SDFL division one

Beesands Rovers 2,

Stoke Gabriel thirds 3

Beesands’ league losing streak continued, albeit despite a fightback that deserved something from the game and showed promise for the future.

After absorbing a lot of pressure, the Bees were playing some delightful football, with a lovely exchange of passes between Tucker and Hurt seeing a Tucker chip go just wide of the post.

Soon after, however, Stoke broke up a Bees attack and advanced and drilled the ball past a diving Toby Harvey to take the lead.

From the kick off the Bees attacked but lacked penetration. The half concluded with another Bees attack breaking down.

Beesands attacked from the off in the second period, but Stoke broke up the attack, countered and were through on goal, but Toby Harvey got to it first and cleared.

Bees were doing their utmost to equalise, with Hayward’s attack cleared but Browne keeping up the momentum. From a very difficult position he got a cross in but it was safely cleared.

Disaster struck for the Bees when a Stoke free kick was knocked forward and a Stoke player gambled, advanced and knocked it past Harvey to double the lead. Bees then made a change, with Dave Lang replacing a tired Tom Harvey.

The game became quite heated as Beesands were trying to reduce the goal deficit and an altercation took place at the edge of the Stoke area before a Bees free kick was cleared. Gus Hayward, having given his all, was replaced by Elliot Bellamy.

Against the run of play Stoke broke away and from a wide left position the player hit a great shot into the net for 0-3.

Beesands did not let the score deter them, feeling it was not a true reflection of the game. They attacked from the off and Broad persisted with one effort and a further one which he knocked home as the ‘keeper tried to claim the ball.

This produced some controversy as the visitors felt that their ‘keeper had both hands on the ball, but the referee was adamant it was only one so the goal stood.

Kurt Thiele then replaced a tired Will Garner as a neat pass from Browne to Tucker was spred wide, producing a slick exchange of passes between Bellamy and Morgan before Bellamy was fouled. The referee allowed a quick free kick which Tucker duly despatched into the corner of the net for 2-3, to the consternation of the Stoke players.

TJ Lang free kick was lofted into the Stoke area and met by Thiele’s head but saved by the keeper under some pressure before the final whistle was blown.

The man-of-the-match award went to Luke Broad.

Tomorrow Beesands have a Herald Cup fixture at home to Dartmouth AFC seconds, kick off 2pm.