| Team | CoB Men’s 2ndXI |
| Opponent | Beacon 6 |
| Date | November 2, 2024 |
| Result | Win |
| Score | 3 – 0 |
Goalscorers: Anthony Truelove, Ben Matthews, I. Ali
The second week of the half-term break seemed to play havoc with the usual 16 – 17 usual number of squad players available. The 2nds anxiously awaited the arrival of some late-comers, but actually started the game with 10 on the pitch.
As it happened, the team got off to a bright start and took the game strongly to their opponents creating some good chances. The late-arrival soon arrived and the team was able to continue at full-strength, but with no subs available. Beacon were penned into their final third and only managed the occasion foray up into the attacking third , but CoB defence coped adequately with anything coming their way. After about 10 minutes more good attacking play found Isa on the left. Positive play by him saw a good cross into the D. The ball came to Anthony in a good position and he was able to sweep the ball into the goal for a deserved early lead.
CoB continued with their positive approach but were hampered by an injury to Matt who had to leave the field for a lengthy period. However, the loss of a player did not prove very costly as the team continued. Everyone was doing their bit for the cause. Stan and Jimbo, solid at the back were able to surge forward to support the attacking play. Skipper Edan was having a quiet game as he was rarely troubled on the right of defence. On the other side Ethan was busy defending when needed and surging forward when he felt like it – needing to be called back at times to hold his defensive position. Isa on the left, Ben mainly in the centre and James on the right were also busy, Zee was his usual busy self all over the pitch.
A second goal came after half an hour when more good play saw Ben on the left side of the D plant a well- taken shot into the goal. A 2-0 lead at the break was deserved – but it ought to have been more.
The second half continued in much the same way, Matt was still off injured. More chances were created but no more goals yet. Beacon were working hard themselves and had some success in forcing some short corners but unable to make good use with them. With about a quarter of an hour left, the team went down to 9 as Ben had to leave on a pre-arranged early departure. Not able to entertain the any idea of running, Matt manfully came back on to stand up field, with Anthony back in defence. CoB were not quite finished and added a third goal with about 10 minutes left after more good work from Ali saw him put away good effort, Beacon completed the game with short corner on the final whistle but were unable to make good use of it.
In the end, a comfortable win. Could and should have been a greater margin. But considering the numbers available and the trying circumstances with injuries, it was a very good effort. Next week, at home again against Sutton Coldfield 8ths. Up to second place in the league is just rewards for the efforts so far this season.
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