LATE KNIGHT SHOW

With the 90 minutes almost up and just when it looked like Blues would register another draw, two incidents changed the final outcome . A penalty awarded after Kai Brown was bundled to the ground and a free kick outside the area were both converted by David Knight to end Bees stubborn resistance and reward Blues for their persistence. They dominated from the first whistle fluently moving the ball round the park where Mitch Hahn and Freddie Moncur beavered away in midfield keeping the momentum going, apart from a couple of Blues induced scares Basildon failed to test Danny Sambridge who had a relatively quiet afternoon. The win propels them back into the play off places, once again ,a tremendous achievement given that they are competing with clubs around them with more financial resources.

As early at the second minute Blues showed their intent when they caused panic in the visitors six yard box, Reece Grundy gratefully grabbing the loose ball.

Moncur threatened next when Jack McQueen threaded an inch perfect pass into his feet, striking the ball first time but only finding the side netting. The pressure continued when Lewis Clark nodded wide from a corner, next it was the turn of Hahn connecting with a Macca Joynes cross glancing a header past Grundy just sliding wide of the upright.

An overworked Bees defence were toiling in the trenches, Paul Shave was Blues stumbling block not the most cultured of defenders but effective nonetheless. Up front Robbie Farrell was making a nuisance of himself without creating a goal threat.

Blues continued to probe, Aron Gordon, who's hit a rich vein of form combined pace and skill to send in a series of crosses, he was complimented on the opposite flank by Brown, all that was missing was that final killer ball to unlock the Bees defence.

HT 0-0

It was no change after the break the Bees defending in depth and looking to hit on the break and Blues probing for an opening without success, forcing a series of corners which were comfortably defended .

Sub Anointed Chukwu came closest during this period of pressure when Knight picked him out on the edge of the box adjusting stride his ferocious drive whistled just over. Next a free kick was only partially cleared finding James Smith on the edge of the box he returned a thunderous drive blocked on the line by Shave.

Industrious and busy Blues could not find the key to unlock the Bees, who enjoyed a period of possession but good approach work was let down by a blunt cutting edge.

Blues frustration continued and with full time looming they at last made the breakthrough in the 88th minute. A Sambridge goal kick was flicked on by Chukwu to Brown, racing into the box he was brought down by Grundy, Knight stepping up to convert the penalty. Two minutes later Knight was on the scoresheet again after an unfair challenge on Chukwu, slamming a 25 yard free kick to wrap up the three points .

Coming into the busy Xmas period Blues are now unbeaten in their last five league matches and will be looking to continue the run to consolidate their position and push on in the New Year.

Sambridge, McQueen, Joynes, Okonkwo, Clark, Smith, Brown, Hahn (Chukwu 64),Moncur (Kettle 74), Knight, Gordon

Subs not used: Melaugh, Sammons