OBFC Vs Old Kings
 
Bradfield Old Boys turned up to fortress Hampton for the fourth game of the season, on the back of a disappointing start, losing two from three. The lads were keen to rectify the slow start to the season and were tasked to press the opposition in order to take control of the match. An untested tactic. The match started frantically with both teams pressing high allowing neither team to establish a rhythm or gain any momentum in the way of possession. Bradfield were finding luck down the flanks with Will Louis and Tom Martin staying high and wide, providing respite from the overloaded centre midfield. Bradfield were subjected to the long balls with which Milo Royds and Miles Covers dealt with ease, utilising their superior height and physical presence.
The deadlock was finally broken by a swift transfer round the back to the left wing where Tom Martin was lurking on the edge of the box. With some swift feet knocked it to Will Loius who touched it past their rushing defender to slot it home bottom right. 1-0 Bradfield. Fortress Hampton remaining a fortress. For now.
With the confidence flowing through the team Bradfield were determined to play the free-flowing passing football we’re used to playing. Bouncing in and out of midfield and playing from the back. Chance after chance came begging as Old Kings threw themselves in front Bradfield shots. Bradfield seemed to be cruising until they were caught off guard by an energetic Old Kings press. A loose pass in front of our defence was swiftly nicked by the opposing attacker, launching a counterattack upon an out of shape Bradfield. A crisp ball to the back post allowed an unmarked Kings player to slot home the equaliser just before half time.
Bradfield were full on confidence heading into the second half after seemingly dominating the first half. Taking on board the tactical half time team talk, balls were being projected forward finding the pace of Sam Iglesias up top. Alas, to no avail.
Old Kings pounced back, after scrambling a corner kick into the back of the net. 2-1 Old Kings. As Bradfield tried to regain control of the match Old Kings exposed our pressing, leaving our defence unprotected and grabbed another swift goal from a great finish into the bottom corner from the top of the box. As Bradfield looked for a second goal Old Kings dispatched a lovely ball over the top of our defence in which the striker delicately placed on the volley into the top corner from the edge of the box. Keeper and defenders left helpless in a moment of magic. 4-1 Old Kings. Bradfield made every effort to rally back, However, the exasperated OB’s were unable to find the solution and went without a goal in the second half, leaving a 5-1 loss on the scoresheet.
Another disappointing defeat from a slightly weakened Bradfield side. Much to improve on and a lot to play for in next week’s home encounter Vs Old Tonbridge. A crucial game with a big opportunity to get some points on the board for the Old Bradfieldians.