Last Updated on: 17th februar 2022, 08:49 pm
League 15.09.98: Gravesend & Northfleet – Billericay Town 0-0
Match report: Paul Bakewell
Att.: 550
Mom: Billy ‘5-hot-dogs,-a-curry-&-several-guinnesses’ Goldstone – rock-solid in defence, with some decisive tackles. 7/10.
Match verdict: A pretty dour affair – 7/10
Teams:
Gravesend: Desborough, Brown, Skinner (Booked 65),Kelly, Newson, Wilkins, Bullard, Jackson, Dean, Dennis, Powell, Edwards, Campbell, Ferreira.
Btfc: Root, Goldstone, Davidson, Moore, Waters, St. Hilaire, Ridout, Parratt, Adekola, Gutzmore, Payne, Battram, White, Brewer.
Officials: Ref.: R Crossley, Asst. Refs.: C Thomson, I Hubbard.
The good news – we gained a point – the bad – we didn’t take advantage of winning and going top following the top two stalemate (Bromley/Shots 1-1 draw). Instead we’re 5th with a ‘pack of 5’ on 14. Still ‘c’est la vie’ as they say in Dagenham.
I’m not sure how to cope with the excitement of the ‘shots clash – forget Viagra, just turn up for the game and you’ll be put right straight away! Anyway, I digress. Although this match will be another to file under ‘ordinary’ – to coin the well-known football cliche – this had ‘goalless draw written all over it from the word, go!’ I probably didn’t help by placing a bet (yes, this excellent ground included a betting kiosk – don’t think even the ‘shots have th Is!) and placed a bet alongside a despondent-looking Jon Hooker (he got it wrong too!), Town to win 2-0/Adekola to score.
They could still be playing now and not score, basically down to fine defending from both sides. Taking a leaf from the Gooner’s book, Gravesend chose to displease the crowd and Town’s attack by playing (successfully) the dreaded offside trap.
As mentioned, the best thing about this match was the ground – an ‘old-fashioned sothern league’ stadium with huge covered terraces on three sides and a stand on t’other. The playing surface was excellent but the 1st half was deadlocked with few chances on both sides, notable only for some good wingplay from St. Hilaire.
No real excitement until 30 with the exception of a fine 25-yarder from Parratt that stung the homeside crossbar. Second half faired no better, with Gravesend having most of the possession and a few more shots. Gary Waters went down with what seemed a bad injury on 75. The boredom was slightly relieved with a fresh bag of werthers toffees shared with fellow fans Andy ‘legs’ Taylor & Tim ‘he’s a smart lad’ Russell.
Another fine chance went begging to a somewhat quiet Adekola, who alongside a similarly smothered Gutzmore had few opportunities. In summary, a point gained and a fair result under the circumstances. We’re still not ‘firing on all cylinders’ – an ineffective Payne still maintaining his place (for how long?), while poor old Jon Hooker languishes unused in the background.
