It was an early start for the whole club as it was photographs day, it has to be said that Fowler stole the day in his whistle and flute and reports of him having a court case afterwards were unconfirmed. Many thanks go out to David Percival and his photographic skills.
No game for the reserves this week left a strong bench, but there was no changes to the starting eleven. The game started evenly with both teams struggling to take full control of the game. this continued for around the first half of hour. Elliott again was looking a rock in the centre of defence and he was being aided by Gray and Ford. The match changed in a strange way. Macklin over ran the ball but made a strong chalenge which the referee gave as a foul and a yellow card, unfortunately this resulted in the visiting player going off injured and Macklin also followed him a few minutes later. This challenge seemed to fire up Boxted who raised the tempo of their game. Clarke was the man to replace Macklin with Bradbury dropping into to midfield and Francis going up front. This was to be a inspired change with a flowing Boxted move finding Francis who had a good shot but the keeper may of felt he should of dealt with it, but this gave the lead to the home side. The lead was soon doubled by Francis who’s first touch seemed to take him wider but his second was classy to left foot finish over the advancing goalie.
Rowhedge had a chance from a free kick form the outside of the box, but Addington saved well down to his left. Boxted produced another sweeping move an Francis sprung the off side trap, he cut in to set up Clarke who cut the air in two, but not the ball! Boxted did force a corner from this and Osborne’s good delivery found Bradbury who headed into the corner for three-nil. With the first half drawing to a close Elliott played a ball through and Hume beat the advancing off side trap to powerfully finish in the corner, half time four nil to Boxted.
The second half and Boxted knew they had a good cushion to build on. It was to be an open half at times and Boxted created plenty of chances. Hart came close but for a good save by the visiting keeper. Taff threw the ball out to Bradders who carried the ball to the half way line, then he carried on into the Rowhedge half and then he was advancing on goal and finished for a wonderful individual goal. As happy as the team was they were slightly in shock that he could actually cover the distance of the pitch.
The sixth and final goal came when Osborne was first to capitalise on a rebound to score. So in the end of good scoreline for Boxted and more belief in each others abilities which can only help as the season progresses. Hopefully another marker to be put down and to go on from.
