GWHC2S 1 - 4 Burnt Ash

Stripped of their Captain (hamstring) and lacking other notable players GWHC set out for this game with a clear strategy to make the best of this game.

In came Andy Fitton, tasked with hanging close to the Burnt Ash D and causing them problems while Amit Ubhi returned to ACM where he would be expected to link up with the ever bustling Zak Rowland.

From the off the game plan was working.

Both wingers Oli Atkinson and Alex Spurgeon impressing getting forward and back with John Booth and Reuben Morphew containing things from the middle. Burnt Ash had left 3 players high. A risky strategy that early on played into the Gravesham sides hands as the back 3 more than coped with the threat while the positioning across the rest of the pitch allowed them to have control of things.

Passing moves would find Andy Fitton a couple of times and would lead to short corners, 2 drag flicks from Spurgeon that drew saves from the keeper. Rowland was causing them problems and the pressure Burnt Ash were continually under drew heated debates between their defenders and players in the dugout, unsure of how to cope.

Excellent moves from Atkinson, Morphew and Rowland linking up caused yet more problems but clear chances were proving hard to fashion.

Then a green card for Boothy, innocuous for “not being 5 yards” despite players and spectators feeling the play had been taken well away from where the original challenge had been. Moments later down to 10 and a short corner given away, Burnt Ash hitting the backboard to go 1-0 against the run of play.

The goal spurred Burnt Ash on so that the game now felt even as attacks and territorial advantage was shared.
A couple more chances for GW with Dave Elliott running round the back for an effort that went just wide of the far post.

The second half continued much as the first with GWHC enjoying most of the pressure and creating chances and short corners but unable to convert. Then another Burnt Ash goal, against the run of play. 2-0 but still in it - would heads drop?

No, was the cry from Spurgeon as finally a short corner came off, drag flicking past the keeper low to the left to pull the home side back into the game. It came moments after a green card for a Burnt Ash player for not backing away.

Burnt Ash were panicked. Morphew trying to lead the comeback dribbling his way past a number of Burnt Ash players before taking himself too wide but getting the shot off and drawing a save from the keeper. And again minutes later with cries from the sideline as the keeper looked beat only for the ball to be clawed back.

Chasing the game though can carry its own dangers, as the visiting side found a long ball to one of their high forwards and with some luck found their third goal. After some quality saves by Keaton Gates, one using his crown jewels that threatened to put him MIA. It gave them the cushion they needed but didn't change the run of the game with GW continuing the pressure they'd been applying.

A chance for Ubhi bursting into the D, but an air shot would concede possession as the game slipped away. Another break and a goal up the other end would see the scoreline harshly reflect the game. 4-1.

A look at both teams. Burnt Ash, having this season folded the team above this one, loaded with highly experienced and quality players. GWHC2S, made up of a wealth of talented youngsters mixed with older stalwarts. And the youngsters had the beating for the majority of the game. The team will learn from this, they are getting better and better and next season is looking extremely promising indeed.

Man of the match: Reuben Morphew