Report

The build up to this weeks' games were all about availability, or lack of unfortunately. Circumstances left both managers calling in all favours to field teams on Saturday, and with more players than ever in the history of the Bec currently signed on, this no doubt came as a surprise to the management. However, whereas in the past this has resulted in wholesale changes to with players being called up, the reserves lined up with many familiar faces this week, in an attempt to continue the promising form shown so far in the season. And, hopefully this was justified as a strong line up saw them through what was a close fought affair in which the first goal proved crucial.

Off to an explosive start with a long ball falling to Hadji on the edge of the box, who struck what looked to be a certain goal, only to see Trinity's keeper pull of a spectacular stop, that was to be his only real save of the game. What followed was fairly typical as the Bec were slow to get organised, and saw Trinity break the back line occasionally, and gave Oli Bone, in the reserves net for the first time this season save well down to his right.

As the half went on, Tooting created chances, most notably with Lopes breaking down the left, cut the ball back to Berrisford on the overlap 12 yards out who, as usual swung his left boot at it in hope, connecting well, only to see the ball come crashing back off the bar. Also in the first half, Allison put in a pinpoint ball from a free kick just over half way, straight on to Myers head, but was narrowly headed wide.

After a talking to from Jacko, in the second half, the back four saw the pressure relieved as Nicey mopped up in the Makelele role (yes, really), and Bone's kicking from goal was 1st class, allowing Hadji to push on and feed Tia, as the lone striker. Allington and Lopes got more and more space out wide as Matt Taylor won everything in the middle of the park. A goal was coming.

And it came! Only to see the lino, a mile behind the game, jerk his flag up to see Hadji denied his goal.

Just as he was getting the run of the right back, Ashley Allington was then forced to come off with injury, to be replaced by Jacko, who didn't put a foot wrong when coming on. Deadlock was broken as the ball was played through and Lopes slotted past the flapping keeper. This was closely followed by Taylor winning the ball in the middle, given too much space by the Trinity centre halves, who shrugged off all comers (including a persistent Lopes after his brace!) to power the second home.

Then followed a period in which Trinity had a good spell of possession, and on a few occasions, certainly could have nicked one to make a nervy ending. But Tooting held on with a few scrambles, and good punches from Bone from the corner.

A well earned win, all in all. A lack of fire power from Trinity in honesty, but no glaring errors from anyone, and a patient approach going forward.
Allison, forced over to the right by the ever one footed Berrisford came inside well, with some excellent distribution. Myers and McIntyre, solid as a rock as ever, made a less eventful debut for Bone. Nicey and Taylor won plenty of ball in the middle allowing Hadji to push up and support Tia in the second half. Lopes, A. Allington and then Jacko were effective on the wing, beating their opposite numbers numerous times, eventually providing the breakthrough.

Man of the Match: Steve Lopes and Mike McIntyre tied with equal votes.

Now moved to up 3rd in the league, with some massive games approaching…