"Yes we did find the ground....Eventually"
Manager Ivey kept faith with last weeks winning eleven for this testing clash in deepest Bugbrooke, but welcomed Chris Davies and Glenn Billingham back into the match-day squad after injury.
A damp winters morning was the setting for some
'car-park-golf' and 'general chit-chat' before settling in the worlds smallest
changing room.
Reverend Ivey preached for more of the same following last weeks
6-1 demolition of Abington Rangers, and in the bright orange away strip, the
boys were on their way.
The match started in a scrappy fashion with good chances
few and far between. A dangerous playing surface didn't help Lee 'Chopper' Morin
as he landed in awkward fashion twisting a knee. Glenn Billingham was called
into the action earlier than anticipated, slotting straight in at right-back.
The first
45mins panned out to be quite a frustrating stop/start affair with both sides
showing only glimpses of good football. It was Kings Heath who were more
threatening though, Andy Blenco was beginning to run the game from midfield,
along with the experience of 'Barry Lansley'.
In inevitable fashion, it was the
two players who combined to break the deadlock. Depending on wether you work for
the Chronichle & Echo or not, it was either Lansley or Tansley who finished calmly for
the 1-0 lead.
As the Heath continued pressing, Marc Jeffery doubled the lead with
another well-taken effort. By this time Heath looked to be well in control.
The Blenco brothers influencial, Andy continuing to pull the midfield
strings, and Nicky keeping the experienced Rob Frost very quiet indeed.
Signs for the second-half looked good as Heath went in 2-0 up at the
break.
A professional, disciplined and concientious start to the second period
saw Heath weather the inevitable Bugbrooke storm early on. The boys
in orange even managed to add another goal to their tally. Marc Jeffery
on hand to put the finishing touch on another impressive move.
Heath were un-lucky not to add
further goals, Tansley, Anger and Robinson all un-lucky. The game turned
slightly when the influencial Andy Blenco became the second casualty of the
match. A twisted knee for Blenco saw Chris Davies introduced into the fray.
As
things began to settle again, there was some impressive football on display.
Billingham, Tansley and Sampson all linking well down the right-hand side.
Bugbrooke, to their credit, never gave up and got themselves a lifeline through
Tim Knowles.
The awkward 8'9" utility player somehow carved a way through the Heath
defence and tucked away a neat finish. All with the finesse of a Russian
ballet dancer... just ask Rob Page! MEGS!!!
3-1 became 3-2 thanks to a Gavin Richardson
goal. Richardson pouncing on a lucky break in the Kings Heath penalty area.
Bugbrooke grabbing a share of the points looked inevitable when
2nd-half-substitute Chris Davies saw red. Davies un-lucky as he didnt really do
anything to warrant a booking, let alone the red card. Down to 10 men, Kings
Heath battled, defended and in the end, deserved the victory they hung on for.
Glenn 'Nick Collins' Billingham
Bugbrooke Community Centre
Sky Sports.
Kings Heath United (4-4-2):
O.Urquhart
L.Morin (G.Billingham), R.Page, N.Blenco, W.Hamill
B.Tansley, A.Blenco (C.Davies), J.Anger, D.Robinson
C.Sampson, M.Jeffrey