Boxted 1st team travelled for their first ever match to Great Bradfords, which nearly didn’t happen with half of the team getting lost in the Braintree countryside. Once at the ground only one enforced change from the team who won at Sudbury with Bradders replacing Judith Chalmers Osborne in the midfield.
Tommo and Fowler set out their plans and the team had to be on edge as Fowler was happy to see anyone outside who didn’t agree with his comments the previous week. Fortunately every one agreed so no blood was shed this time.
The game started scrappily with neither team dictating the game, the Boxted back three of Deano, Jason and Elliot again looked tidy and in control. A unlucky free kick of Gray’s arm gave the home side a free kick form the edge of the box which went just wide. This scare put Boxted into action and Trueman was causing trouble own the left and went close. This was followed by the jinxing Bradbury who’s left footed effort just lacked direction. Boxted could not seem to get a good passage of passing play going. Taff in the Boxted goal hit a hopeful drop kick downfield which evaded Hume, Dowde and unfortunately for the home side their centre back and goalkeeper and the ball managed to cross the line. Everyone was in disbelief that Addington had troubled the score sheet, but this gave the only goal of the half.
Half time - Great Bradfords 0 - Boxted 1
The management duo were not too happy with a lacking first half performance and expected more from the team. The home team did not seem to come out with their tails up, and this let Boxted get into a rhthym of play. Hume was unlucky to hit the bar from the edge of the box and Bradbury again went close.
Macklin played a long ball up to Hume who found Clarke on the right who delievered a pin point cross which was dispacted into the net by Trueman, at last a sweeping move of quality.
Moon replaced Dowde and looked lively and was unlucky with a effort that hit the the side netting. He then combined with Hume for the skipper to score from a tight angle to make it three nil to the Lodgers and 5 goals in 4 games for the striking talisman.
Harrison came on to add energy to the right and Richards stabliased the midfield. Boxted then went a bit lapse for 10 minutes and were very lucky to see the lively Bradford’s number 9 miss from two yards.
A lucky escape and all three points again, but the team all know that they need to raise the bar on the performances otherwise they will come unstuck. Some players will look at the scoring charts in fear seeing Taff is above them, but I am sure the Boxted goalkeeper will not mention this at all…….
Overall a good day with both teams winning aganist Great Bradfords and hopefully both teams can continue their 100% records
Final score Great Bradfords 0 - Boxted 3
