long before Smith got onto the end of a Gary Pritchard cross only to see his effort pass narrowly wide of Scott’s right hand post. Scott once more had to be alert immediately after making a double save in order to prevent Mcleash adding another to his tally. Although chances continued to present themselves for the home side’ it was the Crocks who began to show heart and enjoy a 20 minute spell within which they could well have got back into the game, notably when Jeffrey’s persistence took him through only to be prevented from scoring by a full length save by Jason Reeves. However entering the final quarter the game was virtually over following the introduction of Kevin Swaisland who immediately latched onto the end of a through ball to run on and shoot home from 12 yards. With a rearguard action taking place all credit has to be given to young defender Steve Turner who throughout the whole game showed full commitment to his side’s cause. Unfortunately he could do nothing to prevent a fourth goal, again coming about as Swaisland ran through only to be tripped by Scott, which in turn allowed Brockman to step up and score from the penalty spot. The scoreline was made complete in similar fashion 5 minutes from time when the same striker’s passing shot was assisted by the outstretched boot of defended Mark Godward which could not prevent the ball entering the back of the net.
Team: J.Reeves, S.Mcloud,(A.Budden), D.Thornycroft, R.Hayward, S.Brimstead.
L.Fincham, S.Smith, G.Pritchard,(KK.Swaisland), S.Brockman, R.Mcleash, G.East, (M.Maxwell)
Subs: J.Brook
D.Dayal
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