Scruttons 3 – 2 Aveley Academicals

Looking at the bare facts of the match, you would have to say that Aveley threw away a two goal lead in losing this match.  However, we were probably as surprised as our opposition to be two goals up inside the first 25 minutes.  Despite being about half a dozen games behind everyone else, Scruttons still have a record that suggests they are title contenders and although this was probably the best time to face them given their tough midweek cup final defeat, they still had just enough in the tank to beat us with the very last kick of the game.

The squad was creaking yet again, but at least this time we could name Scott and his doppelganger on the bench.

Subs: Scott, Scott II

This was a scrappy game, that was dominated by Blackshots’ trademark crosswind.  Much of the game was spent chasing the ball as it made its determined attempt to reach the long jump pit at Thurrock Harriers.  The home side were also frustrated by Aveley’s superb defensive line, and directed their anger, caused by hearing the frequent sound of the referee’s whistle, at the excellent linesman (and part time club captain).  However, the truth of the matter was that Foggy was spot on every time, and they should have been blaming the striker for not timing his runs.  Or even the passer for sending the ball too late.

The early impression was that Liam and Terry could exploit a lack of pace in the opposition back line, but in fact it was strength and guile from Liam that lead to us taking an unexpected lead.  H played the ball forward, and Liam rolled the defender as he tried to nip in front, leaving him clear through and with time to slot the ball into the bottom corner: 0-1.

Frequent mistakes were now frustrating Scruttons, and they were made to pay by Terry as his pressure led to a dodgy back pass.  The keeper panicked on the left hand side of his area, and scuffed his clearance to Terry.  The big man calmly brought the ball inside and found the empty net from 20 yards: 0-2.

Our downfall for the first, and indeed all three goals we conceded was being slower than the opposition to the second ball.  Whilst Eye-Ball got in the way of the initial shot, the ball fell kindly for a Scruttons player, who had time to pick his spot: 1-2.

We could have not complaints about our first half performance, and once Lee had been patched up – his ankle having given up in the first 10 minutes – we were ready to go again.

The second half was a combative, yet uninspiring affair, with both sides struggling to find any rhythm or create any clear cut chances.  The tackling was firm, but in the most part it was a good spirited contest.

Scruttons drew level when the Accies were slow to react to a rebound when Lewis parried a shot from the edge of the box, and the unmarked (and arguably offside) man was able to tap home from 8 yards: 2-2.

The momentum was now with the home side, and although I remember Liam blasting a good chance over the bar, I don’t recall us creating many other clear cut chances.  Just when we thought we had done enough to hold on for a good point, Scruttons’s lively winger broke down the left and put the ball low into a crowded box. Despite reading the pullback, Eye-Ball and Lee couldn’t get the ball clear through a sea of bodies.  I’m not entirely sure what happened after this as I was picking myself up from the middle of the area, but I believe the shot came in from the right and despite Lewis being well positioned and the Accies have plenty of men back (including Brian who had somehow wandered off the pitch behind the goal), the ball ended up in the back of the net.  The referee blew up straight after kick-off and we were left feeling both disappointed with the result, and happy with the way we had played for each other: 3-2.

MoTM went to Lee, who covered every blade of grass over the 90 minutes, the injury to his left ankle.  DoTD went to Luke, for a tame shot after some great work down the right which I think may have actually been stopped by a passing ant.

Eye-Ball

Goal scoring chart