Bosham's tough SCFL continues against new boys

Both sides started sharply and the Reds had the first opportunity to break the deadlock through the dangerous Alex Barnes. Barnes capitalised on a swift counter attack by the hosts to burst clear into the area, but keeper, Zac Rice was on hand to make a comfortable save.

On the quarter hour the visitors edged in front, although there was a touch of fortune about the goal. Bosham failed to deal with a corner from the right and Jamie Liddell attempted an overhead kick but only proceeded to slice his effort into the box, where Steve Payne pounced, swivelled and fired low into the net past a stranded Jack Hickman.

Bosham came back hard in search of a reply and close to the half hour Barnes had another excellent chance for the Robins. Barnes controlled a searching, cross-field, ball from Kieran Hartley, and, with the goal facing him, fired a volley just wide of the mark. Mackenzie Oatway was next to try his luck with a curling effort from the edge of the box but, again, was just wide.

Right on half time, Bosham got themselves level and it was a goal worth waiting for. Josh Mines found himself in space outside the box and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the far top corner, leaving Rice rooted to the spot.

The break stopped the Robins momentum and they struggled to re-assert their new found authority after the restart and Charlwood used this to up their game and both Justin Ford and Liddell were very wasteful in front of goal for the visitors when presented with quality opportunities.

Charlwood eased back in front with just under a quarter of the game remaining and Liddell was the provider. Liddell showed great strength to outrun defenders and then bully his way past Hickman to score from a tight angle to restore the lead.

Bosham tried to muster another offensive in search of a second equaliser but, throwing caution to the wind, left gaps at the back and a few minutes later Ben Herdman took full advantage to seal the deal for the league newbies. Ryan Pearson surged into the Bosham penalty area before laying a sublime pass for the on-rushing Herdman to slot first time into the back of the net to seal another three points for the visitors and continued momentum in their start to their new adventure in the SCFL.

Bosham will need to re-group quickly for their next game, at home against Littlehampton United this weekend and with a draw and two defeats, so far, Bosham find it even more important to find a win, hopefully, at the fourth time of asking.

Bosham: Jack Hickman, Theo Likaj, Lukas Micevicius, Louis Bell, Andy Weir, Brandon Sharpe, Kieran Hartley, Ben Bishop, Alex Barnes, Mackenzie Oatway, Josh Mines. Subs: Nathaniel Monk, Kal Williams, Oliver Williams, Bradley Stroud, Luke Wharton.