A storming 8s victory lifted them into the champions league places after their best result of the season.
Nobody would have predicted this result, especially with the home side taking an early lead from the penalty spot after a dubious refereeing decision. The 8s responded with a first half attacking display that will send out a warning to the rest of the division – by the interval they had turned the score to 6-1 in their favour with an attacking master class.
Dave Potter and Jack Parsons quickly put the 8s 2-1 ahead, before a thumping Pete Croft header, an Olly Tolcher double and a George Waldrum belter had put the game well beyond EBOGS. Olly Tolcher and Dave Potter ran the home team’s defenders ragged, Crofty’s link up play and passing was excellent again and Parsons bossed the midfield next to new signing Matt Tarrant, who showed some brilliant touches and came close to scoring himself. It really could have been 10 by half time and if this was a fight the referee would have stopped it before the break.
The second half brought a small revival from the home team and they pulled it back to 6-2 with a second penalty after player manager SPT handled in the area. He soon made up for this by showing tactical genius in the three substitutions he made.
The dangerous Olly Tolcher completed his customary hat-trick with a good left footed finish, before debutant Kevin Soar scored from a difficult angle moments after coming of the bench. Second substitute Emlyn Robbins also had the ball in the EBOGS net, but the goal was ruled out for a foul in the area. SPT then brought on AP legend Nigel Bagley who, with his first touch, buried an excellent header past the keepr for a 9th goal – his first for the club since 1991. To the untrained eye this could have been considered a straight forward header, but it was all about Bagley’s movement in the area to leave his marker for dead. Also the way he didn’t try and power the header goalwards but used the pace on the cross to guide it past the EBOGS keeper. Pure class from the experienced pro. Some players never seem to age as we’ve seen with the likes of Sheringham, Giggs and Freidel. Bagley is another to add to that list.
The home side pulled back a late goal but the game finished 9-3 to the visitors. There were some excellent performances throughout the team and special mentions must go to Olly Tolcher for yet more goals and a great performance, George Wadrum and Pete Croft for both breaking their goalscoring ducks, Dan Ware for his aggressive and commanding performance at centre half, and Will Dudmish and Matt Tarrant for showing good composure and keeping the ball to feet throughout.
MOM though goes to Jack Parsons, who controled midfield from his holding position and made some excellent tackles and passes forward. He also contrbuted with an unstoppable goal.
