Premier Division
Bearsted 0 Fleet Leisure 1
Saturday, 22 September 2007
Bearsted still were not able to put to an end a dreadful run of results. In fairness after early even exchanges the home side gradually began to exert their authority and create several chances, which were generally instigated by the returning Steve Smith. However, as was to be the case throughout the match the Fleet Leisure defence remand well organised, coupled with some good fortune and worthy displays particularly from Dan Wells and the prompting from Gary Atherton in goal behind them. This became apparent as early as the fifth minute t when Stuart West’s goal bound strike was cleared off the line by the outstretched leg of Ricki Holmes. As the combination of Smith, Lee Radford and Seb Brimstead continued to cause a threat throughout the half, the Bears still had to be mindful of the threat of Steve Ward’s pace and it was only a fine save by Phil Lewis going full stretch to his right which prevented the striker scoring mid way through the half. However at the break the scores should certainly have favoured the home side which would have been had Alan Budden been able to direct his header on goal more accurately, rising high to meet a Brimstead corner.
After the break the pattern of play continued with Even following a match where they had been so dominant throughout what seemed an endless amount of Bearsted moves which, sadly for them faulted when it came to breaking down their opponent’s defence. At times a goal seemed inevitable and when a Ricky Stevens shot from outside the box looked certain to hit the back of the net , again the ball was turned away by an incredible deflection by Craig Brigden. The deadlock was broken as a result of a Bearsted attack, instigated by striker Kevin Sewaisland, which was intercepted and sent upfield finding Ward to run on and see his effort find its’ way back to Sam Piitaway to score low from twelve yards. Bearsted’s stunned response was immediate and they might have felt slightly aggrieved when Stuart West seemed to have been brought down for a penalty only to be denied by a curious linesmen’s offside decision. The final minutes saw a very tense rearguard action from the away side as they continued to hang on and their jubilation was only too apparent upon hearing the final whistle, as Christmas had appeared to come early.
Team: P.Lewis, A.Budden, G.Andrews, R.Stevens, A.Collings
G. Vennamore, (S.Benton), S.Brimsted,(L. Ficham) R.Wheeler, R.Mcleish, S.West, L.Radford, ( K.Swaisland)
Subs: D.Dayal
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