Nutter Lane played host to a classic as Barkingside overturned a 0-2 deficit to run out victorious over Billericay after a shootout at high noon!
A slow start from the home team - literally as Kick Off was delayed whilst the ref took a phone call - and metaphorically with Lewis called into early action first saving at his near post and then brilliantly a minute later with his legs when exposed one on one. Pressure eventually told and Billericay scored after crossing from the right and slotting home unchallenged. A Josh block and another save from the skipper seemed to spark the light blues into life and Alfie saw a fine effort pushed over after good work from Ben, who then played in Benji to force a corner. Lucas showed quick feet to fashion a half chance and Benji got a shot away after being released by Fintan. Despite the valiant efforts of George G, seeming playing right and left back simultaneously, the relief was short lived and Barkingside fell behind after being carved open. An underwhelming first half did end with 'Side on top as Lucas saw two efforts saved after some flowing team football involving Josh, George D, Ben and Benji.
What was said by coach Reagan at half time will stay in the dressing room, but aided by the wind and the slope Barkingside flew out the blocks. Benji sold the full back a dummy, sending him back to Billericay, pulled the ball across to Lucas who was denied only by a point blank save. Minutes later it was de ja vu as Benji sent the same defender into next week this time, but this time Lucas made no mistake slotting into the corner from the cross. 💥. A let off came shortly afterwards as Billericay shot wide when they looked certain to restore their advantage. Lucas and Alfie then saw efforts blocked before a Savanyah free kick diverted into Fintan's path and our speedy wing back fired beautifully through the goal net to level the match. Not bad given he passed a fitness test an hour before KO. 💥.
Clearly rattled, Billericay took to flying and sliding tackles mostly ridden by Josh who took quiet revenge skinning the poor right back and playing it into the mixer...Alfie took a gamble, with the keeper favourite to collect the ball, and his big toe won the bet with the ball falling into the path of George D to fire home. 💥.
The summer signing was engulfed by his teammates and sported a smile you could see from space. He was unlucky not to get a brace, denied only by another wonderful save. Ed and Savanyah excelled under late pressure protecting the scoreline and their goalkeeper but fittingly it was player of the match George Green who made one last perfectly timed tackle. The resulting corner was cleared and it was Barkingside who were singing in the rain! What is the opposite of Spursy?? (I would have said Arsenalisy but after yesterday😒)



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