Men 1st vs Brighton & Hove

For their final game of the first half of the season, TBB make the long trip to Brighton & Hove (B&H). Injuries saw some late call ups with Oliver Jameson making his debut for TBB in the National League.

The weather made for a slippy and fast pitch which TBB used to their advantage. They got off to a flyer when they were awarded a penalty corner off a foot in the 4'. Loughrey scored on the the retake with a reverse shot after two previous shots were saved. B&H were awarded a penalty corner in the 8' with Jackson saving the ball off the the line at the post, his sixth of the season. Edwards was unfortunate with a diving attempt on the reverse from Rawlings cross which went narrowly wide.

The slippy pitch caught with TBB in the later stages of the half losing three players to green cards for misjudged tackles but solid defence saw them hold their 1-0 lead until half time.

The break saw a collective demand of more improved effort and composure on the ball. TBB were rewarded with increased circle entries in the 43', when the omnipresent Rawlings found the lose ball after a goal mouth scramble to force home goal number two. TBB forwards put the foot to pedal thereafter with Mackenzie's effort from Loughrey's aerial just missing the post. Edwards was rewarded in the 49' for TBB's third goal when he perfectly position himself and sublimely reverse deflected at the back post.

B&H were only making the odd foray on the counter attacked and failed to take penalty corner opportunities which were run down by defender King and save by GK Foxhall-Smith.

The last ten minutes of the game saw the fitter TBB side take control and dominate possession, passing at ease. The game was finished off in the 64' when Edwards crossed from the right for Loughrey to finish off to make a final score of 4-0.

This was a convincing display played with precision and intent Sometimes teams need luck. Not on this occasion. Our defence was solid for a pleasing clean sheet and our forwards made the most of opportunities presented. In reality, we could have scored a few more goals. The win sets us up well for the second half of the season.