Scorers: Croft (2), Waldrum
The 8s continued their unbeaten run (3 games and counting…) after their 100% record in pre-season. A draw was the best they could muster against a pretty decent EBOGs side though, and it was probably a fair result.
AP started sloppily, but never the less were able to get a couple of goals. The first was a textbook ‘Dimitar’ Croft 5 yard finish, with some nice build up play from the forwards. After EBOGs failed to cash in on some suspect AP defending, George Waldrum once again used those tricky shooting boots of his to take us 2-0 up.
It stayed like this until half time, although it was almost 3-0 when Crofty kept hold of the ball for a couple of centuries before plucking out a wonder strike from 20 yards which hit the bar.
Half time brought a few substitutions, with Emlyn Robbins and James Broom coming on to inject some energy. But the fresh legs couldn’t prevent a horrid start to the half as EBOGs struck twice to bring it level. The sloppy defending was nipped in the bud though and AP got themselves back in it. The lads put a shift in to stop the rot, Jack Parsons getting stuck in with some quality challenges. Dave Potter came close to giving us the lead, but he was denied by the offside flag before he could slot it home. Some good build up play though, and we looked like getting another.
Nigel Bagely replaced Will Dudmish to the final third of the game. A goal came, in the form of a penalty, as Stephen Payne used his lighting pace to storm into EBOGs box and get taken down. Crofty stepped up, Crofty scored. 3-2.
We looked certain to hold onto the lead, but EBOGs were able to get a last minute equaliser, keeper Jamie Roberts unable to keep it out despite an otherwise solid performance. It was gutting and felt like a loss, but the lads can take the positives away; we can definitely improve and we got the point. Overall a good start to the season against a tricky opposition.
MOM goes to Jack Parsons for a commanding performance, but credit to Croftys astute finishing and George’s forward play.
Match report -Stephen Payn
