25/09/2022
The sun was shining on Beaumont for their away trip to Pulborough, a familiar setting after Beaumont beat the reserves in the cup last season. The firsts were riding high at the top of the league, but Beaumont were fielding a great squad so hopes were high for a good game. Lee reminded Allie that there probably should have been some penalties practice at training.....hopefully Beaumont wouldn't come to regret the lack of practice! The pitch was beautiful, but on a deceptive slope. A good warm up was needed to get the legs ready for 90 mins of mountaineering!
Beaumont started with a slightly depleted squad as Dec didn't finish work in time to make it (someone's gotta collect them bins after the bank holiday) but a strong team and bench were out in Gold. Dan slipped into the gloves of the absent Max and new signing Tom had been cleared in time to make his debut.
Beaumont lined up in a 4-4-2 and were instructed to play the passing game that suits them so well, and it bore fruit as Beaumont came at Pulborough from the off. Defensively, Beaumont needed a little time to settle but play was positive and after 20 mins Beaumont had the lead; a great ball from Scott G, chased down by Matt G, flung across the box onto the waiting head of Lee. 0-1 Beaumont. Pulborough upped the pressure; this was not the walk in the park they expected, and tempers flared a little, resulting in Lee and Matt G seeing yellow. Pulborough attacked again and again but keeper Dan was equal to the pressure. Pulborough did equalise, only to see it ruled out for offside; the ref went and had a word with lino, Matt K, and he said enough to convince the ref that the player was off in the build up keeping Beaumont's lead. A great piece of line-ing (not all heroes wear capes!).
Pulborough were fired up and went at Beaumont hard - one such attack, forcing a fantastic double save from Dan, unfortunately proved too much for Dan's thumb (broken and displaced was the verdict at A and E later) plus Lee had been injured in the build up. A double substitution, and a shuffle round saw Matt G in the sticks, Gareth taking Lee's place and Tom stepping into Matt's now vacant midfield position. 10 mins til half time and it had been a busy half! Gareth then took a ball to the face a very close range, leaving him with a scratched and numb nose, he was a bit surprised but able to carry on. Beaumont held and managed to make it to half-time with their hard earnt lead, and feeling slightly knackered from running up hill for 45 mins.
At halftime, Allie decided a shuffle was needed and moved Martin in to centre with Scott G and Tom, moving Gareth to the left wing and Ollie up top by himself. Beaumont had started to lose shape and Allie hoped this would shore up an overloaded midfield. It seemed to work as, although Pulborough erupted into the second half, Beaumont were there to meet them at every step. Beaumont defended, countered and attacked leading to a Beaumont corner, whipped in the crowded box and sent in the back of the net. Was it an OG from Pulborough? Well Tom was happy to claim the goal on his debut and the defender wouldn't want it! 0-2 Beaumont. Again things started to get a little heated on the pitch. Jon narrowly avoided a yellow card for a high foot and Scott G was booked for the second game in a row. Matt K came on for Scott G - up top, with Luke G moving to the centre and Ollie into right midfield. Matt K looked through on goal in his opening minutes, then fouled the defender giving Pulborough a free kick. They, very generously, gave it straight to Ollie who was there to pop it in the top corner from long range, a lovely calm finish which put Beaumont 0-3 up.
Pulborough had already changed their formation and seemed to be running out of ideas. Matt G had a bit of work to do but nothing that taxed him too much. Pulborough had their share of corners but these were masterfully dealt with by Beaumont. The counter was on with Gareth narrowly missing and Beaumont being a threatening presence in the box. Luke G picked up a yellow card. A Beaumont corner 15 mins from the end- looped in the mixer by Martin and powered home by Scott E gave Beaumont a 0-4 lead. Ollie made way for Scott to come back on and a couple of minutes later, a slightly knackered Tom made way for Lee to come back on. Beaumont still had chances, a notable one from Gareth that hit the bar, and they charged forward to full-time- what a game!! 0-4 seems and easy run about but that win was fought for with broken bones, sweat, tears and 4 yellow cards! There was no denying the 15 men of Beaumont had had a tough game. Without measure, every gold on that pitch had a massive influence on the game. It wasn't a perfect performance, but it was a fantastic game which was enjoyed by the loyal Gold supporters who had made the journey.
Man of the match was Jack M who had a great game last week but was brilliant this week, although, as Jon said, there were man of the match performances all over Pulborough yesterday, and all of them were playing in Gold!
Beaumont players are eternally grateful to their amazing supporters who loyally follow us around the county. The fact we are a family club is truly reflected on the side-lines and we love having you along with us for the ride!
Squad: Dan (Tom), Jack Will, Scott E, Jon, Jack M, Luke G, Scott G (Matt K), Matt G, Martin, Ollie, Lee (Gareth)
Now I'm going for a bloody strong coffee, or a gin!!!