Last Updated on: 17th februar 2022, 03:08 pm
Friendly 15.08.98: Leyton Pennant – Billericay Town 2-1
Att.: 100 Match report: Paul Bakewell
Squad (don’t ask the new players’ names – even the team didn’t know – Billy G. was overheard calling to one of them, ‘here, thingybob!’) Adekola, Barry, Battram, Brewer, Burns, Davidson, Denton, Goldstone, Gutzmore (?), Hazle, Hooker, Hudson, Moore, Nicholson, Nicholson, Parratt, Payne, Ridout, Root, St.Hilaire, Waters, White.
Probably the poorest performance I’ve seen to date, leaving me very uncertain about the season proper. Firstly, Leon did not show up – very mysterious – he didn’t look at all happy or comfortable last match.
Secondly several new faces were included, a couple of youngsters one of which looked ok, the other….. A third older guy playing in defence, apparently from another club ‘looking for match practice’ – why on earth play him?
Now one asks the question – why play a div 1 team, away ? New Lodge was vacant – why not play an attractive side to get a better feel for premiere footy & get more revenue. – secondly shouldn’t the ‘best’ team play together at this stage?
The first half, on a warm sunny afternoon in East London (crowd approx 100 -mainly btfc) was pretty dire – the home side looking more threatening and keen to beat the newly promoted side. We were lacking in all departments, playing poor football – even Parratt, our best signing todate, looked very quiet – so no surprise to find us 2-0 down after half an hour !
Our only chance came from a nice Hooker/Parratt corner/cross for Mark Barry to head well, but just over the bar – in fact Barry was probably the only player showing any influence along with Hooker on the wing.
Second half saw some major changes – the most welcome being the return of Chris Moore – we really need him ! Also Adekola came on to score a fairly ‘soft’ goal – too little, too late! In summary, a somewhat disconcerting affair – I’ve seen lots of new faces, only two of which – Parratt and Adekola have really impressed. ‘Fingers crossed…..!’
Craig Davidson was forced off with a nasty leg injury in the second half.
Leyton goals were from Billy Read and Billy Cove
