Sat 22nd Dec: Premier Division
Snodland 2
S.Sharp (2)
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Bearsted 3
G.East
K.Swaisland
S.Brockman
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Bearsted recorded their second win in a row against local rivals Snodland after a well contested match played upon a very difficult surface. The early exchanges were somewhat vigorous with some of the tackles requiring the stern action of the referee. However it was the home side who were to go in front after 15 minutes when a deep free kick by Steve Sharp into the opposing penalty area somehow eluded the whole of the defence before finding its' way into the back of the net. The equaliser came on the half hour when Seb Brimstead sent over a deep cross for the incoming Gary East to beat Daryl Broadmore from 12 yards. Having scored this goal it was the Bears who were to begin to dominate the play and settle into a rhythm that was to set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
With Bearsted providing the more cultured play and generally coping with the more direct style of their opponents, it was they who went in front 10 minutes after the break when a long clearance from defence found Steve Smith to run on and set up Kevin Swaisland to pass the ball into the net. With the dangerous Swaisland having to leave the field with a groin strain, it looked as though this might be the chance for a home revival. However this was not the case as it provided the opportunity for the emerging talent of Stuart Brockman to cause real problems as his timed runs took him behind the home defence. Indeed it was Brockman who was to score the goal of the game 20 minutes from time, when he latched onto a ball over the top from Brimstead to beat defender Warren Phillips before curving in a sublime shot into the top corner of the net. With the game seemingly won and moving towards the end, it suddenly came to life with 5 minutes remaining when Lee Pickett found Adam Overton on the left to send in a high ball to the far post, forcing a challenge by Scott McCloud who was adjudged to have pulled down Sharp for the referee to give a penalty. Having gathered himself, the striker stepped up to score with an unstoppable spot kick to set up the potential for a draw. However it was all too late with the sound of the final whistle allowing Bearsted to take home three welcome points with them into the new year.
Alan Hefferon - Bearsted FC |
