Our U18s continued their Isthmian South League campaign at a dry but chilly HomeCall Carpets Community Stadium.  The visitors were compact and organised through out but might have felt that they had got away with one in the dying moments.

Both defences were very comfortable for much of the 1st half. The game mostly in the middle for large parts. However, it was EB who took the lead with a well worked 45th min goal.  The ball being worked down the right channel and laid across for the striker to score.  The home defence claiming offside.

BHTFC 0  EB 1  HT

Hill were brighter in the 2nd half and played the ball with purpose.  However, in reality the two EB centre backs were having a good day. They were strong and first to every ball. Not for the 1st time this season Jake King found a yard of space to haul his side level.  The striker got loose down the right to calmly nut meg the keeper.  With time running out King struck a wonderful shot from 12 yards which cannoned off the far upright. Then ensued an incredible goal mouth scramble. The ball at the mercy of a knee or shin pad as it bobbled along the goal line. Sadly, it wasn’t to be as EB hacked away and the ref blew for time.

BHTFC 1  EB 1

Joint Manager Adie Clayton suggested that ‘we have been really busy of late playing two games a week. The boys are also playing for their colleges. Given the workload we are very pleased with the resilience of this team. We have four games left and we will be looking to finish strong’

After the game there was a sense of frustration amongst the Hillians that while it was a strong match to play in on another day, they could have snatched the win. The EB camp were perhaps very happy to travel home with a point on the board.  Good luck to them for the rest of the season. Just a quick note on the officiating which was excellent throughout.

Our 18s are back in action against Three Bridges at home on 3rd April 7.30 kick off.