The Avenue, home of AFC Bentley, based just outside of Doncaster, South Yorkshire and play their trade in the Central Midlands league. “It’s the most wonderful tiiiiiimmme of the year!!!” And not just because it’s Christmas but for football fans there is plenty of games on this time of year!! 28th December 2020 and the selected destination is AFC Bentley who take on Boynton Sports. AFC Bentley sitting 4th whereas Boynton are bottom… If only I could have a bet on this one!!
Me, Jack the Merry Miller, Ben the Blade and the friend we met from last week at Sutton Rovers are in attendance for the game today! I wonder what the inbetweeners would say to us if they met us… “Groundhopper friends!!” With the thumbs up of course… The groundhopper’s team is strong today! £3 to watch this Central Midlands tie! Exquisite!!
Kick Off! Both teams getting to grips with the conditions and having a fair share of possession early on. 4 minutes in and Bentley have the ball on the right, driven into the box and pulled back to Bentley’s number 9!!! He’s skied it… Best chance so far hopefully more to come! 9 minutes gone and Bentley with the ball on the right again, a cross comes in towards Josh Bowkett… Oh he’s put it wide… Josh Bowkett slides in to meet the cross with nobody marking him but drags it wide, he should have scored!
19 minutes gone and Bentley have the ball on the right again, Boynton should really address this issue… Driven into the box, the ball with number 9 for Bentley in a dangerous position… He lays it off to Josh Bowkett… Surely… YES!! He finishes this time!! 1-0 to Bentley!
Both teams now having plenty of possession. Half an hour gone and Boynton have the ball on the right, the ball is crossed in from deep… That could go anywhere!! Tipped onto the bar… Boynton’s number 10 will retrieve it from point blank and can’t miss! He certainly doesn’t and it’s 1-1! 35 minutes gone and Boynton come again down the left hand side, the low cross is played towards number 17… What a save there from the keeper!! Boynton win it back from the defender and another shot comes in… Straight at the keeper! Good spell for Boynton this!
40 minutes now and Boynton come again, the ball played forward to number 8 who goes for goal!! Over! 3 minutes later and Bentley come down the right again believe it or not! The cross comes in, number 9 wins the header and the ball falls to Josh Bowkett again… This could be dangerous… Good save by the keeper!! No more chances this half and the score would stay deadlocked at 1-1.
Second half, 53 minutes gone and corner for Boynton, in it comes, headed away and Bentley are on the break here, they work the ball forward to Joe Smith who drives into the box, Boynton beware here! Smith goes for goal… AND SCORES!!! 2-1 to Bentley!!
The game has fizzled out with little opportunity for both teams. 73 minutes gone and Bentley come forward again, Joe Smith comes into the box, he’s got number 5 next to him… He hasn’t squared it and Boynton clear… The fans not happy with that! It may be bad to score goals like that on FIFA but in real life, if it wins you the game then by all means do it!!
Boynton beginning to knock on the door for the equaliser but ultimately would not find that all important equaliser and the score remained 2-1.
FT: AFC Bentley 2-1 Boynton Sports
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 2.5/10 – No singing or chanting from fans today but a few jeers and banter moments gave it an edge at least.
- The Ground: 3/10 – It’s an ok ground for this level, I quite liked it. Accessible all around but it was basic and has no floodlights sadly.
- Expense: 10/10 – £3 to see 3 goals and a close game is sweet!!
- Overall Experience: 10/10 – Great to see everyone again and more! The staff at the ground we’re fantastic and after the game sold me 2 hot dogs and a sausage roll for £1! Generous at it’s best! Also great to meet a man raising money for Weston Park cancer who showcased the Olympic torch back in 2012!
25.5/40