Lost 0-2
Scorers: N/A
MoM: Greg Lound
DoD: one of the officials
With thanks to team sponsor MFri
A tough day at the office but four lucky travellers got a lift to Eltham College in Trigger’s new motor vehicle which even has an ‘anti-boring conversation’ shock button which was much in use as the upcoming local government re-organisation kept being discussed – but then with 50% of the car’s occupants councillors of one sort or another what can you expect?!
Still, things got interesting on the pitch as within 3 minutes Trigger had to make three outstanding saves and with only 11 Friars making it to Blackheath this looked like it was going to be a long afternoon. And so it proved as the defence and midfield were in constant action throughout the game and the forwards struggling to latch onto balls and create opportunities.
However a one nil deficit at half-time was good reward for the rearguard action.
A half-time exhortation of Henry V standard from Trigger had the desired effect and much effort from all was the result. However Friars Frustration set in with the 50-50 calls always going against them from just some, how shall we say this politely, not ideal umpiring, especially one dreadful missed penalty corner as the official was obviously more interested in a home Mens 1s game on the adjoining pitch than his own duties – still c’est la vie.
However there were some bright spots with Greg Lound in midfield especially at his feisty best never giving up and good to see long ago Friar Nick Tan returning to his roots, with skipper Brian Hurlow tackling well in mid field. Young Angus Solley up front never gave up against the opposing backs whilst the defence with long balls from Barton, Philpott and Ricketts with the latter in Mel Gibson of Braveheart style! An unfortunate deflection gave Blackheath their second goal and drew the puff out of the Friar’s sails and that was it really but a deserved win for Blackheath.
Still a home tie beckons against bottom of the table Gillingham next week and a must need 3 points to avoid getting into a relegation bun-fight.