BLUES DIG FOR VICTORY

It was an ugly, attritional and feisty encounter and at times theatrical from the hosts, but Blues ground out a win that could prove invaluable in the final run in for the play off places. With last minute withdrawals from Geoff Okonkwo and Joe Paxman - Paul Joynes was forced to shuffle his back line with Rimmel Daniel coming in for Okonkwo and Jack McQueen slotting in at full back. Playmaker and organiser Jimmy Smith still carrying an injury was on the bench and was certainly missed in the second period, where his influence and ability to game manage would have been invaluable.
Clearly the hosts desperate for points looked to harry, hustle and break up the game and to a degree it worked with frequent stoppages leading to a contest not easy on the eye but it cost them when Ross Elsom saw red after a number of questionable challenges. But Blues failure to stretch the game with the extra man and it was Hullbridge who held sway in for Blues fans what was a nervy last thirty minutes, only a man of the match performance from Danny Sambridge with two stunning saves prevented the hosts from salvaging at least a point.

A less than inspiring opening quarter failed to stir a sizeable crowd and only a Daniel effort fired over caused any excitement until defensive naivety let in David Knight, running on to a measured pass faced by Lewis Green he should have done better putting his low drive wide of the woodwork. Anointed Chukwu then squandered a chance rounding Green failing to hit the target from close range.

Hullbridge employed a long ball tactic trying to get behind Blues lines but that left them exposed in midfield leaving space which Blues exploited using Gordon and Ryan Melaugh to good effect on the flanks and although threatening clear chances were at a premium, Blues former striker Tony Stokes worked hard showing deft touches to change the direction of play but lacked the support to capitalise.

The deadlock was broken on 27 minutes surrounded by controversy. Knight sprung the hosts offside trap out wide, cutting the ball back from the byeline he found the unpoliced Gordon in the six yard box sweeping the ball past Green. Cue vociferous protest but after consultation with his assistant the official awarded the goal. Stung by the reverse Hullbridge were guilty of some reckless challenges in an effort to blunt Blues control.

A good reply in the shape of a Luke Hornsley drive and then a Stokes's thunderous shot rattling the wood work signalled that this game was far from secure for Blues. The hosts forced a number of corners without success and it was Melaugh who came close to adding a second when he drew a smart save from Green.

HT 0-1

The start of the second period mirrored the first scrappy and disjointed although a Jack McQueen drive sailing over caused a stir.

Elsom who had picked up an earlier yellow for a too vociferous protest after Blues opener saw red when his scything tackle amongst others displeased the official, showing him a second yellow and red card. This should have given Blues a boost now playing with the extra man, the ideal tactic would be to open the play and stretch the opposition, instead they were sucked into a physical battle.

Gordon had an effort saved but it was Hullbridge, a man down who went for broke pushing forward forcing Blues to desperate clearances and not allowed time on the ball. Sambridge was now the busier keeper turning a Freddie Hockey drive behind and then making a point blank save denying Oteniya for a second time.

A Green slip presented an open goal chance for Gordon but the angle was too acute seeing his effort run across goal and behind.

Hullbridge continued to pile forward in the closing minutes and only a collective resolve kept Blues goal intact, Oteniya again came close and then Charlie Little sent an effort whistling across goal.

The final whistle ended what was an eventful if not classic evening of football but with so much at stake maybe this was understandable.

Blues now face a six pointer next Saturday when they entertain hashtag United at Parkside.

Sambridge, McQueen, Joynes, Daniel, Clark, Dark, Melaugh ( Hahn 80), Leahy, Chukwu( Moncur 68), Knight,Gordon ( Watts 90)

Subs not used: Griek, Smith