Written by Andrew Madaras
Photos by Liam Smith
Another good turnout from Blues supporters who made up half of the attendance of 123 left the New Lamb Meadow relieved that Kelvin Osei-Addo’s second half strike had secured another point but a little frustrated that their team had struggled in the first half and ex Blue, Newman Carney had scored, seemingly unchallenged, with a header from a free kick in the first half.
The Baldock team showed many changes to the side that had been beaten comprehensively in the League Challenge Trophy at Creasey Park in early September. Carney with all of his many years’ experience was assured and a key player for the home side who also had Step 3 experienced Bobbie Buchanan pulling the strings and making things tick in the middle of the park.
However, had Kyle Davison-Gordon’s drive gone in and not hit the woodwork in the second half they could have been celebrating all three points. A draw felt the right result and it takes the Blues up to 8th place in the League. It also means that in five months of League action they’ve only been beaten twice which is a remarkable statistic and a real testimony to Joe & Kyle’s recruitment over the summer.
The team has the joint meanest defence in the League having conceded only 18 goals, the same number as Leighton and Leverstock. Tight and organized at the back it was evident on Monday afternoon, whereas the last time the two teams met at the New Lamb Meadow during the business end of last season, the Blues were indebted to Dan Gould who pulled off three incredible saves to keep the score 0-0 with only a scorching drive from Kelvin Osei-Addo which was just over was a strike of any note. On Monday Connor Coulson had a much quieter game than his predecessor and the impressive Danny Webb & Tolu Ikuyinmanu always looking dangerous & likely to create something out of nothing. There’s always real intent to match the endeavour and it seems only a matter of time before all the gears click into motion and the results return.
On another day Danny Webb’s cross to Kelvin Osei-Addo in the first half makes the back of the net bulge and the game could have taken on a very different direction. However, it wasn’t to be and the Blues rued their lost opportunity.
Ten minutes though into the second half & it was the same combination that struck with such devastating precision. Webb showed remarkable tenacity and spirit and almost out of nothing played Kelvin Osei-Addo through. Kelvin was calmness personified as he hit the ball sweetly home to spark Regimental celebrations.
A point a piece was a fair result and the Blues can now look forward to a home game against St Panteleimon on Saturday, January 7th, before returning to the New Lamb Meadow the following Saturday when they take on Baldock’s landlords, Arlesey Town, who despite a difficult start to the season and currently sitting in the second relegation place, beat Baldock at home on the 27th December, to record only their first home win of the season and their first home win since February.
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