Double from Corlis conquers Colebrook by Andrew Colman
Buckhurst Hill came from two goals down at home to win this sportingly contested encounter by 5 goals to 3. Hill dominated the early exchanges, Risby finding London only to see his shot well saved. Colman’s pass found
Oliver free on the right, and London met his cross determinedly only to see his effort roll just wide. Colman came close with a shot from a Risby corner, and the visitors were finding it hard to grab a toehold in the game as Lawrence and Anamole dominated the centre of midfield. After 15 minutes however Colebrook started to thereaten, Dennis having to be smartly off his line and Bruns and Creasey both having to make last-ditch clearances. From another break it was only a superb saving tackle from Nicholls that cleared the danger, but from the resulting corner the visitors took the lead with a neatly take headed goal. Hill were soon back on the attack, Risby coming close before Anamole showed great close control before seeing his shot well saved. It was not long, however, before Colebrook doubled their lead with another neatly taken goal from a quick breakaway. From thereon the rest of the half was completely dominaated by Buckhurst Hill, and the deficit was quickly reduced when Risby’s pass beat the offside trap for London to finish
well. Risby then came close after a mazy run on the left, but the scores were levelled when Corlis converted a penalty given for a push. On the stroke of half time Buckhurst Hill took the lead when a determined header by Lawrence found its way to Oliver who volleyed home well to make it 3-2.
Dermibala, Cooper and Nurse were introduced to the defence for the second half, and it was not long before Hill extended their lead to 4-2 when Oliver found himself clear and his effort rebounded invitingly into the path of
replacement Page who ended up nestling in the back of the net along with the ball. London twice came close after good work firstly by Anamole and then by Dermibala, but the game was made safe when the impressive Nicholls surged forward from a high defensive line before chipping the ball into the path of Corlis to make it 5-2. Nicholls had a long-range effort well saved, and Dennis had to make a fine save getting down sharply to his left. With virtually the last kick of the game Colebrook scored a late consolation from a breakaway to make it 5-3, but this could not detract from a workmanlike win for Buckhurst Hill.
Man of the Match went to Lawrence for a battling and energetic performance in central midfield.
