Boxted travelled to Kelvedon on the back of last week’s impressive performance against Gosfield. The only enforced change was that Andy Driver replaced the unavailable Harrison on the right.
Boxted started the game confidently and were definitely the better team in the opening half of the first period. Their dominance was soon to be rewarded when after Gray had blocked a Kelvedon shot well Boxted counter attack with devastating effect. Trueman broke with pace down the left and found Hume who would tell everyone his left footed shot was a concealed pass to Bradbury, who dully converted. The home side were annoyed thinking they should have a penalty for Grays block and this seemed to effect the referee who to be honest from then on had a far from convincing performance.
Boxted doubled their lead when McCarthy broke well from midfield and found Hume who returned the ball to G-man who finished well with his left foot (I know even he was surprised he had one!). Really from this point Boxted should have controlled the game and made it a comfortable day at the office, but the self destruct button seemed to be pressed again. The home side grew in confidence and Addington made a good save to keep the two goal advantage. The referee then made what can only be said as an awful decision. Trueman was battling down the left and gave away a foul for holding, but then the Kelvedon player kicked out violently. The referee only gave only a yellow card, you should never want a fellow player sent off but when something that blatant and violent takes place, surely there is only one result?
Boxted then conceded before half time to let the home side back in with their tales up.
The second half was a forgettable affair at best of times for Boxted. There was no fluency and a lack of desire in the play and the home side equalised. Dowde came on and added a little bit more spice to the play. Hart and Lawson also came on and looked solid. Elliot was a player that could avoid any criticism as he was an immovable object all game.
Hume went close with an effort he did not quite connect with. Then what seemed to be building up, the home team took the lead to make it 3-2 and a great comeback for the home side, but an awful performance for Boxted.
When all hope was seemingly lost, Boxted got a free kick on the right of the box at the death. Osborne delivered a great ball on to Hume’s head who connected well and the net bulged to give Boxted a lifeline they possibly did not deserve on their second half performance, but at least showed their is some character in the team when the chips and form are down.
So lessons to be learnt, that you will not win games in this league without work rate and desire, a lesson that needs to be put right if Boxted want to realise their promotion dreams.
