Beer Albion Reserves kicked off their season with a 1-0 win at home to Tiptop St. John in a hard-fought battle writes Dan Jeeves.
Beer started on the front foot with some hard pressing and could have gone one up in the opening minute after some good pressing from Max Richardson and Reece Best. Beer continued to press in the opening stages with some high-intensity attacking leaving Tipton struggling to get out of their own half. The Tipton keeper made some good saves and a few other chances missed as the game remained 0-0.
The deadlock was finally broken by the birthday boy and captain, Chris Long. He danced in way past four challenges before shifting the ball onto his right foot and burying it into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. A goal that Beer had deserved. Andrew Foster made a superb goal line clearance late in the half and ensured Beer took a lead into half time.
The second half was a different proposition to the first for Beer. Tipton came out strongly with some early pressure which Beer had to deal with. The defence remained solid, with Ashleigh Driver and Kieron Love putting in a good shift to ensure Tiptop did not level up matters. Substitutions were made by Beer and the game seemed to become more even as the half went on. Whilst still dealing with some pressure from Tipton, Beer looked very dangerous on the counter attack and should have put the game to bed with a handful of chances in the closing stages. The game finished 1-0, giving Beer an opening day victory in the league.
On behalf of matchday sponsors Fred Hansford Flooring Ltd, Ashley Driver was voted man of the match for a solid display in the centre of defence.
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